expansion joints - another ques

[macguy787]

Has anyone tried NOT filling expansion joints?

I'm planning to use PPG Aquapon but the instructions don't state anything about crack filling.

http://www.garagestrategies.com/ppg.htm

Could I just use playsand and leave 1/8" to the top of the crack and then epoxy?

My local paint / hardware stores have been pretty un-helpful when it comes to something like this.

 

[willymakeit]

Backer rod and a urethane caulk that matcks your floor color. Sonneborne is one of the companies for caulking. I dont think the com. grade caulks are sold at the box stores. The epoxy over sand I think would fail over time.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Good call Willy. Use backer-rod as the sand can fall away over time and create a void.
It's more consistent as well.

 

[Dmtalon]

I did not fill my expansion joints. Mine are rather large and divide the garage into 4 parts with a drain in the center. I just used a brush to make sure I got the epoxy on all parts.

I used epoxy-coat.

 

[cowboyjosh]

I always caulk (I have a caulking subcontractor who takes care of this) around the perimeter of the garage where the floor slab meets the foundation, and then myself I also fill the expansions with SIKA self leveling sealant that can be bought at Home Depot, even large joints, I typically don't use a backer rod, and so far on dozens of homes, no problems; also no epoxy has really failed on the caulk either. Here in Colorado I like to caulk as many concrete joints as possible to keep expansive soils at bay, and less water under the floor or driveway via expansion joints less chance of heaving.

 

[Dmtalon]

Here's a picture showing my expansion joints/water drain paths...