Masonry Magazine January 2005 Page. 27
thetically this product is different. It is a thin-set adhesive, and you do not see a mortar joint. Second, mortar is a great leveling agent, and because Mason Bond is thin, it does not have the ability to level the wall. We have solutions to both of these issues, and we do not believe they are major obstacles to gaining market acceptance," he says.
Bennett agrees. "Although there are issues to be addressed, none seem to be show-stoppers," he says. "There is no reason why masonry walls couldn't be built tomorrow using Mason Bond."
Northwes Tel: 773.775.6677
Masonr
asonry
Fax: 773.775.6776
5652 N.Northwest Hwy Chicago, IL
Stainless steel drip edge
$0.69
Makita Saw
$699
With every purchase of
MAKITA Saw
FREE Rotary Hammer
Model #HR2455X
Canyon State Masonry in Phoenix, Ariz., used red, black and gray pre-blended IWR mortar by SPEC MIX on the Paseo Highlands Park Community Center.
Convenience and efficiency are also cited by Sean Sessa, Owner of Canyon State Masonry in Phoenix, Ariz. "My guys don't have to do any measuring to put it in a batch of mud," he says. "One of the reasons we use SPEC MIX [pre-blended integral water-repellent mortar] is that it's a no-thinking thing. It's also more cost-effective than a liquid water-repellent admixture, and it's more convenient."
In regard to performance, Robert L. Nelson & Associates, Inc., a nationally recognized testing agency in Schaumburg, III., conducted a comparative study in 2002 between mortars incorporating a liquid IWR and a powder IWR admixture. The study included both Portland lime and masonry cement mortars. A summary of the results is presented in the table (at left). Both admixtures were effective in making the masonry assemblages water-repellent, but the study also revealed an increase in entrained air and a decrease in flexural bond strength by as much as 46% when the liquid IWR was used.
When it comes to liquid or dry IWR admixtures, it's the contractor's choice. However, when adding a liquid admixture on site, you rely on the laborer for mortar quality and admixture addition rates, if it's added at all. Whereas, a dry admixture is pre-blended into the mortar, assuring the contractor that the mix is consistent, as well as having the benefits of a higher flexural bond strength and increased workability.
Water is everywhere even in Arizona, as Sessa says, "We do get our monsoons down here. So the issue of water penetration into a masonry assemblage is universal, and integral water-repellent admixture in mortar and CMUs is a proven and cost-effective solution.
1 Beall, C., "Preventing Moisture Problems in Single Wythe Block Walls," Masonry Construction, November 1991, pages 428-430.
Blades
14" Blades $39 cach
BUY 10 GET 1 FREE
20" Blades $129 cach
BUY 10 GET 1 FREE
Mortar Boxes
with wheels $199
without wheels $159
BUY 10 GET 1 FREE
Join us for 1-week opening at our new
14" Electric/
Gas Powered
Diamond Products
Wet Saw
$1,499
20"Diamond
location of Northwest Masonry Supply Products Wet Saw
March 7-12, 2005
641 Estes Avenue
Schaumburg, IL 60193
Free Gifts and Discounts on
variety of equipment during our
opening week!
$2,499
while supplies last