What is an expansion joint?
Expansion joints, sometimes known as movement joints, are components that are added to flooring to help it withstand the natural changes that building materials will go through. They manage thermal expansion and contraction that is caused by temperature changes as well as accommodate movement caused by moisture. This helps to prevent cracks and structural damage to help your flooring last as long as possible.
Typically, these joints are placed regularly at the perimeter of large areas of flooring, or where different flooring materials meet. If working with concrete, as concrete expands the expansion joint should be at least a quarter of the thickness of the concrete slab. Expansion joints are often filled with flexible material to maintain structural support while accommodating movement.
In various flooring types, expansion joints are crucial for preventing damage. For example, a concrete expansion joint is essential to prevent cracks within the concrete slab. In tiled floors expansion joints prevent tiles from cracking or lifting due to movement, while in wooden floors they accommodate for natural expansion and thermal movement.
Expansion joints play an important role in preserving the appearance of flooring and ensuring that cracking and damage stemming from natural causes remains at a minimum.
Reduces strain on forklifts if they are driving over an exposed or damaged expansion joint 
