Concrete is known for its durability, but even so these surfaces can face challenges, particularly at the joints. Concrete slab joints are essential for accommodating movement and preventing cracking, but they are also prone to deterioration.
Understanding the causes of this deterioration and the need for timely maintenance is crucial for ensuring the longevity of your concrete surfaces and saving significantly on maintenance costs.
Why Concrete Joints Deteriorate
There are several factors that can cause your concrete joints and surfaces to fail. Improper installation or inadequate subgrade can cause excessive movement through settling. Another common issue is that slabs often curl due to moisture and temperature differences between the surface and base during curing.
In warehouse and industrial settings, it is common to use heavy equipment such as forklifts and other equipment often carrying heavy loads. Each time an implement drives over an unstable joint it compresses the trailing joint and slams into the adjoining surface hammering the leading-edge of that joint eventually causing damage such as cracks and spalls.
Excessive movement eventually causes joint filler failure and potential slab separation. High quality semi-ridged polyurea joint fillers are designed to withstand a certain amount of movement. Joint fillers prevent water, chemicals, and other debris from intruding between and below the slab which can cause a litany of other problems including deterioration of the concrete itself.
They also promote a smooth transition between slabs and help prevent damage to equipment and the joint itself.
Joint Re-filling Versus Armor-Hard Repair
Generally, if joint deterioration is dealt with early, and excessive damage has not happened a joint can be cut out, cleaned, and refilled. However, joints that have excessive damage or have expanded over three quarters of an inch should be rebuilt utilizing a product such as Armor-Hard.
Simply refilling a joint with large spalls or one that has grown too wide will be ugly and lead to premature failure and costly repairs. The best practice is to deal with joint failures in a timely manner and before they need to be re-built with Armor-Hard.
Waiting until your floor joints are to the point where they need to be rebuilt because they’re damaging lift truck wheels or causing major problems will cost far more.
Testing For Slab Movement
Investing a small amount to test your slabs for movement can alleviate questions and potentially save a significant amount on your maintenance budget. If you’ve noticed rapid decline in your joints or your joint fillers haven’t held up it is likely due to excessive movement.
Companies such as Ace Avant Concrete Construction Inc. provide these types of testing services. Utilizing a device such as the Axiom 1155 can provide valuable information and confirm whether movement is the problem. Generally, these tests can be done at no cost to you as part of an evaluation and proposal to repair your floors.
Conclusion
Properly maintained concrete joints are vital for the structural integrity of your concrete surfaces. Understanding the causes of joint deterioration and prioritizing timely maintenance can help prevent significant issues.
Testing your floors and regular inspections along with prompt repairs are essential to ensure the longevity and functionality of concrete structures, safeguarding investments and enhancing safety.
