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Download Texas Polished Face CMU Specifications
Submit color samples for selection from manufacturer’s group 1,2, or3. Submit product literature, certifications, test reports and full size sample(s) of each color specified.
Certifications: Concrete blocks for grinding shall conform to ASTM C90. Units shall conform to ASTM C1262 with respect to freezing and thawing.
Oldcastle/Jewell Polished Face Units shall have a tighter, smoother face. Mold and moisture resistant, Oldcastle/Jewell Polished Face units are graffiti resistant and easy to clean (never paint or refinish). No VOC’s. Available in a wide color selection, custom colors and unique shapes and sizes, these units are ideal for interior and exterior applications. The structural integrity of the unit results in a one-step, single trade installation process.
Fire Resistance: Define hourly ratings required by NCMA TEK Notes, available at www.Echelonmasonry.com.
Field Constructed Mock-ups: Construct a sample panel, no less than 4' x 4', of units of each color and size to be used in the project. Oldcastle/Jewell Products Company requires ordering a full size unit to illustrate color and texture for approval.
Oldcastle/Jewell Products requires a sample panel be installed at the jobsite prior to installation of any architectural masonry product. This panel will represent both the quality of the product and the workmanship to be expected for the project. The panel must be approved by either the owner or architect for the project. Oldcastle/Jewell Products Company will provide 4" units for a 4' by 4' sample panel at no cost for the material (not including freight to site).
Oldcastle/Jewell Products Company Polished Face Units shall be delivered to the jobsite on covered pallets with protective sheets between layers. 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.
Protection of Work: Cover walls each day after installation to keep open walls protected and dry. After units are installed they should be protected from damage by other trades performing operations that can stain or otherwise damage the finished surfaces by covering walls with plastic. Corners should be protected from damage after installation by covering them with plywood.
Echelon (Oldcastle Architectural) Texas Polished Face Concrete Masonry Units
Oldcastle/Jewell Concrete Products Company 400 Jewell Dr. Waco, Texas 76714
Colored matching or contrasting mortar is available at Oldcastle/Jewell Products Company. Consult NCMA TEK Notes, available at www.jewellcp.com, for mortar type and specifications. For all exterior mortar, use matching Oldcastle/Jewell Products-approved water repellent mortar admixture following manufacturer's instructions. Consult manufacturer for recommendations.
Surfaces are manufactured to provide finished dimensions of 7-5/8" x 15-5/8" ± 1/8". Bed depth dimensions for single face units are 3-9/16", 5-9/16", 7-9/16", 11-9/16" ± 1/8". Two face units are 3-1/2", 5- 1/2", 7-1/2", 11-1/2", ± 1/8". Nominal 2", 4", 6", 8", 10" and 12" standard block thickness are available as well as all standard block shapes. High-strength units for special structural requirements, over-sized units are available. Oldcastle/Jewell Polished Face Units are manufactured specifically for each project- block polished using a minimum 10 head wet grinder.
Use Burnished Custom Masonry Cleaner by PROSOCO carefully following manufacturer's instructions (dilute 1 part to 3 parts clean water). Do not powerwash. CAUTION! Never use Muriatic Acid solution or any cleaner with an acid base on units.
Part 3 – Execution
Draw blocks from more than one pallet at a time during installation. All exterior mortar shall include MB Rheopel water-repellent additive added to each batch in the appropriate dosage rates for mortar type (M, S or N) per manufacturer's instructions. Refer to NCMA TEK Notes, available at www.jewellcp.com, for Hot and Cold weather construction practices. Lay units using the best concrete masonry practices. Install only quality units; reject all defective units as defined by ASTM C90. Lay blocks with the faces level, plumb and true to the line strung horizontally at the ground face. Units shall have uniform, 3/8"-wide joints both horizontally and vertically on the finished side of the wall. Tool joints neatly after they are finger-hard to make them straight and uniform. Size and place cut pieces appropriately to maintain consistency and bond. Complete masonry construction using procedures and workmanship consistent with the best masonry practices.
Lighting: Provide adequate lighting for masonry work by placing all lighting at a reasonable distance from the wall for even illumination. Do not use trough lighting. 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.
1. Lay units with full mortar coverage on head and bed joints taking care not to block cores to be grouted or filled with masonry insulation.
2. Tool all mortar joints when thumbprint hard into a concave configuration.
3. Care should be taken to remove mortar from the face of masonry units before it sets.
4. Tuckpoint the joints of scored units for proper appearance. All exterior scored units must be tuckpointed to prevent water penetration. NO RAKE JOINTS.
Install flashing at locations shown in the plans and in strict accordance with the details and the best masonry flashing practices.
Install weep holes and vents at proper intervals at courses above grade and at any water stops over windows, doors and beams. Consult NCMA TEK Notes, available at www.adamsproducts.com , for proper flashing and drawings.
The polished faces shall conform to the requirements of ASTM C90 when viewed from a distance of twenty (20) feet at right angles to the wall with normal lighting.
Keep walls clean daily during installation using brushes, rags and the burlap squares supplied on the pallets. Do not allow excess mortar lumps or smears to harden on the finished surfaces. Harsh cleaning methods after walls have been erected will mar the surface of the blocks.
Clean the completed walls with PROSOCO Burnished Custom Masonry Cleaner (dilute 1 part to 3 parts clean water), strictly following the manufacturer's instructions – including thorough rinsing. Do not use acid or abrasives on the finished surfaces. Failure to strictly follow manufacturer's instructions can result in permanent damage to the finished faces. Do not apply Burnished Custom Masonry Cleaner with pressure spray above 50 psi. Do not powerwash.
Oldcastle/Jewell Polished Face Units, properly installed and cleaned, need virtually no maintenance other than routine cleaning (i.e. Pinesol or Fantastik). Contact manufacturer for specific cleaning recommendations.
Consult NCMA TEK Notes, available at www.adamsproducts.com, for proper installation of concrete masonry units.
Download a printable version of these specifications.
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