Frequently asked questions

Expansion joints are construction joints that allow buildings to move naturally due to environmental changes to protect them from damage. They have many benefits, including:

1-Preventing cracks: Allowing buildings to move in all directions due to thermal expansion and contraction to prevent cracks in buildings.
2-Reducing pressure and absorbing vibrations: Expansion joints absorb vibrations and pressures resulting from earthquake movement and dynamic loads on structures.
3-Increasing structural efficiency: Contributing to enhancing the efficiency of structural buildings by making them safe, stable and durable to withstand all different environmental factors.
4-Improving insulation: Joints insulate heat, and fire and water retention properties can be added to ensure safety and security in buildings.
5-Design flexibility: Various forms of expansion joints are available to suit all projects and different finishes.
6-Easy to install and maintain: Joints can be easily installed and fixed, which facilitates maintenance work in the event of damage.
7-Economic cost: Expansion joints are considered an economical solution in construction projects because they protect the building from damage and cracks, which reduces the need for frequent maintenance and increases the building’s expected life.

Waterproofing materials are essential in construction projects. Therefore,Ichem company manufactures high-quality waterproofing materials to ensure their performance efficiency. Here, we will mention the benefits of waterproofing.

1.    Preventing leaks and moisture protection: It forms an   effective barrier that prevents water and moisture from entering buildings, protecting them from damage, decay, and corrosion that may result from these leaks.

2.    Extending the lifespan of buildings: Waterproofing materials help extend the lifespan of buildings, because well-insulated buildings can last a long time and maintain their integrity without the need for frequent maintenance.

3.    Improve energy efficiency: Good insulation maintains internal temperatures to reduce the use of air conditioning or heating devices, which leads to reduced energy and electricity consumption.

4.    Easy to apply: Ichem company manufactures modern waterproofing materials that are easy to apply for a quick and uncomplicated insulation process, ensuring it doesn't take much time in the project's schedule.

5.    Diversity: Ichem provides multiple types of waterproofing to suit all projects and customer requirements, such as PVC and acrylic paints, making it a flexible and comprehensive solution.

To install expansion joints, basic points must be considered to ensure their high efficiency and achieve the main purpose, which is to protect buildings from cracks resulting from thermal expansion and contraction. We summarize these points in the following steps:

1. Planning and study:

• Study the project drawings and designs to choose the appropriate types of joints, determine their locations, and pass tasks to the work team. • Prepare a timeline that matches the work stages and ensure commitment to the specified time.

2. Choosing expansion joints:

• Knowing the amount of pressure and stress that the structure will be exposed to and the type of environmental factors surrounding it to choose materials that can bear the loads on them.

• Choose expansion joints that are consistent with the shape of the designs and finishes on the project

3. Surface preparation:

• Clean the surface of dust and gravel and ensure that there are no chemicals or oils to ensure the joints are fixed. The surface must also be free of protrusions.

• Placemarks to determine the locations of the joints and review the engineering designs before installation to ensure the accuracy of the marks.

4. Section Installation:

• Cut the expansion joints to the lengths specified in the drawings and place them in their places, fixing them with adhesives or nails depending on the type of joints.

• Fill the joints with suitable fillers and ensure that there are no gaps to ensure flexibility of expansion and contraction.

5. Finishing:

• Level the surfaces using appropriate tools and leave the materials to dry according to the manufacturing recommendations.

6. Final cleaning:

• Remove any remaining filling materials, clean dust, and small parts, and dry the surfaces using an air dryer to prevent dust from accumulating due to moisture.

Expansion joints are considered essential elements in large construction projects, and we will mention here the most important reasons for using expansion joints: •

Reducing the effects of thermal changes: Expansion joints allow buildings and construction materials to expand and contract due to temperature changes without cracking or damaging the structure.

• Dealing with structural movement: Joints help absorb movement that can occur due to seismic movement, enhancing the stability of the building.

• Preventing cracks: Expansion joints allow buildings to move naturally due to environmental changes, preventing cracks and damage.

• Adapting to changing loads: Joints allow movement with changing loads such as heavy traffic on bridges or heavy weights in industrial buildings.

• Reducing the need for maintenance: Expansion joints reduce the effects of environmental changes, preserving the building and reducing the need for maintenance.

• Increase the life of the building: By reducing stresses and damage, expansion joints can increase the life of the building and ensure its long-term stability.

• Wall cracks: If expansion joints are not used, the walls are exposed to pressure, causing cracks and fissures as a result of thermal expansion and contraction. iChem ensures walls remain crack-free with their premium expansion joints.

• Deterioration of structural elements: Structural elements such as columns and foundations may be subjected to excessive stress without expansion joints, leading to a deterioration in their strength. iChem's solutions, structural integrity is maintained and protected.

• Collapses of structures: Stresses and strains resulting from the absence of joints may lead to partial or complete collapses in some structures. The advanced joints provided by iChem help prevent such collapses.

• Impact on floors: Concrete surfaces or floors can face problems like swelling or cracking, which can detract from their appearance. iChem's top-quality joints ensure smooth and intact floors.

