Trim a slab

Trim-A-Slab is extremely easy to install.  You will need one of these two tools to cut Trim-A-Slab to length ( We recommend the shears, they are very easy to get a nice edge with, and are probably safer):

You only need any one of these tools

The first thing and potentially the most difficult is the joint preparation.  Unlike the gooey stuff and other expansion joint products, Trim-A-Slab requires only a 1.5 inch minimum depth; the joint needs no further work.  You will not need to back-fill to get a precise depth, or add any filler strips.  Just clear at least 1.5 inches, and you are done.  In areas about 10 years old in Southeast Texas, about 50% of the boards are ‘ripe’ and easily removed.   The indications are dropped or protruded boards, or partially missing boards, as shown in the figures below.  Many times a board that seems OK and merely looks weathered is actually rotten from below.

Board Has Dropped Down

Missing Pieces

We recommend getting under the board from the slab edge and prying up, but this can damage the concrete edges if you are not careful.  If you cannot access the edge, you can also drill into the board, install a lag bolt half way, then pry up on the bolt head.  This technique works better the more the boards are structurally sound.  Please exercise caution, and use safety glasses and gloves for this work.  If this seems like it is too much hassle, or you don’t want to risk damaging your concrete, check out our distributors page for a list of contractors who will take care of the job for you..

Now for the installation: just push it in until flush, and cut to length.  Hand pressure is usually all it takes.  You may also find that stepping on the installed trim seats it better than doing it by hand. The four steps below show how to make an edge cut.

Press In

Cut surface even with edge

Cut surface all the way through

Press flat

We like to place the strip as close as we can to its final position for the cut.  Using the shears, line up the cut with the edge of the slab, and cut through just the curved thickest part of Trim-A-Slab.  Do this from both sides, so the two cuts meet in the middle.  Then, slice through the rest of the strip.  This cut won’t be seen, so it does not have to be neat.  Lastly, press the free end flush like the rest of the strip.

 

Trim-A-Slab is available in 50 ft rolls, which only weigh about 10 pounds each, so if you do want to install yourself, it’s easy to handle.  If you aren’t the do-it-yourself type, then visit the distributor’s page for a list of installers, who will take care of the whole job for you.