Spec Mix: Portland Or Plastic?

is spec mix portland or plastic

Spec Mix is a company that manufactures preblended mortar mixes, grouts, and other products for use in construction and masonry. The company's products are designed to meet specific project specifications and applicable industry standards. One of the key components in many Spec Mix products is Portland cement, which is a type of cement commonly used in construction. However, some Spec Mix products may also contain other materials such as lime, sand, and various proprietary additives or polymers. The use of these different materials allows Spec Mix to create products tailored for specific applications, such as vertical masonry structures, paving units, or concrete masonry units. While Spec Mix products are designed for ease of use and performance, some users have reported challenges with the consistency and speed of setting of certain Spec Mix mortars.

Characteristics Values
Composition Portland cement, hydrated lime, and dried masonry sand
Product Types Tuckpoint mortar, Core Fill Grout/Fine, Setting Bed, Polymer Modified Setting Bed (PMSBM), Building Stone Mortars, Integral Water Repellent IWR Mortar
Use Cases Masonry construction, filling concrete masonry units, horizontal bond beams, composite masonry construction, vertical masonry structures, reducing water penetration, improving bond strength
Availability 80 lb. packages, 3,000 lb. bulk bags, silos, pallets
Colors Standard or custom colors available
Compliance Meets ASTM, TMS, and CSA standards and requirements
Pricing $11.54 per 80 lb. bag
Purchase Conditions Non-refundable after 30 days from delivery, special orders require full payment at the time of order

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Spec Mix Portland & Lime Type N 80 lb

The product has been tested in accordance with ASTM E 514 and showed no signs of water penetration. It meets the requirements of ASTM C 270, CSA A179, and ASTM C 1714. The mix design incorporates the maximum amount of lime, allowing for optimal bond to the masonry unit. This enables the pointed wall to expand and contract while reducing the occurrence of potential issues.

It is important to note that the Buyer should carefully review the terms and conditions of sale provided by the Seller. There are specific provisions regarding returns, cancellations, warranties, liabilities, and other important aspects of the purchase agreement. These conditions include a 25% handling charge for returns and a three-day cancellation window for standard stock items.

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Spec Mix masonry mortar

SPEC MIX Masonry Cement & Sand Mortar is a preblended mortar mix that is manufactured under strict standards and quality control measures. It is available in 80 lb (36.2-36.3 kg) packages for hand loading and 3,000 lb (1,360.7-1,360.8 kg) bulk bags for use with SPEC MIX silo systems. The product should be kept dry and covered to protect it from weather damage.

The mixing process for SPEC MIX masonry mortar is crucial for optimal workability and performance. It is recommended to use a mechanical mixer, clean potable water, and maintain consistent mixing times of 4-5 minutes per batch. The mortar should be used within 2.5 hours after initial mixing and retempered only if mixing water is lost due to evaporation.

SPEC MIX offers a range of masonry mortar products, including the SPEC MIX Building Stone Mortars, specifically designed for masons building vertical masonry structures with full-depth stone units. They also offer the SPEC MIX Tuckpoint Mortar, which contains Portland cement, hydrated lime, and dried masonry sand for superior bond and water retention. Additionally, the SPEC MIX Integral Water Repellent (IWR) Mortar is formulated to reduce water penetration, shrinkage, and efflorescence, providing superior bond strength and workability.

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Spec Mix Building Stone Mortars

For specifications calling for soft or hard stone and a full mortar bed, SPEC MIX Building Stone Hard & Soft mortar mixes are engineered to match the specific properties of the stone to increase mortar-to-stone bond strength while allowing the mason to install units with maximum craftsmanship and productivity. HARD STONE MORTAR is a high-performance customized mortar engineered with a high-cement, low-lime, and mason sand formulation that produces a workable mix with low water retention. This mix is ideal for installing natural full-depth stone with low absorption, high density, and high compressive strength values.

SOFT STONE MORTAR is also a high-performance mortar engineered with a high-cement, low-to-medium lime content formulation that produces a workable mix with low to medium water retention. This mix is perfect for installing natural full-depth stone with medium to high absorption rates, low density, and compressive strength units.

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Spec Mix Setting Bed

When applying Spec Mix Setting Bed Mortar, it is important to follow ANSI 108 installation procedures and local building codes. The concrete surface should be dampened and cleaned prior to the application of a cementitious bonding coat, ensuring that it is free of standing water. Before placing the mortar bed, apply a thin coat of pure Portland cement slurry or dust a thin layer of dry Portland cement and wet it.

Spec Mix Polymer Modified Setting Bed (PMSBM) is another variation of the product. It is also designed for installing natural and manufactured paving units in interior and exterior installations with light to heavy traffic. PMSBM contains a unique blend of polymers and performance-enhancing admixtures, allowing it to meet ANSI and ASTM requirements. This variation can also be used as a fortified bedding mortar and a joint grouting material between horizontal pavers.

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Spec Mix Core Fill Grout

SPEC MIX® Core Fill Grout is a dry preblended material used in reinforced masonry to fill the cells of concrete masonry units, horizontal bond beams, and the cavities of composite masonry construction. It is available in both Fine and Coarse mixtures, with the Fine Grout containing Portland cement, graded sand, and other proprietary additives.

The Core Fill Grouts are formulated for superior flow to fill masonry voids and optimal compressive strength, meeting ASTM C 476 and CSA A179 requirements for reinforced masonry construction. It is designed as a fluid, cohesive cementitious material to bond together adjacent masonry units and steel reinforcement, resulting in a structurally sound final wall system.

It is important to keep SPEC MIX Core Fill Grouts dry, covered, and protected from weather and other damage. Each manufacturer certifies that SPEC MIX masonry products are designed to meet project specifications and applicable ASTM, TMS, and CSA standards.

Frequently asked questions

Spec Mix is a preblended mortar mix containing Portland cement, hydrated lime, and dried masonry sand. It is used in masonry construction and is available in different types, such as Type M, Type S, and Type N mortar, to meet various project specifications and requirements.

Spec Mix is designed to provide superior bond strength, water retention, and board life. It meets industry standards and requirements, such as ASTM and CSA, ensuring quality and compatibility with different types of masonry units.

You can purchase Spec Mix from distributors like Superior Products Distributors, Inc., or online stores like extechbuilding.com. The cost of Spec Mix Portland & Lime Type N 80 lb. is listed at $11.54 per bag on extechbuilding.com, with 42 bags per pallet. Prices may vary depending on the distributor and quantity purchased.

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