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An expansion joint in a commercial floor is not a detail you can simply grout over. The slab has to move, the two floor finishes either side have to be left free to move with it, and the gap that makes that possible is exactly the gap that collects grit, catches trolley wheels and frays the edge of whatever is bonded next to it. These aluminium cover plates are the standard answer: a broad, flat plate screwed down over the joint that protects both cut edges, keeps the gap clean, and still lets the floor do what it needs to do. Six widths from 70mm to 135mm, each supplied centre drilled for mechanical fixing, in 2.0m or 2.715m stock lengths.
The plate has to cover the joint and still land on sound floor either side. A 10mm movement gap in a corridor is comfortably handled by the 70mm or 80mm plate; a structural expansion joint running through a slab, or a joint that has opened up over time, needs the 110mm or 135mm plate so there is real bearing on both sides after the gap is deducted. Choosing on width alone — rather than on what looks proportionate — is what stops the plate rocking or lifting at the edges under trolley traffic.
Every width in this range is supplied centre drilled for size 8 screws. On a joint that is designed to move, a mechanical fixing on one side lets the plate stay put while the floor works underneath it. The fixings are visible in the finished installation — that is inherent to the detail, not a compromise — and they can be released later if the joint ever needs opening up. The manufacturer can supply these profiles off-centre drilled or undrilled to special order if your detail calls for it.
These are plates, not ramps. The thinnest sections in the range stand 2.5mm proud; the heaviest, 4.56mm. Across a plate 70mm to 135mm wide that is a very shallow rise, with tapered edges either side, so a wheeled trolley or a mop crosses it without catching. The wider plates carry a fine machined rib pattern on the top face, which breaks up reflections and gives a little more grip underfoot than a mirror surface would.
Structural and movement joints in offices, schools, hospitals and retail units; the line where a terrazzo or tiled entrance hall gives way to a vinyl or carpet-tiled interior; corridors in healthcare and education where the floor finish changes at a fire compartment line; leisure centres and transport buildings with long uninterrupted floor runs that have to be broken up. Anywhere the join is wide, the traffic is heavy and the fixing needs to be mechanical rather than stuck down.
| Width | Thickness | Finish | Stock length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70mm | 4.56mm tapering to 2.65mm | Satin Aluminium | 2.000m |
| 80mm | 4mm | Matt Silver | 2.715m |
| 82mm | 2.5mm | Mill Aluminium | 2.715m |
| 100mm | 2.5mm | Matt Silver | 2.715m |
| 110mm | 3.3mm | Mill Aluminium | 2.715m |
| 135mm | 4mm | Matt Silver | 2.715m |
| Material | Aluminium |
|---|---|
| Fixing method | Centre drilled for size 8 screws, fixings visible |
| Fixings | Not supplied |
| Drilling options | Off-centre drilled or undrilled to special order |
| Purpose | Bridges two floor coverings while allowing for expansion |
| Slip resistance | Not published for this line |
| Reaction to fire | Not published for this line |
Each width is a distinct profile with its own finish and stock length, so the finish is determined by the width you choose rather than selected separately. Finish names describe the mill finish of the aluminium: Mill Aluminium is the raw extruded finish, Satin Aluminium is lightly brushed, and Matt Silver is a low-sheen grey.
Measure the open gap first, then add bearing. As a working rule, allow at least 25mm of plate landing on each side of the joint: a 20mm gap therefore wants 70mm or more, a 40mm gap wants 100mm or more, and anything approaching 60mm needs the 135mm plate. If the joint is not straight, or the two floors are not quite level with each other, go one width up — the extra landing absorbs the discrepancy and stops the plate see-sawing.
Then consider the finish, which comes with the width. If the plate is going into a public entrance or a showroom where it will be seen, the 70mm Satin Aluminium and the 80mm, 100mm and 135mm Matt Silver read as deliberate specification. Mill Aluminium on the 82mm and 110mm is the plainest of the three, which is exactly right in a plant room, a back corridor or a warehouse but less so in a reception.
Finally, length. The 2.715m plates cover a standard corridor width in one piece with something to trim; the 70mm plate comes in 2.000m. For runs longer than a single length, butt lengths end to end and stagger the screw positions either side of the joint so the two plates cannot lever against each other.
