Some driveways and sidewalks have expansion joints made of wood. These are only there to keep the concrete from cracking when it expands and contracts.
Wooden expansion joints aren’t particularly strong, though. They will eventually rot, and you might see weeds sprouting up through the opening.
Use a filler like Trim-A-Slab or SlabGasket if the expansion joints in your driveway or sidewalk are missing or rotting.
These two are regarded as some of the top fillers for expansion joints available today. And I’ll be evaluating and contrasting which is the superior choice today.
Trim-A-Slab: Sidewalk and Driveway Expansion Joint Filler
A flexible PVC expansion joint filler is called Trim-A-Slab. It is an excellent substitute for rotting wooden expansion joints because it is constructed of materials of an exterior grade.
Installing Trim-A-Slab is incredibly simple. You can use it to make your driveway or sidewalk look better because it comes in a variety of colors.
Although mostly for residential use, it can be utilized in both commercial and residential settings. And if that weren’t enough, Trim-A-Slab is simple to take apart.
Trim-A-Slab’s manufacturer offers a ten-year guarantee to customers. That is evidence that they think their expansion joint filler is better than the competition.
The fact that Trim-A-Slab is practically universally available is another feature I enjoy about it. It is available for purchase online, in well-known retail stores, and hardware stores.
It’s also important to note that Trim-A-Slab works wonders at preventing weeds from growing in the cracks in your sidewalk or driveway.
Important Elements
- Flexible: The reason Trim-A-Slab is so flexible is that it is composed of closed-cell polyethylene foam. It can therefore fit expansion joint gaps with ease.
- Weather-Resistant: Trim-A-Slab’s makers made it weather-resistant to make sure it lasts for a long time. It is resilient to prolonged exposure to UV radiation and heavy rain.
- Easy Installation: Installing Trim-A-Slab on your driveway doesn’t require hiring a technician or contractor. Simply insert it into the openings, and it will fit flawlessly.
- Minimal Maintenance: One feature that sets Trim-A-Slab apart is that it requires no maintenance at all, not even resealing.
Benefits Of Trim-A-Slab
- It enhances the curb appeal
- It reduces accidents (the expansion joint gap makes it easy to trip over).
- It preserves the concrete’s edges.
- Installation is simple.
- It’s a reasonably priced, long-lasting expansion joint filler.
Drawbacks of Trim-A-Slab
- On sidewalks or driveways with heavy traffic, it doesn’t last very long.
SlabGasket: High Traffic Area Expansion Joint Filler
SlabGasket, on the other hand, doubles as an expansion joint filler. On the other hand, it is constructed of highly flexible closed-cell extruded rubber, which is perfect for caulking cracks in sidewalks and driveways.
SlabGasket is similar to its counterpart in that it can be applied to residential and commercial sidewalks. Nevertheless, the extruded rubber used in SlabGasket’s construction has an open and closed cell structure that makes it easy for concrete to expand and contract.
SlabGasket doesn’t require curing times and is incredibly simple to install because it is composed of extruded rubber.
The effectiveness of this expansion joint filler in stopping the growth of weeds is one of its main characteristics. It can handle even the most obstinate weeds.
SlabGasket will also stop water from seeping into the slab joints, which typically causes erosion.
Important Elements
- Available in Various Sizes: SlabGasket is offered in a range of sizes. As a result, purchasing one that matches the width and depth of your expansion joint will be simple.
- Exceptionally Sturdy: SlabGasket is composed of rubber that is incredibly sturdy and long-lasting.
- It Expands and Contracts Effectively: SlabGasket can expand and contract in tandem with concrete in an effective manner.
- Prevents Debris Buildup: You won’t have to worry about dirt or debris buildup when you use SlabGasket on your expansion joints.
Benefits Of SlabGasket
- It will last you a very long time.
- Little maintenance is required.
- It closes cracks in sidewalks that could cause trips and falls.
- This expansion joint filler is adaptable.
Drawbacks of SlabGasket
- Accurate sizing selection is essential; otherwise, you might not receive a snug fit.
