As the outdoor temperature and humidity change, concrete will expand and contract. If that is not controlled, cracks will develop in the concrete. That makes installing concrete slab expansion joints in driveways and sidewalks extremely important. Expansion joints allow the slabs of concrete to move, reducing the potential for cracks. A flexible material, such as wood, is generally used.
However, over the years, ordinary wood expansion joints can begin to decay. That’s particularly true of wood, which is commonly used in driveways and sidewalks. To make the situation worse, when wood expansion joints decay, weeds begin to pop up.
Also, when the wood expansion joints begin to decay, the slabs are free to shift and move, which can also cause cracks. You could replace the wood slab expansion joints with new wood, or with caulk. However, wood slats are difficult to fit into the gap. As the wood eventually warps, it tends to protrude, creating a tripping hazard. Eventually, this new wood will begin to rot, and weeds will become a problem again.
Fortunately, concrete expansion joints made from rubber-like plastic are easy to install, durable, and weed-resistant. It’s moisture-resistant and moves with the concrete slab’s expansion and contraction. These rubber expansion joints come in a few different colors, are easy to clean, and look great. Also, it can be removed if you need to lay down wiring or an irrigation system.
Trim-a-Slab’s patented rubber concrete slab expansion joints are easy to install, and come with a 10-year guarantee. Visit our website at www.trim-a-slab.com today!
