Design Considerations for Sealants When Used at Horizontal Expansion Joints in Masonry Cavity Walls
SourceOften, performance factors related to the design and materials used for flashing of masonry support members and the design of the support members themselves are inadequately considered in multistory masonry wall construction. This often results in inadequate conditions for installation of a sealant in the horizontal expansion joint below the support member, which can result in deficient sealant performance, lessened wall system durability, and water infiltration.
This paper will describe a tube and plate support member and its deflection, rotation and erection tolerances; and flashing materials and their durability. The effects of inadequate consideration of these components on the performance of the sealant joint in the horizontal expansion joint will be described; as well as, how to design the horizontal expansion joint for movement and other effects.