Expansion joint systems rough-in inspection checklist

Each joint run matched to its approved system

Every floor, wall, ceiling and roof joint on the drawings tied to the approved submittal for that run, with its movement rating and nominal width noted.

Frame and cover packaging labels match the submittal

Model, size, finish and movement rating on the delivered frames and covers read against the approved submittal before any piece is cut or set.

Blockout width and nosing correct for the rated movement

Gap measured against the system's movement range at the current temperature, nosing formed square and to the right depth for the cover.

Substrate and anchors sound at the joint edges

Edge concrete solid and clean, anchors set to the specified pattern and embedment, no crumbling or featheredged nosing.

Gap even end to end with no taper between the slab edges

Slab edges run parallel along the whole run; any taper or offset beyond what the frame can take up is flagged to the super before frames are set.

Both sides of the joint at the same elevation

Straightedge laid across the gap at intervals; any step between the two sides noted per run for the installer to shim or grind per the manufacturer.

Joint cavity clear of forms, debris and concrete bridges

Form boards, filler strips and concrete fins removed full depth, so nothing in the gap ties the two sides of the building together.

Frame rails set to the finished floor or wall height

Rails set to the finish elevation on the drawings, allowing for tile, carpet, topping or wall finish, so the cover lands flush once finishes are in.

Frames set at the gap the temperature chart gives today

Setting gap read from the manufacturer's temperature chart, measured at the frame and written on the joint log with the time and air temperature.

Anchor drilling checked against slab reinforcement

Anchor locations checked against the structural drawings, or the slab scanned first where it is post-tensioned; no cut tendons or bars at the joint edge.

Fire barrier continuous through the joint

Fire barrier packed continuous along the joint and carried through changes of plane, no gaps where the floor joint turns up a wall.

Water barrier continuous at the joint

Waterproofing or membrane lapped into the joint and continuous at transitions, drainage path maintained where the system sheds water.

Fire barrier matches the listed joint system on rated runs

On runs the drawings show as rated, barrier model, width range and orientation read against the listed system; unrated runs noted as such on the joint log.

Finish crews told the frame height and the no-fill zone

Tile, flooring and wall finish foremen shown where each frame sits and told no mortar, grout, patch or fasteners go into the joint or across the frame.

Open joints covered where traffic crosses them

Plywood or the maker's temporary cover spans the open joint at traffic routes, fastened to one side only so it does not lock the gap.