Do aluminum expansion joints support horizontal and vertical movement of concrete?

Yes, they are designed to accommodate horizontal expansion and contraction, and some types can also handle vertical movement.

Do aluminum expansion joints withstand the passage of cars and trucks?

Yes, there are Heavy Duty types specifically designed for parking garages and industrial driveways.

Does iChem offer different sizes and types of aluminum expansion joints?

Yes, iChem provides a wide range of aluminum expansion joints in various sizes and designs to suit different project requirements and structural conditions. It’s not only about the width of the joint — but also the height, aluminum thickness, cover type, and the joint’s ability to handle horizontal and vertical movement. 🔹 Details include: Multiple width options: Sizes start from small joints of 1 cm for interior buildings, up to 10 cm or more for large structural joints in malls, parking garages, and bridges. Different profiles depending on floor type: Expansion joints for concrete floors. Tileable profiles that can be installed with ceramic, porcelain, or marble finishes. Flush-type joints that sit level with the floor for a seamless aesthetic. Sliding or movable cover systems designed to absorb large movements. Different load capacities: Standard Duty: For residential areas, corridors, and light traffic. Heavy Duty: Designed for parking areas, vehicles, and trucks. Indoor and outdoor installation options: Weather-resistant systems suitable for roofs, facades, entrances, and exposed areas. 🔹 Custom Manufacturing (Custom Made): If the project requires a specific size, color, or movement capacity, iChem can provide tailor-made solutions according to approved engineering drawings. ✅ In summary: iChem doesn’t provide a one-size-fits-all solution — it offers a complete system of sizes, shapes, and designs to meet the exact needs of every project.

What is the difference between aluminum expansion joints and rubber expansion joints?

iChem offers different types of expansion joints depending on the project requirements, with the most common being aluminum and rubber expansion joints. Aluminum Expansion Joints : These joints are known for their high strength and durability. They can withstand heavy loads and continuous traffic, which makes them ideal for malls, parking garages, airports, and commercial areas. They also provide an aesthetic finish, long service life, and require minimal maintenance. Rubber Expansion Joints: These are more flexible and are designed to absorb movement, thermal expansion and contraction, and vibrations. They also provide excellent waterproofing. Rubber joints are suitable for roofs, facades, and concrete joints that are not exposed to heavy mechanical loads. In summary: iChem provides both types to suit different project needs — aluminum joints for strength and heavy-duty performance, and rubber joints for flexibility and better waterproofing.

Aluminum Expansion Joints | iChem

Sandra Elsharnouby

Expansion joints

26 Oct, 2025

Aluminum Expansion Joints | iChem Solutions for Thermal Movement and Structural Protection

Introduction

Aluminum expansion joints are essential elements in modern building design.
They are installed between concrete sections to absorb expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes or minor structural settlement.
By using these joints, buildings maintain their structural integrity, prevent cracks, and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

iChem Egypt provides advanced aluminum expansion joint systems suitable for floors, walls, and ceilings, engineered to meet the requirements of industrial, commercial, and residential projects.

What Are Aluminum Expansion Joints?

Aluminum expansion joints are metal profiles installed between concrete parts to absorb expansion and contraction resulting from temperature changes or minor structural movements.

They are mainly used in:

Industrial and commercial floors
External and internal walls
Ceilings, corridors, and suspended slabs

Comparison: Aluminum vs. Rubber vs. Fiber

Aluminum: High resistance, suitable for heavy loads, long lifespan
Rubber: Flexible and lightweight, suitable for indoor or light-movement areas
Fiber: Limited abrasion resistance, used in decorative or special finishes

Why Are Expansion Joints Used in Buildings?

To absorb expansion and contraction due to temperature changes or minor settlement
To maintain the building’s stability and prevent cracks
Using strong, lightweight materials like aluminum ensures longer service life and easy installation
To reduce future maintenance costs

Components of an Aluminum Expansion Joint System

Surface Plate: The aluminum cover plate fixed to the concrete surface, designed to accommodate movement
Insert Profile: Allows longitudinal and lateral movement
Anchor Base: Provides strong mechanical anchoring to the concrete
Dust or Water Seal: Protects the joint and extends its service life

