Trim-a-Slab Invents Alternative to Wooden Expansion Joint Repairs

R&D Workshop invents Trim-A-Slab, a replacement for old wood and rotted wood used as expansion joints in sidewalks and driveways. Continue reading →

Apr 23, 2016 /prREACH/ -- The wood used during the construction of a slab becomes part of the formwork which defines the size as well as shape of the slab. When the cement cures it remains so as to accommodate the slab movement as it is cooled in winter and heated in summer. The wood later functions as an expansion joint. Wood as an expansion joint is faced with a couple of problems.

Even if it is a pressure treated or of a rot-resistant range, moisture lets bacteria attack and disintegrate the wood. Movements increase the gaps, allowing roots and dirt in, leaving the formwork appearing like potting soil rather than wood. The expansion joint is infested by weeds that can only be eliminated by chemical weed killers. The use of chemical weed killers is of course undesirable since most driveways are near storm drains. Fortunately, R&D Workshop has invented a durable replacement for rotted wood and old wood.

A rubber-like material is used to make the Trim-A-Slab, allowing it to flex and hold itself into the gap between concrete slabs. The product is immune to rot, moves with slab contraction and expansion, and is not affected by moisture. It delivers a redundant blockade to weed growth, and primarily, it doesn’t trap dirt and debris such as wood and/or other less flexible products.

It comes in three colors: cement grey, black and walnut; there are also four sizes: 1/2”, 3/4” and 1-3/8”, depending on the gap to be filled. R&D Workshop patented the Trim-A-Slab design under US 8,132,380 and intends the product for slabs with rounded edges. It will stay just beneath the surface without requiring any special preparation. The exposed part is recessed slightly and resistant to damage from vehicles and foot traffic. The product intends to give a clean, virtually maintenance-free experience. Trim-A-Slab can be easily removed and reinstalled if one needs to run wires through the driveway. To see the design of the expansion joint repair, how to properly install it, among other details, interested parties are encouraged to visit http://www.trim-a-slab.com.com/.

Replacing the old wood with different wood is the worst option between replacing it with a caulk-filler strip or a filler strip, mostly because it is hard to fit back in, and the previous problems will recur. Caulk-like repair leads to cracking since the caulk-fillers do not have enough compliance to filling an expanding gap. It also requires curing which means installation must be done skillfully and in a careful manner to achieve good results. While a filler-strip is considerably easy to use, it ends up as a poorly supported joint that can collapse due to wheeled or foot traffic. Trim-A-Slab is a compliant filler-strip that is easy to use and available in precut rolls weighing below 20 pounds each. It is ideal for families who may lack time, skills or tools to carry out the other alternatives.

Trim-A-Slab 2629 Natchez Court League City, TX 77573 281-910-5511 Website: http://www.trim-a-slab.com.com/