Advantages of Using Plastic Shim Spacers for Masonry

Plastic masonry shims go beyond protecting stone, terracotta, brick, and block from the impact of heavier, more abrasive building materials and construction components. They also maintain building contours and assure proper positioning and orientation. Smoothing uneven edges and filling gaps in foundations and concrete panels provides a professional project finish and extend project life by ensuring they are structurally sound.

Benefits of Plastic Masonry Shims

• Alignment – Thin, precise shims can be stacked to provide exact incremental adjustments to keep stone panel cladding level, both vertically and horizontally. Stackable shims also can be used for leveling doors, windows, and curtain walls.
• Spacing – Joint spacing is critical in masonry work, and plastic shim spacers can be used as both temporary and permanent tools to keep blocks and stones the correct distance apart. This is particularly critical when laying heavy masonry caps and lintels. Grove’s flat plate shims, available in thicknesses from 1/16- to 1/2-inch, are ideal for this application.
• Cushioning – Load-bearing plastic shims are manufactured for resilience, allowing them to compress to absorb heavy loads and then return to shape when the load is released. This characteristic makes plastic masonry shims the answer when protecting panelized masonry during installation.
• Stress Relief – Especially in projects where an object must be shimmed after it has been partially or fully installed, plastic masonry shims can temporarily relieve stress temporarily to allow the mortar to set.

Grove produces rugged American-made plastic shims from polypropylene, high-impact polystyrene, and ABS shims in a range of color-coded sizes and shapes.

Plastic shims deliver several advantages over wood and metal shims. They will not rot, rust, or deform. They can be made to resist vibration, friction, and other forces that can cause other shim materials to slip. They can be stacked to form precise gaps and space-filling widths. They are lighter than steel and can be cut to the exact shape needed.

The Grove Shims Difference

All Grove shims are available in optional fire-safe materials. These self-extinguishing shims meet all safety requirements for remaining in place throughout construction.

For help choosing the plastic shim design that will work best for your masonry application and to inquire about our fast shipping and stellar customer service, contact us to request a quote.