These joints have always been a weak point in the flooring system for areas of heavy traffic. However, the introduction of automated lifts and carts have pushed conventional joint design past its limits. These machines are precise. So precise that the wheels never vary from the most efficient and direct path. This shows up in wear patterns in the floor. However, the real damage is to the joint. These heavy loads are concentrated on smaller wheels that make the machine more maneuverable and unfortunately deliver more impact to the joints they cross while moving.

This damage creates an uneven transition at the joint. Given that these machines are so precise, any unevenness may cause them to shut down to prevent any damage or safety hazard.

Repairs to these damaged joints should be completed with materials that can take the wear and impact of this equipment that is critical to controlling costs and improving efficiency to your operation.

Take a look at some good choices for replacing the damaged concrete that should make the repaired joint less susceptible to future damage.

Joint Repair Options

Once you’ve repaired the joint, you’ll need to fill it. This will provide a level surface for side to side of the joint illuminating the drop impact that would otherwise occur in the space created by the empty joint. Here are some Joint Filler options you could consider.

Joint Filling Options

Give us a call when you’re planning your next Joint Repair project.

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Check out this updated article explaining how much more affordable pumping joint filler is now. The article is the same. But, the numbers are crazy low.

So, you’re comfortable filling floor joints on the average job. It’s easy. Just get some cartridges and start pumping. But now you’re looking at a larger project and there are far more joints to be filled than your average job. You’re adding up the cost of the cartridges you’ll need on this one and it’s a big number. Plus, you’ll need more people to install it 20 ounces at a time.

You know that these materials are available in bulk units. But you’d need a pump and you’re not sure you’d have another need to use it again any time soon. Seems like a like a bad investment for just one job. Let’s take a look at the math for a clearer picture.

Example: Assume you have a 6” thick slab and have 3500lf of 1/8” saw cut joints. The depth of the cut is 25% or 1.5”. The average coverage for this joint is 100 lineal feet per gallon.

Cartridge Option:
Cartridges contain 22 ounces each. That means you’ll need 204 cartridges to fill these joints. Approximately $9,243.00. This would be slow going and labor intensive. Lots of hand and knee work. Need one person shaving for every 2 squeezing.

Bulk Option:
10 gallon units are $580.00/ea. You’ll need 3.5 of these. $2,030.00. (Saving $7,200 in materials.) This mini bulk pump would cost you $2,900. Total cost with pump is $4,930. Faster, continuous filling and needs fewer people. (Don’t forget to consider the labor savings too!)

Labor Saving?

First, let’s take a look at the amount of time it takes to apply the joint filler manually. One person filling joints with a manual cartridge applicator gun can fill around 16 lineal feet per minute. That means they have to squeeze the handle and then swap to a new cartridge that has been made ready to apply by another person. So, in theory, two people can perform a continuous filling operation that would fill 16 lineal feet per minute.

With a pump, two people could fill that same joint at a rate of 60 lineal feet per minute. One person operates and moves the pump while another keeps the pump hoppers full. That’s the same labor costs to complete nearly 4 times the work. Not to mention, no one has to work bent over or on their hands and knees.

Now that you own a pump, you’ll be able to see lower material costs on every job regardless of the size.

Check out the summary in the chart below

Comparison for manual vs pump application of joint filler in 3500lf of 1/8”x1 ½”deep sawed joints

*assumes $35/hr labor rate

The post Filling Control Joints: When Does It Make Sense to Use Bulk Material? Mini-Pump Update! appeared first on Indcon Inc..

You know that these materials are available in bulk units. But you’d need a pump and you’re not sure you’d have another need to use it again any time soon. Seems like a like a bad investment for just one job. Let’s take a look at the math for a clearer picture.

Example: Assume you have a 6” thick slab and have 7500lf of 1/8” saw cut joints. The depth of the cut is 25% or 1.5”. The average coverage for this joint is 100 lineal feet per gallon.

Cartridge Option:
Cartridges contain 22 ounces each. That means you’ll need 437 cartridges to fill these joints. Approximately $19,800.00. This would be slow going and labor intensive. Lots of hand and knee work. Need one person shaving for every 2 squeezing.

Bulk Option:
10 gallon units are $580.00/ea. You’ll need 8 of these. $4,640.00. (Saving $15,160 in materials.) A bulk pump would cost you $7350 Total cost with pump is $11,990. Faster, continuous filling and needs fewer people. (Don’t forget to consider the labor savings too!)

