CONCRETE CONTROL JOINTS

PREVENTING CRACKS IN CONCRETE

Concrete control joints are used to minimize and possibly prevent random cracking in concrete slabs and floors. Here you will learn how to properly install and where to place control joints in all types of concrete flatwork to reduce the chances of cracking.

Below is a diagram of a concrete floor showing you the three types of control joints for a concrete floor; isolation joints, contraction joints, and construction joints.  For a more detailed explanation, follow the links at the bottom of the page.

Concrete is used in construction for its hardness and very high compressive strength. Not being a flexible material it doesn't stretch or bend without cracking. Concrete does move though, it shrinks and expands. Buildings and other structures also move, contributing to cracking in slabs and floors. If the concrete is tied to a structure or itself and tries to move, we get what's called restraint. This restraint causes tensile forces in the concrete and in most cases cracking will occur.

Concrete needs to be able to freely shrink as it dries or to expand and contract with temperature changes to help minimize any random cracking.

Properly placed control joints will allow concrete to shrink, expand, and contract, reducing the tendency for it to crack.

I've been in the concrete floor business for over 30 years. I've installed thousands of lineal feet of control joints in my concrete floors. Most of the time we saw the joints using an early entry soff-cut saw. This method allows us to saw the relief cut very soon after we are done troweling. A big advantage when you're trying to prevent cracks in concrete floors.

I feel it's very important, if you want to minimize cracking, to take the time and plan in advance where and what materials you are going to use to install your control joints.

I still see concrete contractors skip this step and leave customers with cracks in their floors that are ugly and unnecessary.

In concrete slabs and floors there are three types of control joints:

1. Concrete expansion joints also referred to as concrete isolation joints.

2. Concrete contraction joints

3. Concrete Construction joints

Read about each one to learn how they are used to help control random cracking in concrete slabs, floors, sidewalks, pool decks and driveways.

You might also find epoxy concrete repair helpful if you want to know how to fix or repair a crack in a concrete floor.

You may also want to check out my video on how to caulk a concrete expansion joint.


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