There are certain elements of a given concrete slab on your property that may seem like they’re only there for aesthetics when this isn’t actually the case, and a good example here is your expansion joints. Used throughout the construction world, expansion joints refer to separations in a structure that relieve stress on the building material being used, and they’re commonly used for support in concrete slabs.
At Lift Right Concrete, we’re happy to offer numerous concrete repair services for our Utah clients, from joint and crack sealing through concrete leveling of driveways, walkways, garage floors, patios and numerous other areas. What purpose do expansion joints serve in concrete, and what are some of the most common materials used for these joints? Here’s a primer on everything you need to know about them.
Particularly for large concrete slabs like driveways or garage floors, expansion joints are vital elements. They provide support and allow for the concrete slab to expand and contract without leading immediately to cracks or other forms of damage.
Without expansion joints, the concrete slab may shift or move around as soil or temperatures change. This often leads to cracking in the slab itself, and this also presents risks of water seeping in under the slab through the expansion joint. For this reason, it’s important for a joint filler to be used within the expansion joint.
There are a few good options when it comes to expansion joint filler materials:
When selecting an expansion joint filler material, or really within many areas of concrete repair or improvement, it’s vital to work with experienced professionals. We’ll advise you on whether a filler is required for your joints, plus recommend the ideal material based on your budget, concrete needs and other factors.
For more on expansion joint filler materials in your concrete slab, or to learn about any of our concrete lifting and leveling services, speak to the staff at Lift Right Concrete today.
