Filling saw cut expansion joints

[ratdoggy]

My home's basement has saw cut joints. I'm getting carpet and the estimator told me I can fill the joints with self leveling stuff. Is this true? I would think that that goes against the point of having the joints open. Or am I overthinking this?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... I'd think yer slab has shrunk as much as it's gonna by now,...

You could fill the cuts with a concrete caulkin' compound, insteada more mud, which will still allow abit of movement, 'tween the slab pieces,...

 

[ratdoggy]

Ayuh,.... I'd think yer slab has shrunk as much as it's gonna by now,...

You could fill the cuts with a concrete caulkin' compound, insteada more mud, which will still allow abit of movement, 'tween the slab pieces,...

Where would I find the concrete caulk? Is it a big box item?

 

[FORMUD]

Sika 1csl is pretty good....I think HD carries that brand if not mostly all self leveling caulk will do.

 

[ratdoggy]

Was wondering if after I caulk or fill the joints will it show through carpet and padding?

 

[63spyder]

It won't show even if you did not fill the cuts, you would be amazed at what pad and carpet can cover.

 

[Dennis93]

I'd just leave it alone, maybe put a foam filler strip like for the windows and doors in there and lay it over. I'm not an expert on concrete, but it seems like it's there so the concrete can expand and contract, hence filling it would make it obsolete. Carpet and pad does do wonders to fill up. You might however notice a dimple there if your foot lands on it the right way, hence the foam suggestion.

 

[Rimplecord]

you could also use ardex sdm

we use that all the time for patching and filling in cold joints.

you can buy it at almost any concrete supply place