When building or renovating a warehouse or other facility, the concrete floor is always a large consideration. Is is thick enough, is it properly reinforced, and is it sealed are common concerns. However, concrete joint filling should be just as much a consideration as these items as it protects the concrete from serious damage. Check out our concrete joint filling services here.
Warehouse Floor with High Polished Concrete and Joint Filler for a Seamless Floor
Why Concrete Joint Filling is so Important for Warehouses:
- Protection and Prevention – The best way to prevent damaged concrete at the joints and extensive concrete repair is with concrete joint filling. Professionally filling the control and expansion joints is essential preventing joint spalls and unraveling.
- Cost for joint filling vs joint repair – When considering joint filling it is important to remember when the joints are new and unfilled it is significantly more cost effective to fill them than after they require repair before filling. Joint repair (due to unfilled joints) can be up to $50 or $75 per lineal foot versus $1.50 – $3 if filled when they are new.
- Maintenance – When the joints are filled, maintenance becomes easier. Creating a smooth solid surface allows sweepers and scrubber to go over the joints instead of pushing debris into them.
What is the proper way to perform concrete joint filling?
When a contractor assesses a concrete joint filling project, they should be asking the following questions:
- When was the concrete poured? At minimum the concrete should be 28 days old, but this is the bare minimum. Because concrete continues to lose water and therefore shrink for up to a year, the longer you wait the better to prevent separation of the joint filler. Joint filler is semi rigid and has little flexibility so that it protects the joint – waiting 90-180 days is desirable and achievable in most cases as the building process continues.
- How deep are the joints? This will determine the cost (i.e. material usage) for the contractor. They may ask how thick the slab is instead to get a good idea of the joint depth so they can determine their material cost.
Titus Restoration is a full service concrete restoration company, we specialize in joint repair and concrete joint filling for new and renovated facilities. Read more about our full range of services here. Contact us for a free site evaluation today!