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Specialty store gets a special mortar

Words: Dan KamysTrader Joe’s, a specialty grocery store chain, has expanded nationally due to its success. Its growth has included the construction of new stores in Colorado. For moisture management, the mason contractor, Ammex Masonry, chose Amerimix Core Fill Grout and Amerimix Water Repellent Mortar with RainBloc for the exterior of all Colorado Trader Joe’s locations.

The RainBloc Integral Water Repellent System is described as a patented additive incorporated in the concrete masonry unit (CMU). It is factory blended into the Amerimix Water Repellent Mortar. The polymeric-based water-repellent admixture resists wind-driven rain, mold, mildew and efflorescence staining — seemingly perfect for us in Colorado weather. RainBloc has been proven to have no impact on the bond strength and board life of the mortar, making it perform no differently than current mortars.

Amerimix silos help the job run efficiently and on schedule.
Amerimix silos help the job run efficiently and on schedule.

Added efficiency

On past projects, Ammex Masonry mixed RainBloc into the mortar on site, which proved to be difficult and time consuming. By switching to Amerimix Water Repellent Mortar with RainBloc, Ammex was able to quickly make consistent batches. The time savings enabled the mason contractor to complete the Trader Joe’s construction on schedule. Amerimix says the mason has been satisfied with the products as well as the workability, ease of troweling and secure attachment to the head/vertical joints.

Ammex Masonry used Amerimix silos to help the job run efficiently and on schedule. Masons simply had to pull the silo handle to drop material into the mixer, and then add water. The silos allowed masons to make a batch of mortar in half the time of conventional mixing, increasing productivity.

The silos also eliminated labor expenses associated with bag handling, loading and sand shoveling. Plus, the silos were easily moved around the jobsite and kept the product dry, due to their weather resistance.

Just as Trader Joe’s has proven itself successful in the grocery industry, Amerimix Core Fill Grout and Amerimix Water Repellent Mortar with RainBloc have proven successful in building a water-resistant wall system. As a testament to its effectiveness, all Colorado Trader Joe’s have been constructed using Amerimix products.
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