If you’re looking for a compound to fill in or grout paver joints, EASY Joint is amongst the best options in the market. As the name suggests, EASY Joint is effortless to apply. All you need is a broom and some water.
Also, it’s available in multiple colors, so you can match it with your pavement. It is compatible with a wide range of pavement materials such as concrete and natural stone.
Besides the numerous praises EASY Joint receives from its manufacturer, Azpects, this product also has lots of positive reviews from clients.
However, there are a few EASY Joint problems that people have complained about in the past. I’ll be listing these issues so that you can decide if this is the right paving joint compound for you.
1. It Cracks Even Under Light Traffic
A common EASY Joint problem that you’ll find customers complaining about on Amazon or eBay is that it cracks very easily even when exposed to little traffic.
I understand that some customers may be quick to point fingers at the manufacturer. But EASY Joint mostly cracks prematurely if it is installed incorrectly or if the pavement experiences a lot of traffic.
It’s always important to follow manufacturer instructions and ensure that the pavement is solid. Because any sort of movement will be automatically transferred to the EASY Joint and lead to the development of cracks.
2. EASY Joint Dries Very Fast
I also came across several complaints about EASY Joint drying very fast. I understand how annoying this can be because the manufacturer mentions that it is reusable.
This problem is mostly due to incorrect storage measures. If you have some leftover EASY Joint, you should place it inside the container it came with, add water, and close the lid.
As long as EASY Joint is stored in a damp environment, it will not dry. And it can last for up to one year in that state. So, if you have ever encountered this problem, know that it could be due to incorrect storage techniques.
3. It’s Not Easy to Use as Advertised
Some reviews claim EASY Joint isn’t as easy to install as advertised. Well, that depends on how you perceive the installation of paving joint compounds.
Most EASY Joint alternatives tend to have more complex installation methods. You are required to kneel and move from one pavement gap to another. But with EASY Joint, just spray some water on the pavement and brush the product into the gaps.
If your pavement or patio is very big, I understand that will be a lot of work. But you can be assured that the process is less complex than if it were another product.
4. It Discolors After a While
The discoloration of EASY Joint is inevitable considering that it’s exposed to many elements ranging from UV rays to rain and snow. This discoloration should occur a little bit later on.
If it happens within a few months that should raise some eyebrows. Unfortunately, many clients have complained that the color of EASY Joint fades very fast. So, this is something you may want to keep in mind before buying it.
5. It Will Not Work on Tight Joints
EASY Joint is recommended for use on gaps that are at least 3mm wide and 25mm deep. Now if you use it on a pavement joint that’s much tighter than that, you won’t succeed.
This is a problem that Easy Joint should have addressed from the beginning by making the particles of their product much finer.
6. Installation in Colder Climates Leads to Weaker Joints
If the pavement you plan on working on is located in an area that experiences very cold weather, the water you may use during installation can freeze and create a void within the EASY Joint compound.
As a result, there will be ice pellets within the joints and if it dries that way, the ice pellets will melt and weaken the structure of your joint.
To avoid such, if you live in cold climates, always make sure that the EASY Joint is applied during the warmer days. Azpects also recommends sealing the EASY Joint if you’re living in freezing conditions.
7. Staining
This isn’t a problem that only affects EASY Joint. But it’s a common issue for all paving joint compounds. Pavements, because they are located outdoors, they are vulnerable to dirt buildup.
This is the leading cause of staining. Also, algae and mold can develop over EASY Joint and cause different colored stains.
There isn’t much you can do to prevent EASY Joint from staining except for the occasional cleanup. A low-pressure wash can get rid of any stubborn stains on EASY Joint.
Please keep off abrasive or harsh chemical cleaners. These will do more harm than good.
8. EASY Joint Will Not Last on Pavements with Poor Drainage
If you go through the key features of EASY Joint, you’ll notice that it is permeable. That means that EASY Joint allows water to pass through.
If the pavement it has been applied to lacks proper drainage, then the stagnant water will eventually weaken the joint compound and this can lead to failure. Always confirm that the ground beneath the pavement facilitates free drainage of water.
Is EASY Joint Any Good?
Like all other products, EASY Joint has its fair share of pros and cons. We have already looked at the limitations, so it’s only fair that I discuss the benefits of this paving joint compound.
EASY Joint is one of the most durable paving joint compounds I have ever interacted with. Provided it’s installed correctly, EASY Joint can serve you for years without any issues.
It can also withstand the blast from a pressure washer. So, stains shouldn’t be a very big deal.
As mentioned earlier, some people find EASY Joint difficult to install. But the truth is that its installation process is much easier compared to other alternatives.
Another feature of EASY Joint that I find to be interesting is its self-curing mechanism. This means that should it be punctured due to traffic, it will heal and return to its original condition.
This is one of the reasons why EASY Joint is quite durable. You can also get it in a wide range of colors ranging from mushroom to stone grey.
Therefore, it’ll be much easier for you to style and design your entire pavement to suit your preferences. It’s also important to note that EASY Joint has weather-resistant properties. So, it can take a beating from rain, snow, and UV rays.
Before you decide whether you should or shouldn’t use EASY Joint, I’d advise you to take a step back and evaluate the above problems and benefits. From there, you can decide whether it’s the right product for your project.
How Long Does EASY Joint Last?
After conducting in-depth research among people who have used EASY Joint on their pavements, I can conclude that this compound has a lifespan of 10 to 20 years.
It only lasts long if it has been installed correctly and if it’s exposed to moderate traffic and good weather. If it’s exposed to the vice versa, EASY Joint lasts for a much shorter time.
Those three factors play a crucial role in determining the lifespan of EASY Joint. As for EASY Joint that has already been used, it can be stored for about a year before it merges into one huge lump.
Does EASY Joint Stop Weeds from Growing in Pavement Gaps?
This is one of the key uses of EASY Joint. Weeds love to creep up in the spaces between pavements. But with EASY Joint, you can say goodbye to weed growth.
But please remember that when the EASY Joint cracks, weeds can sneak their way into the surface. This is why it’s crucial to ensure the EASY Joint is in perfect condition.