Set out the plate dry first and check it covers the joint with even bearing along its full length. Mark and drill the substrate through the existing centre holes, plug where you are fixing into concrete or screed, and fix into one side of the joint only so the floor is still free to move. Do not bed the plate in adhesive as well — that defeats the point of the joint. Cut to length with a fine-tooth hacksaw or a mitre saw with a non-ferrous blade, and file the cut end so it is not left sharp. Fixings are not supplied; specify a countersunk size 8 screw to suit your substrate. In service, clean with a damp mop and a neutral detergent, and check the screws periodically on heavily trafficked joints — a plate that has worked loose is worse than no plate at all.
Which width do I need?
Measure the open gap and add at least 25mm of bearing each side. A 20mm joint suits the 70mm or 80mm plate; a 40mm joint needs 100mm or wider; a joint approaching 60mm needs the 135mm. If the gap varies along its length, size for the widest point.
Are the screws included?
No. The plates are supplied centre drilled for size 8 screws but the fixings themselves are not included, because the right screw and plug depend entirely on whether you are fixing into timber, screed or concrete.
Can I have these self-adhesive instead of screwed?
Most widths in this range are also made with a pre-applied adhesive tape rather than drilled. That version is a different product, not an option on this page — ask us and we will quote it. Note that on a genuine expansion joint a mechanical fixing is usually the correct specification.
Can I choose the finish separately from the width?
No. Each width is manufactured in one finish only, listed in the table above. If you need a specific finish across several widths, tell us the project and we will check what the manufacturer can do to special order.
Will they cover a joint that is not straight?
Over a gentle deviation, yes, provided you size up so there is still bearing on both sides at the worst point. For a curved or stepped joint the plates are not the right detail — ask us about a proprietary movement joint profile instead.
Select the width above; the finish and stock length for that width are shown with it, and each is priced on its own. UK mainland delivery is a single flat rate however many lengths you order, so it costs no more to deliver a full corridor than one plate. These are long items and travel as an oversized parcel, so make sure there is someone on site who can take delivery. If you need a width, finish or drilling pattern that is not listed, send us the detail and we will price it as a special order.
| Service | Timeframe | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard UK Delivery | 2 working days from dispatch | £9.99 |
Orders placed by 2pm (UK time) on a working day are dispatched the same day. Orders placed after 2pm or on non-working days are dispatched the next working day. Delivery takes 2 working days from dispatch. Working days are Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. UK delivery costs £9.99. Contact us for international enquiries.
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Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 8 reviews.
At this price, it was a bargain for patching up where the asphalt meets bricks at home. The plate settled snugly against our existing outdoor flooring, handling rain and dust with ease. Feels sturdy underfoot and hasnt budged despite all the bikes slowing down over it.
Works a treat in the hotel lobby where the gap was collecting dirt and nearly wrecking trolley wheels. Im not one for singing praises, but this strip’s build quality is well worth its salt when lined up against pricier alternatives. Didn’t crack under daily use, though improvements could be made on it as a cover for outdoor use by ensuring its even more weather-resistant.
Had to sort out a tricky gap in the flooring over at Manchester Airport, so this expansion strip was just what I needed. I wasn’t thrilled about the price, but credit where its due: it arrived quicker than expected and packaged like it was royalty. Setting it up under the advert board was a breeze, and its doing a decent job of dealing with the endless stream of feet passing through every day. Not bad overall!
Came securely packaged and right on schedule, this cover fits perfectly over the flooring joint in our gallery space. I was surprised by how seamlessly it handled the rain-prone conditions here; the aluminium cover didn’t get slippery even with several people queuing up after a downpour. It only took us about an afternoon to install, and its been doing its job underfoot better than wed initially expected.
Took a punt on this close-to-floor channel for our shop entrance joint, and it came promptly and well-packaged. Inside the carton, every piece was perfectly snug in protective material which impressed me. Noticed it didnt miss a beat even with constant foot traffic; might have to consider another one if I need a cover for outdoor use just as good.
Fitted it in the reception area a few months back, and Ive been impressed with how well its handled the foot traffic and trolleys. The brushed finish still looks sharp against the marble surfaces, with no fraying at the edges or warping despite daily busy office use. Would expect it to last long given its hearty wear so far.
Got this for the entrance of our local municipal building, and I have to say its made quite a difference. The aluminium piece seamlessly covers the gap between the asphalt and brickwork, giving it a neat, finished look right at the stairs. The cover even blends in beautifully with its surroundings, like it was always meant to be there.
Solid piece of gear. Needed to cover an expansion joint in a hotel lobby, and this cap slid over perfectly after a quick cut to length with a standard hacksaw. Being robust enough for indoor hustle yet viable as a cover for outdoor use gives it more versatility than some other trims out there.
