Sealant

MS polymer sealant

bituminous sealant

Types of Sealants for Joint Filling in Industrial Floors

Polyurethane sealant for seams

Sealing of joints and cracks in asphalt

Proper joint sealing is critical to the longevity and structural integrity of industrial flooring systems.

Joint sealants not only prevent water and chemical ingress but also accommodate structural movements, reduce mechanical stress, and ensure safe working conditions.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various types of sealants used for filling joints in industrial floors, their benefits, and when each type is best applied.

1. Polyurethane Joint Sealant

Polyurethane sealants are one of the most commonly used solutions in industrial floor construction.

They offer an ideal combination of flexibility, durability, and adhesion, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

Key Properties

High Elasticity: Absorbs movement due to thermal expansion or mechanical vibration.
Strong Adhesion: Bonds well to concrete, metal, and many other substrates.
Abrasion Resistance: Suitable for high-traffic areas exposed to forklifts and heavy machinery.
Chemical Resistance: Resists oils, fuels, and industrial solvents.

Applications

Expansion joints in warehouse floors
Construction joints in manufacturing plants
Perimeter joints in concrete slabs

Advantages

Long-lasting performance
Easy to apply and finish
Paintable and UV-resistant variants available

2. MS Polymer Joint Sealant

MS polymer (Modified Silane Polymer) sealants are gaining popularity as an eco-friendly and high-performance alternative to traditional sealants.

What Is an MS Polymer Sealant?

It is a hybrid sealant that combines the best features of polyurethane and silicone without the use of isocyanates or solvents. This makes it ideal for indoor applications where health and environmental standards are a priority.

Benefits

Low VOC Emissions: Safe for enclosed environments and green buildings.
Excellent UV Stability: Doesn’t yellow or degrade under sunlight.
Adheres to Damp Surfaces: Can be applied even when surfaces are not completely dry.
Flexible and Durable: Maintains elasticity in varying temperatures and humidity.

Application Areas

Cleanrooms
Food and beverage facilities
Indoor manufacturing spaces
Joint sealing around floor drains and moisture-prone zones

3. Bituminous Joint Sealant

Bitumen-based sealants are widely used in asphalt flooring, pavement repairs, and waterproofing applications. These sealants are especially beneficial where flexibility under low temperatures is required.

Characteristics

Highly Flexible: Withstands expansion and contraction in outdoor environments.
Waterproof: Perfect for sealing joints exposed to rain, moisture, or standing water.
Adhesive to Asphalt and Concrete: Excellent compatibility with road and outdoor surfaces.
Thermoplastic Behavior: Softens with heat and hardens when cooled.

Typical Applications

Outdoor industrial yards
Road joints
Airport runways
Asphalt repair in parking lots and loading docks

Disadvantages

Not suitable for high-temperature environments
Can emit an odor during application
Longer curing time compared to synthetic options

4. One-Component Joint Sealant

One-component sealants (1K sealants) offer simplicity and ease of use. These are ready-to-use products that cure upon exposure to air humidity, without requiring mixing.

Features

User-Friendly: No mixing required—just apply and finish.
Fast Curing: Ideal for time-sensitive repairs.
Good Adhesion: Works on concrete, metal, wood, and ceramics.
Variety of Chemistries: Available in polyurethane, MS polymer, silicone, and acrylic variants.

Advantages

Reduced application errors
Ideal for small- to medium-scale sealing jobs
Less equipment and labor required

Where to Use

Interior expansion joints
Maintenance and repair jobs
Facilities with lower chemical and mechanical loads

5. Two-Component Joint Sealant

Two-component sealants (2K sealants) consist of a base compound and a hardener, mixed before application. They are designed for heavy-duty environments and deliver exceptional performance in extreme industrial conditions.

Key Benefits

High Strength and Durability: Ideal for high-load applications.
Chemical and Thermal Resistance: Excellent for harsh industrial settings.
Controlled Curing: The reaction starts only after mixing, allowing extended working time.

Limitations

Requires accurate mixing and skilled application
Specialized equipment may be needed
Short pot life after mixing

Application Areas

Chemical plants
Loading bays
Production halls with aggressive media
Concrete slabs under mechanical stress

6. Why Is Joint Sealing Essential in Industrial Floors?

Joint sealing is often overlooked during flooring installations, but it plays a pivotal role in preserving the durability, safety, and performance of the structure.

6.1 Prevents Water and Chemical Intrusion

Unsealed joints can allow water, oils, and chemicals to seep into the substructure, leading to:

Corrosion of reinforcement
Freeze-thaw damage
Microbial growth
Structural degradation

6.2 Enhances Structural Integrity

Sealants reduce stress on the edges of concrete slabs by absorbing movement, preventing:

Edge spalling
Cracks and delamination
Uneven load distribution

6.3 Improves Hygiene and Safety

In sectors like food processing or pharmaceuticals, unsealed joints can become breeding grounds for bacteria. Sealing ensures:

Easier cleaning and maintenance
Compliance with health regulations
Slip and trip hazard reduction

6.4 Reduces Repair and Maintenance Costs

Proper sealing extends the life of the floor and reduces the need for:

Costly resurfacing
Downtime due to emergency repairs
Equipment damage due to floor failure

7. Bitumen-Polyurethane Sealant for Asphalt Joints and Cracks

The bitumen-polyurethane hybrid sealant is a specialized material designed for sealing cracks and joints in asphalt-based surfaces like roads, driveways, and industrial yards.

Composition and Characteristics

This hybrid combines the flexibility of bitumen with the mechanical properties of polyurethane, creating a robust and versatile sealant.

Excellent Adhesion to Asphalt and Concrete
High Flexibility: Remains elastic in cold temperatures
Resistant to UV and Aging
High Mechanical Strength

Ideal Uses

Asphalt crack repair in industrial areas
Road and highway joints
Joints between asphalt and concrete
Filling voids in expansion areas of outdoor flooring

Advantages

Long service life in outdoor environments
Quick application and curing
Excellent weather resistance

Conclusion

Choosing the right joint sealant for industrial flooring depends on many factors: mechanical load, exposure to chemicals, environmental conditions, and application method.

Each type—polyurethane, MS polymer, bitumen, one-component, two-component, and hybrid sealants—offers specific advantages tailored to different environments and requirements.

Neglecting proper joint sealing can lead to severe consequences: structural failures, costly repairs, health and safety violations, and reduced lifespan of the flooring system.

By selecting and applying the correct joint sealing material, industrial facilities can ensure long-term durability, reduced maintenance, and a safer workspace.