Tn 18A web-nov06. indd

Figure 6

Expansion Joint at Loose Lintel

Figure 7

Expansion Joints at Junctions

Expansion Joint

Steel Lintel Beyond

Backer Rod

and Sealant

(a)

(b)

Compressible Material

Steel Lintel

Flashing

Flashing

Used for

Slip Plane

Backer Rod and

Sealant

Exp. Joint

Different Environmental Exposure

(a)

Fence

Different Support Conditions

(b)

Opening

Expansion Joint

Expansion Joint

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Brick Industry Association

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TN

 

18A

 

|

 

Accommodating Expansion of Brickwork 

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Page

 

6 of 11

expansion joints in the parapet wider or add expansion joints placed halfway between those running full height. 

These additional expansion joints must continue down to a horizontal expansion joint.

 

As a third alternative, install 

joint reinforcement at 8 in. (203 mm) on center vertically in the parapet. 

Aesthetic Effects

Although expansion joints are usually noticeable on flat 

walls of masonry buildings, there are ways to reduce 

their visual impact. Architectural features such as quoins, 

recessed panels of brickwork or a change in bond pattern 

reduce the visual impact of vertical expansion joints. In 

some cases, it may be desirable to accentuate the location 

of the expansion joint as a design detail. This is possible by 

recessing the brickwork at the expansion joint, or by using 

special-shaped brick units as shown in 

Photo 2

.  

 

Colored sealants that match the brick in running bond, or 

the mortar in stack bond, help to hide vertical expansion 

joints. Mason’s sand also can be rubbed into new 

sealant to remove the sheen, making the joint blend in 

more. Expansion joints also are less noticeable when located at inside corners. Hiding expansion joints behind 

downspouts or other building elements can inhibit maintenance access and is not advised. Toothing of expansion 

joints to follow the masonry bond pattern is not recommended. It is more difficult to keep debris out of the joint 

during construction; such debris could interfere with movement. Further, most sealants do not perform well when 

subjected to both shear and tension.

Symmetrical placement of expansion joints on the elevation of buildings is usually most aesthetically pleasing. 

Further, placing the expansion joints in a pattern such that wall areas and openings are symmetrical between 

expansion joints will reduce the likelihood of cracking.