Technical Information for Textured Masonry Units

Quality Assurance
Certifications: Concrete blocks for finishing shall conform to ASTM C90, Type1.  The provisions of ASTM C90 Paragraph 7.3.1 apply with regard to imperfections.

Delivery, Storage and Handling
Units shall be delivered to the job site on pallets.  Store pallets in single stacks on level ground and cover with waterproof covering (e.g. tarpaulins) to protect the blocks from inclement weather.  Handle blocks carefully to avoid breakage and damage to the finished surfaces.

Project/Site Conditions
Protection of work: Cover walls each day after installation to keep open walls protected and dry.

Part 2-Products:
Product Name
Textured Masonry Units.

Sizes And Shapes
Nominal 2", 4", 6", 8", 10", and 12" standard block thicknesses are available as well as all standard block shapes.  High strength units for special structural requirements are also available.  Metric shapes and sizes available.

Water Repellency
Units required to meet water repellency specifications will be manufactured with W.R. Grace DRY-BLOCK® water repellent admixture.

Part 3-Execution:
Laying Masonry Walls
Lay units using the best concrete masonry practices.  Install only quality units; reject all defective units.  Align units level, plumb, and true with uniform, carefully tooled 3/8" wide joints on the textured face side of the wall.  Draw blocks from more than one pallet at a time during installation.  Use W.R. Grace DRY-BLOCK® water repellent mortar admixture, following manufacturer's instructions, in all exterior mortar.

Installation
Cutting: Make all unit cuts, including those for bonding, holes, boxes, etc. with motor driven masonry saws, using either an abrasive or diamond blade.  Cut neatly and locate for best appearance.

Inspection
The textured faces shall be free from chips, cracks, crazes or any other imperfection that would detract from the overall appearance of the finished wall when viewed from a distance of twenty (20) feet at right angles to the wall with normal lighting.

Flashing of Masonry Work
Install flashing at locations shown in the plans and in strict accordance with  the details and the best masonry flashing practices using W.R. Grace Perm-A-Barrier®

Weep Holes And Vents
Install weep holes and vents at proper intervals  (32" O.C. and 2" long, above bed joints, typical) at courses above grade, above flashing, and at any water stops over windows, doors and beams.    

Pointing
Tuckpoint the joints of scored EarthStone® units.

Cleaning 
Keep walls clean daily during installation using brushes.  Do not allow excess mortar lumps or smears to harden on the finished surfaces.  Remove green mortar.  Harsh cleaning methods after walls have been erected may mar the surface of the blocks.

Final Cleandown
Clean the completed walls with a detergent masonry cleaner strictly following the manufacturer's instructions including thorough rinsing.  Do not use acid or abrasives on the finished surfaces.