Welcome to the Contractor Resource Center, which contains information that is designed to make it easier for you to bid a job and to use our materials and services.
If you need additional information, please contact our office at 773-286-2100 or info@usheritage.com |
 |
| Tips, Advice, and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions |
|
| Type O Mortar- The Type N Alternative |
| Posted on 11/03/2008 12:56:33 |
| Posted by John Speweik, Director of Education |
|
When ASTM-C270 is specified, two mortars meet the specification:
• Type N qualifies under ASTM-C270
• Type O qualifies under ASTM-C270
U.S. Heritage type O mortar is blended to the ASTM-C270 proportion specifications:
One (1) part portland cement
Two (2) parts hydrated lime
Eight (8) parts sand
Note that ASTM-C270 does not specify sand gradation sizes. Instead “mason’s sand,” which is essentially a one size fits all product, is considered an acceptable aggregate choice, and most contractors do not appreciate the importance of appropriate sand gradation. U.S. Heritage Group trains contractors to recognize the importance of selecting sand gradation that accommodates various joint widths, and similarly, this is an opportunity for contractors to educate their customers why selecting the appropriate sand gradation is important to long lasting performance of masonry repairs.
U.S. Heritage uses the maximum amount of lime in the formula and slightly reduces the sand to enhance workability and deliver optimum bond strength. The USHG Type O is a neutral, natural light grey, and it is an excellent medium for color pigments. By contrast, most type O mortars that are manufactured by high-yield cement plants use more portland cement, producing cool grey color this lacks the warmth of the more traditional Type O, and it is less likely to match historic masonry.
Benefits of USHG Type O Mortar Versus Conventional Type N
Our high lime formula offers the following benefits:
• Better bond strength
• Higher flexibility
• Increased porosity (Larger sand offers increased porosity)
• Breathability
• Improved vapor transmission
• Improved self-healing (Type N mortar, if made according to ASTM property specifications, requires no lime in the formula. Since autogenesis healing relies on lime, Type N mortar has no self-healing properties)
• Color enhancement (less pigment is needed to achieve desired color)
• Compressive strength is 750 – 950 psi after 28 days (equal to type N)
Type O mortar offers another substantial advantage for the contractor: the flexibility to easily match color in the field. Our premeasured color pack system, which is one bag of pigment to one 80 lbs. bag of mortar, offers 24 colors in stock and ready to use. To achieve a darker color, add two color packs. This offers a total of 48 instantly available color options.
U.S. Heritage Type O Program
Replacement of all Type N ASTM-C270 specifications
• Purchase pre-blended type O by pallet quantities (42 per pallet, medium sand)
• Stock the pigments for 48 standard colors
• USHG to provide 2- 24 piece color kits, additional color kits can be purchased at a reduced cost
• Contractor specific information sheet explaining the advantages of type O with the intent to educate your customer and differentiate yourself from the competition.
|
| Stone Reconstruction 201: Advance Stone Repair Training |
| Posted on 08/22/2008 15:57:54 |
| Posted by John Speweik, Director of Education |
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE!
Stone Reconstruction 201: Architectural Ornament, Green Man Sculpture Foliage Carving with Intrinsic Jobsite Color Matching.
OCTOBER 15, 2008 - U.S. Heritage Training Center, Chicago
Learn the secrets of the leading European stone conservators in this unique workshop packed with advanced reconstruction and repair techniques for stone. This training will introduce you to the latest breakthroughs in mortar repair technology and teach you how to significantly lower your labor cost while maintaining the high quality workmanship required on stone repair projects. |
| Invisible Stone Repair - Magic Products... NOT! |
| Posted on 08/22/2008 00:41:44 |
| Posted by John Speweik, Director of Education |
|
Stone: Delamination of the surfaces and deep decay and deterioration can all be repaired very nicely, leaving no trace of the repair work.
Invisible repairs are not "product only" solutions. Craftskills, specialty tools, and experience are vital in the process. The best product is only as good as the applicator, and believe me when I tell you.... products themselves can not make up for inexperience on the trowel!
Join me for our next Advance Stone Workshop this October it promises to be a good one. And take your contracting company to the next quality level and beyond!
|
| Repointing During Hot Weather |
| Posted on 07/23/2008 09:42:25 |
| Posted by John Speweik, Director of Education |
|
Worked my first 100+ degree day on a project site in Kansas today. I was reminded that lime mortars, or any mortars for that matter, will dry up quickly and separate from the masonry making things difficult. Consider the following:
1. Repointing later in the day when the sun is lower in the sky
2. Pre-soak the wall with more water more often
3. Protect the wall and your masons from direct sun while working
4. Use ice to cool down the mixing water and keep the mortar from flash setting.
5. Do not use garden hoses - use buckets or drums
Also, be careful no to break spec. Most projects allow for repointing work only if temperatures are less than 95 degrees. If you do decide to repoint I suggest you clear it with the superintendent first to avoid any problems later.
|
| Contractor Discount Program |
| Posted on 07/02/2008 13:46:33 |
| Posted by John Speweik, Director of Education |
|
| U.S. Heritage Group is pleased to offer a contractor discount program. For more information, please contact John Speweik at 773-457-9846 or at speweik@usheritage.com. |
|
|
