Expansion+and+Control+Joints

=Difference Between Control and Expansion Joints=

Control joints are typically used in concrete masonry to reduce the occurrence of shrinkage-related cracking. A control joint is a continuous vertical joint filled with mortar, but with a bond breaker on one side so that tensile stress cannot develop across the joint.

Expansion joints, on the other hand, are typically used to accommodate thermal and moisture expansion in clay brick masonry. An expansion joint is a continuous vertical or horizontal joint, left completely free of mortar and filled with elastomeric sealant to keep it watertight.