VFI®-5000 90 A Expansion Joint Filler

VFI®-5000 90 A Expansion Joint Filler

VFI-5000 90 A Expansion Joint Filler is a two-component, self-leveling polyurea hybrid material for filling and protecting interior control joints or new construction saw joints in industrial floors. With strong elastomeric properties, the joint filler ensures joints stay sealed when concrete expands or contracts due to temperature changes. Polyurea hybrid joint fillers also protect concrete joint edges from deteriorating due to high traffic and heavy loads. A fast cure time decreases downtime, allowing you to trim the material to be flush with the surface quickly after application. VFI-5000 is a versatile material that can also be used to patch and repair cracks or joints.

VFI-5000 90 A Expansion Joint Filler from VFI is a fast-curing polyurea hybrid material for filling industrial floor joints to protect concrete from damage.

Features & Benefits

  • Rapid curing for decreased downtime during installation
  • Excellent abrasion and chemical resistance in high traffic areas
  • 1:1 mix ratio by volume for easy application using a Qwik Spray Gun and static mix tip
  • Prevents water, dirt, and other contaminants from causing deterioration
  • Allows concrete to expand and contract without cracking or breaking
  • GM-19 Applicator Tip is the only tip for use with this product

Instructions for Use:

Surface Preparation

Joint filler separation can be avoided by delaying the application of the joint filler as long as possible after new concrete has been poured so it has time to shrink and cure. New concrete slabs should be allowed to cure for at least 28 days before installing the joint filler. All joints must be cleaned, prepped, and free of oils, dirt, loose particles, or other contaminants that might affect adhesion. Clean concrete where necessary by grinding, sandblasting, or wire brushing. For optimal results, re-cut joints with a dry diamond blade.

All surfaces should be structurally sound and dry (less than 5% moisture). If the area to be filled is wet or damp, the joints must be primed and allowed to set. If joints in the concrete have been filled previously, remove all old joint sealing materials. Priming may be required if the previous filler or sealant is not saw-cut from the joint.

Application

The temperature of the work area and surface should be between 50°F – 100°F during application, and the material should be at least 65°F. Using the material at higher temperatures or with larger quantities will shorten the pot life. You must premix the B side (Poly) until uniform before combining it with the A side (Iso). Mix times will vary depending on the volume of material used and the mixing method. When using cartridges, mixing is not required unless the material is visibly separated. Shake the cartridges until uniform if separation occurs.

VFI-5000 can be dispensed using a dual cartridge static mix gun or a low-pressure, plural component machine pump. When purchased as the Qwik Spray System, VFI recommends the plural component, pneumatically driven VFI-7500 Qwik Spray Gun. An air compressor that can provide 100 psi and 10 CFM of constant pressure is also required. Keep the cartridge upright when loading it into the applicator gun. Dispense initial material away from the joint to ensure the material is fully mixed.

Note: Application with the Qwik Spray Gun must be performed continuously. Stopping before the cartridge is fully dispensed will result in the material setting up in the mixing nozzle.

When weight is not an issue, closed cell backer rods may be installed at a depth of 1”-1 ¼”. If you plan on exposing the joints to heavy loads, the joint filler should be applied at full depth. Coverage will depend on the size of the joints. VFI-5000 cartridges, when used with a backer rod, will cover 17’ of ¼” wide control joints. The recommended method of application is to fill the joint from bottom to top. Overfill the joint by up to 5%, so you can cut excess material away to be flush with the surface. Allow the filler to set for approximately 45 minutes before using a sharp wall scraper or stiff, sharp razor blade to shave off excess material. Applying lightweight oil to the blade will allow for easier shaving.

Cleanup

We recommend using xylene or MEK as a cleaning solvent. Wipe excess material from the surface and application tools before it cures. If the material cures, a sharp wall scraper can be used to remove it. When using the Qwik Spray Gun, remove the cartridges from the applicator frame and throw them away. Do not soak the gun in any cleaning solvent.

Safety

*Always read the safety data sheet before working with chemicals

Use chemicals only as directed and for their intended purpose. Do not dispose of chemicals down the drain. Most chemicals must be disposed of as hazardous waste.

PPE to avoid all unnecessary exposure:

  • Eye protection – wear approved safety glasses and any additional eye protection as necessary
  • Hand protection – wear chemically resistant protective gloves (nitrile, butyl, or neoprene)
  • Body protection – wear suitable protective clothing
  • Respiratory protection – in case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment. Respirator selection must be based on known or anticipated exposure levels, the hazards of the product, and the safe working limits of the selected respirator

Product Limitations

This product contains isocyanate, which may irritate the skin and is toxic if inhaled as particulate matter. Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors and repeated skin contact. It is not intended for exterior or interior joints that are subject to high movement from thermocycling. As a moisture-sensitive product, joints must be dry or wet and damp areas must be primed. VFI-5000 is not UV color stable and has no long-term UV testing.

  • Incompatible materials – A side: strong bases, acids, alcohols, amines, and water. B side: strong oxidizers
  • Conditions to avoid – heat and incompatible materials
  • Chemical stability – stable under normal storage conditions
  • Reactivity & hazardous reactions – no dangerous reaction known under normal use
  • Hazardous decomposition products – may include, and are not limited to, oxides of carbon as well as oxides of nitrogen and isocyanates for the A side

Potential Health Hazards

  • May cause respiratory tract irritation. A side material may also cause allergy and asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.
  • Causes skin irritation or sensitization: redness, edema, drying, defatting, and cracking of the skin.
  • Causes serious eye irritation: discomfort, pain, excess blinking and tear production, marked redness, and swelling of the conjunctiva.
  • May cause stomach distress, nausea, or vomiting if swallowed.

