Part 1 General
1.01 SUBMITTAL
A. Submit product literature, unit shop drawings, certification, test reports, full size sample(s) of each color selected.
1.02 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. All high density pre-finished concrete masonry units shall be PRAIRIE stone masonry units manufactured by Northfield Block Company. All units shall conform to ASTM C90-96 and shall have either a ROCKFACE, GROUND FACE or TEXTURED FACE finish as shown on the drawings.
B. Field Constructed Mock-up: Construct a sample panel, no less than 4' x 4', of units of each color and size to be used in the project. The cleaning agent and method should also be determined at the time the sample panel is constructed.
1.03 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING
A. PRAIRIE stone units shall be delivered to the jobsite on banded wood pallets. Each exposed face shall be protected by a plastic protective layer. Each edge of a cube shall be protected by a pre-molded edge protector. Each cube shall be covered with a clear plastic wrap. Pallets shall be stored in single-stacks on level ground and covered with a waterproof covering (e.g., tarpaulins) to protect the units from inclement weather. Units must be handled carefully to avoid breakage and damage to the finished surfaces.
104 PROJECT/SITE CONDITIONS AND HANDLING
A. Cover walls each day after installation to keep open walls protected and dry.
Part 2 - Products
2.01 PRODUCT NAME
A. PRAIRIE stone Masonry Units.
2.02 MANUFACTURER
A. Northfield Block Company
One Hunt Court
Mundelein, Illinois, 60060
847-816-9000 (PH) 847-816-9072 (FAX)
Part 3- Execution
3.01 LAYING MASONRY WALLS
A. Lay units using the best concrete masonry practices. Install only quality units; reject all defective units. Align units level, plumb, and true with uniform, carefully-tooled 3/8" wide joints on the finished side of the wall. Draw blocks from two or more pallets at a time during installation. Use a water repellent mortar additive, following the manufacturer's instructions, for all exterior walls.
3.02 INSTALLATION
A. Lighting: Provide adequate lighting for masonry work by placing all lighting a reasonable distance from the wall for even illumination. Do not use trough lighting.
B. Cutting: Make all unit cuts, including those for bonding, holes, boxes, etc., with motor-driven masonry saws, using either in abrasive or diamond blade. Cut neatly for best appearance.
3.03 INSPECTION
A. The facing shall be free from chips, cracks, crazes or any other imperfection that would detract from the overall appearance of the finished wall when viewed from a distance of five (5) feet at right angles to the wall with normal fighting.
3.04 FLASHING OF MASONRY WORK
A. Install flashing at locations shown in the plans and in strict accordance with the details and the best masonry flashing practices.
3.05 WEEP HOLES AND VENTS
A. Install weep holes and vents at proper intervals (32" O.C. and 2" long, above bed joints, typical) at courses above grade, above flashing, and at any water stops over windows, doors, and beams.
3.06 CLEANING
A. Keep walls clean daily during installation using brushes, rags, and burlap squares. Do not allow excess mortar lumps or smears to harden on the finished surfaces. Remove green mortar with burlap or a dry cloth. Harsh cleaning methods after walls have been erected may mar the surface of the units.
3.07 FINAL CLEANDOWN
A. No ACID or ACID base solutions shall be used in the cleaning of PRAIRIE stone units. A detergent masonry cleaner shall be used following the manufacturer's instructions and the surface shall be thoroughly rinsed with clean water.
3.08 MAINTENANCE
A. PRAIRIE stone units, properly installed and cleaned, need virtually no maintenance other than routine cleaning with standard commercial grade cleaning agents. Graffiti, paint or dye stains may need special cleaning methods and products. Contact manufacturer for specific cleaning recommendations.
3.09 INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Cavity wall construction is recommended for exterior walls, with proper flashing, venting and weep holes.
B. A complimentary or matching mortar color is recommended when using PRAIRIE stone units.
A water repellent mortar additive is highly recommended for all exterior walls.
Control joint spacing should be approximately 20" - 25" feet maximum.
Continuous horizontal joint reinforcement is recommended in the exterior wythe every 16" or every course with 12" and 16" high units.
3.10 LIMITATIONS
A. The facing is not intended for use as an impervious surface.
B. Acid solutions should not be used as a cleaning agent or in direct contact with the facing.
The facing should not be continuously exposed to temperatures above 250° F.
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