VERMITEX^® 'AF'

Steel Beams, Columns & Angles
(Interior Application)

Product Description

Vermitex^® ‘AF’ is a Gypsum-Vermiculite blend plus trace chemical additives which has been formulated to provide passive fire protection to elements of building construction on a variety of substrates (steel, concrete, timber, polymer). It does not contain asbestos or other forms of fibre.

Recommended Uses

Application may be carried out by hand but preferably by mechanical means to interior steel, concrete and other substrates generally without the aid of mechanical reinforcement (1). This Data Sheet addresses application to Structural Steel elements.

Tested Properties

Vermitex^® 'AF' thickness range

Application Instructions

Vermitex^® ‘AF’ is a mill-mixed compound that can be sprayed onto substrates requiring protection at the corresponding thickness stipulated by the Manufacturer (refer Thickness Tables over). The element being protected should be free from: mill scale, heavy rust, oil, excessive dust or any other substance which may impair proper adhesion of the Vermitex^® ‘AF’ to the background. (2)

Mechanical reinforcement is not required for interpolated thicknesses specified in the Thickness Tables, however on continuous smooth surfaces, either horizontal or vertical and especially if subject to continuous vibrations, thermal or construction movement, the Designer should specify the installation of a ‘Primer/Bond-coat’ equal to Vermitex^® ‘7’. Where surfaces are exposed to severe: environmental conditions, flexural stresses, vibrations, thermal expansion and construction movement LAF strongly recommends the installation of mechanical reinforcement to follow the contour of the element, with the mesh located approximately 2/3 through the spray thickness.

Vermitex^® ‘AF’, when applied in well ventilated areas to a thickness of 25 mm, will dry in 2-3 weeks. Please note that Vermitex^® ‘AF’ is prone to frost damage and temperatures surrounding the areas being sprayed should not be allowed to fall below 4°C for a week, after installation. The material can be applied to a thickness of 20 mm in one application, thicker applications are possible, however this will depend on the state of the background being sprayed, its water-uptake capacity and the experience of the applicator. Multiple coatings will achieve a smooth and even textured finish, however a new coating should only be applied over one that has partially set. Where this is not possible the last coating surface should be left with a ‘deep & rough texture’ or purposefully scratched. When ‘Trowelling’ or ‘Ruling’ is unavoidable the applicator should not ‘overwork’ or ‘polish’ the sprayed material.

Vermitex^® ‘AF’ may be painted however suitable sealers and paints are required (2).

Notes :

1. Refer to LAF for mesh requirement details and for other Vermitex^® ‘AF’ applications
2. Refer to LAF for further information

Bond Coat, Primer Compatibility and Corrosion prevention

When applying Vermitex^® ‘AF’ to primed or unprimed structural steel without the aid of mechanical reinforcement, a ‘Bond Coat’ equal to Vermitex^® ‘7’ must be applied. No specific thickness is required when spraying Vermitex^® ‘7’, however coverage of between 50% and 75 % of the area is required. Vermitex^® ‘7’ will enhance the adhesion of the Vermitex^® ‘AF’ to the substrate as well as facilitate application of the Vermitex^® ‘AF’ by reducing its ‘slippage’ on smooth backgrounds.

Where primers are required alkali resistant zinc-rich primers are recommended, however the paint manufacturer should be consulted to ensure compatibility with the Vermitex^® LAF have a comprehensive list of compatible primers and will supply on request.

In high humidity and in wet areas Vermitex^® ‘AF’ should not be relied upon as a rust preventative coating. Vermitex^® ‘AF’ is porous and may allow the passage of moisture through to the substrate. If a concern exists about moisture levels, the substrate should be suitably primed with an approved rust preventative primer. Chemicals which have an impact on Cement will also have an impact on Vermitex^® ‘AF’, in these circumstances the Vermitex^® ‘AF’ must be top coated with suitable sealers and paints for protection (2).

Vermitex^® may react with Aluminium and Aluminium alloys and a suitable primer is recommended.

Steel members and separating construction

When steel elements intersect or form part of a Separating Element (partition, ceiling, etc) care must be taken to ensure that the Insulation Criteria requirement (mandatory in some Building Codes & Standards) for Separating Construction is not impeded.

Coverage

One 50 litre bag of Vermitex^® ‘AF’ will cover approximately 1 m² at a nominal thickness of 50 mm.

Vermitex^® Specification (Broad Form)

Prior to commencing the Vermitex^® ‘AF’ application, the substrate shall be inspected by the Main Contractor to ensure all elements to be sprayed are free from any substances which impair proper adhesion of the spray material. (2) All adjacent areas not requiring treatment shall be suitably protected against droppings and overspray.

Vermitex^® ‘AF’ as manufactured by L & A Fazzini Manufacturing Pty Ltd shall be installed by approved Specialist Contractor to the thickness of ..xx.. mm to provide a Fire Resistance Level of ..aaa / bbb / ccc ...(insert required thickness and FRL)...

The Specialist Contractor shall provide all materials, accessories, spray equipment, tools, inspection services and labour to satisfactorily carry out the works in best trade practice. All workmanship and installation techniques shall comply with the Manufacturers ‘Application Instructions’, relevant Building Code Statutory requirements and applicable ASTM, BS or AS Standards.

Refer to Test Data for more information

Vermitex^® ‘AF’ Thickness Table

Tested to AS 1530.4 assessed as complying with BS 476, Parts 20 Appendix D, Part 21 and ASTM E 119 Standards)

Health Statement

Vermitex^® ‘AF’ contains no asbestos and presents no known health hazard before, during or after application. Normal precautions relevant to the handling of gypsum products apply: dust mask, eye protection and covering of sensitive skin.

For more information or MSDS on Vermitex^® 'AF' or any other products,

please see the technical data page, or contact: L & A Fazzini Manufacturing Pty Ltd

Email:sales@lafgroup.com