Concrete control joints should be no less than ¼ of the total thickness of the slab (1” deep for a 4” thick

pour) and placed no less than 2-3 times (in feet) the thickness (in inches) of the slab (8-12 feet apart for a 4” thick
pour). Control joints can be “created” while the concrete is being poured by using a tool to make the joint. These
joints can also be cut into the slab once the slab has cured enough to prevent chipping during the cut. The goal of the
control joint is to allow the slab to crack, during expansion and contraction, in a known location and in a straight line.

Expansion joints are put in place before the concrete is poured. Expansion joints are used to allow the slab to
move and not put stress on whatever it abuts. These joints are placed where a slab meets a building, where a slab
meets another slab, and where a pool deck meets the coping. A pliable material is used (asphalt coated, cork, plastic)
to construct these types of joints. The material should extend the depth of the slab and extend the full width of the
slab. Ideally, for expansion joints on the exterior of a structure, sealing these joints is preferable. Using a high-quality
urethane caulk .