Concrete cracks, control joints and expansion joints may look similar, but they serve different purposes and require different repair materials. Semi-rigid polyurea fillers are widely used in industrial floors because they cure quickly, protect joint edges and accommodate limited movement.
Choosing the correct material depends on joint movement, concrete condition, wheeled traffic, moisture exposure and whether the repair is structural.
A polyurea joint filler is a reactive material used to fill prepared joints in concrete floors. Semi-rigid formulations combine hardness for joint-edge support with sufficient flexibility to accommodate limited slab movement.
Unlike a soft expansion joint sealant, a semi-rigid filler is designed to support the edges of saw-cut joints exposed to forklifts, pallet trucks and other hard-wheeled traffic.
Fortis AD525 Polyurea Joint Filler is a rapid-curing, self-levelling, two-component material developed for horizontal concrete control joints, construction joints and suitable cracks.
| Application | Typical Material | Main Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Saw-cut control joints | Semi-rigid polyurea or epoxy joint filler | Support joint edges and allow limited movement |
| Construction joints | Semi-rigid filler where movement and traffic conditions permit | Reduce joint-edge damage from wheeled traffic |
| Stable, non-structural cracks | Compatible polyurea filler or suitable crack repair resin | Fill and protect the prepared crack |
| Structural cracks | Engineer-specified structural repair system | Restore required structural performance |
| Expansion or isolation joints | Movement-rated elastomeric joint sealant or engineered joint system | Accommodate expected joint movement |
| Severely spalled joint edges | Suitable concrete repair mortar or resin followed by joint filling | Rebuild damaged concrete before protecting the joint |
Yes. Suitable polyurea formulations can fill stable, non-structural cracks in horizontal concrete floors. The crack must be assessed for movement, contamination, moisture and underlying damage before repair.
Fortis AD525 can be used for suitable horizontal concrete cracks, but it is not a structural crack-injection resin. Cracks involving significant movement, settlement or structural distress require further assessment and an appropriate repair system.
Not all polyurea materials are suitable for expansion joints. Semi-rigid polyurea joint fillers are designed primarily for control and construction joints where movement is limited and joint-edge support is important.
Expansion and isolation joints may experience substantial movement. These normally require a sealant or engineered joint system with an appropriate movement rating. A semi-rigid filler should not be substituted without confirming the expected movement and product suitability.
Forklifts and hard-wheeled equipment repeatedly cross concrete joints. Unsupported joint edges can chip or spall, leading to floor deterioration, vehicle vibration and maintenance costs.
ACI 302.1R recommends semi-rigid fillers for contraction and construction joints in floors exposed to hard-wheeled material-handling traffic. Properly selected fillers help support the joint edges and reduce damage.
These properties are specific to Fortis AD525 and should not be assumed to apply to every polyurea joint filler.
Refer to the Fortis AD525 product page and current Technical Data Sheet for complete application instructions.
Both semi-rigid polyurea and epoxy fillers can protect concrete joint edges. Polyurea is often selected where rapid curing and reduced downtime are priorities. The best choice depends on joint movement, temperature, traffic and project requirements.
No. Filling a crack does not eliminate the underlying cause of movement. A suitable filler can protect a stable crack, but ongoing movement or structural damage requires further assessment.
Yes. AD525 is designed for suitable cold storage and freezer floor applications. The installation temperature, concrete condition and curing requirements must comply with its Technical Data Sheet.
Cure times vary by formulation and temperature. Fortis AD525 typically allows return to service in approximately 60 minutes under suitable conditions.
A semi-rigid filler can help protect sound joint edges. Severely broken or missing concrete generally requires rebuilding with an appropriate repair material before the joint is filled.
A control joint encourages concrete shrinkage cracking at a planned location. An expansion or isolation joint is designed to accommodate movement between concrete elements or adjacent structures. The required filler or sealant may therefore differ significantly.
For industrial floors requiring rapid joint filling and protection against forklift traffic, consider Fortis AD525 Polyurea Joint Filler. It can be applied using the Fortis Dual Component Cartridge Gun and compatible Static Mixers.
Explore the full Fortis Concrete Joint & Crack Repair range or contact Fortis for advice on joint movement, damaged concrete and product selection.