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
| Profile | Size (width x height) | Colors |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1/2" W x 2-1/8" H | Gray and Almond |
| Standard | 3/4" W x 1-5/8" H | Gray and Almond |
| Standard | 7/8" W x 1-7/8" H | Gray and Almond |
| Standard | 1-1/8" W x 1-1/4" H | Gray and Almond |
| Standard | 1-5/8" W x 2" H | Gray and Almond |
| Shorty | 3/4" W x 3/4" H | Gray and Almond |
| Shorty | 7/8" W x 7/8" H | Gray and Almond |
| Shorty | 1" W x 1" H | Gray and Almond |
| Shorty | 1-1/8" W x 1-1/8" H | Gray and Almond |
| Shorty | 1-3/8" W x 1-3/8" H | Gray and Almond |
| Shorty | 1-5/8" W x 1-5/8" H | Gray and Almond |
Preparation
- Clean out the expansion joint. You probably have a tool at home for this. People have used tire irons, long screwdrivers and similar tools.
- 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.
- 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
- Lay the length of SlabGasket along the expansion joint. Press one end into place, then work down the length, pressing down every few inches.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Wait until installation is complete to wash or pressure wash your driveway, patio or walkways. No need to make a mess before you start.
- SlabGasket needs no curing or waiting. Walk or drive on it immediately.
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Questions about a repair?
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