SPEC MIX Product Guide:
Performance Mortar and Grout
SPEC MIX DELIVERS THE ULTIMATE MASONRY SOLUTIONS — EVERY TIME
SPEC MIX HAS MORTAR & GROUT PRODUCTS FOR EVERY MASONRY APPLICATION
SPEC MIX® provides product solutions far beyond basic Type S Mortar and Coarse Grout. From custom homes to major sports stadiums, our diverse line of preblended products are engineered for your specific project application. The SPEC MIX team works with designers and contractors to select the best products and the best silo delivery systems to lock in quality control, jobsite safety and maximum productivity.
MASONRY MORTARS
PORTLAND LIME & SAND MORTAR
TYPE M (PL-02) Item #19035, TYPE S (PL-03) Item #19007, TYPE N (PL-04) Item #19008
SPEC MIX Portland Lime and Sand mortar is a dry preblended mortar mix containing portland cement, hydrated lime and dried masonry sand formulated for superior bond, water retention and board life. SPEC MIX Masonry Portland Lime & Sand mortar is available in color and is engineered for the installation of CMU and brick applications where high mortar workability and board life is required for good bond. Available in Types M, S, and N each meet ASTM C 270, CSA A179 and ASTM C 1714 requirements.
AVAILABLE IN COLOR
MASONRY CEMENT AND SAND MORTAR
TYPE M (MC-02) Item #19026, TYPE S (MC-03) Item #19004, TYPE N (MC-04) Item #19005
SPEC MIX Masonry Cement & Sand mortar is a dry preblended mortar mix containing masonry cement and dried masonry sand formulated for superior bond, water retention and board life. SPEC MIX Masonry Cement & Sand mortar is available in color and is engineered for the installation of CMU and brick applications where high mortar workability and board life is required for good bond. It comes in Types M, S and N, and each designation meets ASTM C 270, CSA A179 and ASTM C 1714 requirements.
AVAILABLE IN COLOR
MORTAR CEMENT AND SAND MORTAR
TYPE M (MR-02) Item #19020, TYPE S (MR-03) Item #19021, TYPE N (MR-04) Item #19022
SPEC MIX Mortar Cement & Sand mortar is a dry preblended mortar mix containing mortar cement and dried masonry sand formulated for superior bond, water retention and board life. SPEC MIX Masonry Cement & Sand mortar is available in color and is engineered for the installation of CMU and brick applications where high mortar workability and board life is required for good bond. It comes in Types M, S and N, and each designation meets ASTM C 270, CSA A179 and ASTM C 1714 requirements.
AVAILABLE IN COLOR
IWR-INTEGRAL WATER REPELLENT MORTAR
(IW-01) Item #19003, (Available in Types S and N)
SPEC MIX Integral Water Repellent IWR Mortar is a dry, preblended mortar mix that is produced using either portland cement and hydrated lime, mortar cement or masonry cement blended with dried masonry sand and a proprietary repellent admixture. SPEC MIX IWR mortar is specially formulated to reduce water penetration, shrinkage and efflorescence of masonry mortar joints and provide superior workability and bond strength for optimal performance. Tested in accordance with ASTM E 514, SPEC MIX IWR Mortar showed no signs of water penetration. Available in Types S and N, each meet ASTM C 270, CSA A179 and ASTM C 1714 requirements.
AVAILABLE IN COLOR
TUCKPOINT MORTAR
(TP-01) Item #19031
SPEC MIX Tuckpoint mortar is a dry preblended mortar mix containing portland cement, hydrated lime and dried masonry sand formulated for superior bond, water retention and board life. The mix design incorporates the maximum amount of lime for optimal bond to the masonry unit to permit the pointed wall to expand and contract, while mitigating the occurrence of potential cracking and spalling that is common with inflexible, high strength mortars. SPEC MIX Tuckpoint mortar is thoroughly pretested to ensure it meets ASTM C 270, CSA A179 and ASTM C 1714 requirements.
AVAILABLE IN COLOR
ENGINEERED MORTARS FOR MASONRY THIN VENEER SYSTEMS
ADHERED VENEER MORTARS
SPEC MIX PROVIDES PRODUCT PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MASONRY ADHERED VENEER SYSTEM
When the specification calls for thin veneer masonry installed on the exterior or interior of the building, the SPEC MIX® line of Adhered Veneer Masonry Mortars is the solution. From scratch coat to bond coat to jointing mortars project owners, designers and contractors can choose from our standard ADHERED VENEER MORTAR, or upgrade to POLYMER MODIFIED ADHERED VENEER MORTAR, or our ultimate thin veneer adhesive,THIN VENEER ADHESION MORTAR XP500.
