Tn 18A web-nov06. indd

Figure 5

Cracking in Structure with “Punched” 

Windows, Without Proper Expansion Joints

    +      < Typ. Spacing

Between Expansion Jts.

Exp. Jt.

Exp. Jt.

L

1

L

2

(b)

(a)

Movement at Corner Without Expansion Joints

L

1

L

2

    or       <

_ 10 ft.

Either L

1

L

2

Proper Expansion Joint Locations at Corner

Direction of Expansion

Figure 3

Vertical Expansion Joints at Corners

(b)

(a)

Exp. Jt.

Exp. Jt.

Exp. Jt.

Movement at Offset Without Expansion Joints

Proper Expansion Joint Locations at Offset

Direction of Expansion

Extent of

Expansion

Expansion

Figure 4

Vertical Expansion Joints at Offsets

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Brick Industry Association

 |

 

TN

 

18A

 

|

 

Accommodating Expansion of Brickwork 

| 

Page

 

5 of 11

Window and door openings weaken the wall and act as 

“natural” expansion joints. One alternative is to place 

expansion joints halfway between the windows. This 

requires a sufficiently wide section of masonry between 

the openings, typically 4 ft (1.2 m). It is often desirable 

to locate vertical expansion joints along the edge or 

jamb of the opening. In cases where the masonry above 

an opening is supported by shelf angles attached to 

the structure, a vertical expansion joint can be placed 

alongside the opening, continuing through the horizontal 

support.

If a vertical expansion joint runs alongside an opening 

spanned by a loose lintel as shown in 

Figure 6a

, the loose 

steel lintel must be allowed to expand independently of 

the masonry. A slip plane should be formed by placing 

flashing above and below the angle. Mortar placed in front 

of the lintel is subject to cracking; thus, a backer rod and 

sealant should be used, as shown in 

Figure 6b

. Because 

steel expands more than masonry, a