Control joint vs expansion joint - what's the actual difference? We break down all four joint types you need to know for the ARE and the job site.

Control joint vs expansion joint is one of those topics that trips people up because the terms sound so similar. But these joints are doing completely different things, and understanding those differences matters for the ARE and for real-world construction.

In this episode, we break down four types of joints you'll encounter on the exam and on the job site: expansion joints, control joints, isolation joints, and construction joints.

For each one, we cover what it does, where you'll see it in real construction, and how to remember the difference when you're under pressure on exam day.

We also give you clear analogies and memory hooks so you're not just memorizing definitions that disappear five minutes later. By the end, you'll know exactly how to tell these joints apart and which ARE divisions they show up on, including PA, PPD, PDD, and CE.

Key topics covered:

Expansion joints and how they allow material movement

Control joints and why you plan for cracks instead of preventing them

Isolation joints and when complete separation is required

Construction joints and how they relate to the work schedule

The rebar test for telling isolation and construction joints apart

Which ARE 5.0 divisions test each joint type

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

1:56 - Free Study Guide

2:51 - Expansion Joints

18:16 - Control Joints

13:44 - Isolation Joints

19:03 - Construction Joints

24:13 - Recapping Our Joints

27:35 - Wrap Up

Episode Resources:

Download free joint types study guide: https://youngarchitect.com/joints

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- Building Codes 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-building-codes-101/

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