Regardless of the application, SPEC MIX product formulations are designed with the installer in mind. Meeting specifications and standards is a necessity— at SPEC MIX delivering a mason friendly mix for easy installation, higher productivity and maximum profitability is our promise! Choosing from our line of adhered veneer products locks in quality assurance and performance.
ADHERED VENEER MORTAR (AVM)
THE VERSATILE, DURABLE THIN VENEER MORTAR.
SPEC MIX Adhered Veneer Mortar (AVM) is a specially formulated mortar for bonding lightweight manufactured thin veneer masonry units over wood frame and steel stud construction. It contains an optimal blend of dry cementitious materials, masonry sand, and performance enhancing admixtures specifically designed for use as a scratch coat, bond coat and joint grout for thin veneer masonry units. It is formulated as a cohesive material with consistent workability, anti-sag formulation, high water retention and excellent bond strength. The final wall system will produce a non-load bearing, aesthetically pleasing exterior veneer or interior finish ideal for residential construction.
SPEC MIX AVM is designed to be compatible with the characteristics of most masonry thin veneer units. Packaged in 80 and 3,000 Ib bags, AVM is available in SPEC MIX standard colors and custom colors for joint grouting the masonry veneer system.
SPEC MIX AVM meets ASTM C 270, ASTM C 1714, CSA A179 and TMS 402/602 applicable requirements. Project submittals are available upon request; data sheet, SDS and standard color options are available here.
| ADHERED VENEER MORTAR PERFORMANCE STANDARDS | ||
|---|---|---|
| BOND STRENGTH | TMS 402/602 Requirement | SPEC MIX ADHERED VENEER MORTAR (Typical Results) |
| At 28 Days (ASTM C 482) | 50 PSI (0.3 MPa) | >100 PSI (0.7 MPa) |
| AVM Approximate Coverage Rates | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | 80 lb (36.2 kg) Bag | 3,000 lb (1,360.7 kg) Bag |
| Scratch Coat | 20 to 23 ft² (1.8 to 2.1 m²) | 750 to 860 ft² (84 to 91 m²) |
| Bond Coat | 24 to 26 ft² (2.2 to 2.4 m²) | 900 to 975 ft² (84 to 91 m²) |
| Joint Grout - 1/2 in (13 mm) Joints | 38 to 40 ft² (3.5 to 3.7 m²) | 1,425 to 1,500 ft² (132 to 139 m²) |
| Full Installation (Scratch, Bond & Joint) | 13 to 15 ft² (1.2 to 1.4 m²) | 485 to 560 ft² (45 to 52 m²) |
| Note: The yields given above are approximate and depend on labor practices, site conditions and design of work. Yields include typical waste. Some areas such as FL, CA, OR, and WA experience higher yields due to construction practices. Please contact your local representative for more specific yield information in your area. | ||
POLYMER MODIFIED ADHERED VENEER MORTAR (PMAVM)
THE LOW SAG, HIGH PRODUCTIVITY & BOND MORTAR.
SPEC MIX Polymer Modified Adhered Veneer Mortar (PMAVM) is a technologically advanced adhered veneer mortar for use in bonding manufactured stone veneer, natural thin cut stone and thin brick to cementitious substrates. PMAVM is formulated to provide excellent workability, water resistance, efflorescence mitigation, durability and high bond strength. SPEC MIX PMAVM is the ideal solution for owners, architects and contractors that demand a low-sag mortar with great working time that speeds up installation and productivity. The anti-slip properties of PMAVM make the installation of large natural thin cut stone easy while holding units in place for an extended time.
With PMAVM on the job building owners and installers can rely on the benefits of a controlled product and increased efficiency resulting in extensive labor savings. SPEC MIX PMAVM has the flexibilty characteristics that can accommodate movement in the wall while maintaining the integrity of the veneer system.
