---
title: "Strip Seal: What is the minimum opening for seal installation?"
description: Steelflex® Strip Seal Expansion Joint Systems have provided superior watertight performance and longevity over bolt-down, segmental bonded and pourable expansion joint systems.
---

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# Strip Seal: What is the minimum opening for seal installation?

## Steelflex® Strip Seal Expansion Joint Systems have provided superior watertight performance and longevity over bolt-down, segmental bonded and pourable expansion joint systems.

**Answer:** 2" is the minimum recommended joint opening for seal installation and future replaceability but can vary depending on the actual temperature at the time of installation.  **Installation width should never fall below 1-7/8”**.

### ![SSPA-faded-Strip-Seal-Rail-2](https://learn.dsbrown.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/SSPA-faded-Strip-Seal-Rail-2.jpg?width=688&height=459&name=SSPA-faded-Strip-Seal-Rail-2.jpg) **Learn more about Expansion Joint Systems**

Since the early 1960s The D.S. Brown Company has provided [expansion joint systems](https://www.dsbrown.com/product-category/bridges/expansion-joint-systems/) and structural bearing assemblies for bridges around the globe. Bridge expansion joint systems are directly exposed to vehicular wheel loads and, therefore, must resist dynamic forces causing fatigue and wear. In addition, these expansion joint systems must remain watertight to protect the bridge superstructure and substructure from corrosion. 

- [Steelflex Modular Expansion Joint Systems](https://www.dsbrown.com/product/steelflex-modular-expansion-joint-systems/)
- [Steelflex Strip Seal Expansion Joint Systems](https://www.dsbrown.com/product/steelflex-strip-seal-expansion-joint-systems/)

 

 

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