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how do you fill expansion joints in garage floor

by Rosella Kessler Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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How To Fill Garage Slab Expansion Joints?

  1. Use a broom to clean out the joints. Make sure that all dirt, grit, pebbles and other debris are removed. ...
  2. Use a stiff brush dipped in a concrete cleaner to degrease the joints.
  3. Wash away the cleaner with a garden hose and wait for the joint to completely dry.
  4. Press a backer rod along the length of the joint. Use the correct size. ...

You can always fill these joints in your garage floor after an epoxy coating is applied. It can also be done after clear sealers, stains, or other floor treatments are applied as well. Not before. The easiest solution is to fill these joints with a self-leveling polyurethane joint sealer/filler.

Full Answer

Should I epoxy Fill my expansion joints?

It might sound like a good idea, but if the joints are filled with a solid material and then covered with epoxy, it defeats their purpose. Improperly filled expansion joints is where the chips and cracks in floors are born.

What is an expansion joint in concrete flooring?

The concrete expands into the floor joints, which relieves the pressure. Expansion joints are the V-shaped grooves that are typically cut at every 5-10 meters at a depth of 5 mm and 5 mm wide.

Does epoxy flooring expand and contract?

Despite repeated expansion and contraction of underlying concrete, your epoxy flooring will stay strong, smooth and beautiful. For more information on how we treat floor joints or to get our specific recommendations on extension joints in your floor, give us a call today!

Can you use caulk for expansion joints in concrete?

Concrete expansion joints can come in several different widths, but all cement expansion joints tend to be relatively deep. This is why you should use expansion joint filler and backing rather than something like caulk, which is really meant for filling a joint of much smaller dimensions.

Should Expansion Joints Be Filled?

What are the gaps in concrete called?

Why is concrete prone to cracks?

How deep are expansion joints?

Can you epoxy a garage floor in Tampa?

Can you fill expansion joints with epoxy?

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How do I fill my garage expansion joints?

1:206:37How to Make Your Epoxy Floor Seamless - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's pretty simple the street or repair tool put the rod and the joint use discrete little repairMoreIt's pretty simple the street or repair tool put the rod and the joint use discrete little repair tool to roll your back a lot down a lot of the joint.

What do you use to fill concrete expansion joints?

0:241:59How to Reseal Concrete Expansion Joints Part 2 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to place a backer rod a foam cell backer rod in between the expansion joint.MoreYou want to place a backer rod a foam cell backer rod in between the expansion joint.

How do you fill concrete gaps in a garage?

1:547:21How To Fill A Gap Between Garage Floor And Concrete DrivewayYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn addition you also want to pull out any loose pieces of concrete. Because you just want a flatMoreIn addition you also want to pull out any loose pieces of concrete. Because you just want a flat secure clean surface on both sides of the gap.

Should expansion joints be filled before epoxy?

Some people will consider filling the joints before the epoxy coating is applied. It might sound like a good idea, but if the joints are filled with a solid material and then covered with epoxy, it defeats their purpose. Improperly filled expansion joints is where the chips and cracks in floors are born.

Should you fill concrete expansion joints?

After a joint is established, it needs time to activate as the slab cures. Ideally after 90 days, the joint should be filled or sealed. Joint filling is done the full depth of the joint while sealing is only done over the surface level with a flexible material over a rod to help keep the proper shape of the joint.

Do concrete expansion joints need to be sealed?

Expansion joints need to be sealed periodically to protect against water, dirt, and debris. These elements can hurt the structural integrity of concrete over time. Water can also lead to mold and interior leaks that are costly to repair.

Can I epoxy over expansion joints?

Building joints need to be free to move around, and that is why they are wider than concrete slab joints (discussed below). Epoxy cannot possible bridge such a wide joint as it just does not have the flexibility. Whenever you fill and coat over a building joint, the epoxy will almost certainly crack.

Does garage floor need expansion joints?

Many people understand that wood shrinks and expands as temperature and humidity ebb and flow through the year. But the same thing happens with concrete. That's why it is necessary to include expansion joints along the edges of the concrete garage floor as well as around posts or other protrusions in the slab.

