Determining if moisture barriers are required for expansion joints on your building project is critical. Anywhere there is moisture entering a building, it is imperative that you manage the draining. To help, we’ve put together the top 5 considerations for your reference.
- The environment, as reflected in local building codes, determines the type of moisture barrier required.
- Some expansion joint systems contain an integral moisture barrier, while others call for an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) drape-in material. An integral expansion joint system has formed lugs that fit into a receiving framework. This makes for an easier installation and stronger assembly.
- Will the floor get wet or be mopped?
- The drape-in moisture barrier is a flat material which comes in rolls and draped across the joint and sandwiched into each side of the joint to collect and drain away moisture. Similar to a gutter.
- Consider drainage requirements, sloped or tubed every 100 feet and directed to a building drain.
Nystrom understands the codes and complexities surrounding expansion joints. For more information, or to see how Nystrom can help on your next project, please visit www.Nystrom.com.
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