Masonry Magazine February 1996 Page. 48
Fig. 11. Proper tooling yields a dense, weather-resistant mortar joint surface and a neat, uniform appearance.
Cleaning. Clean masonry walls are not simply the product of a cleaning procedure performed after the masonry is constructed. An accomplished mason will construct masonry walls having a minimum of mortar droppings or smears on the face of masonry units. An informed mason contractor will assure that steps are taken throughout the construction process to minimize the clean-up required upon completion. The principle that "less is better" applies to final cleaning requirements for masonry. For a more complete discussion of this topic, see PCA publication IS244, Trowel Tips: Cleaning Masonry.
Summary
When taken as a measure of the quality built into masonry, workmanship includes the topics discussed in this two-part series as well as additional measures, such as covering walls at the end of each day of construction, adequately bracing walls, and following proper hot and cold weather construction procedures. More detailed discussion of these topics can be found in the documents listed as related publications. Hopefully this information will increase awareness with respect to the importance of good workmanship, contribute to the basic knowledge about the construction practices that are a part good workmanship, and enhance appreciation of the skills required to achieve good workmanship.
Related Publications
Readers of this publication may also be interested in the following publications available for purchase from the Portland Cement Association. A complete listing of PCA publications is given in the free PCA Catalog (MS254G). Το order, write or call Order Processing, Portland Cement Association, 5420 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, Illinois 60077-1083, phone 708/966-6200.
Concrete Masonry Handbook, EB008M
Building Weather-Resistant Masonry Walls, IS220M
Mortars for Masonry Walls, IS040M
Masonry Cement Mortars, IS181M
Trowel Tips: Efflorescence, IS239M
Trowel Tips: Tuckpointing, IS240M
Trowel Tips: Mortar Sand, IS241M
Trowel Tips: Field Testing Mortar, IS242M
Trowel Tips: Hot-Weather Masonry Construction, IS243M
Trowel Tips: Cleaning Masonry, IS244M
Trowel Tips: Workmanship Part I, Preparing for Quality, IS245M
Recommended Practices for Laying Concrete Block, PA043M
Recommended Practices & Guide Specifications for Cold Weather Masonry Construction, LT107M
CAUTION: Contact with wet (unhardened) concrete, mortar, cement, or cement mixtures can cause SKIN IRRITATION, SEVERE CHEMICAL BURNS, or SERIOUS EYE DAMAGE. Wear waterproof gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, full-length trousers, and proper eye protection when working with these materials. If you have to stand in wet concrete, use waterproof boots that are high enough to keep concrete from flowing into them. Wash wet concrete, mortar, cement, or cement mixtures from your skin immediately after contact. Indirect contact through clothing can be as serious as direct contact, so promptly rinse out wet concrete, mortar, cement, or cement mixtures from clothing. Seek immediate medical attention if you have persistent or severe discomfort.
This publication is intended SOLELY for use by PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL who are competent to evaluate the significance and limitations of the information provided herein, and who will accept total responsibility for the application of this information. The Portland Cement Association DISCLAIMS any and all RESPONSIBILITY and LIABILITY for the accuracy of and the application of the information contained in this publication to the full extent permitted by law.
Portland Cement Association 5420 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, Illinois 60077-1083
An organization of cement manufacturers to improve and extend the uses of portland cement and concrete through market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs work.
48 MASONRY-JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1996