There are some sidewalks and driveways that have wooden expansion joints. These exist solely to help the concrete expand and contract without cracking.
However, wooden expansion joints aren’t very durable. With time, they will rot and you may notice weeds growing inside that gap.
If the expansion joints in your sidewalk or driveway are rotten or missing, you can consider using a filler such as Trim-A-Slab or SlabGasket.
These two are recognized as some of the best expansion joint fillers in the market. And today, I’ll be reviewing and comparing which is the better option.
Trim-A-Slab: Expansion Joint Filler for Driveways and Sidewalks
Trim-A-Slab is a flexible PVC expansion joint filler. It is made using exterior grade materials and it’s the perfect replacement for rotten wooden expansion joints.
Trim-A-Slab is very easy to install. It comes in many colors, so you can use it to improve the aesthetics of your driveway or sidewalk.
It can be used in both commercial and residential premises, but mostly the latter. As if that’s not enough, Trim-A-Slab is easily removable.
The manufacturer of Trim-A-Slab gives buyers a 10-year guarantee. That’s proof that they believe in the superiority of their expansion joint filler.
The other thing I like about Trim-A-Slab is that you can get it almost anywhere. It’s sold in hardware stores, and popular retail shops and you can also buy it online.
It’s also worth mentioning that Trim-A-Slab is very effective at stopping the growth of weeds on the gaps in your driveway or sidewalk.
Key Features
• Flexible: Trim-A-Slab is made out of closed-cell polyethylene foam and that’s what makes it so flexible. As a result, it can easily fit expansion joint gaps.
• Weather-Resistant: To ensure it serves you for long, the manufacturers of Trim-A-Slab designed it to be weather-resistant. It can withstand heavy rain and constant exposure to UV rays.
• Effortless Installation: You don’t need to hire a contractor or a technician to install Trim-A-Slab on your driveway. Just press it inside the gaps and it will fit perfectly.
• Requires Minimal Maintenance: One of the things that makes Trim-A-Slab stand out is that you don’t have to reseal it or engage in any sort of maintenance.
Pros of Trim-A-Slab
• It improves curb appeal
• It minimizes accidents (One can easily be tripped by the gap in expansion joints)
• It keeps the edges of concrete intact
• It’s easy to install
• It’s an affordable yet durable expansion joint filler
Cons of Trim-A-Slab
• It doesn’t last very long on high-traffic sidewalks or driveways
SlabGasket: Expansion Joint Filler for High Traffic Areas
On the other hand, SlabGasket is also an expansion joint filler. However, it is made out of closed-cell extruded rubber which is quite flexible and ideal for sealing gaps on driveways and sidewalks.
Like its counterpart, SlabGasket can be used on both commercial and residential sidewalks. Still, in the construction of SlabGasket, the extruded rubber has both a closed and open cell structure that allows it to facilitate the easy expansion and contraction of concrete.
Because SlabGasket is made out of extruded rubber, it’s very easy to install and you don’t have to wait for curing times.
One of the key features of this expansion joint filler is how effective it is at preventing weed growth. It will deal with even the most stubborn weeds.
At the same time, SlabGasket will prevent water from draining into the slab joints which usually leads to erosion.
Key Features
• Available in Different Sizes: SlabGasket comes in various sizes. Therefore, you can easily buy one that fits the depth and width of your expansion joint.
• Super Durable: SlabGasket is made out of highly durable rubber that can last for years.
• It Expands and Contracts Efficiently: SlabGasket can efficiently expand and contract alongside concrete.
• Prevents Debris Buildup: With SlabGasket on your expansion joints, you don’t have to worry about dirt or debris buildup.
Pros of SlabGasket
• It will serve you for very long
• It needs minimal maintenance
• It eliminates gaps on sidewalks that act as tripping hazards
• It’s a versatile expansion joint filler
Cons of SlabGasket
• You need to choose the size correctly (Otherwise you may not get a snug fit)
Trim-A-Slab vs SlabGasket: How Are They Different?
