Large concrete slabs like those in driveways, pool decks, and patios are often prone to sinking for a wide variety of reasons. The soil beneath them may have not been properly compacted before the slab was poured, or the soil may be experiencing some sort of erosion that you can’t see. Improperly sealed expansion joints can sometimes be to blame, which is why it is so important to use a proper expansion joint filler for concrete when doing repairs.
Tilted Concrete Solutions not only provides Top Rated Local® concrete leveling services in Houston, but we also provide industry-leading expansion joint repair. Today, we will take a closer look at expansion joints and the common materials used to fill them. Read on to learn more, then contact our team for your free estimate today!
What Are Expansion Joints?
Although they may seem like they are there only for aesthetics, expansion joints are a necessary component for large concrete slabs. They allow for expansion and contraction of the concrete and without them, slabs can crack as soils shift or temperatures fluctuate. In order to keep water from seeping under the slab through the expansion joint, some sort of expansion joint filler for concrete should be used.
Types of Expansion Joint Filler for Concrete
If you have never had to replace your expansion joint filler, then you may not be aware of all the options available to you. There are many types of fillers that are commonly used, including:
- Wood. This is the most common type of expansion joint filler for concrete. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stand up well to moisture and temperature extremes.
- Flexible vinyl. This extruded, tube-like material comes in predetermined heights and widths, and it may not completely seal the joint.
- Polyurethane. This material may harden to form a complete seal of the joint, but the seal may be broken if the slab heaves or settles.
As you can see, all three of these joint fillers come with some type of inherent flaw that prevents them from providing long-term solutions for sealing expansion joints. When water works its way around these fillers, the soil beneath the slab can begin to erode. That means you could be left with a bigger problem than you started with.
Why Silicone is the Best Expansion Joint Filler
Silicone provides an excellent alternative to the three expansion joint fillers above, and for a few reasons. First and foremost, it is flexible and durable, allowing it to accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of the slab without cracking or breaking its seal. This provides you with a long-lasting expansion joint filler that goes a long way in keeping water out to prevent sinking concrete surfaces. Second, because it is resistant to mold and mildew, silicone expansion joint filler provides a clean, beautiful appearance for much longer than other materials. It just doesn’t get any better than that!
Get an Estimate for Expansion Joint Repairs Now!
Have your expansion joints begun to crack or experience some other type of damage? If so, then it may be time to call in a professional for repairs. At Tilted Concrete Solutions, we won’t waste your time or your money by using subpar materials in our repair process. We value your business, and we will treat your property as if it were our own. Our technicians use a specially designed silicone expansion joint filler for concrete repairs to provide you with a solution that will stand the test of time and look incredible throughout the years. To learn more about our repair process or to request your free estimate, call us today. We can’t wait to speak with you!
