The Most Tested Expansion Joints in the Industry

RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

• General
• The Polycrete/Membrane Systems are designed, with proper application, to provide the owner/operator of the parking garage with a functional, durable and watertight product, requiring minimal maintenance other than periodic cleaning. As part of the owner/operator's comprehensive inspection and maintenance program for the garage, it is recommended that the owner/operator follow the guidelines presented below for the expansion joints. Such maintenance and inspection will uncover any potential problems before damage to the structure can occur. Repair procedures (to be performed ONLY by the installer or manufacturer) for problems that may occur during the life cycle of the expansion joint system are also described below.
• Inspection
• The elastomeric membrane, Polycrete Elastomeric Concrete and deck concrete adjacent to the expansion joints should be examined on a semiannual basis. Items to inspect include evidence of moisture leakage, obvious damage, and/or a change in the general appearance or functioning of the system.
• Maintenance
• On a semiannual (Spring-Fall) basis, the joint area should be swept clean to remove debris from the grooves in the top surface of the membrane. Once swept, the area should be washed down with water from a low-pressure hose. Evidence of moisture penetration, through or around the system (if any), can be observed at this time.
• In regions where snow removal is common/required, it is recommended that the snow (and accompanying debris) be removed and piled away from the expansion joint areas. The snow removal equipment preferred is to be brush-type. If blade type snow removal equipment is used, the equipment MUST have blades with functioning rubber tips. Blades must be angled at 15 or greater in relation to the joint layout.

Damage Repair

• General -

• In the event that an inspection does uncover damage to the joint area, the owner/operator must contact either the installer or manufacturer of the materials. Repairs that are undertaken without such notice may serve to void any warranties that have been provided.

• Concrete Repair-

• In the case of a cracking or general deterioration of the concrete surrounding the expansion joint system, the owner/operator should consult the project engineer to determine the degree of the problem and the repair procedure. Concerns are that the concrete has cracked or fractured, leaving gaps where moisture can flow around the joint system and permeate through to the joint opening below. The manufacturer must be contacted, because although the durability of the garage concrete is not covered under the warranty, its performance may have an effect on the performance of the expansion joint system.

• Repair To Polycrete Elastomeric Concrete –
   
• Scrapes, scratches, nicks, etc. are not necessarily indicative of a system failure, and can be repaired by the application of fresh Polycrete materials. Depending on the size of the imperfection, the Polycrete should be blended with a predetermined amount of sand mix, as provided by the manufacturer. Any area to be repaired must be cleaned thoroughly and roughened up using a wire brush or some other means, which will result in an abraded surface, prior to placement of any new materials.

• Should cracks or spalls occur, the affected area must be chiseled out and removed. Care must be taken to ensure that the membrane is not damaged in the process.

• Fresh Polycrete mixes should be placed (as described above) and toweled smooth.

• Repair To The Elastomeric Membrane-

• Since the membrane is made from a specially compounded, heat-sliceable Thermorubber material, small cuts in the rubber can be closed/sealed by using a heat gun. The rubber material is heated until it becomes pliable. The heated material is then pressed together and held until cooled. Larger tears can be sealed in the same manner, using a patch of Thermorubber material.

• Note: Only personnel familiar with the materials should do these repairs, as extensive damage can be done to the seal if improper methods are used!

• Clean Up The Work Area

• Clean up the area, removing all containers, any extra materials, debris, etc.

• Where the above methods cannot rectify the situation, Polycrete materials and the affected length of the complete membrane cross-section must be removed. The membrane section must be cut square to the cross-section. Polycrete materials are to be removed 5' -0" past the ends (limits) of the membrane removed. A new membrane length is then heat-spliced to the existing membrane ends (using a trained technician and equipment supplied by the Manufacturer). Clamps (see Section 5-1; CR-Series only) are used to compress the membrane top and form the recess level to be filled. Fresh Polycrete bedding and mortar mixes are then placed, and trawled smooth. After the Polycrete has cured, remove the clamps and clean up the area.