Expansion joints help prevent damage to concrete driveways.
Driveway expansion joints keep outdoor concrete slabs from breaking. Driveway expansion joints are placed in slab to allow expansion and contraction of the concrete as the seasons -- and temperatures and moisture levels -- change. Without expansion joints, a concrete slab would buckle from excessive movement. Over time, expansion joint material may become damaged and need repairing. The original expansion joint is composed of a preformed resilient material that is 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thick. If a damaged expansion joint is not repaired, damage to the concrete may occur. Water can seep under the concrete, for instance, causing the slab to vertically rise and sink. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove the old expansion joint material with a hammer and chisel. Hold the pointed end of the chisel at an angle on the old expansion joint. Hit the end of the chisel with the hammer, forcing the pointed end into the material. This will allow you to grab the old expansion material and pull it up away from the joint.
2. Clean the open expansion joint with the broom to remove the majority of dirt and gravel. Wash the joint thoroughly with a garden hose. The goal is make the joint as clean as possible so the new joint mastic will adhere to the older concrete.
3. Insert the expansion joint replacement board into the cleaned out joint. Tap the board into place with the hammer. The depth of the new replacement board must at least 1/2 to 3/4 inch below the surface of the concrete.
4. Trowel the joint mastic into the top of the joint, over the new replacement expansion joint board. Smooth the material so it lies even with the existing concrete surface. Keep all traffic from the mastic material until it fully cures according to the manufacturer's labeling.
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