ARCHITECTURAL CMU SPECIFICATIONS

SUBMITTAL
Submit color samples for selection from manufacturers series. Submit product literature, certifications, test reports, and full-size samples of each color specified or selected.

QUALITY ASSURANCE
Beavertown Block Co., Inc. concrete masonry units are classified as hollow or solid load-bearing concrete masonry units made from Portland cement, water, and suitable mineral aggregates with or without the inclusion of other materials. Our hollow or solid concrete masonry units meet the requirements for ASTM C90 and all applicable Federal Specifications.

Fire Resistance: Define hourly ratings required as 1, 2, 3, or 4 hours.

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. Install at the project site using acceptable products and approved installation methods. Accept finish, color, texture, size, and workmanship standard. Maintain mock-up during construction for workmanship comparison.

DELIVERY, STORAGE & HANDLING
Architectural concrete masonry units are manufactured to order. This practice assures a more color-consistent unit as aggregates may vary within the quarry over time. Please allow sufficient time for manufacturing, curing, and delivery when ordering material. The customer has the right to inspect all concrete masonry units at the shipping point and/or the delivery point. Failure to inspect and/or reject constitutes acceptance of the masonry units. All liability whatsoever on the part of Beavertown Block Co., Inc. is thereby terminated. Keep protective covers on the blocks until installation and store pallets in single stacks on level ground. 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 surface.

PROJECT SITE CONDITIONS
Protection of Work: Cover walls each day after installation to keep open walls protected and dry.

PRODUCT NAME
Beavertown Block Co., Inc. Splitface, Split Ribbed, Groundface, Textured Faced, Shotblasted, Glazed, Burnished, Filled, Sound Cell, SlotBlock, Flow Block, and Radial Units.

MANUFACTURER

SIZES AND SHAPES
Beavertown Block Co., Inc. manufactures its hollow and solid concrete masonry units in various sizes. The standard sizes are as follows: 1-5/8", 2-5/8", 3-5/8", 5-5/8", 7-5/8", 9-5/8", 11-5/8", 13-5/8", and 15-5/8" actual width. These sizes are more commonly referred to in their nominal widths: 2", 3", 4", 6", 8", 10", 12", 14", and 16". Standard actual height is 7-5/8" and standard actual length is 15-5/8". Nominal reference to height and length is 8" x 16" for standard and 16" x 16", 12" x 12", 12" x 24", and 16" x 24" for special sizes. Special sizes are now available as follows: 15-5/8" x 15-5/8", 11-5/8" x 11-5/8", 11-5/8" x 23-5/8", and 15-5/8" x 23-5/8". Special sizes are available in 4" nominal width only. We also manufacture a complete line of complementary concrete masonry unit shapes. Some of the more common include sash, pier, corner, cap, bond beam, 75% solid, solid, half, ivany, A block, scored, bullnose, half-high, and radial. Due to mold wear occurring during the production life of the steel mold used in the manufacturing of concrete masonry units, ASTM specification C90 allows plus or minus 1/8" in unit height, width, and length. The average weight of a standard 8" x 8" x 16" 2-core block is approximately 35 pounds oven dry weight per ASTM C140. Beavertown Block Co., Inc. can produce concrete masonry units with varying densities to meet specific job conditions. Integral water repellent agents can be added to the concrete mix during the manufacturing process. Beavertown Block Co., Inc. is qualified to use all major brands.

EXECUTION ESTIMATING CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS
In order to properly estimate the number of different units you must follow these steps:
1) Figure the total square footage of wall area less windows, doors, and other openings as well as all lintels.
2) Multiply the square footage by 1.125 to obtain the number of concrete masonry units needed for the project. When using special shapes and sizes you must refigure the unit count.
3) Review the plans to figure in the number of special shapes needed such as corner and sash units, bond beams, and lintels.
4) For a nominal 8" high x 16" long concrete masonry unit with face shell mortar bedding you will need approximately 6.0 cubic feet of mortar to lay 100 square feet of wall area.

LAYING MASONRY WALLS
Select blocks from four or more pallets at a time during installation.

INSTALLATION
Lighting: Provide adequate lighting for masonry work by placing all lighting at a reasonable distance from the wall for even illumination.
Base Course: Align and level base course properly on the footer.
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.

WORKMANSHIP
Lay blocks with faces level, plumb, and true to a line strung horizontally at the face. Install only quality units; reject all defective units. Units shall have uniform joint dimensions both horizontally and vertically. 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 best masonry practices.

INSPECTION
Faces of all masonry units shall be free from chips, cracks, crazes, or any other imperfections which would detract from the overall appearance of the finished wall when viewed from a distance of twenty feet at right angles to the wall with diffused lighting.

FLASHING OF MASONRY WORK
Provide a solid surface at flashing areas using inverted lintels or solid or filled masonry units. Flash at all breaks in the wall face where cells are not grouted. For starting course on footings where cells are not to be grouted, use a face shell mortar bed and coordinate placement of wall flashing and weeps. Run cotton cord wick up through the hollow block from each weep to assure proper weeping action. Space weeps 16 inches on center at flashing courses. Rake mortar joints at flashing and apply caulking to prevent mortar cracking. Beavertown Block Co., Inc. is an approved source for the Flow Blox which uses a special block shape to provide an efficient, cost-effective method which solves through wall flashing.

CLEANING
Clean walls daily during installation using brushes and detergent masonry cleaner, strictly following manufacturers instructions including thorough rinsing. Do not allow excess mortar lumps or smears to harden on the finished surfaces. Do not use acid or abrasives on the finished surfaces of any masonry product. Burnished masonry requires an acrylic sealer to be applied after final clean-down and when walls are completely dry. The clear sealer provides moisture resistance and helps to cover any scratches or scuffs that may occur during handling and/or installation. Contact manufacturer for an approved list of products.

MAINTENANCE
Masonry walls are virtually maintenance-free. Periodic cleaning with a masonry detergent cleaner will remove most daily dirt and dust buildup. Graffiti, paint, or dye stains may need special cleaning methods and products. Contact manufacturer for proper recommendation.