How to Replace Wood Expansion Joints in Sidewalk
3 Materials
$40
20 Minutes
Easy
If you have sidewalks or driveways of a certain age you have these--wood expansion joints! These are important as they allow the concrete to expand and contract without cracking. Unfortunately, time and the elements take their toll on them. Eventually they rot and break and should be replaced.
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Before
There are a number of reasons to replace them. Having a strong solid expansion joint helps with the following:
- Helps to inhibit the growth of weeds
- Helps to block water from getting below the concrete causing erosion. Erosion creates its own set of problems.
- If the wood expansion joint has totally rotted leaving a gap, it can create a tripping/falling hazard.
- Nice, clean looking expansion joints add instant curb appeal to your home!
There are at least three methods to replace the wood expansion joints. Each has its pros and cons but we settled on flexible vinyl gaskets due because it was very homeowner friendly, required no special tools or drying time.
After cutting the new gasket to size it was placed into position.
This one was a tight fit so it was encouraged to fit by a rubber mallet!
Such a great improvement over the rotten old wood!
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Frequently asked questions
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Hello!! How I can fix my backyard concrete cracked??