Advantages of iChem Aluminum Expansion Joints

Made from high-grade aluminum alloys, resistant to corrosion and moisture
Easy installation in both industrial and commercial projects
Compliant with international standards (ASTM & BS)
Available in multiple designs suitable for floors, walls, and ceilings
Custom sizes available to match project specifications

Selected iChem Products – Technical Overview

Product	Application	Technical Description
i371	Ceilings	Aluminum joint filled with flexible rubber to absorb movement, protects finishes and reduces maintenance costs
i890	Floors, Walls & Ceilings	Stainless steel + aluminum section, suitable for indoor and outdoor use, resistant to thermal and mechanical movement
i750	Vertical Walls	Allows natural expansion and contraction, prevents cracks and protects finishes
i730	Internal & External Walls	Designed for structures exposed to temperature or mechanical movement, enhances stability
i710	Walls	Vertical wall joint allowing natural movement, prevents cracks due to environmental changes
i317	Walls	Reduces the effects of thermal and structural movement, prevents surface cracking
i720	Walls	Allows free wall movement, protects external surfaces from sunlight and moisture
i820	Walls & Ceilings	Covers joints to allow movement caused by temperature or environmental changes, prevents cracking
i870	Walls & Ceilings	Reduces cracking due to thermal expansion and contraction, ideal for large-scale structures
i370	Ceilings	Minimizes ceiling damage from thermal movement, includes flexible components
i821	Walls & Ceilings	Covers wall sections to allow thermal movement, prevents cracks and maintains appearance
i315	Walls	Surface-mounted joint system, compatible with various finishes, preserves aesthetics and prevents cracking

Recommended Applications

Sector	Type of Joint	Suggested iChem Product
Hospitals & Malls	Floor Expansion Joint	iChem Joint AL 40
Parking Areas & Bridges	Dust-Proof Expansion Joint	iChem Joint AL 60
Ceilings & Corridors	Lightweight Expansion Joint	iChem Joint AL 20

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ What’s the difference between aluminum and rubber expansion joints?
✔ Aluminum joints are more durable and handle higher loads, while rubber joints are used in light or indoor applications.

❓ Can aluminum expansion joints be used outdoors?
✔ Yes, iChem’s aluminum systems are designed to withstand exposure to sunlight, humidity, and temperature variations.

❓ How do I determine the right joint size?
✔ The joint size depends on the expected expansion gap and the nature of the surface. The iChem engineering team provides full technical support and sizing calculations.

Conclusion

Aluminum expansion joints are an advanced solution for extending the life of buildings and protecting finishes from cracking.
iChem Egypt offers a complete range of high-quality, corrosion-resistant, and easy-to-install expansion joint systems, making them the ideal choice for commercial, industrial, and residential structures.

Contact iChem Egypt

📍 Address: Nozha City Center, Sector C, Tower 2, 7th Floor, Gesr El Suez Street
📞 Phone: 02 22909120 – 010 22000050 – 010 80029701 – 010 10042900 – 010 10027900
📧 Email: info@ichemeg.com

For more details, visit:
👉 https://ichemeg.com/ar/store-categories/wall-ceiling-expansion-joint-covers

Yes, iChem provides a wide range of aluminum expansion joints in various sizes and designs to suit different project requirements and structural conditions.
It’s not only about the width of the joint — but also the height, aluminum thickness, cover type, and the joint’s ability to handle horizontal and vertical movement.

🔹 Details include:

Multiple width options:
Sizes start from small joints of 1 cm for interior buildings, up to 10 cm or more for large structural joints in malls, parking garages, and bridges.
Different profiles depending on floor type:
- Expansion joints for concrete floors.
- Tileable profiles that can be installed with ceramic, porcelain, or marble finishes.
- Flush-type joints that sit level with the floor for a seamless aesthetic.
- Sliding or movable cover systems designed to absorb large movements.
Different load capacities:
- Standard Duty: For residential areas, corridors, and light traffic.
- Heavy Duty: Designed for parking areas, vehicles, and trucks.
Indoor and outdoor installation options:
Weather-resistant systems suitable for roofs, facades, entrances, and exposed areas.

🔹 Custom Manufacturing (Custom Made):
If the project requires a specific size, color, or movement capacity, iChem can provide tailor-made solutions according to approved engineering drawings.

✅ In summary:
iChem doesn’t provide a one-size-fits-all solution — it offers a complete system of sizes, shapes, and designs to meet the exact needs of every project.