expansion joint replacement Call 713-899-3005
There are two types of joints in concrete driveway slabs, Expansion Joints and Control Crack Joints. The two we repair most of the time is diagrams 1 and 2 below. Every concrete slab, inside (basements, garages, etc.) or outside (driveways, patios, entries, etc.) are required to have joints every eight feet horizontally and vertically.
Expansion Joints provide space between concrete slabs as a buffer for expansion on hot days and contraction when it is cold. Usually these expansion joints are installed during the initial installation of the concrete and are made of wood or some soft material so they can move with the expansion and contraction of the concrete. These joints vary in size from half-inch to an inch in width and three to four inches in depth. A slab without expansion joints will crack which will reduce the life of the concrete slab. These joints will crack all the way to the bottom of the concrete. If they come open, water will be allowed to run under the bed of the slab, eroding it and creating voids which can heave and cause major cracks and displacement in the concrete. Open joints can also be point of deterioration of the concrete because of weed growth and insect penetration.
Control Crack Joints allow cracking in a controlled area as the slab settles with time. Usually these joints are cut into the slab after the concrete hardens. Control Crack Joints vary in size from one-eighth inch to one-quarter inch in width and half inch in depth. A slab without these joints will crack in random patterns which ruins the look of the concrete as well as allows for damage from water intrusion and will reduce the life of the slab.
Both type of joints will accumulate dirt and debris, allow grass or weeds to grow, and allow water to filter under the slab, etc. Water under the slab accelerates the settling of the concrete slab creating uneven concrete surfaces and cracks which is a very serious problem in the Houston area.
It is very important to keep joints in good repair. An annual inspection of joints should be on every homeowner's to do list. And knowing the proper way to repair these joints is very important. Many people just fill them up with a concrete material. This is not an optimal solution as the concrete will not expand and contract but will crack. A flexible joint sealer should be used to seal the joints to prevent water penetration and dirt and foreign matter accumulation while allowing the slab to move as it expands and contracts.
ALL ABOUT EXPANSION JOINT REPAIRS, REPLACEMENT AND TYPES
WHY YOU SHOULD MAINTAIN YOUR EXPANSION JOINTS
- Reduces Cracking
- Prevents water from running below concrete creating voids
- Eliminates the accumulation of dirt, salt, and other foreign materials
- Prevents weed and grass growth
- Prevents breakage from creating trip points
- Humidity Retention - Reduced Ground shifting
- Bonds to concrete for long service life - will expand up to 1" before breaking
- Prevents water from getting to rebar and creating rust
- Easier to clean
- Improves appearance of property
The Steps In Expansion Joint Replacement
Call Mastic Solutions of Houston today at 713-899-3005 for a free estimate.
Your expansion joint repair and replacement specialist.