What can I use for a concrete driveway expansion joint rather than treated wood?

Answer 1

There is a tar/ oil soaked fiber strip, about 1/2 inch thick that is specificaly meant for this purpose. You can find it at home improvement stores or contractor suppliers.

If you are pouring your own concrete, the concrete company can also bring you what you need.

Answer 2

I empathize, and have recently thought to try this.

I just finished a project. An exterior building facade using vinly/pvc ? "Never Rot" I think it's touted as. Sold in HD and Lowes stores, it does "flex"; it does "Give"; and I'm preparing to try it on a sidewalk. I find it sold in what equates to a 1 x 3 plank, as well as a 1 x 2. The 1 x 3 is maybe a 1/16 th thicker.

The issue, if it happens to matter to you, is that it's "white"

AS important is the basis of what you use to reinforce and support the pouring. I had a house built with a double drive, and 4 inches of concrete poured over Mesh/wire. with treated lumber for the expansion joints. That was 15 years ago. The joints have degraded Moderately, but the drive cracked otherwise,,,but not at all because of the expansion joints.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

A lot of contractors score lines in the cement for that purpose and some go further by running a concrete saw in the lines they have scored to provide for expansion. I really don't know of any material that really holds up. Best bet ask some contractors in your area.

Answer 4

loads of firms make propriety concrete expansion joints, these are specially designed and are quite cheap to buy, i would recommend you use these rather than make your own.
if you don't know where to find these companies look on the internet.

Answer 5

The fiber strip Stavos mentioned is called "oakum". As far as I know it is still the best thing for expansion joints.

Answer 6

go to where you will buy your concrete, they have material for your area. treated wood is a poor choice for any climate.