055 - Control Joint vs Expansion Joint: Where the Cracks At?

Control joint vs expansion joint is one of those topics that trips people up because the terms sound so similar. This episode breaks down all four joint types you need to know for the ARE and the job site.

We cover expansion joints, control joints, isolation joints, and construction joints. For each one, we explain what it does, where you'll see it in real construction, and how to remember the difference on exam day.

We also give you the rebar test for telling isolation and construction joints apart, plus clear analogies so you're not just memorizing definitions.

📝 Key topics covered:

• Expansion joints and how they allow material movement

• Control joints and why you plan for cracks instead of preventing them

• Isolation joints and when complete separation is required

• Construction joints and how they relate to the work schedule

• The rebar test for telling isolation and construction joints apart

• Which ARE 5.0 divisions test each joint type

⏱️ Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:56) Free Study Guide

(2:51) Expansion Joints

(13:44) Isolation Joints

(18:16) Control Joints

(19:03) Construction Joints

(24:13) Recapping Our Joints

(27:35) Wrap Up

📖 Read the full blog post

📝 Download the FREE Joint Types study guide

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📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses:

• PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design)

• PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs)

• CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation)

• PA 101 (Programming and Analysis)

• Building Codes 101

• PcM 101 (Practice Management)

• PjM 101 (Project Management)

• Mechanical Systems 101

• AIA Contracts 101