Expansion joints are essential in the driveway and sidewalk because they allow concrete slabs to expand and contract in their freeze-thaw cycle. That helps prevent them from cracking.
Keeping the expansion joints watertight is essential to prevent water and moisture from seeping under the concrete, causing them to sink or heave. It also protects against debris and dirt that can compromise the concrete’s structural integrity.
You can protect them using a driveway expansion joint sealer, and ensure you inspect it regularly to know when it wears out.
Remove existing sealer
An old, worn-out sealant will prevent the new one from properly adhering to the surface. Therefore, you can use a utility knife to remove it and clean off the surface with acetone. You can also use an angle grinder with a diamond blade or a standard cutting wheel.
You can use a wet/dry vac or vacuum to suck up the debris and clean the surrounding area.
Insert a closed-cell foam backer
Insert a closed-cell foam backer rod between the joints. That fills up the space to reduce the amount of sealer you need. The diameter should be 1/8th inch bigger than the concrete joint width to make it watertight. If the joint is bigger, coil two rods around each other like a rope.
The joint’s depth should be at least 1/4 inch and at most 1/2 inch below your concrete slabs.
Apply the sealer
After ensuring that the rods sit below the concrete pad’s surface, it is time to apply the driveway expansion joint sealer. Ensure you lay an even layer to avoid bumps.
Trim-A-Slab is one of the best expansion joint sealers to replace rotten or missing wood, primarily found in sidewalks and driveways. Visit https://www.trim-a-slab.com/ today to learn more and order.
