How to Caulk Concrete Driveway Joints
Whenever you pour concrete into a form it will be in the form of a wet slurry mix. As it begins to cure it will slowly contract. This will continue to happen due to weather conditions, which is why you need expansion joints.
Things That You Will Need
- A broom
- A garden hose with a sprayer attached
- Concrete caulk sealant (talk to your local building company to find the right type)
- Applicator caulk gun
- Sweep your driveway with a broom. Make sure that all of the debris, dirt and sand are removed.
- Use a garden hose with a sprayer attachment to wash off your driveway starting at the uppermost end of it and washing the entire surface clean. Pay special attention to the expansion joints.
- Let the driveway dry completely.
- Make sure that no vehicles drive on it so that it doesn’t get dirty once again.
- Apply the sealant making sure that you follow the manufacturer’s directions. Most sealant comes in a basic caulking tube. Cut the end of the caulk tube open to the desired width of the expansion joint. Insert the tube into the caulk gun. Apply the caulk to the joint. Make sure that the caulk completely fills the open void of the expansion joint.
- Allow the caulk to fully cure. This will take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours depending upon the product that is used. Make sure that there is no traffic on the driveway as it cures.