Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

What ingredients are in our products? Are there issues with sand piles on the jobsite? We have the answers you’re looking for. Just search through our FAQs to find what you need.

Yes, our technical services team can help with this. Click here for our contact us page. Use the dropdown to select technical services and request a letter. A member of the Amerimix team will reach out to your right away. Alternatively, you can call our technical services at 1-800-334-0784.

Mortar is a workable cementitious material, used as a binder between various masonry units.

Portland Cement/Lime Mortar is comprised of various ratios of mason sand, portland cement, hydrated lime, and water depending on application.

Masonry or plastic cement is comprised of portland cement, ground limestone and an air-entraining agent that allows for more workability.

Concrete and mortar are ubiquitous materials in construction, but with different purposes. Both contain portland cement, water and aggregate, but the mixes for each reflect the desired characteristics.

Mortar is used to bond masonry units together. It doesn’t need the strength of concrete; however, it needs good bonding characteristics. Mortars with a high water-cement ratio bond best. This is the opposite of concrete, where concrete mix is formulated for strength and lower water content makes it stronger and more effective for its purpose. Additives or plasticizers may be added to mortar mixes to increase their flexibility.

Concrete is categorized into two primary categories, plain concrete, and structural concrete. Plain concrete is any structure supported by the ground, such as walkways, driveways, slabs, and spread footings to support masonry walls. Plain concrete is often reinforced with steel to increase its tensile strength against temperature fluctuations that threaten its structural integrity.

Structural concrete is any structural piece made of concrete that has points of support and requires the capacity to hold loads, such as concrete beams, suspended concrete slabs, or concrete pilings.

Adhesion or Bond: It should be capable of developing good adhesion with the building units such as bricks, stones etc.

Durability: It should be able to resist freeze thaw and other environmental conditions.

Resisting penetration of rainwater: The porosity should be tight enough to resist wind driven rains and not shrink allowing the bond between the mortar and masonry unit to separate.

Workability: It should spread easily without the addition of too much water and retain the water to allow for a good bond.

The German Smear is a technique that can be done with most mortars and/or stuccos. It is all in how the individual wants to finish the surface.

The AMX 400 Series is a factory blend of portland cement, hydrated lime and dried (mason) sand.

The AMX 500 Series is a factory blend of masonry cement and dried (mason) sand.

While both types perform similarly, most masons will have a preference for one of the other.

RainBloc GP is a factory-engineered, integrated moisture protection and water repellant that can be integrated into Amerimix mortars. This patented, mortar rheology agent is also the only moisture protectant that is traceable, detectable and measurable, giving you the peace of mind that what you specified is what you get.

Amerimix WRM with RainBloc GP is part of the total RainBloc system. When used with CMUs that contain RainBloc, it creates a wall system that has been proven in both the lab and jobsite to inhibit water penetration, creating a superior moisture barrier. For added assurance, all components of the RainBloc system are warranted.

Learn more about the RainBloc System here.

Yes – Amerimix mortar is also available in 3,000 lb. bulk bags. Note that this weight can vary by region.

Yes, we do. You can request our mortar color card by clicking here. The color card shows our 36 standard mortar colors, as well as custom colors that we offer.

Note that these colors vary by region. We recommend contacting your local sales representative for more information on our color selection and their availability for your project.

Using our mortar color chart can help you visualize the different colors of mortar and choose the one that best suits your project. It can also ensure that the color of the mortar you choose is available in your region.

If you are not sure which color of mortar is right for your project, we recommend contacting your local sales representative. They will be able to help you choose a color that will match your project’s specifications.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a mortar color:

– Consider the color of the bricks or blocks that you will be using

– Think about the overall style of your project.

– If you are using a custom color, be sure to get a physical sample of the color before making a final decision.

– Construct a job site panel to see how the color will look in different lighting conditions.

Yes.  Contact your local sales representative by clicking here.

You will need to wait at least 7 days before painting with a latex-based paint unless otherwise recommended by the paint manufacturer.

No; Amerimix mortars are not designed for horizontal repairs. We recommend Sakrete Flo Coat or Sarkete Top ’n Bond, depending on the repair. Visit Sakrete.com for more information.

No. A fire-rated mortar is required for all fireplace applications.

Yes.  For older structures Amerimix Tuck Pointing Mortar would be recommended. Amerimix AMX 420 is ideal for this. Click here for details on this product.

Get Your

Free Jobsite Demo

Information on

our Warranty

Complete the look with

Echelon Masonry

Find a local Sales Rep