Snow Plowing of Expansion Joints by EMSEAL

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Structural Expansion Joints and Joint Sealants by EMSEAL

1-800-526-8365 -- 508-836-0280 -- techinfo@emseal.com

Last modified: July 01, 2008

Founded 1959.
In North America since 1979.

27-year member: Sealant Waterproofing and Restoration Institute. What is SWRI?

"Rubber-tipped blades--nice idea but it'll never happen," is a frequent comment we hear when making this recommendation.

On the contrary, rubber-tipped blades are in frequent use and are not an unreasonable requirement to make of a decent snow removal company.

Yes, they wear out more quickly than steel, but the contractor doesn't have to put them on every
vehicle--only the ones that will be used on top decks of parking structures.

Rubber edges from plows come in different shapes and sizes but are readily available everywhere.

Here are a few we've come across from Canada, to Utah, to New Jersey:

(click images to enlarge)

That's not to say that there are times when the snow-removal contractor forgets or doesn't brief a new driver, in those cases it is critical that your expansion joint is forgiving of occasional errant plowing. See EMSEAL's bulletin on Aggregate Loading of parking deck nosing materials for more on how thoughtful material selection can serve the owner's interests.

Technical Bulletins/ Knowledge Base:
1.	Benchmarks for Performance of Precompressed Foam Sealants
2.	Aggregate Loading
3.	Buried Membranes
4.	Collaborative 3D Design
5.	Extruded Seal Evolution
6.	Gaps In Air Barriers
7.	GC's Role in EJ Success
8.	Healthcare Joint Selection
9.	Hybrid Sealants
10.	Integral Nosing/Gland
11.	Precured-Caulk&Backer
12.	R-Value
13.	Stadium Joints
14.	Sound Attenuation
15.	ADA & Spiked Heels
16.	Snow Removal & Expansion Joints
17.	FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions
18.	The Common Law of Business Balance

Snow Removal and Maintenance of Parking, Plaza and Stadium Expansion Joints

I. GENERAL MAINTENANCE
In general, little if any maintenance is required for EMSEAL's parking and plaza deck expansion joint systems. The following practices, however, will aid in extending their service-life.

A. Once a year, the joint should be swept out, vacuumed and inspected for any damage. If any component of the joint system is damaged, EMSEAL and/or the qualified installing contractor should be contacted to evaluate and perform the necessary repairs.

II. SNOW-REMOVAL
Snow removal poses the greatest hazard to the long-term service of expansion joints as well as other deck elements such as traffic-bearing deck coatings, sealants, toppings, and even the concrete itself.

For this reason, warranties on EMSEAL's materials when used in decks or roadways are contingent on the use of rubber-tipped snow plow blades. In addition the snow removal practice recommendations made by EMSEAL follow those of the National Parking Association, and the Precast Prestressed Concrete Institute, i.e.:

--From: "Parking Garage Maintenance Manual", National Parking Association.

"The snowplow blade must not be allowed to damage the concrete floor, sealants, toppings, or expansion joints. A heavy rubber cutting edge may be fitted to the bottom of the plow's steel edge,.... A snow-broom attachment is useful for light snowfalls."

--From "Maintenance Manual For Precast Parking Structures", PCI-Precast Prestressed Concrete Institute, Publication MNL-136-04, 2004

"Plows and other snow removal implements that come in contact with the driving surface should have well-maintained rubber blades to minimize damage to the deck surface.

D. Snow Removal Procedures
The following guidelines should be followed during the snow removal process.
1. Snow plow blades should not come in direct contact with expansion joints, deck membranes, or joint sealants. Blades should be kept a minimum of ½ in. above these sensitive materials. Blades should also not impact vertical offsets between adjacent deck surfaces. Plows must be equipped with well-maintained rubber blades to minimize impact damage.
2. Reduced equipment driving speed should be used at changes in floor slopes, such as the ends of ramps, washes (i.e., raised areas of the deck surface), at the ends of double tees, and at handicapped ramps.

The following recommendations must be followed to minimize damage to expansion joint systems.

A. Whenever possible, remove snow from the expansion joints either by sweeping, shoveling or snow-blowing.

B. If snow plows are to be used, the blades must be equipped with suitable rubber edges. It is also recommend that the location of the joints be clearly marked and the plow drivers instructed to lift their plows slightly when crossing the expansion joints.

C. Never plow with the length of the blade parallel to the joint. Either plow down the length of the joint with the length of the blade perpendicular to the joint or plow across the joint with the blade at an oblique angle to the joint.

D. If possible, it is wise for owner's include in snow plowing contracts that the snow plowing contractor is responsible for any damage to the expansion joint caused by plowing not in accordance with the recommendations herein and for any expenses that may be incurred in repairs as a result of voiding the expansion joint warranty."