SPEC MIX PMAVM meets ASTM C 270, ASTM C 1714, CSA A179, ANSI A118.4 and TMS 402/602 applicable requirements. Project submittals are available upon request; data sheet, SDS and standard color options are available here.
| Polymer Modified Adhered Veneer Mortar Approximate Coverage Rates | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | 80 lb (36.2 kg) Bag | 3,000 lb (1,360.7 kg) Bag |
| Scratch Coat | 20 to 23 ft² (1.8 to 2.1 m²) | 750 to 860 ft² (70 to 80 m²) |
| Bond Coat | 24 to 26 ft² (2.2 to 2.4 m²) | 900 to 975 ft² (84 to 91 m²) |
| Joint Grout - 1/2 (13 mm) Joints | 38 to 40 ft² (3.5 to 3.7 m²) | 1,425 to 1,500 ft² (132 to 139 m²) |
| Full Installation (Scratch, Bond & Joint) | 13 to 15 ft² (1.2 to 1.4 m²) | 485 to 560 ft² (45 to 52 m²) |
| SPEC MIX Polymer Modified Adhered Veneer Mortar (PMAVM) Performance Standards | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bond Strength | Requirement | PMAVM |
| TMS 402/602 28 Day Shear Bond (laboratory prepared) | 50 PSI (0.3 MPa) | >300 PSI (2.0 MPa) |
| ANSI A 118.4 7 Day Shear Bond (laboratory prepared) | 300 PSI (2.0 MPa) | >400 PSI (2.7 MPa) |
THIN VENEER ADHESION MORTAR – XP500
THE MIX WITH EXTREME BOARDLIFE AND BOND
SPEC MIX Thin Veneer Adhesion Mortar XP500 is a premium preblended polymer modified thin set mortar specifically designed to bond masonry thin veneer units including manufactured and gauged or ungauged natural thin stone and thin brick to substrates for interior and exterior installations. Its innovative, anti-sag formulation and optimized sand gradation provide superior workability, adhesion and durability crucial to the application.
XP500 should not be used in a scratch coat over lath or a joint grout application. SPEC MIX XP500 exceeds ANSI A118.4 and ANSI A118.15 applicable requirements as well as TMS 402/602 Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures shear strength requirements when tested in accordance with ASTM C 482. Project submittals are available upon request; data sheet and SDS is available here.
APPLICATION & SUBSTRATES
– Interior and exterior thin veneer installations
– Hardened scratch coats
– Concrete (properly prepared and free of curing compounds)
– Concrete masonry units
– Cement backer boards
– Interior gypsum wallboard with or without primer (consult with primer manufacturer for suitability)
| XP500 Approximate Coverage Rates | |
|---|---|
| Application | 50 lb (22.6 kg) BAG |
| Scratch Coat - 1/4 in x 3/8 in (6.3 mm x 9.5 mm) NOTCHED TROWEL | 60 to 70 ft² (5.5 to 6.5 m²) |
| Scratch Coat - 1/2 in x 1/2 in (13 mm x 13 mm) NOTCHED TROWEL | 40 to 45 ft² (3.7 to 4.2 m²) |
| Coating Masonry Unit Method | 30 to 33 ft² (2.8 to 3.0 m²) |
| Note: Coverage will vary depending on the substrate, site conditions and construction practices. | |
| XP500 Engineering Data (laboratory prepared) | ||
|---|---|---|
| *Due to the wide variability in natural stone physical characteristics and strengths, testing is performed with manufactured tile formats. | ||
| ANSI A118.15 Requirements | SPEC MIX XP500 (typical results) | |
| Porcelain Mosaic Tile Shear Strength, PSI | ||
| At 1 Day | 100 PSI (0.7 MPa) | >200 PSI (1.3 MPa) |
| At 7 Days | 300 PSI (2.0 MPa) | >600 PSI (4.1 MPa) |
| At 7 Days Dry / 7 Days Water Immersion | 200 PSI (1.3 MPa) | >300 PSI (2.0 MPa) |
| At 28 Days | 400 PSI (2.7 MPa) | >700 PSI (4.8 MPa) |
| At 28 Days with Freeze-Thaw Cycyling | 250 PSI (1.7 MPa) | >500 PSI (3.4 MPa) |
| At 28 Days Heat Aging | 400 PSI (2.7 MPa) | >800 PSI (5.5 MPa) |
| Quarry Tile Shear Strength, PSI | ||
| At 28 Days | 150 PSI (1.0 MPa) | >300 PSI (2.0 MPa) |
| At 28 Days with Freeze-Thaw Cycling | 100 PSI (0.6 MPa) | >200 PSI (1.3 MPa) |
| TMS 402/602 Requirements | SPEC MIX XP500 (typical results) | |
| Ceramic Tile Shear Strength, PSI | ||
| At 28 Days (ASTM C 482) | 50 PSI (0.3 MPa) | >400 PSI (2.7 MPa) |
BUILDING STONE MORTARS
BUILDING STONE MORTAR
(SM-01) Item #19074 (Available in Hard Stone and Soft Stone mix formulations)
SPEC MIX Building Stone Mortars are specifically designed and preblended with portland cement, lime and sand for masons building vertical masonry structures with full depth stone
units. 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 – 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 for installing natural full depth stone with low absorption, high density and compressive strength values based on ASTM C 97 testing. SPEC MIX Building Stone Mortar for Hard Stone is tested to meet ASTM C 270, CSA A179 and ASTM C 1714 requirements.
