How often should expansion joints be inspected for cracks and leaks?

Inspected annually, expansion joints play a critical role in accommodating thermal expansion and contraction in water-based fire protection systems. Over time, environmental factors and mechanical stress can lead to the deterioration of these joints, resulting in potential cracks or leaks that can compromise the system's integrity.

Annual inspections help ensure that any signs of wear, such as cracking or leaking, are identified promptly. This frequency aligns with industry standards and best practices, providing a balance between maintaining system integrity and the practicalities of inspection schedules. Inspections conducted less frequently might allow small issues to develop into more significant problems, while an annual schedule is typically sufficient to monitor their condition effectively.

In contrast, more frequent inspections, such as monthly or quarterly, may be unnecessary and could lead to over-inspection without significant benefit, while biannual inspections might not catch issues early enough to prevent failures. Thus, annual inspections represent the optimal frequency for maintaining the functionality and safety of expansion joints in fire protection systems.