Technical Bulletins
CSI technical bulletins provide practical guidance on cast stone performance, installation, and best practices. Developed by industry experts, these bulletins address real-world questions and challenges across the full lifecycle of a cast stone project. Browse by category or use the index to jump to what you need.
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Guidance on how cast stone responds to environmental conditions and how to minimize surface issues before and after installation.
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Best practices for handling, setting, and detailing cast stone in the field.
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Guidance for cleaning and restoring cast stone after installation.
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Resources to help architects, specifiers, and producers make informed decisions about cast stone.
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Standard technical references for use alongside CSI specifications and bulletins.
Guidance on how cast stone responds to environmental conditions and how to minimize surface issues before and after installation.
Surface & Weather Performance
Crazing #32
Explains what crazing is, why it occurs, and why it does not affect structural integrity or constitute grounds for rejection.
Efflorescence #33
Covers the causes of efflorescence on cast stone surfaces and steps producers and installers can take to reduce its likelihood.
Water Repellent Coatings #35
Reviews the use of water repellent coatings on cast stone, including product types, application timing, and recommendations.
Air Entrainment Requirements #50
Explains the role of air entrainment in cast stone mix design and its impact on freeze-thaw resistance.
Installation & Jobsite Resources
Best practices for handling, setting, and detailing cast stone in the field.
Inspection and Acceptance #36
Defines the standards for inspecting cast stone upon delivery and the criteria for acceptance or rejection.
Job Site Handling and Installation #37
Provides guidelines for properly handling, storing, and installing cast stone to avoid damage and ensure quality results.
Mortars for Cast Stone Installation #42
Reviews mortar types, mix requirements, and compatibility considerations for cast stone installation.
Sealant Joints #43
Covers the proper use of sealant joints in cast stone assemblies, including placement, materials, and sizing.
Pointing of Joints #44
Addresses the requirements and best practices for pointing mortar joints in cast stone installations.
Flashing and Weep Holes #47
Explains the importance of proper flashing and weep hole placement in cast stone wall systems.
Allowing for Movement of Masonry Materials #52
Discusses how to accommodate thermal and structural movement in cast stone assemblies to prevent cracking and joint failure.
Maintenance & Repair Resources
Guidance for cleaning and restoring cast stone after installation.
Touch Up and Repair #38
Covers approved methods for repairing minor chips, cracks, and surface damage to cast stone in the field.
Cleaning #39
Reviews appropriate cleaning methods and products for cast stone, and cautions against techniques that can cause surface damage.
Design & Specification Resources
Resources to help architects, specifiers, and producers make informed decisions about cast stone.
Degrees of Customization #45
Explains the range of customization options available in cast stone production and how to communicate them in specifications.
Use of Reinforcement #51
Addresses when and how reinforcement is used in cast stone units and what specifiers should know.
Basic Comparison between Various Masonry Materials #49
Compares cast stone to other masonry materials on key performance and aesthetic characteristics.
Cast Stone and LEED #53
Explains how cast stone can contribute to LEED certification and what documentation producers and specifiers may need.
Specification of Cast Stone Production Methods #54
Clarifies the differences between cast stone production methods and how to address them in project specifications.
Bow and Twist #55
Defines acceptable tolerances for bow and twist in cast stone units and how to evaluate them at the jobsite.
Reference Documents
Standard technical references for use alongside CSI specifications and bulletins.
Standard Inserts
Reference document covering standard insert types used in cast stone fabrication
Standard Details
Reference drawings for standard anchors and connection details used in cast stone installations.