How to Replace Sidewalk Expansion Strips

Break up the expansion strips you want to replace with a hammer and chisel. Use a pry bar to lift up the strips in small sections. Clean out the empty space with a wire brush, and chisel off any old caulking from inside the joints.

Measure the length of the joints with a tape measure, and cut a strip of foam backer rod for each joint you’re replacing using a utility knife. The backer rod should be equal in width to the joints.

Place the first strip over one joint, and press it down with your hands. Hit the material with a putty knife to force it to the bottom. Repeat this step for every expansion strip.

Load a tube of expansion joint sealer into a caulk gun, and position the tip at one end of the first joint. Fill the remaining expanse with the sealer until it sits slightly above the pavement. Run a trowel down the length of the joint to strike off excess so the sealer is level to the sidewalk. Repeat this step in each joint.