3 Types of Fire-Rated Expansion Joint Systems
3 Types of Fire-Rated Expansion Joint Systems
In most commercial buildings expansion joints are a fact of life. These joints are necessary to accommodate expected building movements due to thermal changes, wind sway and differential movement typically caused by seismic events. When these joints occur in a fire-rated floor or wall a product or system must be used that has been rated to that same level. This means if the joint occurs in a 2-hour rated floor assembly the expansion joint system used to fill the joint must also be rated for 2 hours. Per current building codes, these joint assemblies must be tested at an accredited testing agency such as Underwriters Laboratories or Intertek and be tested in accordance with ASTM E-1966 or UL 2079 test standards.