How to fill gap between concrete and brick work?

Paarth

Hi Bunnings Team,

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/148805

I’m dealing with a similar issue as in the post above, but the gap ranges from under 10 mm to just over 40 mm, and it seems the concrete has already moved down.

In some sections the gap is around 30 mm wide and 120 mm deep, and I’m unsure what material is best to fill it.

Other areas are wider than 40 mm, and I can’t find Abelflex in that width, so I’m looking for an alternative filler.

I’m also unsure whether it’s acceptable to reuse the old Abelflex, as some sections are tightly wedged and extremely difficult to remove or push down. In case I can reuse it where I am not able to take out easily, what is the best way to create enough space for the sealant.

Current condition of Abelflex where I can take it out.

Thanks

JacobZ

Hi @Paarth,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Abelflex, or Abelrod are primarily there to act as a backing so that your sealant doesn't slump through the gap, while still being compressible to allow for the expansion of the concrete. It doesn't matter too much how wide and deep the gap is as long as you can get the foam rod to hold in position under friction alone.

So, my suggestion, because you have such varying widths, is to simply use Sika 10 x 100mm x 25m Abelflex and put in multiple lengths where the gap is wider and less where it is narrower. As long as it sits in there and doesn't slip down, it should be fine.

Once the Abelflex is in place, you can go over it with Sikaflex 11FC Purform to cover the Abelflex and complete the expansion joint. If the old Abelflex is not easy to get out, then I would just leave it in place. as long as it can still act as a backing for the Sikaflex, it shouldn't matter if it is a little bit degraded.

Check out How to fill a joint in a concrete slab for some guidance on how to install an expansion joint in concrete.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob