Installation and Aftercare
Installation
Installing cast stone is the same as for any other stonework – anyone with bricklaying skills should be able to install our stone. We have some guidelines on the use of mortar and spacing of stones, depending on the installation. Please call us for advice if you are uncertain of how to incorporate cast stone in your installation.
Because of the size and weight of some products, specialised lifting equipment may be required. We can incorporate lifting eyes in the stones to make this easier.
IMPORTANT – we highly recommend that you wait until we confirm that your stones have been made before you arrange for builders and stone fitters to be on site. This is because delays may occasionally happen. We will arrange a delivery day with you when your stones have been produced and are ready for shipment.
Moving stone
We can only deliver stones by pallet to a flat surface accessible by truck which can be roadside or in a driveway. You will need to make sure that access is available for the delivery, and that you are able to move the stones from the drop-off point to your installation. Please call us if you have any questions about this.
Like natural stone, cast stone can be chipped or damaged if handled incorrectly prior to installation. Care should be taken to ensure no abrasion or impact occurs to the stone before it is installed.
Aftercare
Cast stone will weather naturally over the years and does not require specific maintenance. However, it is important to ensure that surrounding brickwork and fittings are maintained to preserve the look of the stone. For example, to prevent water runs and rust stains, any guttering, roof covering, and railings should be properly maintained and treated.
For stone work installations which are subject to foot traffic, vehicle wear, or other contact wear and tear, we recommend using a sealant such as Thompson’s Patio and Block Seal.
Pointing should be inspected and re-pointing done as necessary, and plants or other vegetation growing on or nearby wall surfaces should be maintained.
Cleaning
Many customers choose to let cast stone weather naturally without cleaning. Cleaning cast stone is the same as cleaning natural stone, and there are similar points to note before undertaking any cleaning.
As with natural stone, if you use an abrasive to clean cast stone a layer of the surface will be removed. This exposes the underlying stone and the original colour. This may result in a variation of colour between the weathered surface and newly exposed stone.
Also similiar to other stone, cast stone can become dirty from air pollution including traffic pollution. This is unlikely to be detrimental to the stone and you can treat the stone to reduce or remove such stains. However, we recommend you appoint a specialist cleaning company for this type of cleaning treatment.
If you choose to clean the stone yourself using a commercially available stone cleaning product, we suggest you try this out on a small area first to see the effect, before cleaning the entire stone. This advice applies to all stonework, not just cast stone.
Repairs
If one of our stones is chipped or damaged after installation, it may be possible to repair or replace it. Contact us if you need to do this.
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is the name given to light patches which may cover all or part of the stone. It is caused by tiny variations in the distribution of cement in the mix which reacts to the atmosphere on the stone surface. It is normally only seen when the stone is dry, and only during the first few weeks following installation.
Efflorescence commonly occurs in newly created cast stone and other products containing cement or lime, including mortar. It not a defect and disappears through natural weathering over time.
If efflorescence persists, possibly because natural weathering is slower where the stone is installed, including internal installations, then it can be removed using an acid-based cleaning agent. Please contact us for advice and recommended products to use on our stone.