Fiberlock SerpiFlex Concentrated Asbestos Encapsulant

Fiberlock SerpiFlex: one concentrate for all six asbestos tasks

FIBERLOCK manufacturer code: 2451-5

SerpiFlex is a water-based concentrated asbestos encapsulant made by Serpi Systems, a Fiberlock brand. Depending on how much water is added, it becomes a penetrating, bridging, full strength, removal, post-removal lockdown or floor sealing product. The asbestos contractor keeps one product on site instead of six, and the concentrate saves storage space and shipping. The solvent-free, silicate-free formula is non-combustible, keeps the fire-retardant properties of the substrate and has a negligible effect on acoustics. Each formula has its own uses: the right dilution depends on the material being treated.

Characteristics of SerpiFlex concentrated encapsulant

• Water-based vinyl-acrylic concentrate with fire retardants and fillers
• Solvent-free and silicate-free, non-combustible
• White colour, flat finish, specific gravity of 1.20
• Keeps the fire-retardant properties of the substrate, negligible effect on acoustics
• Tested to EPA requirements (Battelle, U.S. Testing Company, UL)
• 5 gal US (18.9 L) pail

SerpiFlex encapsulant applications by dilution

Formula #1, penetrating: 45% SerpiFlex and 55% potable water (5 gal of SerpiFlex to 6 gal of water). For friable, porous fireproofing or acoustical insulation ¾ in thick or more. With an airless sprayer, 3/8 to 1/2 in hose, .022 in tip and 12 in fan, make several passes in one application until the surface glistens. The first coat uses 60 to 70% of the mix; wait 4 h, then apply the second coat with the rest or with formula #2 as a finish. Average coverage: 30 sq ft/gal per ¾ in of penetration.

Formula #2, bridging: 5 gal of SerpiFlex to 1 gal of water. For cementitious fireproofing or acoustical material. With an airless sprayer and a .017 in tip to avoid splashing: first coat 60 to 70%, second coat 30 to 40%, then touch up with a brush once dry. If the matrix gives way under finger pressure, apply the first coat with formula #1. Coverage: 50 to 100 sq ft/gal.

Formula #3, full strength: Undiluted. For pipe lagging, boilers, ducts and breeching repairs. Brush, roll or spray over the entire surface, 2 or 3 coats as needed. Apply fibreglass or cotton scrim over damaged areas and fill holes and voids with insulation mixed with SerpiFlex or water. Coverage: 100 to 200 sq ft/gal per coat; several thin coats give the best result.

Formula #4, removal: 1 gal of SerpiFlex to 5 gal of water (17% and 83%). For fibre-free asbestos removal. Use a .022 in tip or larger and make several passes; let SerpiFlex penetrate the material before removing it. Coverage: about 50 sq ft/gal per inch of penetration.

Formula #5, post-removal lockdown: 45% SerpiFlex and 55% water (5 gal to 6 gal). To lock down residual fibres after removal and to treat polyethylene sheeting before the final teardown of the containment. With an airless sprayer, 3/8 to 1/2 in hose, .017 in tip and 12 in fan; one coat as needed. Coverage: 400 to 500 sq ft/gal after mixing.

Formula #6, floor sealer: 45% SerpiFlex and 55% water (5 gal to 6 gal). For crawl spaces and contaminated soil. With an airless sprayer, 3/8 to 1/2 in hose, .022 in tip and 12 in fan, make several passes until the surface glistens. Does not penetrate wet or clay soil. Average coverage: 30 sq ft/gal per inch of penetration, varies with the soil.

How to apply SerpiFlex asbestos encapsulant

1. Use clean potable water and thoroughly cleaned equipment to avoid contamination and clogging.
2. Protect nearby surfaces from overspray with drop sheets and masking.
3. Choose the formula according to the material and the task (see applications above).
4. First run a test on a representative 3 to 4 ft area to set the application rate, penetration and finish.
5. Before the first coat, mist the surface with the gun held at 36 in to bind loose fine fibres.
6. Apply following the method of the chosen formula.
7. Clean up with soapy water before the product cures.

SerpiFlex spray tools and settings

Use a Binks, Graco, Wagner or equivalent airless sprayer with a 3/8 to 1/2 in hose and a .017 to .022 in tip depending on the formula. Brush and roller suit formula #3 and touch-ups.

Titan test settings: 2800 to 3000 psi, 517 or 521 tip, 50 ft of 3/8 in hose with a 1/4 in whip, filters removed, gun 12 to 14 in from the surface and cross-hatch passes. With the 521 tip, a single pass gives 26 wet mils, product not reduced.

Storage and care of SerpiFlex encapsulant

Store in a dry place between 40 °F and 100 °F, caps tight and containers upright. In its sealed original container, SerpiFlex keeps for at least 36 months. Clean tools and sprayer with soapy water before the product cures to prevent clogging.

Safety and protection when applying SerpiFlex

The label carries the signal word DANGER. The safety data sheet classifies the product as a category 2 carcinogen (IARC group 2B, by inhalation). While spraying, wear a NIOSH respirator with an R, P, N or HE filter approved for asbestos fibres, along with protective clothing. Follow the regulations in force for asbestos work.

SerpiFlex asbestos encapsulant FAQ

Does SerpiFlex need to be diluted?

Yes, except formula #3 (full strength), which is used undiluted. Formulas #1, #5 and #6 are mixed at 45% SerpiFlex and 55% water, formula #2 at 5 gal of SerpiFlex to 1 gal of water and formula #4 at 1 gal of SerpiFlex to 5 gal of water.

Which formula should I use on asbestos fireproofing?

For friable, porous fireproofing ¾ in thick or more, penetrating formula #1. For cementitious fireproofing, bridging formula #2.

How much area does one gallon cover?

It depends on the formula: about 30 sq ft/gal per ¾ in of penetration for formula #1, 50 to 100 sq ft/gal for #2, 100 to 200 sq ft/gal per coat for #3 and 400 to 500 sq ft/gal after mixing for #5.

Can SerpiFlex lock down fibres after removal?

Yes. Formula #5 (lockdown) locks down residual fibres after removal and treats polyethylene sheeting before the final teardown of the containment.

How long does SerpiFlex keep?

At least 36 months in its sealed original container, stored dry between 40 °F and 100 °F.

Complementary suggestions for asbestos removal

For the asbestos worker spraying an encapsulant on fireproofing or pipe lagging: a 3M 6000 series full face mask (R6800), 3M 2091 P100 filters (R2091), a Tyvek 400 hooded disposable coverall (VTY127SWH), anti-slip Tyvek boot covers (VC1451), 13 in nitrile gloves (GL9315) and a full face mask shield (R6885) cover.

To prepare the area: an 8 L pump sprayer (SACC2) for pre-wetting, a 6 mil flame resistant white polyethylene roll (SACCT4), red containment tape (SATR2), a HEPA-AIRE portable air scrubber (SAH2MA) and the statutory asbestos site sign (EAMIANTE).

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