DRY-BLOCK® — FAQ
We hope the information here will be helpful. It is based on data and knowledge considered to be true and accurate and is offered for the users' consideration, investigation and verification, but we do not warrant the results to be obtained. Please read all statements, recommendations or suggestions in conjunction with our conditions of sale, which apply to all goods supplied by us. No statement, recommendation or suggestion is intended for any use which would infringe any patent or copyright. These products may be covered by patents, or patents pending. Grace Construction Products, W.R. Grace & Co. — Conn., 62 Whittemore Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140. In Canada, Grace Canada, Inc., 294 Clements Road West, Ajax, Ontario, Canada L1S 3C6.
DRY-BLOCK® Questions
When properly designed, single-wythe
concrete masonry construction provides the performance of cavity wall
construction, but in a more cost-effective manner. Proper design means
the drainage wall concepts of protection, collection, backup and drainage should be incorporated in all single-wythe masonry construction. The use of the DRY-BLOCK® System provides protection by forming an effective
barrier to the intrusion of water into the wall. Likewise, it provides
an effective backup by virtually eliminating the wicking of water into
the masonry so that any water that may enter the wall system will readily fall down the cores and exit at the flashing weeps. It assures that water will not wick into the interior of the building.
However, for single-wythe concrete masonry
construction to provide superior performance it takes more than just
using DRY-BLOCK®. The walls also need to incorporate collection
and drainage. Proper flashing and weeps must be incorporated in the
design along with movement joints designed and located appropriately
to control cracking. Finally, it is also important the mason contractor follow good construction practices and install each component according to the design specifications and drawings.
In general, if the paint can be applied to
non-DRY-BLOCK masonry, then it can be applied to DRY-BLOCK masonry. Paints that have been successfully used with DRY-BLOCK include latex, acrylic
latex, waterborne epoxies and cementitious based coatings. Oil based paints (alkyl paint) are not recommended for most masonry construction, especially in exterior applications. For additional information please see Technical Bulletin 14 "Compatibility of Post Applied Coatings and DRY-BLOCK.
BACK TO TOP
When a clear penetrating sealer is desired for additional protection, INFINISEAL® DB, manufactured by W.R. Grace & Co is recommended. INFINISEAL DB is a quality silane and siloxane based water-repellent sealer which has been formulated and thoroughly tested to ensure optimum performance with DRY-BLOCK structures. For additional information please see Technical Bulletin 14 "Compatibility of Post Applied Coatings and DRY-BLOCK".
DRY-BLOCK has provided water repellent properties
to masonry for 25 years, and is designed to perform for the life
of the structure.
BACK TO TOP
DRY-BLOCK is a liquid polymeric water-repellent admixture that is mixed throughout the concrete during manufacture of the concrete masonry unit and mixing process of the mortar. It "coats" the masonry pores but does not block them. DRY-BLOCK does not form an "impervious film". Masonry treated with DRY-BLOCK remains breathable and will not act as a vapor barrier.
DRY-BLOCK is a very effective alternative to
asphaltic coatings for damproofing the back up wythe in cavity construction. By being integral throughout the whole CMU and mortar it is more effective than just surface applied asphaltic coatings.
BACK TO TOP
Due to the physical differences and the methods of manufacture between concrete masonry units and mortar, DRY-BLOCK Block and Mortar Admixtures cannot be used interchangeably. DRY-BLOCK Block Admixture contains special plasticizers to improve the machinability of CMU while DRY-BLOCK Mortar Admixture contains additives to improve the workability of the mortar and increase the bond between the mortar and the CMU.
If DRY-BLOCK Block or Mortar Admixtures go
through a freeze-thaw cycle then the product will separate and be unusable.
|
|
