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Product Information
Q - How long will St. Croix Stone last?
A - St. Croix Stone's concrete mix has been specifically designed for maximum durability to withstand the harshest conditions. St Croix Stone offers a 50-year limited warranty.Q - Does the color go all the way through the stone?
A - Yes. All of our products use a base colored mix that represents the main color range. Accenting colored cements are then absorbed into the surface integrating them into the base color. Varying base colors are then blended together to make up standard blends. Many of our standard products have up to 8 different base colors blended together.Q - Will the stone fade?
A - St. Croix Stone is made with the highest quality color pigments available with today's technology. After final curing of the product, color change over time is negligible.Q - Does St. Croix Stone meet building code requirements?
A - St. Croix Stone meets or exceeds all building code requirements for its intended uses.Q - Can St. Croix Stone be used as walkways, patios and driveways?
A - No. St. Croix stone is not designed to be used for foot traffic or structural applications.Q - Will my stone match the sample boards?
A - Yes, however sample boards are only an indication of style and colors. There are too many color, texture, and size variations in each product to represent on such a small panel. For best indications of what it looks like, you should visit completed projects. Contact your local dealer for references.Q - Where can I see a completed project?
A - Contact your dealer for references to completed projects in your area. You can get more design ideas by visiting our website's Photo Gallery.Q - How often will I see a repeat of the same stone?
A - A tell-tale sign of manufactured stone is seeing the same stone repeated in a project. St. Croix Stone avoids that by casting from thousands of individual molds. There is an average of 200 feet of master molds per style. Our coloring process ensures that no two stones will look exactly alike. Look for repeats when you're choosing your stone brand!Q - How thick is St. Croix Stone?
A - The average thickness is 1.75" but will vary with style.Q - How much does St. Croix Stone weigh?
A - Approximately 8-10 lbs per square foot fully cured.Q - Can St. Croix stone be used on fireplaces?
A - Yes. Fireplaces, both masonry design and zero clearance applications are of the most common uses of St. Croix Stone. It is also a great solution for freestanding stove applications. Fireplace companies throughout the Midwest have been recommending St. Croix Stone for over 15 years.Q - Is St. Croix Stone combustible?
A - St. Croix stone is not combustible. It has zero flame spread and zero smoke.INSTALLATION
Q - How is St. Croix Stone installed?
A - See the Installation Guidelines. It is important to consult the local and state building codes in your area. Cast stone is part of the stucco code. Your state lathe or plasterers association is a good source for code and best practices information.Q - Do I need to order extra stone to accommodate waste?
A-Stone coverage per box is based on placement with a mortar joint. If you plan on laying them tighter or have an installation that will require a lot of cutting and trimming, creating waste, you may want to order 5% more. Having an extra box of stone is usually less expensive than running out, causing delays in the project or incurring additional freight expenses.Q - Can I apply the stone while the scratch coat is still wet or do I have to wait until it is dry?
A - You may apply the stone immediately after the scratch coat is applied. The stone will stick to the wall better if the scratch coat is allowed to stiffen. The scratch coat may also be allowed to cure completely if desired. When applying to a cured scratch coat, re-moisten the surface prior to setting the stone.Q - How much stone can I install in a day?
A - This will depend very much on an individual's productivity, style of stone and complexity of the project. Do-It-Yourselfers may complete up to 50 square feet per day. Professional installers average 75-100 square feet per day. Quality and workmanship is much more important than speed. Take whatever time is necessary to do a quality job.Q - Can pre-mixed mortar be used?
A - Yes. The pre-mixed bags of mortar are a great solution. Many manufacturers of pre-mixed mortars blend a special mix for stone veneer. See your supplier for detailed information on acceptable mortar products.Q - Can cement board products be used as sheathing?
A - Cement board products may be used for interior applications. Cement board products should be wire meshed. Exterior applications should use plywood sheathing or other approved exterior sheathing products. Consult your local building codes.Q - How do I cut the stone?
A - There are many ways to cut, trim or shape the stone. Hoof nippers and brick hammers are used to trim and shape the stone. Cutting tools include 4" angle grinders and 14" cut- off saws with dry cutting diamond blades. See our installation guide.Q - Can I apply the stone directly to an existing concrete surface?
A - Yes. Painted or sealed concrete surfaces must be sand blasted or equivalent to exposed clean concrete. Concrete surfaces must be saturated with water to prevent the moisture in the mortar from being absorbed into the surface. This will cause the application mortar to be weak. If proper bonding is in question, wire mesh should be applied to the surface. Gouging the wall with a grinding tool will help the bonding.Q - Do I need to use a bonding agent when installing Dry Stacked products?
A - We recommend using a bonding agent mortar additive for use with dry stacked products. When dry stacking, there is no mortar joint around the edges of each piece. Mortar joints help hold the stone in place and prevent water from getting behind the stone. Bonding agents will increase the strength of the bond and add flexural strength.Q - Is it okay for the final grade of our landscaping/ yard to bury the stone?
A -NO! The stone should be held 4" above final grade and 2" above a floating slab. See your local building codes.Q - Is water a problem?
A - Exposure to water is not a problem. However, keep in mind that stone should not be installed below water levels where chlorine, chemicals and other contaminants may be present.Q - What about water intrusion?
A - Water intrusion of a building is not a problem caused by the stone but rather by improper wall preparation. Following installation instructions and codes for proper installations of building papers, flashings, sealing around wall openings, etc, will prevent water intrusion. Sill stones and capping products should be used to provide drip edges.MAINTENANCE AND CARE
Q - Is the stone maintenance free?
A - Yes. Occasional cleaning may be required to remove dust, dirt, webs or stains, etc.Q - How do I remove mortar spills from the stone?
A - Mortar should be allowed to dry for a short period until it becomes crumbly. Brush off excess mortar with a whiskbroom or a wallpaper brush. Clean water and a natural colored sponge can now be used to clean the stone. Vinegar may be added to the water for better cleaning performance. Soft bristle brass chemical brushes work well for cleaning. Never let the mortar set overnight before cleaning. Surfaces should be clean and dry before applying a sealer. DO NOT USE ACIDS OR STIFF WIRE BRUSHES TO CLEAN THE STONE AT ANY TIME.Q - Do I need to seal my stone?
A - Sealing the stone is not required. However, use of a high-quality, "breathable" concrete sealer will reduce water penetration into the stone. Breathable sealers will allow water that does absorb into the stone to come out. Breathable sealers will extend the life of the product by reducing freeze/thaw stress and blocking contaminants from entering the concrete. CAUTION: Sealers will have varying impact on color. A sample should be tested before applying to your project.Q - Will St. Croix stone stain if my fireplace smokes?
A - Yes. As with natural stone or bricks, smoke will build up on the surface and into the pores of the material. Sealing the stone will prevent deep penetration and make it easier to clean.Q - How do I clean my stone?
A - First, wet the stone to prevent cleaning agents from absorbing in the product. Use a sponge or soft bristle brush to scrub gently, then rinse thoroughly. Commercial cement cleaners may be used, with caution. St. Croix Stone recommends water only or a water/vinegar mix. Vinegar works well and it's readily available. Vinegar will not harm the stone. NEVER USE ACIDS TO CLEAN THE STONE!OTHER
Q - How can I get answers to other questions?
A - Contact your local Dealer , Contact Us on our website or call us toll free @ 1-866-464-8770.
Q - Why should I choose St. Croix Stone over a competitor?
A- Compare us and you will find that St. Croix Stone products· Are colorized throughout
· Utilize a larger set of master stones giving you fewer repeats
· Are supported with exceptional customer service
· Are backed with a 50-year warranty
