Sealing of expansion joints in industrial floors
Industrial floors are constantly exposed to intense loads - from the movement of warehouse equipment and transport to vibrations, temperature changes and the influence of aggressive environments. To prevent uncontrolled cracking of concrete during its hardening, expansion joints are made in the screed. However, they themselves require mandatory protection. That is why sealing expansion joints in industrial floors is a critically important stage in the operation of concrete coatings.
Why is expansion joint sealing necessary?
The main function of an expansion joint is to compensate for linear expansion and shrinkage of concrete. Without high-quality sealing, joints become vulnerable areas, which leads to:
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penetration of water, oils, chemically aggressive substances; -
accumulation of dust and industrial waste;
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destruction of the seam edges under the influence of mechanical and transport loads;
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formation of chips, cracks and reduction of the bearing capacity of the floor;
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transmission of vibrations, which accelerates the wear of the concrete pavement.
A properly selected sealant for expansion joints not only provides protection, but also extends the life of the entire floor.
Which sealant is suitable for industrial floors?
For industrial facilities - warehouses, parking lots, logistics centers, production workshops - household elastic materials are not suitable. Here , high-strength polyurethane sealants are used, which combine hardness and elasticity.
Such materials:
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withstand constant dynamic and point loads;
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resistant to abrasion and vibrations;
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are not destroyed by moisture, oils and chemicals;
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compensate for the mobility of expansion joints.
The sealant is applied after the concrete has fully matured - usually no earlier than 28 days after pouring the screed.
Hydroflex 40FC — an effective solution for sealing joints
Hydroflex 40FC is a one-component polyurethane sealant specifically designed for sealing expansion joints in concrete industrial floors. It provides an optimal balance between strength and elasticity, which is especially important for areas with intensive use.
Advantages of Hydroflex 40FC:
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high adhesion to concrete without prior priming;
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resistance to moisture, UV radiation, oils and aggressive environments;
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excellent resistance to vibration and mechanical stress;
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ready to use due to single-component composition;
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possibility of painting after polymerization;
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simplicity and ease of application.
Features of applying sealant
Before sealing, expansion joints must be thoroughly cleaned of dust, dirt and cement laitance residues, and completely dried. The sealant is applied only to concrete that has reached design strength. It is recommended to use a caulking gun to fill the joints, which ensures uniform and dense application of the material.
The use of Hydroflex 40FC allows you to effectively protect expansion joints, preserve the integrity of the concrete floor, and significantly improve its performance even under conditions of high industrial loads.
