# How Deep to Saw Expansion Joints
Expansion joints are designed to stop cracks from forming or spreading across concrete slabs due to movement. The movement can occur as a result of weather changes, such as extreme cold to hot temperatures, heavy objects rolling over the top face of the concrete slab, moisture changes in the concrete when curing, or the ground shifting underneath the slab. Though expansion joints will not completely prevent cracks from forming, they will prevent them from spreading across the whole slab.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Shovel (optional)
- Chalk line
- Concrete cutting saw
Instructions
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1
Measure the concrete's thickness using a tape measure. Dig up alongside the concrete slab with a shovel to expose the outer edge prior to measuring if needed.
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2
Divide the thickness of the concrete slab by four and make a note of the number you get. Adjust the concrete cutting tool's cutting depth to the determined number.
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3
Snap straight lines across the surface of the concrete slab at the locations where you'll cut the expansion joints.
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4
Space the snap lines for each expansion joint 2-to-3 feet per inch of concrete thickness apart; for example, a 3-inch slab times three equals a distance of 6-to-9 feet apart per expansion joint.
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5
Cut along the snapped lines from one end of the slab to the other using the concrete cutting tool.
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1
Paving
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