Industrial Floors & The Importance of Control Joint Filler

Control joints are essential in large concrete slabs like industrial warehouse floors. Control joints, also known as expansion joints or contraction joints, provide predetermined areas for controlled cracks to form as concrete cures,  expands, and contracts with changes in temperature. Without control joints, random cracks would compromise the integrity, and appearance of the floor surface. Installation of a properly specified control joint filler is key to their effectiveness in protecting your concrete floor.

 

Choosing the Right Control Joint Filler

 

There are a few main types of materials used for Control Joint Fillers on industrial floors. Epoxy-based fillers are durable and adhesive, forming a seamless bond that protects against moisture and debris ingress. Polyurea control joint fillers provide rapid-cure solutions that allow floors to be used sooner and in colder environments. Factors like traffic levels, environmental exposures, and joint movement should dictate a given project's optimal control joint filler.

 

Ensuring Long-Lasting Performance
 

Over time, control joint fillers can break down from repetitive stress or exposure to harmful chemicals. This leads to cracking, spalling, and flooring system failures. Using fillers formulated for high compressive/adhesive strength prevents premature breakdown. UV resistance is also important as sunlight damages most joint filler materials. Additionally, proper application methods involving priming and tooling are necessary to achieve maximum bond strength between the control joint filler and the concrete surface. This results in your concrete floors longevity and maintenance-free performance.

 

The Benefits of an Epoxy Control Joint Filler System

 

For heavy-duty environments demanding maximum durability, epoxy control joint fillers like the MM-80 from Metzger/McGuire are an excellent choice. Their high-solids, low-odor, two-part epoxy system forms an extremely hard and chemically-resistant seamless bond within the joint that protects the concrete. MM-80 is engineered to withstand compression from heavy forklift traffic and thermal cycling without breaking or popping out. This protects concrete floors over decades of use in warehouses, factories, and other industrial settings.

 

Importance of Aesthetics for Facility Ownership

 

While performance is paramount, the appearance of industrial floors also affects the image and operations of a facility. Over time, deteriorated or failed control joints can detract from professional presentation. They may also pose safety concerns from uneven surfaces. Filler materials offering diverse color options allows joints to blend seamlessly into the surrounding concrete for a monolithic, flawless floor surface. This alleviates risks while enhancing the visual appearance of the floor within the building.

 

Polyurea Control Joint Fillers - Single-Step Rapid Cure Solutions

 

Advanced single-component polyurea control joint fillers delivers for projects requiring fast turnaround or when cold temperatures preclude multi-step epoxy systems. The Spal-Pro series from Metzger/McGuire features formulations that are set firmly in under an hour without priming. This enables same-day use of the floor, reducing downtime. Their rapid cure also provides a safety advantage by quickly covering fresh joints vulnerable to impacts. Spal-Pro delivers the structural integrity of a conventional two-part filler through innovative chemical formulation.

 

Installation Matters

 

Correct installation is necessary in unlocking the full performance regardless of the control joint filler material chosen. This involves thorough cleaning and priming of joints and tooled finishing techniques that achieve proper compression and bond formation. Contractors certified through manufacturers like Metzger/McGuire understand these nuanced application details. They prevent early failures caused by air bubbles or voids in the installed filler. Professionals deliver results that maximize quality, lifespan, and return on investment for industrial flooring projects.

 

 

Not all Control Joint Fillers are Formulated the Same

 

With proper specification and installation of control joint fillers, industrial concrete floors can attain years of durable, safe, and aesthetically pleasing performance. Traditional epoxy or rapid-cure polyurea control joint filler systems each have their advantages depending on project requirements. Tenured manufacturers such as Metzger McGuire have extensive expertise in the development and formulation of high-performance concrete joint filler materials and ensure through approved vendors they are correctly applied. Overall, control joint fillers are a foundational component for industrial flooring that protects concrete joints, prevents premature failures, avoids potential harm to staff and equipment while enhancing the floors finish.