Color Matched Masonry Repointing Mortars

SPEC-JOINT 46 is a series of pre-colored, prepackaged, cement-lime mortars for use in new construction and restoration. It is formulated in accordance with ASTM C-270 specifications to provide consistent, reliable results in both performance and appearance. SPEC-JOINT 46 is simply mixed with water prior to use, and is applied in accordance with Standard Procedures for use of masonry mortar.

LINK TO PRINTABLE PRODUCT DATA SHEET (PDF)

PERFORMANCE:

SPEC-JOINT 46 is available in 6 standard grades:

TYPE

Min. Avg. Compressive Strength at 28 days, PSI (MPa)

M

2500 (17.2)

S

1800 (12.4)

N

750 (5.2)

O

350 (2.4)

K, L

High Lime Mortars

COVERAGE:

Each 50-lb. bag of SPEC-JOINT 46 produces approximately 1/2 cubic foot of mortar. For repointing work, this will fill approximately 250 lin. ft. of 1/2" wide joints at 1/2" depth.

SELECTION:

The following table is a general guide for selection of mortar type for various applications. Other considerations may be important to proper mortar selection, and it is recommended that the specifier and user give full consideration to applicable building codes, engineering requirements, and type of masonry units to be used. For further information consult ASTM C-270, "Standard Specification for MORTAR FOR UNIT MASONRY".

LOCATION

Exterior, above grade

Exterior, at or below grade

Interior

Historic Masonry***

Building Segment

Load-bearing wall

Non-load bearing wall

Parapet Wall

Foundation wall, retaining wall, manholes, sewers, pavements, walks, patios

Load-bearing wall

Non-bearing partition

Recommended Type

N

O*

N

S**

N

O

K

Alternate Type

S or M

N or S

S

M or N

S or M

N

L

*Type O mortar is recommended where masonry is unlikely to be frozen when saturated or unlikely to be subjected to high winds or other significant lateral loads. Type N or S should be used otherwise.

**Masonry exposed to weather in a nominally horizontal surface is extremely vulnerable to weathering. Select mortar with due caution.

***High lime mortars are for use on masonry buildings constructed prior to 1900, where unit masonry strengths are low and softer mortars are required.

NOTE: This table does not provide for specialized mortar uses, such as chimneys, reinforced masonry, and acid-resistant mortar.

APPLICATION:

1. Observe all applicable standard practices for unit masonry construction and restoration.

2. MIXING: Mix with clean water, free of oils, acids, alkali, salts, organic materials, or any other substance that may be deleterious to mortar or metal in the masonry assembly. Admixtures such as coloring pigments, air entraining agents, accelerators, retarders, water repellents, anti-freeze compounds and other admixtures should not be added to mortar unless specified and approved by Edison Coatings, Inc. Mix in a mechanical batch mixer for 3 to 5 minutes using the maximum amount of water to produce a workable consistency.

3. TEMPERING: Mortars that have stiffened should be retempered by adding water as frequently as needed to restore the required consistency. Discard any unused mortar 2 hours after initial mixing.

4. STORAGE & HANDLING: Store in a dry location, off the floor or ground. Product is a cement-based material and should be stored in such a manner as required to prevent deterioration or moisture infiltration.

CAUTION: Product contains cement and lime. May be injurious to eyes and skin. Product contains silica. Avoid breathing dust, and avoid eye and skin contact. Observe all safety and handling guidelines as detailed in the Material Safety Data Sheets furnished with this product.

Winter Admixtures

NON-Chloride Admixtures: In laboratory testing of several non-chloride accelerating admixtures, SPEC-JOINT 46 Type N was found to reach proper strength at temperatures of 20⁰F (-6⁰C) without the use of any admixtures. The non-chloride admixtures generally had little or no significant effect on strength development rates, and some actually reduced strengths. Based on this evaluation, Edison Coatings, Inc. recommends that SPEC-JOINT 46 Type N should be used without winter admixtures, under the conditions detailed below. For a more complete report on these findings, request a copy of the related technical report from your Edison Coatings representative.

To assure proper strength development using Type N mortar under freezing conditions, carefully observe all of the following:

Work at temperatures of at least 20⁰F and rising, and stop work at least 2 hours before temperatures drop back to 20⁰F.

Store all mortar and mixing water in a warm area until just before use. Use of warm water is also acceptable.

Calcium Chloride: If necessary to prevent freezing, when working under colder weather conditions, calcium chloride addition of up to 1/4 lb. (113 grams) per 50 pound bag is permitted under ASTM C-270. Consult ASTM C-270 for further information regarding calcium chloride addition and proportioning.

Color, Consistency & Efflorescence

All batches of SPEC-JOINT 46 are carefully proportioned and checked for close tolerance to standard color before leaving the factory. This has resulted in highly consistent color, even over the course of extended projects involving many different production batches. Some slight batch-to-batch variations may occur, however, and these should be considered normal and acceptable. Some factors beyond the control of the Manufacturer may also influence color and consistency. Weather may be one source of variability, as shading differences may occur under widely divergent conditions. Hot, dry weather, for example, may produce a slightly different intensity than cool, overcast conditions. Certain colors will be more affected by such variations, while others will be relatively unaffected.

Efflorescence, a white or tan deposit on the face of joints or masonry, may originate from a number of sources. These include mixing water, the masonry units or backing, or the free lime in the mortar itself. To minimize efflorescence, we suggest:

1. Use only clean water, free of salts or other additives or contaminants..

2. Observe mixing and curing requirements, and be consistent from mix to mix. Do not re-temper excessively.

3. If efflorescence does occur shortly after mortar installation, it will generally be of a soft and soluble nature. It may either be removed by light scrubbing or pressure washing, or allowed to weather away naturally, in most cases.

4. If efflorescence is hard, crusty or persistent, it is an indication of other sources or contaminants, and potential moisture infiltration points should be sought out and corrected.

5. While some water repellents will effectively suppress any efflorescence, there may be reason for concern that damaging subfluorescence may alternatively occur, which can result in damage to masonry. Choose and apply any water repellents only under the guidance of a knowledgeable professional.

For more information or assistance, contact your Edison Coatings, Inc. representative.

3 Northwest Drive, Plainville, CT 06062 USA

Phone: (860) 747-2220 or (800) 341-6621

FAX: (860) 747-2280 or (866) 658-1189

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	EDISON COATINGS PRODUCTS ARE FOR COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY

Last Updated:

Tuesday, May 06, 2008



	Society for the Preservation of Historic Cements, Inc.

LIMITS OF LIABILITY

Edison Coatings, Inc. makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information contained herein. This publication is offered on a complimentary basis as a service to potential customers or specifiers. While every effort has been made to include complete and accurate information, based on data and information believed to be reliable, it is the sole responsibility of the user to determine its suitability for his own intended use and purposes. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any product, process or any other recommendation stated herein. Edison Coatings, Inc. assumes no responsibility for advice given, results obtained, or for any damages whether incidental or consequential, which may be incurred as a direct or indirect result of the use of this information. By proceeding to use this information, user acknowledges and agrees that he is doing so at his own risk, and user indemnifies and holds Edison Coatings harmless against any liabilities, costs or expenses resulting therefrom. All product sales are further governed by the Edison Coatings, Inc. CONDITIONS OF SALE.