Fabric Expansion Joints

Installation and Maintenance Best Practices

Proper installation and maintenance of expansion joints are crucial to ensuring their longevity, reliability, and optimal performance. Below are key best practices to follow during installation and throughout the service life of the expansion joint.

Installation best practices

Ensure precise flange alignment

Misalignment of flanges can cause unnecessary stress and deformation in the expansion joint, leading to premature failure. Before installation, verify that the flanges are properly aligned and positioned to avoid any strain on the flexible elements.

Avoid sharp edges and weld splatter near flexible elements

Sharp edges, burrs, or weld splatter in close proximity to the expansion joint can damage the flexible components, reducing their effectiveness. Ensure that all nearby surfaces are properly finished and cleaned before installation.

Apply even bolt torque across the entire flange

Uneven torque application can lead to gasket compression inconsistencies, causing leaks or undue stress on the joint. Always tighten bolts using a cross-pattern sequence and follow the manufacturer’s recommended torque values.

Prevent bolts and other components from contacting the expansion joint material

It is essential to avoid having the flange bolting extend into the interior of the expansion joint or any other structural component coming into contact with the fabric body. During operation, these protrusions can cause abrasions, punctures, or mechanical damage, compromising the integrity of the joint. Ensuring that all fasteners are correctly positioned and do not interfere with the expansion joint will help prevent premature wear and failure.

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Maintenance best practices

Perform periodic visual inspections

Regular visual checks help detect early signs of wear, corrosion, or damage, allowing for preventative maintenance before issues escalate.

Monitor for chemical degradation, mechanical wear, and insulation breakdown

Exposure to harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and physical stress can gradually degrade the materials of the expansion joint. Keep an eye on discoloration, cracks, and loss of flexibility, which could indicate potential failure.

Follow manufacturer-recommended pre-tensioning or compression guidelines

Expansion joints are designed to function under specific tension or compression parameters. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure they operate within their intended range, preventing overstretching or over-compression, which can significantly reduce their lifespan.

By following these installation and maintenance best practices, you can extend the service life of your expansion joints, reduce unexpected failures, and ensure the reliability of your system. For further details or specific recommendations, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.