*System Designed to Simplify Installation and Resolve Common Challenges with Traditional Joint Seals*
WICHITA, KANSAS (November 15, 2024) — Balco, a leading manufacturer of expansion joint systems, fire barriers, and other high-performance construction products and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSW Industrials, Inc. [NASDAQ: CSWI], announces the launch of its new ESS System. This elastomeric expansion joint seal system tackles common challenges faced with traditional joint seals in parking and open-air applications.
Addressing Installation Challenges:
The ESS System uses Santoprene, a flexible material with a multi-chamber design. This improves both performance and ease of installation, making it an ideal addition to Balco’s DuraSpan™ Parking & Open-Air Systems product line. This new system provides a water- and debris-resistant solution that’s simple to install using epoxy for new construction but also ideal for retrofits, replacing Balco’s previous ES System with improved performance and handling.
Superior to Traditional Joint Seals:
Traditional EPDM rubber or Neoprene seals are often rigid and challenging to install, performing poorly in harsh conditions. Their fabrication, welding, and field modifications are challenging, leading to premature failure due to environmental stresses, UV radiation, and heavy traffic.
The ESS System Offers:
- Effortless Installation: The internal chambered design allows for quick compression and easy installation.
- Fewer Splices: Available in longer lengths than traditional horizontal sealing solutions (up to 120 LF for smaller sizes), the ESS System reduces field splicing, minimizing water intrusion risk, and is ideal for large-scale projects like parking garages.
- Pedestrian up to Vehicular Traffic-Rated Performance: Designed and rated for vehicular and pedestrian use, the system provides long-lasting performance in high-traffic areas.
- Water and Debris Resistance: Protects joints from water and debris, ideal for exposed or open-air environments.
- Retrofit Friendly: Accommodates joint gaps from 1″ to 4″ without substrate modifications, making it ideal for updating or reinforcing existing joints.
- Enhanced Durability: Installed with a slight recess, the ESS System is pedestrian and automobile-friendly. It resists road salt, coastal salt, and corrosion, making it ideal for tough exterior and open-air conditions. It also withstands fuel spills.
- Standards Compliance: Meets ASTM E1399 standards for seismic, thermal, and wind movement, with additional standards for oil resistance and environmental durability.
- Fire-Rated: With the addition of Balco’s MetaBlock® fire resistive joint barrier, the ESS System can be fire-rated.
Additional Features:
- Faster Installation: The vacuum-assisted design and flexible Santoprene material, which can be hand-compressed, enable efficient installation compared to EPDM or Neoprene systems.
- Ergonomic Design: Compared to competitive systems, the user-friendly installation process minimizes physical strain on workers and increases production and installation efficiencies.
- Field Modifiable: Allows for on-site modifications, enhancing installation versatility.
- Long-Term Value: With fewer splices, increased performance, and superior water/debris resistance, the ESS System offers lasting value for specifiers and owners.
“Our new ESS System demonstrates our commitment to simplifying joint seal installation and meeting our clients’ needs,” said Steve Cooper, vice president of Spec Development and Training at Balco. “With durable Santoprene material and a flexible, multi-chamber design, this seal is a strong, versatile option for high-traffic or open-air spaces in new projects and retrofits, making it a valuable addition to our DuraSpan product line.”
The DuraSpan portfolio consists of 16 expansion joint systems across three main categories: metal cover systems, elastomeric seal systems, and foam seal systems. Engineered for resilience and performance in high-traffic and exposed environments, DuraSpan products offer tailored solutions to meet various design and construction needs.
To support engineers, architects, and designers, Balco provides a downloadable comprehensive load data sheet that details frequently encountered concentrated wheel loads. The DuraSpan Quick Reference Guide is also available, showcasing all products in the DuraSpan portfolio. For more information, visit www.balcousa.com or call (800) 767-0082.