• Increased maintenance costs: Facilities that face problems due to not using expansion joints require frequent maintenance and repairs, which increases costs. iChem helps reduce maintenance costs with durable and effective joints.

• Reduce energy efficiency: Cracks and gaps that occur due to not using joints affect thermal insulation, leading to energy loss and increased heating and cooling costs. The specialized joints from iChem improve energy efficiency and insulation.

• Infrastructure problems: Damage to electrical and plumbing systems can occur when buildings expand or contract without expansion joints to allow for normal movement, leading to malfunctions and additional repair costs. iChem's solutions ensure the smooth operation of infrastructure systems.

• Deterioration of aesthetic appearance: Cracks and fissures lead to deterioration of the aesthetic appearance of buildings, affecting their market value. With iChem's help, buildings retain their aesthetic appeal and market value.

• Expansion joints: These are used to allow buildings to expand and contract due to temperature changes, which helps prevent cracks and damage to buildings. iChem specializes in providing high-quality expansion joints to ensure the structural integrity of buildings.

• Contraction joints: They are used to prevent cracks resulting from shrinkage of concrete or bricks, and are placed in specific locations to direct the cracks in their designated path. iChem offers reliable contraction joints designed to minimize the risk of cracks in construction.

• Seismic joints: These joints are installed in earthquake-resistant buildings to allow them to move naturally and reduce damage caused by this movement. iChem provides advanced seismic joints that help buildings withstand seismic activities

• Control joints: They are used to control movement in long, continuous concrete surfaces, such as sidewalks, walkways, and parking lots. iChem ensures high-quality control joints for optimal performance in various construction projects.

• Thermal joints: These joints are used in areas exposed to temperature variations to allow buildings to expand and contract naturally, which helps prevent damage caused by thermal expansion and contraction. iChem provides top-quality thermal joints for enhanced building performance.

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1.Workability: iChem concrete additives improve workability and make pouring easier and faster. Workers can do their jobs with less effort. This cuts down on time and costs for large construction projects.

2. Durability: It lowers the water needed for the concrete mix. This makes the concrete more durable. Using less water makes concrete denser. This helps it resist cracking and erosion as time passes.

3. Setting Time: Accelerates setting time in cold weather or when fast results are necessary. This feature is helpful for projects that need to finish quickly. Concrete can become strong fast, letting you get back to work sooner.

4. Corrosion Resistance: Increases the resistance of concrete to corrosion and harmful environmental factors. These concrete additives help the material resist corrosion from salts and chemicals.

5. Crack Reduction: Reduces shrinkage and cracks caused by rapid drying. Concrete additives keep the concrete structure strong and prevent cracks that could Reduce the building's stability

6. Strength: Improves the durability and strength of concrete. Using these admixtures makes concrete last longer and become stronger over time.

7. Flexibility: Air-incorporating admixtures help concrete resist hardening and softening. This makes concrete better at handling sudden temperature changes, which is perfect for harsh environments.

8. Water Resistance: They prevent water from getting through, which makes concrete more resistant to water and moisture. This protects structures from water damage and continuous exposure to moisture.

9. Consistency: iChem Superplasticizers create high-quality concrete with good workability. They improve the consistency, making the concrete smoother and easier to pour.

10. Structural Enhancement: The fibers used in concrete from iChem strengthen the internal cohesion and reduce cracking. The addition of fibers gives concrete more strength and rigidity, which reduces the occurrence of cracking and corrosion over time.

High Adhesion Strength:

• Provides strong stability for marble and ceramics, ensuring that tiles do not move or separate over time, making it one of the strongest adhesives available.

Resistance to Environmental Conditions:

• Marble and ceramic adhesives from iChem have high resistance to moisture, temperature changes, and chemicals, ensuring long-term adhesion quality.

Ease of Use:

• Whether you are a professional or not, you can use these materials easily, saving time and effort.

Compatibility with Different Materials:

• These adhesives have flexibility, making them adaptable to various materials such as wood, concrete, and brick.

Enhancing Aesthetic Performance:

• Marble and ceramic adhesives from iChem help keep surfaces clean and beautiful, achieving an excellent final appearance for tiles.

Resistance to Pressure and Scratches:

• Daily use of floors, whether residential, commercial, or even industrial, involves cleaning or pressures from machines that can cause cracks or deformations, which can be prevented using marble and ceramic adhesives.

Speeding Up Completion:

• These materials contain compounds that reduce setting and adhesion time, making them suitable for projects that need quick completion.

Versatility of Uses:

• These materials are suitable for all projects, whether residential, commercial, or even industrial.

Reliability and High Quality:

Ichem products have a strong reputation in the market, giving users great confidence in the quality of performance and longevity. This ensures excellent and lasting results in construction projects

Installing epoxy flooring from Ichem requires following precise steps to ensure high-quality results and excellent performance. Here are the basic steps for implementing epoxy flooring:

1.      Surface preparation: Remove dirt and dust and make sure the surface is free of any grease, then wash it well with water. The surface is then polished and cracks are filled to level the surface.

