Is there any way to minimize the debris accumulation in these wide and deep concrete lines left by the concrete guy?
Asked by Macit Gürmen 
8 months ago
Last Updated: April 27, 2024
Do you think there’s anything we can put in these concrete gaps? They’re so big and deep, the concrete guy really made them wide. They keep getting filled with dog hair and dirt, and we have to resort to using a screwdriver to clean them out.
I believe the width is intentional for expansion purposes, to allow for potential cracks in the concrete.
Well, sort of. Those are joints, but they might have been saw cut instead of floated in.
Caulk for concrete
Sure thing! Head over to the store with the orange box and pick up some concrete sealant along with a caulking gun. Fill in the cracks, let it dry, and that should do the trick. This will help seal them up and it can handle changes in temperature. We use it to keep weeds out of our driveway and sidewalk.
Have you considered using spray foam for concrete?
If you need concrete sealant, they’re around $8 per tube. You might need to buy 5 or more.
I actually completed a couple of them a few weeks back
Does this bend to allow for expansion?
Pea gravel.
Backer rod and gray big stretch by sashco.
Can you plant grass or small, tough succulents instead? My friend in Arizona opted for succulents instead of Astro turf, and it looks amazing and unique.
Who would want grass in there? Haha, that’s silly.
I think it actually looks good in some situations. But yeah, don’t be a jerk.
There are many options to consider, depending on the aesthetic you’re aiming for. ravel, mortar, cement filler/caulk, silicone, moss, or other ground cover could work well!
One idea is to insert foam from a pool noodle and then apply concrete gap filler on top.
Nic il recently purchased some backer rod
If you overfill it, you’ll have to address significant cracking because there’s no space for expansion in hot and cold temperatures.
Those aren’t cracks, they’re actually control joints meant to prevent stress cracks from forming elsewhere. Just fill them with backer rod and flexible sealer like others have suggested, and they’ll still work as control joints.
That’s a really good response
I think expansion joint foam is the way to go, and then you can use some silicone ‘all weather flex gap filler’ on top for a smooth finish.
I’ve heard that Sika self leveling joint sealant is sold at Home Depot. You could also check with your local construction materials company.
Agreed, but first put some 1/4″ or 1/2″ backer rod foam strips in there. Sika is great.
The purpose of leaving room for expansion is to prevent your concrete from cracking due to temperature changes.
Can you please grab a leaf blower?
‘s best idea.
Can she fill them in, that’s the question for .
What about polysand? Just a suggestion, maybe ask a mason for their opinion.
Is there self-leveling filler in the concrete aisle?
Basically, just the specific materials that should be used. Foam backer rod and self-leveling “rubberized” expansion joint filler.
No content
Oh, it’s not a very deep joint. I think sikaflex self-leveling sealant would be suitable.
Just a thought, is the backer rod the black material usually found there?
Heather eorger Backer rod is a 1/2-3/4” diameter foam typically used to fill in large gaps and provide support for caulk, spray foam, silicone, etc. It helps reduce materials in big gaps.
I believe you might be thinking of asphalt control joint material.
https://www.wrmeadows.com/asphalt-expansion-joint/
Hunter I really appreciate the explanation, I’ve always been curious.
Feel free to use a flexible sealant.