You are tasked with fixing a deteriorated floor surface. Before your begin the repair, it’s important to determine the cause of the defects, which will help you find the best long-term repair strategy for the project. Any structural causes will need to be corrected prior to filling a joint.
Joints can be filled three different ways, depending upon the extent of the floor’s deterioration. If the existing filler is well-bonded structurally to one or both sides of the joint, you can refill voids without removing it entirely, or making a partial removal. However, if the existing filler is not well-bonded or appears to be installed improperly, remove it completely before making the joint repair.
Three Considerations
Consideration 1: Select floor repair materials that meet the requirements of a facility’s operations. Consider frequency and type of traffic — foot, vehicle, heavy equipment. Also consider building temperature, the surface area to be repaired and the work window you have to complete the repair. This will help determine whether you need to use more rigid products for large repairs, if epoxy products will have the time required to cure or if you’re working in a freezer or cooler room.
Consideration 2: Prepare the surface for long-lasting repair by making sure the area is well-defined and cleaned properly prior to filling with repair material. Proper surface preparation is critical to a successful repair. Take care that the edges of joints, cracks and surface spalls are at least 1/2-inch deep and the area is not only clean, but dry prior to filling.
Consideration 3: Avoid a concave or dished joint by filling with repair materials slightly higher than the floor surface. Once cured, the excess material is ground or shaved to meet the original surface, restoring a smooth, continuous, flush profile across the floor.
Tools & Equipment
- Joint cleaning saw with dustless shroud or a right angle grinder
- Braided wire wheel
- Diamond blade
- Vacuum system
- Air compressor
- Razor scraper / torch
- If a semi-rigid epoxy or polyurea joint filler is required, use Metzger/McGuire MM-80 Epoxy Joint Filler
- If rapid access is required, use Metzger/McGuire Spal-Pro RS 88 Polyurethane Concrete Sealer
- If you’re working in a freezer or cooler, use Metzger/McGuire Spal-Pro 2000 or Spal-Pro RSF
The Process
Step 1. Use joint cleaning saw or right angle grinder equipped with a braided wire wheel or suitable diamond blade to remove existing joint filler to a nominal depth of ½-inch below surface, making sure all filler residue is removed from joint walls back to clean concrete. Vacuum joint clean.
Step 2. Overfill joint with appropriate filler. Allow filler to cure, then razor flush with floor surface.
Additional Resources
In addition to these tips, products and processes, please take a look at our YouTube page for specific joint repair videos taken during various training classes (presented by experts from Metzger/McGuire). Also, please comment below or contact us with additional questions, or visit our website for a full listing of Metzger/McGuire products.