Cast stones have found a lot of architectural uses since the 12th century. Up to this time and day, this concrete product is widely used as ornaments and trimmings to add to the aesthetic features of many outdoor structures. It is also the reason why cast stone repair is highly in demand as these masonry elements need proper care and maintenance.
Cast stones can be repaired in a number of ways although each method requires the same meticulous work. Cast stone repair is not an easy job, which is why you should think twice about delegating the task to a handyman. The intricacies surrounding cast stone repair are something only certified masons can understand.
Cast Stone Repair Facts
Do you know that there are several interesting facts about cast stone repair that a regular handyman may not know about? Continue reading and you may just find these facts quite amusing yourself.
- Patching is ideally done in the morning.
Patching is a very popular cast stone repair method. It involves adding a patch or a new layer over the damaged area with the intention of restoring it. There are temperature requirement when doing this task or the patch won’t be able to serve its purpose. The stone and air temperature should be above 40 degrees Fahrenheit during patching and 24 hours after. This is why you can’t do patching in the afternoon as the temperature can easily go up 90 degrees Fahrenheit at such time. Any contractor who does cast stone patching job in the afternoon is in no way an expert.
- Damage seen 20 feet away should be patched.
As said earlier, there are many methods in repairing cast stones and cleaning is one of them. To know what method of care the cast stone in your home, garden, or outdoor structure needs, then try to assess the problem 20 feet away. If the damage seems bothersome at that distance, then patching is the best solution for it.
- Patching is a 12-step process.
While others may say that a patching job is composed of four basic steps, it’s not entirely true. Experts follow a meticulous 12-step process in performing even the simplest cast stone patching job. Mixing and preparation alone is a 4-step process and you still have to drench, spray, press, and smooth the patch onto the surface of the stone. And after the patch has set, you have to burnish and cover it for 24 hours. Then you have to wait for five days to wash it down with a stone cleaner.
Cast Stone Repair Experts
Hire only cast stone repair experts to ensure that you’re getting the best possible results. Cast stones are as difficult to repair as they are meticulous to install. Ideally, the people who installed the cast stones should be the one to repair them because they know exactly the composition of cast stone installed. But if you can no longer find them, true experts in cast stone repair can definitely help you out.