Masonry Cement and Sand Mortar

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 units 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, ASTM C 1714 and CSA A179 requirements. In addition to custom mix designs that are available for specific applications or properties, the standard Masonry Cement & Sand mortar is designed to be compatible with the characteristics of the specified masonry unit. It is acceptable for all types of masonry construction, below or above grade when manufactured to the appropriate specification. Product submittal information available upon request.

SPEC MIX Masonry Cement & Sand mortar is produced under strict manufacturing standards, and complete quality control measures are implemented with each batch. A digital printout displaying the proper proportions per batch may be kept as a permanent record. Each SPEC MIX manufacturer certifies that SPEC MIX masonry products are designed to meet the project specifications and applicable ASTM, TMS and CSA standards.

SPEC MIX® Masonry Cement & Sand Mortar is available in 80 lb. (36.3 kg.) packages for easy hand loading or in 3,000 lb. (1,360.8 kg.) reusable bulk bags to be used with the various SPEC MIX silo systems.

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Masonry Cement and Sand Product Features

  • Total quality control with every bag
  • ASTM C 270 laboratory tested mix designs
  • Preblended with sand to minimize labor cost
  • Consistency from batch to batch, everyday
  • Great workability and board life
  • No sand piles or wasted materials left on site


Installation/Application

Mortar type should correlate with the particular masonry unit to be used. The specifier should evaluate the interaction of the mortar type and masonry unit specified. That is, masonry units having a high initial rate of absorption will have greater compatibility with mortar that has a high water retentivity. The material properties of mortar that influence the structural performance of masonry are compressive strength, bond strength and elasticity. Because the compressive strength of masonry mortar is generally less important than bond strength, workability and water retentivity, the latter properties should be given principal consideration in mortar selection. Select mortar based on the design requirements and with consideration of code and specification provisions affected by the mortar.

A sample of the proposed product will be provided by the manufacturer for architectural approval and testing, if required. Preparation of a panel with all materials and systems employed in the final project is imperative. Retain the mock-up or field sample through the completion of the project.

Allow mortar to cure a minimum of 7 days but no more than 28 days before cleaning. Consult manufacturer of the masonry units and cleaning chemicals for further instructions to ensure proper washing procedures.

Clean masonry only with a national proprietary cleaning agent (following the manufacturer’s instructions) or potable water. SPEC MIX products must be kept dry, covered and protected from weather and other damage.

Sizes and Equipment

SPEC MIX Masonry Cement & Sand Mortar is available in 80 lb (36.2 kg) packages for easy hand loading or in 3,000 lb (1,360.7 kg) reusable bulk bags to be used with the various SPEC MIX silo systems. When using the silo system, once the bulk bags of mortar are delivered to the project site, the portable silo is loaded with a jobsite forklift and the product is dispensed into a mechanical batch mixer.

Masonry Cement and Sand Mortar Mixing Instructions

Wear Impervious Gloves, such as nitrile.
1. Mixing is best accomplished by using a mechanical mixer to ensure optimal workability and performance.
2. Use clean, potable water; add the amount of water consistent with optimum workability which provides adequate water to satisfy the initial rate of absorption of the masonry units.
3. Mixing times are four to five minutes when using a mechanical batch mixer and should be held consistent from batch to batch. 4. Maintain the same mixing procedures to maintain consistency throughout the project.
5. Tool mortar joints when the surface is thumbprint hard. Keep tooling times consistent.
6. Hand mix mortar only with written approval by the specifier who should outline procedures.
7. Use mortar within 2.5 hours after initial mixing.
8. Retemper mortar only when mixing water is lost due to evaporation.
9. Whenever possible, do not retemper colored SPEC MIX masonry mortars by adding additional water; retempering may affect color consistency.

ASTM C 270 Property Specifications – Masonry Cement and Sand Mortar
Type Avg. Compressive Strength at 28 Days, minimum, PSI Water Retention Minimum % Air Content Maximum %
M 2500 75 18
S 1800 75 18
N 750 75 20*
*When structural reinforcement is incorporated in masonry cement mortar, the maximum air content shall be 18%.
Estimated Yields – Masonry Cement and Sand Mortar
Masonry Cement & Sand Mortar Types M,S,N 80 lb. Bags 3,000 lb. Bags
4″ Block 15 – 17 575 – 650
6″ Block 12 – 14 475 – 525
8″ Block 11 – 13 450 – 500
10″ Block 11 – 13 450 – 500
12″ Block 10 – 12 375 – 425
Modular Brick 40 – 45 1,500 – 1,675
Queen Size Brick 34 – 39 1,275 – 1,450
King Size Brick 28 – 33 1,050 – 1,225
Utility Brick 23 – 28 850 – 1,050
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, WA, experience higher yields due to local materials and practices. Please contact your local representative for more specific yield information in your area.