• Materials and Design
Trim-A-Slab, as mentioned earlier, is made out of closed-cell polyethylene foam. Whereas, SlabGasket is made out of extruded rubber.
As you will see later on, this difference in materials contributes significantly to the performance of each expansion joint filler.
• Applications
Trim-A-Slab can be used on both residential and commercial driveways as well as sidewalks. It can also be used in recreational areas such as parks and other public spaces.
On the other hand, SlabGasket can be used in high-traffic public areas like highways, and bridges, and even in industrial environments like warehouses. It can also be used in airports.
That’s a key indication that SlabGasket is more durable than Trim-A-Slab because it can be used in high-traffic areas.
• Installation
The installation process of Trim-A-Slab is often straightforward. Mostly, you’re going to need some adhesive and a hammer to push it down the expansion joint.
As for SlabGasket, the installation process is simple but you may need an element of expertise or professionalism for larger projects.
Assuming you intend to install SlabGasket in an airport or commercial driveway, you’ll need the services of a skilled contractor.
• Maintenance
With Trim-A-Slab, you’ll need to inspect it frequently because it’s not very durable. Also, if you use it in a high-traffic area, you may have to replace it more frequently.
However, with SlabGasket because it’s very durable, the level of maintenance needed is relatively low. But it’s good practice to inspect it now and then.
What Trim-A-Slab and SlabGasket Have in Common?
Apart from the many differences between these two expansion joint fillers, there are a lot of similarities, which include;
• Both Serve the Same Purpose
The main use of Trim-A-Slab and SlabGasket is to fill expansion joints that were once occupied with wood. They’ll both facilitate the expansion and contraction of concrete driveways and sidewalks.
• Both are Easy to Install
Another interesting similarity between these two products is that they are both easy to install. Unless you plan on installing them in a big area, these are expansion joints that can be installed using a DIY approach.
• Both Prevent Weed Growth
SlabGasket likes to praise its expansion joint filler for its ability to prevent the growth of weeds. But the truth is that even Trim-A-Slab is good at this.
As long as they are installed correctly, they will prevent weeds from growing in the gaps on your concrete driveway or sidewalk. They’ll also prevent dirt and debris buildup.
• Both are Flexible
Despite being made of different materials, Trim-A-Slab and SlabGasket are flexible. This flexibility plays two crucial roles. One, it facilitates easy installation, and two it enables the fillers to expand and contract efficiently.
Who Should Choose Trim-A-Slab and Why?
After closely examining the properties of Trim-A-Slab and comparing it against SlabGasket, here is a list of people who would benefit more from choosing this expansion joint filler;
1. Homeowners: If the wooden expansion joints on your driveway or sidewalk are rotten or eaten away, Trim-A-Slab is the perfect replacement. The thing is, most residential driveways are low-traffic. So, Trim-A-Slab should serve you for years.
2. People Shopping for Expansion Joint Fillers on a Budget: The other advantage of Trim-A-Slab is that it’s slightly cheaper than SlabGasket. So, if you’re shopping on a budget, you will save more with Trim-A-Slab.
3. DIY Lovers: Do you enjoy fixing things in your home by yourself? Well, you should go for Trim-A-Slab. As long as you’re working on a small area, Trim-A-Slab is very easy to install.
Who Should Choose SlabGasket and Why?
Moving on to SlabGasket, here is my expert recommendation for the people who would get more from it.
1. Commercial Premises: This refers to malls, businesses, offices, and any other commercial premises. SlabGasket is very durable. Therefore, it can withstand the high traffic experienced in such areas.
2. Airports or Warehouses: Because SlabGasket is capable of withstanding high-stress scenarios, it can be used in areas that accommodate heavy machinery such as warehouses and airports.
3. People Who Hate Maintenance: Let’s face it, not everyone likes engaging in regular maintenance. Some people prefer to install things and forget about them. Well, that’s what you’re going to get with SlabGasket. It needs minimal upkeep.