How to Fill Large Expansion Joint in a Concrete Driveway

How to Fill Large Expansion Joint in a Concrete Driveway
Published: Sep 22, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Hand brush
  • Wet-dry vacuum
  • Foam backer rod
  • Utility knife
  • Foam backer rod
  • Putty knife
  • Self-leveling urethane sealer
  • Caulk gun
  • Concrete sealer
  • Roller brush
  1. Remove any dirt, leaves and other debris from the large joint with a hand brush. Use a wet-dry vacuum to suck out any remaining loose debris.

  2. Cut foam backer rod to fit the length of the joint with a utility knife. The backer rod should be a little wider in diameter than the width of the joint. Lay the material over the top of the joint and push it to the bottom with a putty knife. Once in place, the top of the backer rod should be about one-quarter inch from the surface of the driveway.

  3. Attach a tube of self-leveling urethane sealer to a caulk gun. Start at one end of the joint and fill the remaining joint with the sealer. Smooth the surface with the putty knife or a concave jointing tool. Block off the driveway so the joints can set for at least 24 hours.

  4. Apply an even coat of concrete sealer over the driveway and expansion joints with a roller brush. The sealer repels water and stains. Wait a day full for the sealer to dry and plan to re-apply it every 2 or 3 years.

Photo Credits

Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images

Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images

Aurora LaJambre

Aurora LaJambre is a writer and editor living in Brooklyn, N.Y. For over five years she's covered topics in culture, lifestyle, travel, DIY design and green living for print and online media. Her publication credits include "WOW Women on…

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