SITURA INC. is a globally recognized leading supplier of waterproof expansion joints for roofing and waterproofing applications. SITURA waterproof expansion joints are specifically designed and engineered for use in a wide variety of applications, ranging from single ply membrane tie-ins to large-scale displacement seismic joints, without obstructing drainage and eliminating water ponding. All SITURA joints are compatible with single ply, modified bitumen, asphalt and coal tar pitch based membranes. SITURA offers extensive in house technical and design assistance as well as on demand technical site support for all its products.

SITURA's RedLINE^®, FlamLINE^® and AquaLINE^® waterproof expansion joints are rapidly becoming the industry standard in quality assurance and reliability for monolithic, seamless, zero profile, maintenance free expansion joints in commercial and industrial roofing and waterproofing.

EXPANSION JOINTS AND OTHER JOINTS IN BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES:
AN OVERVIEW

Buildings move due to the expansion and contraction of their components as a result of changes in temperature. The extent of the contraction and expansion of a building is dependent upon its size, materials used and the ambient temperature changes experienced.

A building’s designer (architect or structural engineer) incorporates intentional periodic breaks or gaps (usually referred to as expansion joints) in the building structure to allow for expansion and contraction. In order for a building and its components to accommodate the building’s movements, the expansion and contraction is usually limited to a maximum of 1” [25 mm]. Any movement larger than this within a building will result in damage to the building and its external finishes (e.g., cracking, dislodgment of exterior panels).

The presence of an expansion joint poses some unique problems in building envelope design, as the joints are not always straight. They have to keep out the elements while allowing for the building’s movement. The primary concern is the infiltration of water and moisture, as this causes the most damage to a building’s interior and roof components. Water can enter the building’s interior through the expansion joint at either above or below grade. SITURA waterproof expansion joint provides the waterproofing of this joint or gap, while simultaneously accommodating the expansion/contraction movement taking place at the joint.

Various methods have been devised to overcome these problems of waterproofing and joint movement, with limited success. Traditional approaches to this problem have yielded solutions which either are short term or require intensive maintenance after installation. These approaches have remained unchanged for over 50 years. SITURA has revolutionized and changed this philosophy, offering a complete waterproof joint solution.