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Terrazzo Concrete Floor Control Joints

By Chris Sullivan – ChemSystems, Inc.

Question:: Does the concrete slab for a terrazzo floor require control joints? Typically we pour a monolithic concrete floor, but then we get minor alligator cracking. We usually cover this with a bridging membrane and finish material.
Answer:: Control joints (also called contraction joints) are always recommended in concrete slabs to reduce random cracking. (See Joints in Concrete Slabs.)The bridging membrane is good, but if the slab develops major cracks down the road, they might telegraph through to the surface. I always look at control joints as cheap insurance.