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About joint filler board

Types of joint filler board

Joint filler boards are used widely in the construction industry. These boards are placed in the gaps where two structures meet and act as a barrier against moisture and temperature changes.

Several types of joint filler boards are available. Each type comes with benefits depending on the specific needs of a project.

  • Expanding foam boards

    Expanding foam boards are one of the most sought-after joint fillers. They are made from polyurethane foam and have a great expansion. Therefore, these boards fill the gaps well, even if they are big.

    Further, expanding foam boards are shaped to fit any joint configuration and provide excellent thermal insulation. In addition, they are resistant to water, oil, and most chemicals.

  • Rubber joint filler board

    A rubber joint filler board is mostly used in expansion joints in concrete pavements and structures. Petal and synthetic rubber are elastic and durable, making them ideal for joint filler boards.

    Further, these boards can withstand continuous movement, temperature changes, and aging without losing their properties. Moreover, they offer great resistance to water, chemicals, and UV rays.

  • Plastic joint filler board

    Plastic boards are one of the go-to choices because of their high durability and low cost. These plastic boards are constructed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene.

    Moreover, plastic boards are lightweight, easy to handle, and install. They provide great thermal insulation and are generally used in civil construction, roadwork, and infrastructure projects as a joint filler.

  • Asphalt joint filler board

    The asphalt joint filler board consists of a composite made from high-density foam and asphalt mastic. It is an ideal joint filler for pavement, roads, and heavy load areas because of its excellent compressive strength.

    Asphalt fillers have great resistance to water and temperature fluctuations and have exceptional durability. In addition, they can withstand heavy traffic without any degradation.

  • Stone paper joint filler board

    Stone paper joint filler boards are manufactured using stone paper technology. It offers superior waterproofing, thermal insulation, and high durability.

    Further, these boards are eco-friendly and ensure high flexibility and strength.

Design of joint filler board

The design of joint filler boards is critical in understanding and achieving their functionality and longevity. Therefore, the key elements in designing these boards include materials, dimensions, surface texture, flexibility, color, and eco-friendly features.

  • Materials

    The choice of material determines the application, environment, and expected movement of the joint. In addition, a good joint filler board should have great elastic recovery and compressive strength.

    This ensures that the board will return to its original shape after movement has occurred. Also, the material should be impervious to moisture, chemicals, and UV light to enhance its durability.

  • Dimensions

    The overall dimension of the joint filler board plays a critical role in its functionality. This is because the thickness and width ensure that the board can accommodate the expected movement within the joint.

    In addition, the overall dimension should be sufficient to prevent the joint from filling with filler material. On the flip side, the dimensions and size must be consistent with industry standards, though they can be customized to fit specific projects.

  • Surface texture

    The surface texture impacts the interaction of the filler with adjacent materials. In addition, a textured surface may enhance adhesion to prevent the filler from moving. Conversely, a smooth surface may be necessary to allow for the easy movement of expansion and contraction.

  • Flexibility and compressibility

    Joint fillers should have great flexibility and compressibility. This allows them to be accommodated in the irregularities of the joint surfaces.

    Compressibility ensures that the filler can uniformly provide pressure and easily fill the available space. Further, good flexibility ensures that the board can stretch and contract without cracking.

  • Color

    The color of the joint filler board is not only an aesthetical concern but also a functional one. Lighter colors reflect heat and are best used in areas that receive great sunlight intensity.

    On the other hand, darker colors absorb heat and are better suited for colder climates. Additionally, some brands may have color-coded fillers that help the users and contractors in easily identifying them for specific uses.

  • Eco-friendly features

    Manufacturers are commonly considering environmentally friendly materials. This is majorly due to the rising global concern for sustainability. One, using recyclable or biodegradable materials for joint fillers minimizes the environmental impact.

Scenarios of joint filler board

Joint filler boards play an essential role in construction. Further, these boards are critical in providing long-lasting solutions in different applications.

  • Use in commercial buildings

    Joint fillers are commonly used in large commercial buildings. This is due to the great volume of concrete used and the expansive surface area. A joint filler board in these structures ensures that the pressure from expansion and contraction of materials is redistributed uniformly.