2.      Moisture Test: Moisture testing is performed using a device designed to measure the moisture level of the surface, which helps ensure good adhesion of the epoxy and reduces the chances of cracking.

3.      Applying the base coat: This layer is applied to fill in the fine cracks and increase the adhesion between the surface and the epoxy layer. This layer must be allowed to dry completely before applying.

4.      Preparing the epoxy mixture: When preparing the epoxy mixture, it is recommended to use a mechanical mixer to obtain a homogeneous and bubble-free mixture. The components are mixed for 3 to 5 minutes, then the mixture is carefully distributed to prevent it from drying out.

5.      Applying the Epoxy and Top Coat: Using a brush or roller, spread the epoxy evenly over the surface, making sure that there are no air bubbles. It is best to divide the work into small sections to avoid the mixture drying before completion. After ensuring that the epoxy mixture is completely dry, apply the top coat in the same manner and leave it to dry.

6.      Floor drying period and final inspection: The surface is left to dry for 24 to 48 hours. After drying, the smoothness of the surface is checked and any defects are repaired.

By following these steps carefully, you can achieve high quality, durable epoxy floors that last. It is always best to hire professionals or consult the E-Chem team for the best advice and guidance on applying their products.

1. Epoxy Primer: Used to prepare the base layer of concrete, cement mortar and epoxy, it can be used in a variety of flooring system bases such as resin base, full polyurethane systems and polyurethane screed. It has high penetration and adhesion ability and is also used to fill cracks and joints. Epoxy primer manufactured by ichem is economical and easy to apply with short waiting times making it an ideal choice for multiple applications.

2. Epoxy putty: Epoxy putty from ichem is also considered a base layer material that fill cracks and gaps and enhance the durability of surfaces and increase their resistance to corrosion and scratches to ensure their quality and increase their lifespan. Epoxy putty is characterized by its smooth filling on surfaces, which makes it versatile and ensures the preparation of an excellent base layer for painting subsequent epoxy layers and achieving the desired results.

3.   Epoxy paint: It is a type of high-performance industrial paint used for finishing and protection in a variety of applications such as industrial and commercial fields. This paint is tough and strong, perfect for areas with harsh conditions and heavy use.

4. Self-leveling epoxy: It is a type of epoxy flooring used to cover damaged concrete floors, making them smooth and nice-looking. It is very strong against rust and chemicals, which makes it last a long time. Also, it is easy to clean and keeps the floors looking neat and new. This kind of epoxy flooring is great for places where how it looks and how it works both matters.

1.     Epoxy Primer: Used to prepare the base layer of concrete, cement mortar and epoxy, it can be used in a variety of flooring system bases such as resin base, full polyurethane systems and polyurethane screed. It has high penetration and adhesion ability and is also used to fill cracks and joints. Epoxy primer manufactured by ichem is economical and easy to apply with short waiting times making it an ideal choice for multiple applications.

2.     Epoxy putty: Epoxy putty from ichem is also considered a base layer material that fill cracks and gaps and enhance the durability of surfaces and increase their resistance to corrosion and scratches to ensure their quality and increase their lifespan. Epoxy putty is characterized by its smooth filling on surfaces, which makes it versatile and ensures the preparation of an excellent base layer for painting subsequent epoxy layers and achieving the desired results.

3.     Epoxy paint: It is a type of high-performance industrial paint used for finishing and protection in a variety of applications such as industrial and commercial fields. This paint is tough and strong, perfect for areas with harsh conditions and heavy use.

4.     Self-leveling epoxy: It is a type of epoxy flooring used to cover damaged concrete floors, making them smooth and nice-looking. It is very strong against rust and chemicals, which makes it last a long time. Also, it is easy to clean and keeps the floors looking neat and new. This kind of epoxy flooring is great for places where how it looks and how it works both matters.

Floor expansion joints

In floor expansion joints, gaps are left between floors to allow them to expand and contract as a result of temperature changes and to prevent cracks.

Features of floor expansion joints

1. iChem floor expansion joints provide flexibility to the floor because they allow it to expand and contract in a natural movement without damage.

2. iChem floor joints give a flat and homogeneous surface to the floor.

3. Floor expansion joints are filled with flexible materials such as rubber and silicone.

4. The main movement in the floors is horizontal.

5. iChem floor expansion joints are installed in large spaces such as parking lots and industrial buildings.

Wall expansion joints

In wall expansion joints, gaps are left between the walls to allow the walls to move naturally as a result of temperature changes and to prevent cracks.

Features of wall expansion joints

1. iChem wall expansion joints allow walls to move flexibly without cracking.

2. Reduce the impact of large cracks and fissures on the building structure.

3. iChem wall joints improve the performance of walls and maintain their shape, especially in large buildings.

4. Wall expansion joints are filled with flexible materials such as sealant to prevent water or air leakage.

5. Movement in walls is horizontal and vertical.

6. Wall expansion joints are used in tall buildings and places exposed to large temperature changes such as exterior facades.