Labor Saving?

First, let’s take a look at the amount of time it takes to apply the joint filler manually. One person filling joints with a manual cartridge applicator gun can fill around 16 lineal feet per minute. That means they have to squeeze the handle and then swap to a new cartridge that has been made ready to apply by another person. So, in theory, two people can perform a continuous filling operation that would fill 16 lineal feet per minute.

With a pump, two people could fill that same joint at a rate of 60 lineal feet per minute. One person operates and moves the pump while another keeps the pump hoppers full. That’s the same labor costs to complete nearly 4 times the work. Not to mention, no one has to work bent over or on their hands and knees.

Now that you own a pump, you’ll be able to see lower material costs on every job regardless of the size.

Check out the summary in the chart below

Comparison for manual vs pump application of joint filler in 7500lf of 1/8”x1 ½”deep sawed joints

*assumes $35/hr labor rate

The post Filling Control Joints: When Does It Make Sense to Use Bulk Material? appeared first on Indcon Inc..

Hard-wheeled vehicles, carts, and pallet jacks traveling over a sealant-filled joint will cause it to deflect, leaving the edges of the joint unprotected. Leading to edge cracking and spalling. Therefore, the best use of joint sealants in an industrial floor is to fill joints not subject to traffic such as isolation joints at walls or columns and under racks.

Industrial floor joints subjected to heavy and/or hard-wheeled traffic should be filled with a semi-rigid joint filler. These are either polyurea or epoxy materials.

Semi-rigid joint fillers restore continuity to a concrete floor that was disrupted by cutting joints into the surface. Because they are hard and relatively inflexible , joint fillers protect joint edges from damage caused by hard wheel impact and heavy loads. Filling these joints allow for wheels to roll across the joint as though it was a continuous concrete surface while still allowing for the joints to continue to perform the job of relieving stress within the slab.

So, what if you need flexibility and the ability to take heavy traffic?

Let’s say you have fork truck and tractor trailer traffic outside. There are sealants that are tough enough for industrial traffic that still have enough flexibility to accommodate movement as temperatures change during the day. While these sealants won’t provide the stiffness of a joint filler, they are a good middle ground for outside joints.

Choosing the right sealant for each area is essential to ensuring longer life of your plant/mill infrastructure. Check out the chart below:

Don’t forget to check out our line sheet to see all we have to offer!

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01. Assess Your Team’s Expertise

Evaluate the skill level of your in-house maintenance team. Are they equipped with the necessary knowledge and experience to handle flooring joint repairs? While minor fixes might be within their capabilities, more extensive repairs could require specialized skills. It’s essential to recognize the limits of your team’s expertise to avoid potential complications. ​

Take a look at our maintenance focused site for specific products and applications

02. Time Constraints and Project Deadlines

Consider the urgency of the repair. If the area in question is critical to your operations, a swift turnaround is essential. Professional contractors often have the resources to expedite repairs, minimizing downtime. On the other hand, if your team is already managing a full workload, adding repair tasks might lead to delays and reduced productivity.

03. Evaluating Risks and Potential Liabilities

Undertaking repairs without adequate expertise can lead to subpar results, posing safety hazards and potential legal liabilities. Mistakes in flooring joint maintenance can result in increased costs down the line, especially if the initial repair fails and causes further damage. Professional contractors are typically insured and adhere to industry standards, mitigating these risks.

04. Budgetary Considerations

While self-performing repairs might seem cost-effective initially, it’s crucial to account for all associated expenses, including materials, tools, and potential overtime pay. Moreover, without the right expertise, there’s a risk of errors that could lead to additional costs. Professional contractors, though more expensive upfront, bring efficiency and expertise, potentially saving money in the long run by ensuring the job is done correctly the first time. 

05. Quality Assurance and Compliance

Professional contractors are well-versed in industry standards and local regulations. They ensure that repairs are compliant with all necessary codes, providing peace of mind that the work meets required quality benchmarks. This compliance is especially important in commercial settings where adherence to safety standards is scrutinized. ​

06. Long-Term Flooring Maintenance Strategy

Developing a proactive maintenance plan is essential for the longevity of your flooring. Professional contractors can offer valuable insights into preventive measures and schedule routine inspections, helping to identify potential issues before they escalate. This strategic approach can lead to significant cost savings over time.​

07. Warranty and Service Guarantees

Many contractors provide warranties on their work, offering assurance that any future issues related to the repair will be addressed without additional costs. This guarantee can be a significant advantage, ensuring that you’re not faced with unexpected expenses down the line.

