Masonry is dedicated to the information needs of mason contractors and the mason industry. Topics that will be covered include masonry equipment, mason materials, industry trends,technology and news from the masonry industry
Video and fact sheets comparing
brick with other home exteriors debunks the common myths about genuine clay
brick versus its competitors. With frank pros and cons on the latest in
sustainability features, maintenance needs, costs, fire safety and more, the
package stacks brick against the top alternatives - vinyl siding, concrete
masonry, manufactured stone, fiber cement siding and Exterior Insulation and
Finish System (EIFS), otherwise known as synthetic stucco.
“Especially
in this economy and housing market, it’s necessary to offer a competitive
picture of how clay brick stacks up to other exteriors in terms of its growing
role in green building design, cost, durability, longevity, maintenance,
lasting colors, enduring beauty and curb appeal,” says Gregg Borchelt, P.E.,
FASTM, FCSI, and BIA president and CEO. “Glossy brochures with gorgeous
photography and few facts aren’t enough to offer a real narrative on brick."
Eliminating
technical jargon, content areas for each product include major myths, strengths
and weaknesses in all areas (aesthetics, initial cost, design flexibility,
installation, maintenance and repairs, water management, color fading, fire
resistance, wind damage, moisture resistance, insect infestation, damage
resistance, environmental concerns, insurance issues); physical properties and
construction basics; cross-section diagrams; the differences between brick and
each product; sustainability comparisons and product performance.
As of Jan. 1, 2011, all Certified Stone Institute producing members will provide a 10-year limited product warranty for the cast stone they supply on projects.
The Cast Stone Institute (CSI)Producer Members voted on Oct. 8, 2010, to adopt the language for a 10-year Limited Product Warranty. CSI Institute Producer Members are aware of the evolving environment for products in the marketplace that demand sustainability, durability and usable service life. This warranty demonstrates that CSI Producer Members embrace these principles and produce product that will stand the test of time.
Who is the Cast Stone Institute?
The Cast Stone Institute, founded in 1927, is an organization of certified Cast Stone Manufacturers and related professionals committed to developing standards and promoting the use of cast stone. We continually strive to encourage, through research, development and member training, the continual improvement of cast stone’s unique characteristics and educate designers and users of cast stone on the inherent value, quality and best practices in the use of cast stone.
Certified Producer Members of the CSI are engaged in the relentless pursuit of excellence in manufacturing. Prior to admission, each potential producer member must submit to a rigorous examination of product quality, safety, testing (including freeze-thaw) and meticulous record keeping. They must submit test data twice a year and undergo the re-certification process every other year with unannounced inspections. The results of these efforts include consistently high product quality, through continuous improvement in manufacturing methods and materials, and the assurance that Cast Stone Institute Certified member plants are “on the job” keeping cast stone a premier building material. The Cast Stone Institute, through its standing committees, disseminates current information and standards regarding the design, manufacturing, installation and use of cast stone.
What is cast stone?
Cast stone is a premier masonry product that provides ornamental or functional features to buildings and other structures as per ASTM C1364-10. It is made from fine and coarse aggregates, Portland cement, mineral oxide color pigments, chemical admixtures and water. Cast stone products are available in virtually any color, and will give the appearance of a variety of natural building stones including but not limited to limestone, granite, slate, travertine or marble. Applications for cast stone range from the simplest windowsills to the most complicated architectural elements.
Properly manufactured, cast stone has the same or stronger physical properties as most dimensional building stone. Properly selected and installed, cast stone can result in an architectural project of enduring beauty to be enjoyed for decades. Care and installation of cast stone are referenced in many of the Cast Stone Institute publications and tech bulletins.
