How to Replace a Concrete Expansion With Wood

Crumbling wood or weeds in your expansion joints is an indication the expansion joint requires repair. The expansion joint allows the concrete to expand and contract without cracking. Although there are foam backer rods available to replace the wood expansion joint, some homeowners choose to replace the joint with new wood. When replacing a concrete expansion with wood it is necessary to use a treated yellow pine or a redwood as they last longer. Purchase 1-inch-by-4-inch boards in lengths that are longer than the expansion joint.

Large flat-head screwdriver
Trash can
Wire brush
Shop vacuum or household vacuum
Tape measure
1-inch-by-4-inch redwood or treated yellow pine boards (longer than expansion joint)
Hand saw
Circular saw with rip cutting blade
Mallet
Masking tape
Self-leveling compound
Caulk gun

Instructions

- 1
  Scrape out the existing wood and other debris in the expansion joint with a large flat-head screwdriver. Remove as much debris as possible from the expansion joint by hand and placing it in the trash can.
- 2
  Brush the length of the expansion joint with a stiff wire brush. This helps to remove any loose bits of concrete from the edges of the expansion joint.
- 3
  Vacuum the debris from the expansion joint with a shop vacuum. Ensure that you remove all traces of debris from the joint.
- 4
  Measure the length of the joint with a tape measure. Cut the expansion joint wood to the measurement with a hand saw. Measure the depth of the expansion joint and subtract 1/8 inch. Transfer the measurement to the face of the expansion joint wood. Rip cut the length of the wood with a circular saw and rip cutting blade.
- 5
  Set the wood into the expansion joint. Tap the wood down into the joint with a mallet. The top of the wood should be 1/8 inch below the surface of the surrounding concrete. Place painters tape on the top of the two concrete slabs on each side of the joint.
- 6
  Apply a bead of self-leveling compound over the wood with a caulk gun. The bead should cover the wood and even with the surrounding surface. Allow the self-leveling compound to cure for 24 hours and remove the rape from the concrete.

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