VERMITEX^® ‘AF’ & VERMITEX^® ‘TH’

Concrete Elements Upgrade
(Cellulosic Environments)
(Interior & Exterior Applications)

Product Description

Vermitex^® ‘TH’ is a Vermiculite Special Cement blend plus trace chemical additives and lightweight polymer microspheres and Vermitex^® ‘AF’ is a Gypsum based cementitious proprietary blend, both of which have been tested for application to concrete elements requiring passive fire protection upgrade.

Recommended Uses

Application may be carried out by hand but preferably by mechanical means to interior or exterior, concrete and other substrates generally without the aid of mechanical reinforcement (1). Vermitex^® ‘TH’ and ‘AF’ may also be applied to a multitude of backgrounds to enhance the Fire Resistance Level (FRL) of building and construction elements and at the same time provide a durable finish. This Data Sheet addresses application to both interior as well as exterior concrete elements.

Product Characteristics

Tested Properties

Application Instructions

Vermitex^® ‘TH’ and ‘AF’ are mill-mixed compounds which can be sprayed onto substrates requiring protection at the corresponding thickness stipulated by the Manufacturer (refer Thickness Tables). The element being protected should be free from: timber formwork, rusty patches, oil, excessive dust or any other substance which may impair proper adhesion of the Vermitex^® ‘TH’ and ‘AF’ to the background. (2)

Mechanical reinforcement is only required for interpolated thickness over 30 mm, however a ‘Primer/Bond-coat’ equal to Vermitex ‘7’ is mandatory. Where the thickness exceeds 30 mm, on continuous smooth surfaces, either horizontal or vertical and especially when subject to continuous vibrations, thermal or construction movement, mechanical reinforcement must be used and ideally should be located approximately 2/3 through the spray thickness.

Vermitex^® ‘TH’ and ‘AF’, when applied in ventilated areas to a thickness of 25 mm, will dry in 2 weeks. Vermitex^® ‘TH’ and ‘AF’ are prone to frost damage and temperatures surrounding the areas being sprayed should not be allowed to fall below 4° C for 12 hours, after installation. The material can be applied 25 mm thick on Concrete in one application, thicker applications are possible, however this will depend on the state of the background, its water-uptake capacity and the experience of the Team. Multiple coatings will achieve a smooth and even textured finish, however a new coats should only be applied over one that has partially set. Where this is not possible the last coat ‘surface’ should be left with a ‘deep & rough texture’ or be purposefully scratched. When ‘Trowelling’ or ‘Ruling’ is unavoidable the applicator should not ‘overwork’ or ‘polish’ the sprayed material.

Vermitex^® ‘TH’ and ‘AF’ may be painted with suitable sealers and paints. Consult the LAF Group for compatibility.

Vermitex^® ‘AF’ can only be used for Interior use, nevertheless Vermitex^® ‘TH’ in exterior locations may require protection with an approved coating. Vermitex^® ‘TH’ and ‘AF’ cannot be relied as water barriers or rust preventative coatings. They are porous and allow the passage of water/moisture through to the substrate. Exterior surfaces may require priming (2) and top coating.

Bond Coat, Primer Compatibility and Corrosion prevention

When applying Vermitex^® ‘TH’ and ‘AF’ to concrete elements without the aid of mechanical reinforcement a ‘Bond Coat’ equal to Vermitex^®‘7’ is mandatory. No specific thickness is required when spraying Vermitex^®‘7’, however a coverage of between 50% and 75% of the area is required. Vermitex^®‘7’ will enhance the adhesion of the Vermitex^® ‘TH’ and ‘AF’ to the substrate, facilitate the application as well as reduce ‘slippage’ on smooth vertical backgrounds.

Smooth and painted concrete require special attention. Some paints (eg acrylic) will impair and at times preclude proper adhesion of the Vermitex^®. In these cases the paint should be totally removed, the concrete roughened or mechanical retention employed (ie mesh, discontinuous fixings, etc.). The paint composition and the concrete configuration (re-entrant profile etc.), are likely to determine which remedy will provide the best outcome (2).

As mentioned in Application Instructions Vermitex^® ‘TH’ and ‘AF’ cannot be relied upon as water barriers or rust preventative coatings as they are porous and allow the passage of water/moisture through to the substrate. If a concern exists about moisture presence or ingress, the substrate should be suitably primed with an approved coating. Chemicals which have an impact on Cement or plaster will also have an impact on Vermitex^® ‘TH’ and ‘AF’, in these circumstances the Vermitex^® ‘TH’ and ‘AF’ must be topcoated with suitable protective coatings (2).

Only stainless steel protective ‘Angle Corner Beads’ should be used for exterior applications.
Vermitex^® ‘7’ and ‘TH’ may react with Aluminium and Aluminium alloys and a suitable primer is recommended (2).

Coverage

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

Vermitex^® Specification (Broad Form)

Before commencing the Vermitex^® ‘TH’ and ‘AF’ application, the substrate shall be inspected by the Main Contractor to ensure all elements to be sprayed are free from any substance which might impair proper adhesion of the spray material. Where necessary, the cleaning of surfaces shall be the responsibility of the General Contractor, details as outlined in the product specification under “SURFACE PREPARATION” (refer to LAF Group for further information).

All adjacent areas not requiring treatment shall be suitably protected against droppings and overspray.
Vermitex^® ‘TH’ and ‘AF’ as manufactured by L & A Fazzini Manufacturing Pty Ltd shall be installed by an 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.

Test Data & Assessments

Tests have been carried out in accordance with AS 1530 Part 4, BSEN 1363 Part 2, ISO 834-1 Part 1, 6.1.1 & BS 476 Part 20 to 21. The CSIRO has referenced, analysed and assessed the test data for compliance to other International Standards. The material thicknesses stipulated in the Tables herein can be referenced against and fully comply with Australian (AS), British (BS) and American (ASTM) Standards (2).

Refer to Test Data for more information.

Note:
1. Refer to LAF for mesh requirement details and for other Vermitex^® ‘TH’ & ‘AF’ applications

2. Refer to LAF for further detailed information

Vermitex^® ‘TH’ & ‘AF’ Thickness Table

Tested to AS 1530.4 and BS 476, Part 20 Appendix D; BS 476, Part 20 to 24; ISO 834-1 Pt 1, 6.1.1; BSEN 1363 Part 2.

Vermitex^® ‘TH’ and ‘AF’ - Structural Adequacy & Integrity upgrade for Concrete Slabs

Vermitex^® ‘TH’ and ‘AF’ - Structural Adequacy & Integrity upgrade for Pre-stressed Concrete Slabs

Vermitex^® ‘TH’ and ‘AF’ - Structural Adequacy & Integrity upgrade for Concrete Walls

Vermitex^® ‘TH’ and ‘AF’ - Structural Adequacy & Integrity upgrade for Pre-stressed Concrete Walls

Vermitex^® ‘TH’ and ‘AF’ - Insulation upgrade for Normal & Pre-stressed Concrete Slabs and Walls

N.B. - Gray Background denotes Mechanical Reinforcement is required

Health Statement

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

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

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

Email:sales@lafgroup.com