SOFT STONE MORTAR – A high performance mortar engineered with a high cement, low/medium lime content formulation that produces a workable mix with low to medium water retention for installing natural full depth stone with medium/high absorption rates, low density and compressive strength units based on ASTM C 97 testing. SPEC MIX Building Stone Mortar for Hard Stone is tested to meet ASTM C 270, CSA A179 and ASTM C 1714 requirements.
AVAILABLE IN COLOR
PAVING STONE MORTARS
SETTING BED MORTAR
(SB-01) Item #19080
SPEC MIX Setting Bed iis specifically engineered as a thick, dry pack mortar bed for constructing horizontal surfaces with natural and manufactured paving units. This preblended product contains portland cement, lime and sand that are mixed with a low water addition rate for a zero-slump mortar base material that meets ASTM requirements.
POLYMER MODIFIED SETTING BED MORTAR
(SM-01) (SB-04) Item #19081
SPEC MIX Polymer Modified Setting Bed (PMSBM) is specifically engineered as a thick, dry-pack or wet-set mortar bed for installing natural and manufactured paving units in interior and exterior
installations with heavy traffic. SPEC MIX PMSBM can be used as a thick fortified bedding mortar for residential and commercial paving unit applications as well as the joint grout material between horizontal pavers. This preblended product contains portland cement, lime, sand a proprietary blend of polymers and high performance admixtures that meet ANSI and ASTM requirements.
AVAILABLE IN COLOR
MASONRY GROUTS
CORE FILL GROUT / COARSE
(CF-02) Item #19002
SPEC MIX Core Fill Grout / Coarse is a dry preblended material engineered to fill cells of concrete masonry units, horizontal bond beams and the cavities of composite masonry construction. SPEC MIX Coarse Grout contains portland cement, graded sand, 3/8-inch aggregate, and other proprietary additives formulated for superior flow and compressive strength meeting ASTM C 476 requirements for reinforced masonry construction.
CORE FILL GROUT / FINE
(CF-03) Item #19024
SPEC MIX Core Fill Grout / Fine is a dry preblended material engineered to fill cells of concrete masonry units, horizontal bond beams and the cavities of composite masonry construction. SPEC MIX Fine Grout contains portland cement, graded sand and other proprietary additives formulated for superior flow and compressive strength meeting ASTM C 476 requirements for reinforced masonry construction.
SELF CONSOLIDATING GROUT
(SC-02)
SPEC MIX Self Consolidating Grout(SCG) is designed to completely fill cores in masonry units at a higher rate of flow than standard masonry grout. All the constituents of SPEC MIX SCG are dispersed and suspended evenly throughout the masonry core; therefore, no mechanical consolidation or reconsolidation during or after placement at any lift height is required. Anytime structural reinforcement (core fill grout) is necessary, SPEC MIX SCG can be used to create a high quality structurally reinforced masonry assemblage.
COLORED MORTAR
SPEC MIX COLORED MORTAR – 3 WAYS TO LOCK-IN CONSISTENCY
STANDARD COLORS
Preblended Colors
When the project requires more bags of mortar than suitable for the Color Canister System, jump up to full pallets of the preblended Colored Mortar selected from the SPEC MIX Colored Mortar Channel Kit. Simply choose a color from our Colored Mortar Channel Kit and we preblend and package your specific mortar mix in 80 lb (36.2 kg) or 3,000 lb (1,360.7 kg) bags to ensure color consistency from batch to batch.
