Expansion Joint Control Rods: Installation and Benefits

An expansion joint with tie rods is a system designed to absorb movement while the rods limit its range, preventing over-extension. For masonry, our patented lead cap system provides a different approach to managing movement, creating a flexible, weather-resistant seal that protects the joint's integrity without mechanical rods.

WEATHERCAP® is installed over a sealant-filled joint. Its soft lead construction covers the sealant, protecting it from UV exposure and weather. It also reduces the effective joint opening and flexes with building movement, extending the sealant's life and preventing adhesion failure, known as margin checking.

Type A caps have a flat profile and are designed for joints on a single plane, such as the top of a coping or a balustrade. Type B caps have a 90-degree cove shape and are used for corner or fillet joints where a horizontal surface meets a vertical one, like a window sill against a wall.

Yes, with proper precautions. As with any lead product, we recommend wearing gloves during installation and washing hands thoroughly after handling. The product is stable and poses minimal risk when these standard safety measures are followed, in compliance with OSHA regulations.

Absolutely. While it is renowned for historic preservation, WEATHERCAP® is also ideal for new construction projects. Specifically, our A-2 Type A cap is designated for new installations, ensuring long-term joint protection from the very beginning. Other configurations can also be specified for new builds.

The soft lead material naturally oxidizes to a neutral grey color that blends seamlessly with most stone and masonry. For specific aesthetic requirements, the caps can also be painted to perfectly match the surrounding surfaces, offering significant design flexibility for architects and restorers.