Cultured Stone Exterior Standards

Cast Stone Veneers

• Cast stone veneer is a man-made product manufactured with natural aggregates bonded with cement, molded and colored to look like natural stone. Veneers are available in a wide range of textures and colors to imitate a variety of types and shapes of natural stone. Like all cast concrete products and natural stone veneers, cast stone veneers are susceptible to damage from moisture and weather. When they are used on exterior walls, proper installation is necessary to prevent deterioration of the wall surface.

Casting Methods

• Cast stone is produced using either a dry cast or a wet cast method. Dry cast stone is made with zero-slump concrete pressed into a mold until it is packed to the desired density. Wet cast stone is made from measurable slump concrete and compacted into a mold with a vibratory compactor.

Specifications and Certification

• The Cast Stone Institute maintains a collection of standards to which its member producers must adhere in order to achieve certification for their products. These standard specifications apply to the types of aggregates, cement, reinforcing materials and pigments manufacturers may use in cast stone, and many aspects of the manufacturing process are regulated as well, including curing conditions, packaging and labeling. Product standards for strength and durability must be met, and quality control procedures must be in place to ensure color consistency and finish quality.

Installation

• A drainage wall system provides for the flow of air and moisture behind the veneer and for the safe escape of any moisture trapped behind the veneer. In this system, an air space is maintained between the veneer and the wall sheathing. Flashing is installed at the base of walls and at the top of all breaks in the wall, such as in window or door openings, and weep holes are provided so water can drain safely from behind the veneer.