"Architects shape the buildings; thereafter, the buildings shape us. It's the only profession where you can literally make or break the landscape with a single drawing."

Understand. Specify. Design Smarter.

At Joint-Tek, we believe expansion joints shouldn’t be an afterthought—they should be part of a well-coordinated design strategy that protects your building, complements your vision, and meets code. 

This learning module is built specifically for architects and specification writers looking to better understand the role of expansion joint covers in modern buildings.

Whether you’re designing a hospital, museum, airport, or school, this page will help you confidently incorporate expansion joint systems across floors, walls, ceilings, and exteriors.

Expansion joint covers are the visible, functioning bridge across structural movement joints. Their purpose is to:

• Protect the joint from debris, moisture, and damage
   
• Accommodate seismic, thermal, wind, and live load movement
   
• Maintain safety, accessibility, and finish continuity
   

They come in a wide range of styles and systems—from discreet interior floor covers to rugged, watertight systems on rooftops and plaza decks.

Interior Applications:

• Floor-to-floor transitions (lobbies, corridors, atriums)
   
• Wall-to-wall and wall-to-ceiling connections
   
• Ceiling systems in large-span areas
   

Exterior & Structural Applications:

• Roof-to-roof joints and parapet transitions
   
• Exterior wall/facade conditions
   
• Podium and plaza decks
   
• Parking structures
   

Special Conditions:

• Stair towers and elevator lobbies
   
• Curtain wall terminations
   
• Tower-to-podium offsets
   

• Aesthetics: Choose systems that work with your interior and exterior finishes.
   
• Joint Size & Movement: Ensure your system matches both joint width and expected movement range (thermal, seismic, or otherwise).
   
• Fire & Life Safety: Include fire barriers and smoke seals as required by code.
   
• Accessibility & Safety: Floor joint covers must meet ADA guidelines and pedestrian safety standards.
   
• Acoustics: In hospitals and performing arts venues, acoustic seals and isolation features matter.
   

• Undersized joint width for expected movement
   
• Specifying systems that clash with adjacent finishes
   
• Missing fire protection where required
   
• Uncoordinated details across disciplines (roofing, curtain wall, waterproofing)
   
• Poorly located joints that interfere with doorways, transitions, or MEP systems
   

• Use the correct CSI section: typically, Division 07 (Thermal & Moisture) or Division 10 (Specialties)
   
• Call out key performance criteria:
   
  • Movement range (± inches or %)
     
  • Fire rating (if applicable)
     
  • Finish type/material
     
  • Load rating for floors (pedestrian, hospital gurney, or vehicular)
     
• Coordinate with manufacturers early to get tailored guide specs and drawings
   

• CAD & BIM Details Library
   
• Spec Templates & Guide Specs
   
• Project Case Studies
   
• Design Assistance Request Form
   
• CEU Credit Opportunities
   

Encore Building Products   can help you translate project movement requirements into practical solutions. We work closely with manufacturers and installers to ensure your designs are buildable, code-compliant, and beautiful.

Visit Encore Building Products to connect with our team and access technical resources, product selections, and one-on-one design support.