At Baines Masonry Blocks, we take pride in the products that we offer, investing in the latest technologies and innovations to ensure the structural integrity of our buildings. To ensure the best results from using Baines masonry blocks, several factors should be considered including the technology in the material, factors when ordering, storage issues, maintenance imperatives, and construction practices.
Water Resistance
Baines Masonry’s Traditional Split Face and Smooth Face coloured dense weight blocks are manufactured using pre-sealing technology. An innovative silicone-based admixture is used in the manufacturing process, reducing the possibility of water penetration, efflorescence, mould, mildew and staining. The silicone-based admixture is incorporated during the mixing process, promoting dispersion throughout the masonry blocks, and forming an integral part of the life of the product.
The same admixture is available as a mortar additive and is highly recommended to help control leaching of efflorescence, which will leave unsightly stains on the face of the masonry block. This additive is available for purchase from Baines Masonry.
Also available is a post-applied speciality sealer SRW RWX, a water-based sealer, which has been specially developed to protect vertical masonry walls from damage caused by salt, road spray and pollution.
Colour
A sufficient quantity of product should be ordered to complete the project at the same time to avoid the possibility of batch variations, as the blocks are manufactured from natural aggregates, which do change in colour from time to time. Baines Masonry has no control over this aspect of manufacture.
Onsite Protection
Blocks should be covered if inclement weather is imminent as masonry blocks should be dry when laid and all unfinished walls should also be covered at the end of the day for protection from the elements.
If matching mortar colour with the block, use a colour oxide, white sand and white or off white cement. Trial batches should be completely dry before assessing the colour match. Care should be taken to ensure every mortar batch is mixed to the same measured quantities to avoid mortar colour variation.
Cleaning
Keep mortar off the face of the blocks. Clean off droppings as work progresses and before mortar sets; cleaning down with acid should be avoided. A guide to cleaning concrete masonry is available from the Concrete Masonry Association’s website.
Construction
Correct construction rules are contained in Australian Standard AS 3700, which covers such topics as the correct use of control joints, bond beams, joint reinforcement and mortar types.
