Cast stone mimics the appearance, functionality and texture of naturally derived and cut stone through a pre-casting, staining and painting process. To maintain its beauty and function, cast stone repair will occasionally be needed over the lifetime of the cast stone.
If you are considering the implementation of cast stone in or around your home (cast stone is most commonly used on the exterior), it’s worth knowing the basics of this material and its maintenance/repair needs.
Common Cast Stone Problems
There is no external material that doesn’t fall subject to the ravages of the elements. Cast stone is vulnerable to damage and deterioration, just like anything else. If you are seeing any of these signs of damage, it’s time to confer with a professional mason to put the problem to rest.
Soiled Cast Stone
Cast stone becomes soiled by pollution, dirt and other elements that come into contact with the material. Because of the rough texture that mimics natural stone, these contaminants reside deep within the grooves and aren’t going to come off on their own. Using a mild detergent and water can clean surface soiling easily. For more severe cleaning issues, a professional can utilize an alkaline or acidic solution to restore the look of the cast stone.
Cracking
When cast stone cracks, it alters the structure of the material – and that is a problem. Cast stone repair in the form of patching can be performed to restore the structure and functionality of the pre-casted concrete.
Crazing
Are you seeing hairline cracks that perhaps resemble the lines of a roadmap? This is called “crazing.” Crazing isn’t a big deal, as it is not a significant crack that can impact the functionality of the cast stone. However, crazing is a cosmetic issue that can impact the overall appearance of the surface.
Corrosion
Because there are steel components within cast stones, corrosion is a very real problem that afflicts many homeowners. The corrosion leads to cracking, which will eventually affect the surface of the stone. This is something that must be dealt with by a professional mason.
Cast Stone Repair Will Eventually Be Needed
Any material that is subjected to the outdoors will need to be repaired at some point along its use. Cast stone needs routine maintenance in the form of cleaning to remain beautiful, but the repairs made – as needed, of course – will help it to remain functional.
When it comes to cleaning your cast stones, a mild detergent and water plus a low-pressure washer is often enough to handle day-to-day soiling. You can do this yourself, making routine cleaning the one thing that the average homeowner can do and expect success. If harsher, acidic solutions need to be used to clean the cast stone or a repair is needed, a professional mason is the resource you need to reach out to.
Cast stone repair is a big deal, because it requires a specific skillset and particular knowledge to repair cast stone without compounding the problem.
