How to Replace Wood Concrete Spacers

Expansion joints are cut lines in large expanses of concrete slabs that prevent the slab from cracking. The lines allow the slabs to expand and contract with temperature changes, thus providing room for the concrete to move. In some cases, installers insert wooden spacers into the expansion joints, which can rot over time. Replacing the spacers requires that you remove all of the rotting material and replace it with a new material that does not deteriorate.

Pry bar
Putty knife
Broom
Shop vac
Flexible joint sealant
Paint stirrer
Trowel (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the end of the wooden spacer and insert a pry bar under the end of it to lift it up out of the concrete. The strips remain in place only by pressure and not with any fasteners. If the wood is rotted, scrape it out using a putty knife until all of the material is removed and the expansion joint is empty.
- 2
  Sweep the expansion joint thoroughly using a broom to dislodge as many of the remaining wood chips as possible.
- 3
  Plug in a shop vac and vacuum the entire joint thoroughly to remove any remaining wood particles, sand and dirt.
- 4
  Open a tub of flexible joint sealant and stir it up using a paint stirrer.
- 5
  Pour the sealer into the expansion joint until it reaches the top. Instead of pouring the sealer into the gap, you can scoop it up using a trowel and apply it into the gap. Run a putty knife along the entire top of the expansion joint until it is smooth.
- 6
  Wait 15 to 20 minutes and re-examine the joint to determine if the material has settled into the joint. If settling occurs, apply more sealant until it reaches the top of the concrete surface.

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