Deciding between self-performing flooring joint maintenance and hiring a contractor depends on various factors, including your team’s expertise, time availability, risk tolerance, and budget. For minor repairs and when resources permit, self-performing can be a viable option. However, for more extensive or critical repairs, engaging a professional contractor ensures quality, compliance, and peace of mind. Carefully weigh these considerations to make an informed decision that best suits your facility’s needs.

Flooring & Joint Repair Checklist

Don’t forget to check out our line sheet to see all we have to offer!

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Check out a step-by-step guide to extensive joint repairs and do it yourself.

Download the Guide Now

The post Restore Your Damaged Floor Joints Quickly and Easily appeared first on Indcon Inc..

Now is the time to prevent any further damage to these joints. Afterall, you need the concrete floors in your plant to be in shape to support your operations for a long time and you can’t afford to replace them. Unfortunately, this is a common problem. Most concrete floors are left with joints that are open because the conventional wisdom is that these joints are small and not really affected by large rubber forklift tires. There’s also the fact that the cost of filling all of the joints is just not worth it. There’s just too many feet to fill.

Now that you’re in operation, you have established traffic patterns and that means some joints will get the brunt of the traffic related damage. The open joints allow for the force of the lift in motion to impact the corner of the joint. This is visible in the spalling or chipping you see. You need to prevent this damage and repair the spalls to insure a smooth transition over the joint. It’s easier than you think and it won’t cause any disruption to your routine.

Get the step-by-step guide to joint filling and repair in one step.

Download the Guide Now

The post Filling Spalling Joints Can Prevent More Damage appeared first on Indcon Inc..

Prep of your joints has to be done. And, the easier you make it, the better chance you have at success. There are many unique and high speed saws that are the latest and greatest for this job. But, you don’t have to break the bank to get it done. Chances are, you already have what you’ll need to clean and prep your joints. If you have a grinder, diamond blade, shroud and a vacuum, you have what you need.

Check out our checklist for joints and floors for a list of the items you’ll need to tackle this job:

Flooring & Joint Repair Checklist

The post The Key to Ensuring Long-Term Success of Your Joint Sealant appeared first on Indcon Inc..

01. Is the joint a control joint or an expansion joint?

Not all joints serve the same purpose. The type of joint you’re sealing determines the best product to seal your joints.

• Control Joints are placed in concrete to manage shrinkage and minimize random cracking. These joints typically don’t experience significant movement but still need sealing to prevent water infiltration and debris accumulation.
• Expansion Joints allow concrete slabs to expand and contract with temperature changes and movement. These joints require a flexible, high-performance sealant that can stretch and compress without losing adhesion.

Using the wrong sealant for the joint type can lead to premature failure, cracking, or separation over time.

02. What is the joint going to be exposed to?

Exterior concrete is constantly exposed to weather, moisture, and chemicals. The right sealant should match the environmental conditions of the job site.

• Moisture & Freeze-Thaw Cycles: In areas prone to heavy rain or freezing temperatures, a water-resistant and freeze-thaw-stable sealant is necessary to prevent water infiltration and joint failure.
• UV Exposure: Some sealants degrade when exposed to prolonged sunlight. If the joints are in an uncovered area, choose a UV-stable product to prevent hardening and cracking.
• Chemical Resistance: In industrial areas or roadways where deicing salts, fuel, or other chemicals are present, a chemically resistant sealant is needed to prevent premature breakdown.

Selecting a sealant that withstands these environmental factors ensures long-term protection and reduces maintenance needs.

03. What sort of traffic will each joint be expected to carry?

The amount and type of traffic passing over the sealed joint play a major role in choosing the right product to seal your joints.

• Heavy Vehicle Traffic: If forklifts, trucks, or heavy equipment will pass over the joint, a high-strength, abrasion-resistant sealant is required.
• Pedestrian Traffic: In areas with only foot traffic, a flexible sealant can be used, but it should still be durable enough to prevent early wear.
• Slip & Trip Hazards: In walkways or public spaces, the sealant should cure to a smooth, level finish without becoming too rigid or brittle.

A properly selected sealant will hold up to wear and tear, preventing cracking and material failure under stress.

04. Does the joint have any fall or slope in it?

The orientation of the joint determines the best sealant consistency for the job.