What Distinguishes SlabGasket From Trim-A-Slab?
Composition And Style
As was already mentioned, closed-cell polyethylene foam is used to make Trim-A-Slab. SlabGasket, on the other hand, is composed of extruded rubber.
This variation in materials plays a major role in how well each expansion joint filler performs, as you will see later on.
Utilization
Trim-A-Slab is suitable for sidewalks and driveways in both residential and commercial settings. In addition, it can be utilized in public places like parks and other recreational areas.
Conversely, SlabGasket can be applied in industrial settings like warehouses as well as heavily trafficked public places like highways and bridges. Airports can also make use of it.
The fact that SlabGasket can be used in high-traffic areas is a major sign that it is more resilient than Trim-A-Slab.
Setup
Trim-A-Slab installation is frequently a simple procedure. For the most part, you’ll need a hammer and adhesive to push it down the expansion joint.
SlabGasket installation is straightforward, but for larger projects, you might need some experience or professionalism.
If your plan is to install SlabGasket in a driveway at an airport or business, you will require the assistance of a qualified contractor.
Upkeep
Trim-A-Slab is not very durable, so you’ll need to check it frequently. Also, you might need to replace it more frequently if you use it in a busy area.
SlabGasket, on the other hand, requires very little maintenance due to its extreme durability. However, periodically inspecting it is a good idea.
What Is The Similarity Between Trim-A-Slab And SlabGasket?
In addition to their numerous distinctions, these two expansion joint fillers have many things in common, such as
They Both Have the Same Goal
Trim-A-Slab and SlabGasket are primarily used to fill expansion joints that were previously filled with wood. Both of them will make it easier for concrete sidewalks and driveways to expand and contract.
Installation of Both Is Simple
These two products have an intriguing additional similarity in that they are both simple to install. These are DIY-installable expansion joints, unless you intend to install them over a large space.
Both Stop the Growth of Weeds
SlabGasket frequently highlights the weed-preventing properties of its expansion joint filler. However, Trim-A-Slab is actually quite skilled at this.
They will keep weeds from growing in the cracks in your concrete sidewalk or driveway as long as they are installed properly. They will also stop the accumulation of dirt and debris.
They’re Both Adaptable
Trim-A-Slab and SlabGasket have different materials, but they are both flexible. This adaptability fulfills two vital functions. It makes installation simple and allows the fillers to expand and contract effectively.
Why and for whom should one select Trim-A-Slab?
Following a detailed analysis of Trim-A-Slab’s characteristics and a comparison with SlabGasket, the following individuals stand to gain the most from selecting this expansion joint filler:
1. To homeowners: Trim-A-Slab is an ideal substitute for wooden expansion joints that have decayed or been eaten away on your driveway or sidewalk. The fact is, not much traffic uses residential driveways. Trim-A-Slab should therefore last you for many years.
2. Those on a Budget Looking for Expansion Joint Fillers: Trim-A-Slab also has the benefit of being marginally less expensive than SlabGasket. Trim-A-Slab will therefore result in greater savings if you’re shopping on a tight budget.
3. Do It Yourself Addicts: Do you like doing DIY repairs around the house? You ought to choose Trim-A-Slab, then. Installing Trim-A-Slab is a very simple task, provided that you are working on a small area.
Why and for whom should one select SlabGasket?
Now that we’re talking about SlabGasket, this is my professional advice for those who would benefit the most from it.
1. Commercial Premises: Stores, offices, companies, and any other type of commercial space are included in this category. SlabGasket is incredibly robust. As a result, it is resilient to the heavy traffic in these locations.
2. Airports and Warehouses: SlabGasket can be used in locations that house heavy machinery, like airports and warehouses, because it can withstand high-stress situations.
3. Those Who Detest Maintenance: Let’s be honest, not everyone enjoys performing routine maintenance. Some would rather install something and then forget about it. That’s what SlabGasket will provide for you, then. It requires very little maintenance.