*If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical advice or attention. Call a poison control center or doctor if swallowed.

Click here for more information on the full technical data sheet.

Application Methods:

  • Inject Inject

Available Packaging:

  • Tote
  • Drum
  • 5 Gallon
  • Cartridge

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?

VFI strives to keep our prices competitive, but it ultimately depends on the availability of raw materials and the materials used in the formula. Also, polyurea hybrids when compared to pure polyurea coatings provide a good balance of properties, moisture insensitivity, and price.

What happens if the bedliner is damaged? Is it repairable?

Yes, Volatile Free, Inc. offers a bedliner repair material called VFI-520 QS Bedliner Repair that you can use on scratches, blisters, and other damages. It can be applied by brush or injected using the VFI-7500 Qwik Spray Gun.

How to clean spray on bedliner?

Regularly remove dirt, debris, and other grime that has built up from use. You can use a hose or a pressure washer to clean the truck bed with soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the material.

How long do polyurea hybrid coatings last?

When applied correctly and regularly maintained, a spray on truck bedliner should last the entire life of the truck. If repair is needed, VFI offers a thickened polyurea hybrid as a repair material for scratches, gouges, and other blemishes.

Will the bedliner fade over time?

Yes. All VFI bedliners are aromatic, which means they are not UV-stable. If you want to maintain the color of your bedliner, you’ll need to apply a clear aliphatic top coat like VFI-2580.

How soon can the truck bed be used after spraying?

We recommend waiting at least 4 hours after application for light use of your truck bed and a full day (24 hours) before heavy-duty use. The bedliner will gain full strength and formulated properties 5 days after application.

How much material do I need to coat a truck bed?

When spraying VFI-544, we recommend using 6 cartridges (a full case). A full case is just under 2 gallons of material and gets you around 100 mils thick without any loss.

VFI-542 and VFI-543 can be ordered in drums or totes, so about 2 gallons from those containers will also coat one truck bed at around 100 mil thickness without any loss.

How thick should I apply the bedliner?

VFI recommends applying the material at a minimum of 80 mils for long-lasting results.

How long does it take to spray a truck bed?

It can take 2-4 hours to prepare the surface by sanding or priming, tape off areas you don’t want material to get onto, and then spray the truck bed.

Do I need a primer?

Primers are usually not required on properly prepared metal surfaces. Scuff the areas you are coating with a wire cup brush sander or 40-grit sandpaper. If you need a primer, VFI recommends either VFI-1016 Steel Primer or VFI-1017 Porous Surface Primer.

What surface prep is required before applying spray on bedliner?

The surface must be cleaned with acetone before application. Tape up the truck bed with wire trim tape and shield surfaces from overspray with plastic or paper sheets. Scuff sand the area you are coating with a wire cup brush sander or 40-grit sandpaper. Primers are usually not required if the metal is properly prepared.

What temperature should I use the material at?

VFI spray on bedliners must be sprayed between 40°F and 100°F. The cure speed of the material will increase if the temperature passes 72°F.

Does your spray on bedliner come in different colors?

VFI high-pressure, low-pressure, and Qwik Spray bedliners can be pigmented. The premium colors offered are light gray, red, blue, pewter, yellow, and green. These materials are not UV color stable and require an aliphatic top coat like VFI-2580 to prevent fading.

What kind of packaging do your bedliners come in?

For our high pressure bedliner, it can be purchased in drums or totes. The low pressure bedliner can be purchased in pails, drums or totes. The Qwik Spray formula comes in cartridges with 6 cartridges per case.

Is high pressure material better than low pressure material?

While some manufacturers will tell you that high pressure is better than low pressure bedliners, they both perform as expected. Our low-pressure spray bedliner is an economical option with a lower hardness (40 A) and a slightly slower cure than our high-pressure version. It may provide a slightly thicker texture, better for skid resistance. Either version will still provide the same quality and durability.

What are the application options for your bedliner?

VFI spray on bedliner comes in three formulas: high pressure, low pressure, and Qwik Spray for different processing needs.

Does the spray on truck bedliner withstand temperature extremes?

VFI bedliners offer extended protection from wear in extreme temperatures while maintaining flexibility to prevent cracking. They also form a seamless membrane to keep water from penetrating the surface, preventing rust and corrosion.

How are spray in bedliners better than drop in liners?

Spray in bedliners offer more durability than drop in liners. Drop in liners have to frequently be replaced because they crack, break, and warp over time. Spray in bedliners are an almost permanent solution to protect your truck bed. They form a seamless film over the prepared metal to keep out dirt, debris, moisture, and other contaminants. They are more likely to last the entire lifetime of your truck.

What is the difference between an aliphatic and aromatic bedliner?

Aliphatic bedliners are UV stable and will not fade over time, while aromatic bedliners will fade and chalk over time when in direct sunlight. Most bedliner on the market are aromatic, but VFI offers a clear aliphatic top coat to prevent color fading and degradation.

What is your spray on bedliner made of?

VFI’s bedliners are a cost-effective blend of both polyurethane and polyurea. They offer the best characteristics of each material, including properties, cost, and moisture sensitivity.