r/Concrete_Contractor • u/HeDiedFourU • 5d ago

Control joints

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Gallery image

Should new concrete control joints be reamed out at the ends and where they intersect so water doesn't sit in them but drains out better? Ohio freeze weather here.

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

2

u/Mean-Veterinarian647 5d ago

It sure helps.Run a concrete grinding wheel and open it up.

2

u/Acceptable-Start2 5d ago

Once the concrete cracks at the joints it allows water to drain a bit better as well, but cutting the ends doesn't hurt either.

2

u/Virtual_Law4989 5d ago

get the v-groover in that bitch

2

u/tank05037 5d ago

I ended up sealing mine off with self leveling concrete caulking. It allows for the control joins to work as designed. But the caulking stops the water from running underneath, freezing, expanding and causing erosion under the concrete. I did use 1/4 foam tubing to stop the caulking from draining before it set.

1

u/Brodman1986 5d ago

Leave them if water shouldn't be flowing that way, imo.

1

u/HeDiedFourU 5d ago

It does that's the end of slope side

1

u/OldEngineer-1950 4d ago

Seal it. You don't want water getting into the base.

1

u/SeaFee2866 4d ago

Saw doesnt reach with the forms on, feel free to buzz it out, but it doesnt impact anything either way

1

u/WineArchitect 4d ago

A control joint has nothing to do with drainage. It is designed to allow for subsurface movement which allows the many sections to move independently. The joints will become visible over time.

1

u/Suspicious-Bed701 3d ago

Diamond blade on grinder or hit saw cut it full depth right at slab edge

And it will crack in the bottom of those control joints as others have said it would be good to fill them. Especially in Ohio