Can you put sand in expansion joints?

As you correctly point out, sand could restrict the movement of the joint in expansion. It also could cause a ratcheting action in climates with wide temperature ranges--joint expands in cold weather, sand settles, joint contracts in warm weather and is restricted by the sand.

What is the best sealant for expansion joints?

QUIKRETE® Self-Leveling Polyurethane SealantExpansion joints must be sealed with a flexible sealant, like QUIKRETE® Self-Leveling Polyurethane Sealant or QUIKRETE® Non-Sag Polyurethane Sealant…or an expansion joint strip, to prevent water from penetrating the joint and deteriorating the sub-base.

What material is used for expansion joints in concrete?

Minimize Concrete Cracking and Damage with Expansion Joints. ASPHALT EXPANSION JOINT is composed of a blend of asphalts, vegetable fibers, and mineral fillers formed under heat and pressure between two asphalt-saturated liners. It is waterproof, permanent, flexible, and self-sealing.

How do you fill concrete cracks before epoxy?

4:5915:59Got Cracks? How to repair cracks prior to epoxy floor installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut if these are real wide we'd put 70 mesh sand in to fill them up first and then pull the epoxy.MoreBut if these are real wide we'd put 70 mesh sand in to fill them up first and then pull the epoxy.

What is an expansion joint filler?

Expansion joint filler is a term used to describe a group of weatherproofing products intended for use as an aesthetic or functional expansion joint sealer agents in gaps in concrete slabs, walkways, decks, bridges, and sidewalks, for instance.

What is joint filler compound?

Joint filler is a material that is used between two sections of concrete, which in contrast to concrete, is a relatively compressible material so that it will not fail as the concrete around it grows and shrinks due to temperature changes or movement.

What do you put in between concrete slabs?

1:2211:17How To Seal A Gap Between Concrete Slabs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI do recommend some sand for that and filling those voids in before you seal off the top with theMoreI do recommend some sand for that and filling those voids in before you seal off the top with the tremco.

How do you fill the gap between two concrete slabs?

The best way to fill a gap between a concrete slab and a wall is by first measuring the size of the gap. If it is ¼-inch (6 mm) or smaller, it can be filled with urethane caulk. If the gap is larger than 0.25 inches, press a foam backer rod into the gap, then fill the gap with urethane caulk.

Should Expansion Joints Be Filled?

It might sound like a good idea, but if the joints are filled with a solid material and then covered with epoxy, it defeats their purpose. Improperly filled expansion joints is where the chips and cracks in floors are born .

What are the gaps in concrete called?

The gaps in concrete are known as control joints or expansion and contraction joints and they are there for a substantial reason. These joints are placed in the slab as an allowance space for concrete expansion. Temperature changes make concrete expand and contract.

Why is concrete prone to cracks?

Day in and day out, concrete is subjected to enormous amount of strain from heavy vehicles, massive cabinets, metal power tools and bulky repair equipment. With all the pressure they endure, together with the temperature changes, concrete floors are prone to cracks and damages. To help in handling the load distribution of the floor and reduce ...

How deep are expansion joints?

Expansion joints are the V-shaped grooves that are typically cut at every 5-10 meters at a depth of 5 mm and 5 mm wide . Having the floor joints in place helps create a weakened area in the concrete slab, since cracks follow the path of least resistance. The goal is to have the concrete crack inside a nice clean cut rather than cracking with random ‘spidery’ cracks throughout the floor.

Can you epoxy a garage floor in Tampa?

Beautifying your garage floor in Tampa has never been easier. All it takes is an epoxy floor coating professionally installed. We have the tools, team and experience to turn an old dinged or damaged concrete floor into a thing of beauty. With a concrete floor epoxy coating installed, your garage floor will be sealed and protected against dust, dirt and spills. Say hello to the new and improved garage flooring that is easy to enjoy and simple to clean and maintain. Get your all new epoxy flooring in Tampa from your local professional floor painting company today!

Can you fill expansion joints with epoxy?

We do not fill the expansion joints; we paint epoxy over them to get the color continuity. We use 100% solids epoxy that is self-leveling and has a tough, flexible consistency and high elasticity. It goes over control joints, making the entire concrete floor strong and durable. As a result of our epoxy application, you’ll get a seamless finish with minimal chances of getting dents and cracks on the epoxy. Despite repeated expansion and contraction of underlying concrete, your epoxy flooring will stay strong, smooth and beautiful.

What is the best epoxy for cracking?

The solution here is choosing the polyurea or the 100% solid epoxy filler that is designed with a greater rate of elongation. This actively prevents cracking by flexing whenever the joints expand or contract. The coating stays consistent without cracks as it cannot be pulled away due to its flexible nature. Some of the recommendable products include the 2-Part 100% solids epoxy gel and 2-part polyurea crack filler.

What happens when you put paint on a slab?

In any instance that the joints get filled with inflexible material and a layer of paint or epoxy is applied, the most likely outcome are cracks telegraphing their way up to the surface of the two slabs via the coating.

What is expansion joint?

Expansion joints, on the other hand, are alternatively known as isolation joints and they separate different sections of concrete slabs. Their dimensions feature 1/2-inch width minimum and have to integrate compressible fiberboard filling material. Their main function is to avoid damage that would arise from the expansion and contraction of two slabs if they were in direct contact. An example of an expansion joint is the gap between a driveway and garage floor.

What is the best product for a joint?

A Polyurethane joint filler or sealer is the best product for the job as it is self-leveling. Even after curing, this product does not shrink. Its application is easy as enabled by a calking gun and is affordable despite offering long term solutions.

Why is cracking concrete inevitable?

In due time, cracking of concrete slabs is inevitable but the presence of joints align such cracks along the intentionally weakened lines. This prevents cracks from taking random alignment across resistant floor surface which would weaken the integrity of the entire structure.

What is a control joint?

Contraction joints (control joints) for a typical garage space appear to be a distinctive plus sign dividing the floor space into four slab sections. They are V-shaped and in some instances, feature saw cuts with precise dimensions of 1-inch depth and 3/16-inch width.

How long does it take for concrete to cure?

The concrete used for filling should be dry for it to adhere perfectly. After application, the entire floor space should be given adequate time (3-5 days) to fully cure without interruption.

How deep should a concrete slab be for a contraction joint?

Contraction Joints may also be referred to as Control Joints. These joints are cut into slab-on-ground concrete a couple days after the concrete is poured. They are cut with a Tuckpoint Grinder at a preferred depth of 1/4 of the thickness of the concrete. As an example a 4 inch residential slab should have 1 inch deep Contraction Joints and ...

What happens if you cut a contraction joint?

Those uncontrolled cracks can be a real eye sore so by cutting a Contraction Joint it creates the weak point and predetermines where that concrete will crack. If there is no relief point (no Contraction Joints cut) the concrete will crack at random wherever the weakest points are.

What are the lines on my garage floor called?

We are often asked questions about those “lines on my floor” and whether or not we fill them in. Those lines are actually joints. There are two types of joints you could be seeing in your garage floor and they are called Contraction Joints or Expansion Joints. We will also discuss one other joint you may see which is typically found between your garage floor and your driveway. It is called a Construction Joint. Let me explain the purpose of these joints.

What is the purpose of an expansion joint?

Often confused with Control Joints the primary purpose of the Expansion Joint is to allow independent movement between neighboring concrete structures while hopefully preventing cracking when such movement occurs.

What is the third type of joint?

There’s a third type of joint called Construction Joints . Construction Joints are joints designed to keep concrete in place. Concrete Joints are often starting and stopping points in concrete placed when you don’t pour the entire slab or driveway all at the same time.

Why are bulkheads made of wood?

Many bulkheads are made of wood because they were originally the frame rails or screed rails of the concrete forms. This is why you frequently find a piece of wood between your driveway and garage floor. The garage was poured, the frame rail is left at the edge of the garage, and then the driveway is poured.

How long does it take for concrete to cure before epoxy?