    Moreover, these boards help avoid cracking and ensure a long-lasting structure. Also, they are suitable for high-traffic areas and provide a permanent barrier against moisture and other contaminants.

  • Pavement and roadways

    Roadways and pavement are designed with asphalt joint filler boards. They are designed to accommodate the constant stress from heavier loads and temperature variations.

    These boards maintain the integrity of the road by providing cushion support. Also, they minimize degradation and improve the road’s overall service life.

  • Residential applications

    In residential applications, a joint filler board is typically used in patio installations, driveways, and flooring. They are also great for managing movement and separating the different materials.

    This helps avoid cracking and ensures the durability of exterior and interior installations. Also, they are commonly used with expansion joint fillers for concrete.

  • Industrial facilities

    In industrial facilities, there are heavy machinery and equipment. This induces great thermal expansion and contraction within structures.

    Application of a joint filler board offers a buffer to such pressure. It helps protect vital infrastructure such as floors and walls and minimizes downtime and repair costs.

  • The use in waterproofing system

    Joint filler boards act as a vital barrier in waterproofing systems. They prevent moisture from seeping through the gaps between building materials.

    Further, these boards are critical in basements, retaining walls, and structures that are constantly in contact with water. They help create a dependable line of defense against water infiltration.

Specification & Maintenance of joint filler board

Understanding the specifications and maintenance of joint filler boards is critical in ensuring long-lasting performance and functionality.

  • Key specifications

    There are key specifications of joint filler boards that need to be understood. They include material type, thickness, density, and temperature compatibility.

    The material interacts with the surrounding environment and the filler itself. The best option for most scenarios would be a rubber or plastic joint filler board. These boards have high resistance against UV, chemicals, and water.

    The right thickness depends on the dimension of the joints and the anticipated movement. This means an appropriate size will have great compression without excess squashing.

    Further, density will affect the filler’s ability to absorb energy and resists deformation. It will also have an impact on thermal sealing, with high density providing better sealing than low density.

    Ideally, a good joint filler board should be compatible with a wide range of temperatures. This helps it maintain a stable shape regardless of the season.

  • Installation considerations

    The aspect of maintenance starts at the stage of installation. Further, factors like cleaning the joints before installation and applying even pressure during installation help enhance durability.

    In addition, the use of suitable adhesives or sealants to hold the filler in place ensures it does not shift or degrade due to external factors. It is also important that the joint is clean before installation. Remove any debris or residue that may affect the board's adhesion or integrity.

  • Regular inspections

    Joint fill board should be inspected regularly for signs of wear and tear. This includes cracking, pulling away from the surfaces, or any visible discoloration.

    Early detection of any deterioration allows for timely replacement or repairs. Therefore, this prevents adverse effects on the surrounding structure.

  • Allow optimal conditions

    Avoid exposing the joint filler board to extreme conditions beyond their material rating. This includes excessive heat or cold. Such exposure leads to material degradation over time.

  • Repair and replacement

    In cases where the filler is compromised beyond repair, it is recommended that the board be replaced efficiently. Ideally, the same type of joint filler board should be used for the replacement as the initial installation.

    This will retain the integrity of the system and continue to provide effective service.

Q&A

How long do Joint fillers last?

Usually, a good quality joint filler board can last for more than 10 years. The material, environmental condition, and maintenance practices contribute to the longevity of the board.

What is the purpose of a Joint filler board?

A joint filler board is designed to fill gaps and joints in different surfaces. It helps accommodate expansion and contraction while preventing these joints from collapsing.

Can joint filler board be recycled?

While some may be reluctant to do so, most joint filler boards manufactured today are made from recyclable materials.

Can joint fillers be put in water?

Usually, joint fillers made from waterproof materials such as plastic or rubber can be used underwater without loss of integrity.

Does a joint filler board have to match the color of concrete?

No. This is mainly because fillers are mainly functional. However, they can be made from materials that allow them to blend well with concrete.