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Replacing Expansion Joints

Expansion strips (available at masonry suppliers) consist of a compressible fibrous material that you place between concrete sections. These strips, placed at set intervals throughout a walk or drive, protect adjacent slabs from cracking as the concrete expands and contracts with the weather.

Fiberboard and lumber used to form expansion joints in concrete eventually wear away in the weather. To replace the joint, use the following guidelines.

PROJECT BASICS

Project: Easy
Estimated Project Time: 1 hour or less
Start Tips: For best results, work on a dry day.
Safety Tips: Wear safety goggles and rubber gloves when working with urethane sealant.
Recommendation: Do-it-Yourself

Wet-dry vacuum	Urethane sealant
Putty knife	Safety goggles
Caulking gun	Rubber gloves
Foam backer rod

Fig. 1

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Dig out old pieces
Dig out old pieces of lumber and debris in the joint, using a putty knife. (Fig. 1)

Fig. 2

2) Vacuum the crack
Clean out the crack with a wet-dry vac. (Fig. 2)

Fig. 3

3) Insert a foam backer rod
Use a putty knife to pack a strip of foam backer rod into the joint. (Fig. 3)

Fig. 4

4) Seal the joint
Cover the backer rod and seal the joint against the weather with a liberal layer of self-leveling urethane sealant. Follow manufacturer's directions and wear safety goggles and rubber gloves when applying urethane sealant. (Fig. 4)

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