Over time, the wooden expansion joints between the slabs on your driveway will rot away. Once that process begins, weeds will sprout up and ants will build nests in between the concrete slabs. Not only that, water can seep through the rotted wood, causing erosion. Finally, without an expansion joint, the slabs can shift, creating a tripping hazard.
Using a sidewalk expansion joint filler can solve this problem. There are two basic types of sidewalk expansion joint filler, flexible PVC strips treated with UV inhibitors or high-quality, self-leveling weather-resistant caulk. Either will work, but in the end, PVC strips may cost less. If you have a lot of expansion joints to replace, it can take many tubes of expensive caulk. Also, PVC strips have a consistent, uniform appearance, while caulk can unevenly settle into the cracks.
The hardest part about replacing rotting wood expansion joints is getting them out. Before you apply caulk or insert PVC strips, all of the old wood needs to be pried out. You’ll need to be careful not to damage or shift the concrete slabs as you do this. It can be time-consuming, but it must be done.
Once the wood is removed, it can take many tubes of caulk to fill the gaps. Or, you can buy a roll of PVC expansion joint filler big enough to complete the job. Simply pound it into the gaps with a rubber mallet, and you’re done.
Trim-a-Slab is the best PVC expansion joint filler on the market. www.trim-a-slab.com