FOAMED VERMITEX^® 'AF'

Heritage Floor Ceiling
(Interior Applications)

Product Description

Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’ is produced from expanded lightweight mineral aggregate, a water based aerated foam or expanded polystyrene microspheres, inorganic hydraulic binders and special additives to impart unique rheological properties. It is formulated to provide passive fire protection to Elements of Building Construction on a variety of Ceilings. The product does not contain asbestos nor other forms of fibre. All components are manufactured under factory controlled conditions. They are delivered in ‘batch’ form to site for mixing to the required consistency before application.

Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’ is an ultra-lightweight material developed on behalf of the Heritage Council of New South Wales, for application to Heritage Ceilings. The system was devised to allow the retrofitting of a 60/60/60 FRL to older ceilings as an alternative to ‘Active Systems’ (Sprinklers, Alarms etc), as well as other passive fire protection systems.

The system is unique allowing the Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’ to be introduced into the floor voids (between floor joists) with minimal disruption to the fabric of the existing ceiling. Minimum access is required with only two floor boards to be removed every 1300 mm. Depending on the age and condition of the floor, vacuuming within the voids may be necessary and for damaged and run-down ceilings, stabilisation of the existing ceiling membrane is advised. (2)

Recommended Uses

Ceiling systems that may be upgraded with Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’ system are: Fibrous Plaster Ceilings, Timber Ceilings, Pressed Metal Ceilings and Lath & Plaster Ceilings.(1)

Application of the Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’ may be carried out by hand but preferably by mechanical means. This Data Sheet addresses application to Floor Ceiling elements.

Product Characteristics

Tested Properties

Application Instructions

With heritage ceilings and especially when installing Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’ full floor examinations and careful planning are recommended.

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 floor ceiling being protected should be free from: battens, services (ducts & pipes), recessed light fittings, electrical wiring, nails or any other components which impair proper application or adhesion of the Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’ to the background. Mechanical reinforcement is not required for interpolated thickness specified in the thickness tables.

Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’, when applied in ventilated areas to a thickness of 50 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 up to a week, after installation. The material can be applied to the required thickness of 70 mm in one application, however this is only recommended for good solid ceilings or ceilings which have been preventatively ‘propped’. Multiple coatings will slightly accelerate the drying process. If ‘Trowelling’ or ‘Ruling’ is required the applicator should take care not to ‘overwork’ the surface, and apply as little pressure as possible to avoid dislodgment of the ceiling membrane below.

In the case of timber floors, the floor joists must be equal to or greater than 250 mm x 50 mm. For roof/ceiling applications the load parameters must not exceed those adopted in the fire test.

Penetrations through timber floors require special attention to ensure the Insulation Criteria is not compromised, such as in the case of metallic pipes, ducts fire dampers etc. Some Building Codes and/or Standards specify tolerances and details, to ensure the Insulation Criteria is not compromised. Approval is granted for the installation of proprietary Fire Collars within the Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’ system to cater for existing and new services.

After the application of Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’ natural and/or forced ventilation should be allowed to expedite the drying process. In naturally ventilated conditions, sufficient ‘drying time’ (approximately 2-3 weeks dependent on ambient conditions) is necessary before the floor boards are replaced, to prevent moisture being trapped within the voids.

The application of a water-resistant sealant above the ceiling to prevent undue moisture absorption is strongly recommended. (2)

Inspections & Stabilization of Ceilings

The Head Contractor shall carefully inspect the floor conditions to ensure that the same is able to endure the required works and carry the additional load of the Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’. The floor shall be thoroughly inspected for any type of insect activity and a written report shall be submitted to the client.

After inspecting the floor, the Head Contractor shall carry out all/any stabilisation (refer LAF for more information), rectification, strengthening, propping etc of the floor boards, floor joists and ceiling membrane so that the floor is ready to be upgraded.

The Head Contractor shall ensure that the floor void is thoroughly clean (vacuum-clean if necessary) and remove any built-up dust and/or soot. The background shall be clean and free from dirt, grease, oil, loose plaster, water soluble paint or other conditions which tend to prevent good adhesion.

Coverage

One 50 litre bag of Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’ will cover approximately 1m² at a nominal thickness of 50 mm (without wastage considerations).

Vermitex^® Specification (Broad Form)

Before proceeding with work to buildings which have been classified as ‘Heritage Type’, the Head Contractor shall seek all necessary approvals from the relevant authorities. The Head Contractor shall ensure that the work methods described within this document are acceptable (refer LAF for more information).

The Head Contractor shall provide all access, within floor voids as required (2-3 floor boards adjacent to walls and then every 1300 mm or less). Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’ as manufactured by ‘LAF’ shall be applied in a 70 mm thickness, by a specialist contractor accredited by the manufacturer.

All workmanship and procedures shall be strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s written standard instructions.

The Head Contractor shall ascertain that the floor joists of the floor requiring upgrading are equal to (or larger than) the ones submitted to the Standard Fire Resistance Test for the Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’ system. (2)

All penetrations through the floor shall have been separately treated with approved fire resistant mortars and/or intumescent collars as applicable. All such devices shall be securely anchored in position ensuring that no load is transferred through to the ceiling membrane. All such services shall have sufficient clearance to their surrounds to allow the proper Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’ thickness to be applied.

The Head Contractor shall ensure that the surfaces to receive Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’ have been pre-coated with either a water-resistant sealant or other suitable stabilising agents.

Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’ is compatible with central heating and service pipe-work located within the void. Electrical cables running above ceilings should comply with the relevant wiring code (i.e. AS 3000). Given the inherent insulation properties of Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’ any wiring to be covered over with Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’ shall be ‘de-rated’ to compensate for the cable’s thermal gain.

Before any application commences the approved applicator shall ascertain that the substrate is sound and able to receive the Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’ application.

Following the application of the Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’, natural and/or forced ventilation should be used to expedite the drying process. In naturally ventilated conditions sufficient ‘drying time’ (approximately 3 weeks) is necessary before any floor boards are replaced. This action shall prevent excessive moisture being trapped within the voids or absorbed by the surrounding elements.

If Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’ is not allowed to dry sufficiently, efflorescence or mould may appear and in the case of old and dilapidated ceilings may adversely affect structural integrity. With such ceilings ‘stabilisation’ and in particular cases ‘full restoration’ may be required before proceeding further with the application of Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’. (3)

All adjacent areas not requiring treatment shall be suitably protected against droppings and overspray.

Refer to Test Data for more information

Tests have been carried out in accordance AS 1530 Part 4, with 250 mm Timber Joists at 450 mm centers. (2)

Health Statement

Foamed 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.

Notes:
1. Refer to LAF for reinforcement, stabilization and other system requirement details as well as other Vermitex^® ‘AF’ applications
2. Refer to LAF for further detailed information
3. Refer to the Heritage Council of NSW or LAF for further information

For more information or MSDS on Foamed Vermitex^® ‘AF’ or any other products,

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

Email:sales@lafgroup.com