4D Block & Brick Inc.

Ideas & Tips

We have compiled a list of resources to help you use your Architectural Blocks efficiently.

Handling Custom Units

Tips on Ordering and Handling Custom Units:

Today's designers are utilizing the flexibility and beauty of customized concrete masonry on a regular basis. More is being demanded of the products and installers to satisfy the call to excellence from these designers and their customers. The following are some tips on the placement of your custom order:

Do not store cubes or pallets on top of each other. Staining from the pallet will occur.
Check for changes in colors of units. It is common to have more than one color of the same size unit on the job. Accent bands and panels are becoming increasingly popular.
Check this shape guide for what units are made. Special shapes not in this brochure may be manufactured if time and budget allow. Check with us for specific information.
Allow ample time for processing your order. We suggest 3 weeks from the time of placement of the order. Remember that many units need to be split/handled three or four times prior to becoming job-ready.
Order all fittings/shapes to be delivered at the beginning of the job. It is desirable to work from one run of fittings to assure better color uniformity.
Double check your quantities. When specialty Architectural Block are manufactured for a customized order, we must charge for each unit ordered. This assures the finest quality with the lowest overall cost.
Don't hesitate to call us if you have questions or need help — help us help you to make a better masonry market.

Cleaning Masonry Walls

Recommended procedures for Cleaning Newly Constructed Concrete Masonry Walls

Let mortar smears and droppings harden slightly, then remove using a mason's trowel, putty knife or chisel. Block surfaces also may be rubbed with another small piece of block then with a stiff fiber-bristle or stainless steel brush. This should be performed near the end of each workday.

To prevent additional cleaning, the following good construction practices are recommended:

Protect the base of walls from rain-splashed mud and mortar droppings, using straw or sand at the base of the wall, or plastic sheets laid on the ground 3-4 feet out from the wall and 2 feet up the wall.
Turn scaffold foot plank on edge at the end of each workday to prevent rain from splashing mortar and mud onto the walls.
Cover the tops of finished and unfinished walls at the end of each workday to keep water from entering the walls and creating efflorescence. Drape covering at least 2 feet down each side of wall.

Akron Brick and Block does not recommend the use of high pressure cleaning, as pressures exceeding 500 psi can alter appearance and performance of the wall assembly. Should additional steps be required to clean new masonry the following is preferred:

Materials:
Sure Klean-Heavy Duty Concrete Cleaner
Sure Klean-Vanatrol
Sure Klean-600

Procedure:
Low pressure spray 500 psi maximum, with spray wand tip not closer than 18" from the wall. Pre-wet wall surface and use hand scrubbing to remove large spots of mortar or areas of dirt and stains. Read and follow complete directions as supplied with all Sure-Klean products.

Additional information can be obtained from Akron Brick and Block by requesting copies of the following National Concrete Masonry Associations TEK bulletins:

#8-1 Maintenance of CMU walls
#8-2 Removal of Stains on CMU walls
#8-3 Removal of Efflorescence on CMU walls
#8-4 Removal of Graffiti on CMU walls

Efflorescence

Definition:
A whitish powder-like deposit which appears on masonry walls. This deposit is a residue of a soluble salt (calcium hydroxide) carried to the face of the product by cycles of wetting and evaporation. Soluble salts are found in almost all elements of nature. They in no way jeopardize structural integrity. Efflorescence will eventually wear away with time, but could reappear based on weather cycles or where no/poor flashing or coping exists. Removal can be hastened by using solution of Muriatic Acid, or consult your authorized Sure-Klean masonry supply dealer for direction.

Manufactures Recommendation

Manufacturer's Recommended Guide Specifications

Division 4-Masonry
Section 04200 Unit Masonry
Concrete Masonry Units:

Standard Units-All hollow and solid load-bearing concrete masonry units shall meet or exceed the regulations set forth by ASTM C90 and be manufactured by The Akron Brick and Block Co., Ltd. Weight classification: Normal, Medium, Lightweight.
Splitface and Smoothface Terrawall Units-(Splitface or Smoothface Terrawall) concrete masonry units shall be manufactured by The Akron Brick and Block Co., Ltd., 3225 Mogadore Road, Akron, Ohio 44312, (330) 628-2603. Types of unit(s) shall be (block description i.e. 8R1S1F). Color(s) of unit(s) shall be (i.e. dark burnt umber). All units shall contain the recommended amount of Dry Block® integral water repellent as per specifications by The Akron Brick and Block Co., Ltd. A sample panel will be constructed for approval of color, texture, detail, and workmanship prior to construction of walls. Sample panels shall remain intact until completion of masonry work as standard for acceptance. As with all concrete products manufactured with natural materials, some color variation is to be expected and it is recommended that the mason select from three or more cubes as the wall is being laid.
Mortar Materials for Custom Units-Mortar for all load-bearing walls shall be type S. Type N mortar may be used in veneer or non-load-bearing areas. All mortar shall contain the recommended amount of Dry Block Mortar Admix for water repellence and to assure proper bond strength.