• Sloped or Vertical Joints: Use a non-sag sealant that stays in place after application.
• Flat, Horizontal Joints: A self-leveling sealant is ideal for ensuring a smooth, even fill without the need for tooling.

Choosing the correct type of sealant ensures proper adhesion and prevents sagging or pooling in the joint.

Check out our product selection guide for exterior control and expansion joints:

Product Selection Guide for Exterior Control & Expansion Joints

The post What should you know before you seal your joints in exterior concrete? appeared first on Indcon Inc..

The Anatomy of a Floor and Why Joints Matter

Imagine if your plant’s floor were one massive, unbroken slab of concrete. That might seem ideal, but the reality is that large concrete slabs are prone to cracking as they shrink and settle. To combat this, floors are constructed from hundreds of smaller slabs, separated by control joints designed to absorb movement and prevent random cracking.

These joints are transition points — places where forklifts, pallet jacks, and employees cross repeatedly. Over time, these areas endure a lot of stress. If the corners of these joints become damaged, spalling occurs. This damage weakens the joint, creating a cascade of potential issues, including operational slowdowns, safety risks, and skyrocketing repair costs.

Take a look at these 4 ways spalled joints might be costing you time and money, silently draining your resources.

01. Damaged Equipment Means Downtime

Spalled joints aren’t just hard on your floor — they’re brutal on your equipment. Forklift wheels, axles, and suspension systems take a beating when crossing uneven, damaged joints. This leads to more frequent repairs, unplanned maintenance, and unexpected downtime for your vehicles. Every moment a forklift is out of service is a moment your team loses efficiency, and those repair bills aren’t cheap either.

02. Lost Raw Materials or Finished Goods

A spalled joint can cause more than just bumps in the road. If a forklift carrying raw materials or finished goods hits a damaged joint at the wrong angle, spills can happen. That’s not just wasted product — it’s wasted time cleaning up, reprocessing, and reworking inventory.

03. Lost Time from Detours

When floor damage becomes severe, your team might start taking detours to avoid problem areas. Forklifts are rerouted, foot traffic slows down, and workflow is disrupted. Those seconds add up quickly, turning into hours of wasted productivity each week. The longer the damage goes unaddressed, the more time you lose.

04. Safety Hazards and Workplace Injuries

A damaged joint doesn’t just risk equipment — it risks your people. A poorly maintained floor can cause trips, slips, and falls, putting your employees at risk. Beyond the human cost, workplace injuries can result in lost productivity, costly workers’ compensation claims, and compliance fines. Not to mention the administrative burden of handling the paperwork and investigations that follow.

The Solution: Cost-Effective Repair Materials for Spalled Joints

When it comes to repairing spalled joints, maintenance teams need reliable, high-performance materials that save time and money. These three proven products are easy to apply, durable, and ready for traffic in minutes:

Euclid Euco QWIKstitch

More Information

Purpose: Ideal for small cracks, surface spalls, and pop-outs as small as 1/64 inch.

Ease of Application: Apply with a dual-cartridge gun or by hand for smaller repairs.

Traffic Ready: Accepts traffic in just 15–30 minutes.

Sika Loadflex 524

More Information

Purpose: A robust, rapid-setting polyurea polymer for repairing spalled joints and random cracks in high-stress environments.

Ease of Application: Can be dispensed using a dual-cartridge gun or mixed with a paddle for larger jobs.

Traffic Ready: Moderate loads in 15 minutes; heavy loads in 30 minutes.

Euco QWIKJoint UVR

More Information

Purpose: A semi-rigid polyurea joint filler designed to protect and fill joints in high-traffic areas.

Ease of Application: Suitable for use with a dual-cartridge gun or paddle mixer.

Traffic Ready: Ready for light loads in 30 minutes and heavy loads in 1 hour.

The Bottom Line

Spalled joints might seem like a minor inconvenience, but their impact on your operations can be significant. Whether it’s equipment damage, lost materials, wasted time, or workplace injuries, these issues compound over time. Fortunately, addressing spalled joints with the right repair materials is a straightforward, cost-effective way to prevent these headaches before they happen.

Investing in proper joint repair isn’t just about fixing your floor — it’s about protecting your bottom line.

Don’t forget to check out our line sheet to see all we have to offer!

The post 4 Ways Spalled Joints Could Be Costing You Time and Money appeared first on Indcon Inc..