What is sealing the edges of this footpath?

Question

I want to fill the cracks in between the foundation and stone pathway adjacent to it.

In this first picture, you can see the void between the foundation and the stones.

But if you were to turn 180°, you'd see a less weathered (although hardly doing a complete job) seal. (grout?)

I wonder - can anyone identify the sealing material in picture? If so, what is it, can I buy and apply more of it very easily? Bonus: will it have any material effect on insects that may be going under and around the door to get inside the house?

Is it hard like cement or pliable? – isherwood Jun 30 '17 at 21:15 — isherwood, Jun 30 '17 at 21:15
Pliable. Brittle, too, after being dried out by the sun. – Cameron Hurd Jun 30 '17 at 21:18 — Cameron Hurd, Jun 30 '17 at 21:18

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Jun 30 '17 at 21:58

Looks like (just dirt actually) asphalt concrete expansion joint material. But it doesn't really matter what it is if it didn't come out a caulking gun. To insert an expansion joint you'd probably have to pull the first row of bricks up.

Google vulkem caulk if you want a way to easily do it and have something that will remain flexible for upwards of 20 years. Read the warning labels. This stuff works really well, which means it's very bad for you.

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Jun 30 '17 at 23:33

1

Looks like polymeric sand to me. Here's a description of how it's used to fill the joints.

answered Jun 30 '17 at 23:33

Mark

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score 1 · Answer 3 · answered Jul 01 '17 at 02:44

Keep in mind that the paving stones will move over time, especially if you live somewhere with freezing winters. If you fill the gaps with anything rigid or semi-rigid, it'll crack. What I would do is pour some sand over the top, and use a broom to sweep it into the gaps.

What is sealing the edges of this footpath?

3 Answers3