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Repair Block Wall Expansion Joints by Vicky Smith
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Repair Block Wall Expansion Joints |
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Business
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An expansion joint is a space in a block wall filled with a layer of extruded polystyrene foam and caulk, or specialized expansion joint material. The expansion joints look like a vertical seam in the block wall, 1/4-inch wide, spaced every 20 feet. Not all stone walls are built with expansion joints, and those that aren't usually won't be fixed to include one unless the wall becomes seriously compromised without it. However, those walls that do have expansion joints are less prone to cracking. Over time, the expansion joints may need to be repaired or re-caulked, by removing old joint material and installing fresh material in its place. Instructions as follows: Firstly, use a hook knife to dig out and remove old expansion joint material to a depth of 3/4 inch. This must be done carefully, even painstakingly, to avoid chipping or scratching bricks. Damaged bricks absorb water through cracks. This water freezes and thaws with the yearly weather cycles, and this results in the eventual decline of the wall. Secondly, brush out any remaining crumbles of expansion joint filler or caulking with a stiff bristle brush. Pull out large clingy chunks of filler with needle-nose pliers. If the previous expansion joint was filled with specialized expansion joint filer, then this filler may be all you encounter in the joint. Or, the joint may have been filled with extruded polystyrene foam and a layer of caulk on top, in which case, you'll inspect the condition of the foam once the caulking has been removed. Very likely the foam is in good condition, although you may have damaged it when removing the caulking. If the foam is damaged, use the hook knife or utility knife and a T-Square to cut new strips of foam, 1/4 inch wide, and insert them in the space before proceeding to the next step. Thirdly, load the caulk or expansion joint filler material into the caulk gun, following the gun manufacturer's instructions, and snip off the tip of the tube with a pair of scissors. Test the gun by depressing the trigger and squirting the material onto a surface like a scrap paper or excess strip of foam board. This will show you the gun is working properly and help you get used to the flow of the material or tool out of the tube. Fourthly, place the caulk gun into the expansion joint and depress the trigger to fill the joint. Start at the top and work your way down to the bottom. Fill the joint slowly to apply an even amount of material. Fifthly, scrape off the excess caulking or filler material with a paint scraper, trowel or drywall knife. Tips & Warnings To determine the size of the hole appropriate for the caulking tube, cut a smaller hole, 1/8 inch, and test the stream of caulk or filler that flows from the hole. Cut the hole progressively larger and test each hole until the flow of caulking or filler is appropriate for the size of the joint. In short, as a renowned business E-platform of promoting stone industry, our client resource has accounted over 100 thousand spreading more than 100 countries and regions, with a visit volume exceeding 5 million times annually. If you want to consult us freely, you can also see funerary art or become a loyal follower of us by @ https://twitter.com/stonebtb.
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