Contraction Joint. It’s important to wait 28 days for new concrete to cure before an epoxy topcoat can be applied. If you don’t, you’ll have two potential problems. First the moisture content will be too high and the epoxy to concrete bond will fail. Second, the shrinking of the concrete will cause the bond to break.

Should Expansion Joints Be Filled?

It might sound like a good idea, but if the joints are filled with a solid material and then covered with epoxy, it defeats their purpose. Improperly filled expansion joints is where the chips and cracks in floors are born .

What are the gaps in concrete called?

The gaps in concrete are known as control joints or expansion and contraction joints and they are there for a substantial reason. These joints are placed in the slab as an allowance space for concrete expansion. Temperature changes make concrete expand and contract.

Why is concrete prone to cracks?

Day in and day out, concrete is subjected to enormous amount of strain from heavy vehicles, massive cabinets, metal power tools and bulky repair equipment. With all the pressure they endure, together with the temperature changes, concrete floors are prone to cracks and damages. To help in handling the load distribution of the floor and reduce ...

How deep are expansion joints?

Expansion joints are the V-shaped grooves that are typically cut at every 5-10 meters at a depth of 5 mm and 5 mm wide . Having the floor joints in place helps create a weakened area in the concrete slab, since cracks follow the path of least resistance. The goal is to have the concrete crack inside a nice clean cut rather than cracking with random ‘spidery’ cracks throughout the floor.

Can you epoxy a garage floor in Tampa?

Beautifying your garage floor in Tampa has never been easier. All it takes is an epoxy floor coating professionally installed. We have the tools, team and experience to turn an old dinged or damaged concrete floor into a thing of beauty. With a concrete floor epoxy coating installed, your garage floor will be sealed and protected against dust, dirt and spills. Say hello to the new and improved garage flooring that is easy to enjoy and simple to clean and maintain. Get your all new epoxy flooring in Tampa from your local professional floor painting company today!

Can you fill expansion joints with epoxy?

We do not fill the expansion joints; we paint epoxy over them to get the color continuity. We use 100% solids epoxy that is self-leveling and has a tough, flexible consistency and high elasticity. It goes over control joints, making the entire concrete floor strong and durable. As a result of our epoxy application, you’ll get a seamless finish with minimal chances of getting dents and cracks on the epoxy. Despite repeated expansion and contraction of underlying concrete, your epoxy flooring will stay strong, smooth and beautiful.

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1.Videos of How Do You Fill Expansion Joints in Garage Floor

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26 hours ago  · How To Fill Garage Slab Expansion Joints? Use a broom to clean out the joints. Make sure that all dirt, grit, pebbles and other debris are removed. Use a shopvac to get the last …

2.Filling Expansion Joints: How to Fill an Expansion Joint …

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OstbnRSZ3ao

13 hours ago  · Filling Expansion Joints: How to Fill an Expansion Joint and Repair with Concrete Joint Fillerhttp://youtu.be/OstbnRSZ3aoConcrete joints for driveways, patio...

3.Should Expansion Joints Be Filled | Epoxy Garage Floors

Url:https://www.epoxyflooringprofessional.com/should-expansion-joints-be-filled/

23 hours ago Can you fill garage floor expansion joints? You can always fill these joints in your garage floor after an epoxy coating is applied. It can also be done after clear sealers, stains, or other floor …

4.Tips For Filling Joints - ArmorPoxy Floor Coatings

Url:https://armorpoxy.com/tips-for-filling-joints/

21 hours ago  · The simple answer is absolutely nothing. Most garage floor mats and tiles were designed to be installed over your existing garage floor with little or no prep work. In most …

5.Expansion Joints or Contraction Joints? That Is The …

Url:https://amerepoxy.com/types-of-joints-found-in-a-residential-garage-floor/

14 hours ago Step 1: Prep (Cleaning Debris Out of the Gap) As with most jobs, preparation is key. It’s important for the gap between slabs to be clean and free of any loose debris or organic material before …

6.How to Cover Expansion Joints in Epoxy Floors - YouTube

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRVs1o4RMhc

5 hours ago  · To learn more about expansion joints in epoxy floors:https://learncoatings.com/covering-floor-joints-in-epoxy-flooring/An example of a …

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