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How to

How to Perform an Expansion Joint Repair

SlabGasket comes in many sizes and two colors, gray and almond. The standard 7/8" size, designed to replace a 1 x 4 expansion joint, is the most common. SlabGasket cuts easily with garden pruning shears, a sharp pocket knife or a box cutter.

SlabGasket sizes

ProfileSize (width x height)Colors
Standard1/2" W x 2-1/8" HGray and Almond
Standard3/4" W x 1-5/8" HGray and Almond
Standard7/8" W x 1-7/8" HGray and Almond
Standard1-1/8" W x 1-1/4" HGray and Almond
Standard1-5/8" W x 2" HGray and Almond
Shorty3/4" W x 3/4" HGray and Almond
Shorty7/8" W x 7/8" HGray and Almond
Shorty1" W x 1" HGray and Almond
Shorty1-1/8" W x 1-1/8" HGray and Almond
Shorty1-3/8" W x 1-3/8" HGray and Almond
Shorty1-5/8" W x 1-5/8" HGray and Almond

Preparation

  1. Clean out the expansion joint. You probably have a tool at home for this. People have used tire irons, long screwdrivers and similar tools.
  2. You may run into the occasional nail. Be careful removing it and wear safety eyewear. Use a hacksaw blade to weaken the nail before removing it. Otherwise the nail may be strong enough to break your concrete if you pry it out uncut.
  3. Small chunks of concrete chip out easily with a hammer and chisel. Again, wear eye protection. You can also use a diamond masonry blade on a rotary saw to cut nails and smooth or widen the joint.

Installation

  1. Lay the length of SlabGasket along the expansion joint. Press one end into place, then work down the length, pressing down every few inches.
  2. If SlabGasket sinks too far between the slabs, remove it and build up the base with sand, fine gravel or round foam backer rod. You may also want to try a larger size.
  3. Trim or notch the bottom or side of SlabGasket with a pocket knife, box cutter or pruning shears to pass over or around obstacles that are too hard to remove.
  4. To join two pieces, cut them at opposing angles and press them flush together for a cleaner fit. Once pressed into place, SlabGasket stays secure.
  5. Before you cut the end, check that SlabGasket didn't pull away from your starting point. SlabGasket can be removed and reinserted at any time.
  6. If a section is really snug, spray both sides with spray lubricant or soapy water and tap it in with a dead blow hammer or mallet. Use a white or light colored rubber mallet to avoid marking your concrete.

Cleanup

  1. Wait until installation is complete to wash or pressure wash your driveway, patio or walkways. No need to make a mess before you start.
  2. SlabGasket needs no curing or waiting. Walk or drive on it immediately.

Watch the video

SlabGasket expansion joint repair

Questions about a repair?

Call us Mon to Fri, 9 to 5 ET. We are glad to walk you through it.