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Frequently Asked Questions
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Questions before ordering? Check here first! Or use the handy response form below and click "send":
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What about returns and shipping damages?
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All claims must first be approved, and a return authorization # assigned. Click on the following link for details:
Terms and Conditions
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What payment options do you have?
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Online secure server: Visa or Mastercard. By phone(972-681-2700): Visa or Mastercard. By mail: check or money order. NO C.O.D orders at this time. Click on the following link for details:
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How is my order being shipped, and when can I expect delivery?
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Figure FedEx Ground for items under 100 lbs. Shipment to Continental US ONLY. Usually takes about 1-2 weeks total processing, packaging and shipping transit time. Where indicated, prices include FREE shipping. If placed on common carrier, RESIDENTIAL DELIVERY IS NOT INCLUDED- shipment must be picked up at local freight terminal. Click on the following link for details:
Terms and Conditions
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What is Cast Limestone, and how do I install it?
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Both terms cast stone and cast limestone refer to a product consisting of a very fine high grade silica and white portland cement mixture,
that is crushed, mixed and hand-tamped into sculptured molds. The resulting product is almost indistinguishable from natural cut honed limestone, but usually costs approx. 10%-30% less.
Cast limestone is heavier than real limestone, does not have air voids and imperfections that real limestone does, and
has approx. 10%- 30% more compressive strength.
How heavy is cast limestone?
Cast limestone is made using real limestone and is heavier
than natural stone. The weight is approx. 130/lbs. per cubic foot. For example, a 24" x 24" x 2" paver weighs approx. 45 lbs., 1 baluster weighs 80 lbs.- all of our cast stone is designed to be able to be lifted and installed by 2 people. As with all heavy objects, care must be taken to avoid chipping of square edges. See the In-Stone.com online store for cast stone patch kits. The weight of cast limestone needs to be considered when off-loading and installing the product. All materials such as window surrounds and wall cap are sold in max. 3-ft. lengths for easier handling/installation(approx. 75 lbs per piece).
In many cases you will first need to cut the stone, which usually has embedded rebar requiring a special blade. Attachment installation is usually done with 3 basic items: pins for shear loads, straps
for lateral loads, and brackets for horizontal weight loads. For specific information, see the specification page for each item.
Due to the weight factors and mechanical attachments needed, cast limestone installation is not a do-it-yourself weekend project. Brick layers, tilesetters, and masonry contractors are primarily the qualified contractors required for this type of work. We are working on a contractor referral database that should be available in the near future.
For general information, visit our Cast Stone Installation Tools online store by clicking the following link:
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How is Wrought Aluminium made?
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Molten aluminium is poured into architectural castings.
In-Stone.com Wrought Aluminium products are heavy cast with much detail. Wrought Aluminium products are great for outdoors because it will never rust.
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What are the building codes for cast limestone and wrought aluminium fireplace mantels & hearths?
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Cast limestone and wrought aluminium are excellent for fireplaces because they are manufactured of non-combustable material, and can be placed close to, or even inside the firebox opening.
Be sure to verify building code regulations regarding fireplace materials and installation. (For example, in some areas, it is required that a fireplace opening be surrounded by at least 8” non-combustible material and the hearth depth is required to be at least 20”).
All the wrought aluminium and cast limestone mantels on this web site will meet building codes in most areas of the United States, it is the customer's responsibility to contact their local building code authority to determine if the the mantel opening fits the local building code. If there is no code for mantel openings in relation to firebox openings in your particular area, we strongly suggest the mantel and firebox meet the National Building Code. The following is a reprint from the Standard Building Code.
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2114.3 MASONRY FIREPLACES
2114.36 Fireplace hearth extensions shall be of approved noncombustible materials for all fireplaces. Where the fireplace opening is less than 6 sq.ft. (0.56m²), the hearth extension shall extend at least 16 inches (406mm) in front of the facing material and at least 8 inches (203mm) beyond each side of fireplace opening. Where fireplace opening is 6 sq.ft. (0.56m²) or larger, the hearth extension shall extend at least 20 inches (508mm) in front of the facing materials and at least 12 inches (305mm) beyond each side of the fireplace opening. Where a fireplace is elevated above or overhangs a floor, the hearth extension shall also extend over the area under the fireplace.
2114.3.7 Fireplaces constructed of masonry or reinforced concrete shall have hearth extensions of brick, concrete, stone, tile, or other approved noncombustible material properly supported and with no combustible material against the underside thereof. Wooden form or centers used during the construction of a hearth and hearth extensions shall be removed when construction is completed.
EXCEPTION: A header of combustible material may be used to support the hearth extension provided that it is located more than 12 inches (305mm) from the face of the fireplace.
2114.3.8 All combustible wood beams, joist, and studs shall be maintained a minimum of 2 inches (51mm) from the outside face of the chimney or fireplace masonry. Headers supporting trimmer arches at fireplaces shall be not less than 20 inches (508mm) from the face of the chimney breast. Trimmers shall be not less than 6 inches (152mm) from the inside face of face of the nearest flue lining.
2114.3.9 Woodwork shall not be placed within 4 inches (102mm) of the back of the fireplace, but shall not prevent plastering directly on the masonry or metal lath and metal furring.
2114.3.10 All combustible mantels and similar trim shall be kept at least 6 inches from fireplace opening. Parts of the mantel assembly located along the sides of the fireplace opening, which project more than 1-1/2 inches (38mm) from the face of the fireplace, shall have additional clearance equal to he projection. Parts of the mantel assembly located above and projecting more than 1-1/2 inches (38mm) from the fireplace opening shall not be placed less than 12 inches (305mm) from the top of the fireplace opening.
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My mantel opening is bigger than my firebox opening(the usual configuration). How do I install marble, tile, granite trim from the firebox opening to the cast limestone or wrought aluminium mantel surround?
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1. Installed fire code rated 5/8" drywall or 1/2" cementboard around the entire opening. This is the substrate for the trim to adhear to.
2. Get a 25lb. bag of Latex Modified Thinset Mortar. Mix the mortar with the liquid adhesive and trowl it on the drywall using a 1/4" trowel. Do the hearth first, then the sides and finally the top.
3. Do not set trim directly on any firebox metal frame. To set it properly, use Hydrament- visit the In-Stone.com online store to purchase. It's a real thick and messy "goop" that will stick to anything it touches, including your metal frame. If you coat the frame where it's going to be covered by the trim, and then set the trim with latex modified thinset, you shouldn't have any more problems. As for expansion and contraction, the Hydrament will also take care of any problem that might present.
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What are some general precautions/tips for stone care?
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Precautions
Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the stone surface Do not place hot items directly on the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that can scratch the surface.
Floor Surfaces
Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Sand dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the sand, dirt and grit that will scratch the stone floor. Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is a non-slip surface. Normally, it will take a person about eight steps on a floor surface to remove sand or dirt from the bottom of their shoes. Do not use vacuum cleaners that are worn. The metal or plastic attachments or the wheels may scratch the surface.
Other Surfaces
Clean stone surfaces with neutral cleaner. Use a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results. Too much cleaner may leave a film and cause streaks. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone. Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the neutral cleaner and dry with a soft cloth. Change the rinse water frequently. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.
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Does In-Stone.com cast limestone and wrought aluminium comply with Consumer Product Safety manufacturing rules?
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All In-Stone.com products are exempt from the Consumer Product Safety ban on asbestos, as we do not use respirable free-form asbestos or glass fiber in any of our products.
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