PART 1-GENERAL

Submittal

Submit color samples for selection from manufacturer's series. Submit product literature, certifications, test reports, full size sample(s) of each color specified or selected.

Quality Assurance

All masonry units shall be PREMIER PRESTIGE SERIES units manufactured by PREMIER BLOCK. Concrete blocks with the PREMIER PRESTIGE SERIES finish shall be lightweight units conforming to ASTM C90. The PREMIER PRESTIGE SERIES surface shall have a smooth satin-gloss finish; externally heat polymerized cast-on facing conforming to ASTM C744 and all applicable Federal Specifications. All units contain Premier Block-approved integral water-repellent CMU admixture at the time of manufacturing.

Fire Resistance: Define hourly ratings required as 1, 2, 3, or 4 hours.

Field Constructed Mock-ups: Construct a sample panel, no less than 4' x 4', of units of each color and size to be used in the project.

Delivery, Storage, & Handling

Prestige masonry units shall be delivered to the jobsite on banded pallets with individual protective covers on each block face. Keep protective covers on the blocks until installations and store pallets in single stacks on level ground. Cover with waterproof covering (e.g., tarpaulins) to protect the blocks from inclement weather. Handle blocks carefully to avoid breakage and damage to the finished surface.

Project/Site Conditions

Protection of Work: Cover walls each day after installation to keep open walls protected and dry.

PART 2-PRODUCTS

Product Name

PREMIER PRESTIGE SERIES masonry units

Manufacturer

Premier Block, (888) 395-5584, Eau Claire, WI 54702

Sizes & Shapes

Actual facing dimensions shall be 7 3/4" x 15 3/4" forming a 1/16" lip around the edges of a modular 7 5/8" x 15 5/8" block. Nominal 2", 4", 6", 10", and 12" standard block thickness shall be used as required as well as standard and special block shapes. Basic units may include stretchers, jambs, caps, and cove bases. Other possible face dimensions are nominal 16" x 16", 12" x 12", 8" x 18", 4" x 16", 8" x 8". Semisolid and solid units shall be used where specified and/or shown on the drawings.

Masonry Cleaners

Use masonry cleaners such as Vanatrol®, carefully following manufacturer's instructions.

CAUTION! The following solvents must never be used as they may damage PREMIER PRESTIGE SERIES block facings: paint remover, lacquer thinner, epoxy thinner, methylene chloride, acetone, muriatic acid.

PART 3-EXECUTION

Laying Masonry Walls

Draw blocks from more than one pallet at a time during installation.

Installation

Lighting: Provide adequate lighting for masonry work by placing all lighting a reasonable distance from the wall for even illumination.

Base Course: Align base course properly on the floor slab.

Cove Base: Keep the cove base tight to the slab if vinyl floor tile is to be installed. For thicker flooring, raise cover base units to the desired height.

Cutting: Make all unit cuts, including those for bonding, holes, boxes, etc., with motor-driven masonry saws, using either an abrasive or diamond blade. Cut neatly and locate for best appearance.

Workmanship

Lay PREMIER PRESTIGE SERIES blocks with the faces level, plumb, and true to a line strung horizontally at the face. Install only quality units; reject all defective units. Units shall have uniform joint dimensions of 1/4" both horizontally and vertically. Tool joints neatly after they are finger-hard to make them straight and uniform. Size and place cut pieces appropriately to maintain consistency and bond. Complete masonry construction using procedures and workmanship consistent with the best masonry practices.

Inspection

The PREMIER PRESTIGE SERIES facing shall be free from chips, cracks, crazes, or any other imperfections 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 lighting.

Flashing of Masonry Work

Install flashing at locations shown in the plans and in strict accordance with the details and the best masonry flashing practices.

Weep Holes & Vents

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.

Pointing

Tuckpoint the joints of all scored PREMIER PRESTIGE SERIES units with an approved water resistant grout.

Cleaning

Keep walls clean daily during installation using brushes or rags and a clean damp cloth. Harsh cleaning methods after walls have been erected may mar the surface of the blocks. Do not allow excess mortar lumps or smears to harden on the surfaces. Remove green mortar with a dry cloth. Do not use steel wool, sandpaper, or other abrasives.

Final Cleandown

Clean the completed walls with a detergent cleaner strictly following the manufacturer's instructions including thorough rinsing. Do not use acid or abrasives on the PREMIER PRESTIGE SERIES surfaces. See Masonry Cleaners.

Maintenance

PREMIER PRESTIGE SERIES units, properly installed and cleaned, need virtually no maintenance other than routine cleaning with standard cleaning agents.

Installation Recommendations

• For walls with a PREMIER PRESTIGE SERIES finish on both sides, use two single-faced units. Because masonry units are typically installed aligning one side, the second side of double-faced units is almost invariably misaligned. Use double-faced units only when economy is more important than appearance. 10" and 12" double-faced units are not recommended.
• Cavity wall construction is recommended for exterior walls, with proper flashing, venting, and weep holes.
• For best appearance with scored units, use stack bond construction when stack bond appearance is desired (as opposed to scored units in running bond).
• Rake back exterior mortar joints a minimum of 1/4" and tuckpoint with an approved water resistant grout.
• A complementary or matching mortar color is recommended when using PREMIER PRESTIGE SERIES units.