Expansion/Contraction Joints, how to repair/replace

[JMURiz]

I have expansion/contraction joints in my driveway...next to the garage floor apron, house, curb-cut. They are the tar-fibrous type (not sure exactly what kind) but they are deteriorating.

What should I use to replace them?
I have seen a cork-like substance used, as well as PT wood...whatever I use I want something that'll last longer than the ~6 years the cheap-o tar stuff has lasted.

Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[dcs Inc]

Use a self leveling joint filler. I use a lot of sonoborne SL-1. there are others that work well also. I think Sika makes one also. It's a urethane based product. the old (and cheap) oil soaked expansion joint dries out quickly and departs. Chew it out to at least 1/2" below the surface. Take some cheap caulk and lightly fill the voids down in the joint before using the self leveling stuff. if you prefer the sticky finger stuff, Sonoborne has the PL-1. they come in many colors but most concrete supply houses only stock the concrete and limestone colors on the self level.

 

[pop pop]

+1. That is as near to permanent as the concrete!

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Use a self leveling joint filler. I use a lot of sonoborne SL-1. there are others that work well also. I think Sika makes one also. It's a urethane based product. the old (and cheap) oil soaked expansion joint dries out quickly and departs. Chew it out to at least 1/2" below the surface. Take some cheap caulk and lightly fill the voids down in the joint before using the self leveling stuff. if you prefer the sticky finger stuff, Sonoborne has the PL-1. they come in many colors but most concrete supply houses only stock the concrete and limestone colors on the self level.

Will that work for the joints that had wood strips in them? I have the same issue as the OP and wondered if I should fill them in

 

[dcs Inc]

Wood fillers were at one time "the" thing to do. what a disaster. they look great till the wood goes south on ya. 3/4" board's not bad to fill. the 2" stuff..... and I mean actual
2" wide is a pain. On one project I used thin set patio brick and glued them to one side of the joint. Then used backer rod and SL-1 joint filler. Came out looking real good. they have rubber/plastic pieces that lock in wider joints that looks really sharp. The problem is that they are real proud of them. 3/4" boards are most of the time 5/8". these would be fine with the self leveling. The depth of fill should be 1/2 of the width. gene

 

[Jkaz]

This is the stuff I have used. Works great. I've seen it used for parking ramp joints.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...0053&langId=-1&keyword=sikaflex&storeId=10051