CANISTER COLORS
1 CAN + 1 BAG = CONSISTENT COLOR
The SPEC MIX® Color Canister System is the perfect way to make colored mortar for any size project and application. From building an interior brick fireplace to pointing the joints around stone veneer units, SPEC MIX Color Canisters allow you to consistently make gray mortar to match the color of your choice. Just pick a color from the SPEC MIX Colored Mortar Channel Kit, then using a jobsite mixer add 1 color canister of the selected pigment to 1 SPEC MIX 80 lb (36.2 kg) bag of gray mortar type M, S or N. and let the materials mix for 5 minutes. Simply follow the “1 Can to 1 Bag” for every batch for total color uniformity every time.
CUSTOM COLORS
PREBLENDED TO PERFECTION
The beauty of masonry is that it can be designed and built as a customized system offering endless options to compliment most any architectural vision. The unique SPEC MIX custom colored mortar selection process supports this vision with the ability to produce nearly any color imaginable to achieve the complete masonry appearance desired. The SPEC MIX team of product specialists located throughout North America are experienced at working with project owners and designers to create special colored mortar formulations. Whether it’s matching mortars from existing buildings to picking colors from a spectrum of options, we deliver uniform, consistent colored mortar from project start to finish. To start the process of SPEC MIX custom color matching, contact your local SPEC MIX representative today.
D2W WORKHORSE
D2W Workhorse Continuous Mixing System
Item #25D900
The SPEC MIX® D2W Workhorse Continuous Mixing System is powered by a standard 120V circuit so you mix SPEC MIX products anywhere on site. Simply plug into a power outlet, connect to a strong and steady water source then flip on the switch and start breaking bags of SPEC MIX products for continuous, consistently mixed materials. This lightweight, highly mobile mixer puts out up to 1.5 cubic yards of mix per hour or small amounts of material to complete the job. When working indoor and outdoor, floor-to-floor, large projects or small, the D2W Workhorse is the system for high productivity and profitability.
SILO MIXING SYSTEMS
SPEC MIX Silo Systems are available in numerous sizes and capacities for mobility and flexibility that optimize your mixing station. Decrease labor and product waste, increase safety and maximize productivity with a silo system specifically chosen for your project. We are your solution for every job!
G7000 SILO
The Jobsite Workhorse
The SPEC MIX® G7000 silo system is the ultimate contractor tool for maximizing the production and profitability of any workforce. The G7000’s design is simple, yet highly efficient when producing dry, cement-based products on site. Whether the project is small or large, the G7000 system will greatly reduce the cost of labor and the amount of waste (sand, cement, paper bags) common with conventional batching methods
D2W CONTINUOUS MIXING
The Portable Batch Plant
The SPEC MIX D2W is the ultimate SPEC MIX silo material mixing system that provides contractors the flexibility and control they need for staging and managing they’re product needs. It functions like a miniature on-site batch plant that reduces labor and clean up, eliminates material waste, produces highly consistent product, and above all maximizes the productivity of any size crew. From masonry mortars and grouts to stucco and shotcrete formulas, the SPEC MIX D2W system is a contractor’s ideal solution for higher production and profitability.
PA1000 POWER AUGER
The Utility Tool
The SPEC MIX PA1000 Power Auger Delivery System is the ultimate system for maximizing a contractor’s efficiency by increasing the mobility and versatility of the material mixing station. This low profile unit holds one bulk bag (3,000 lbs. or 1,360.8 kg.) and is easily loaded with a large skid steer or even a small single-stage forklift. Its base is the size of a standard pallet and weighs only 1,100 pounds (499kg.) when empty. The PA1000 system is suited for use with any size batch mixer or mixer-pump equipment.
PA4000 POWER AUGER
The Powerhouse
The SPEC MIX® PA4000 Power Auger Delivery System is engineered for dispensing all SPEC MIX dry, preblended products. This material delivery system is built to tackle interior and exterior masonry projects of all sizes. Contractor crews of any size will maximize their efficiency, productivity and safety with the PA4000 system by increasing the mobility and versatility of the material mixing station.
TEN BAGGER SILO
The Big Producer
The SPEC MIX® Ten Bagger silo is ideal for the largest projects where high production at the mixing station is not a luxury—it is a necessity to meet the project’s scope. With up to a 10 bulk bag capacity, this silo feeds the largest crews for a longer period of time, yet its simple and compact design makes it easy to use on the tightest jobsite