Technical Specification & Site Practice

All Elegant Stone Products comply with the specification for Cast Stone as defined by BS 1217 ; 2008 .

Semi Dry Specification

Mean Dry Density : Approximately 2250 kg/m3. Compression Strength : The average crushing strength tested in accordance with BS 1881 part 116 shall be no less than 35N/mm2. Water absorption :Components shall not exceed 1.0mg/mm2 for Capillary Absorption Test ( CAT) as defined by the British Standard . Dimension Tolerances : up to 600mm +/- 2mm , 601mm to 1000mm +/- 3mm , 1001 to 2500mm +/- 4mm, 2501 to 4000 mm +/- 5 , over 4000mm +/- 6mm. Flatness of plane : Maximum permitted variation from plane = 0.3% of the maximum dimension of the item or 2mm whichever is the greatest . Thermal Conductivity : 1.70w/mk . Aggregates : to BS882 :1992 and BS3797 :1990 . Cement : to BS12: 1996. Pigments : to BS1014:1975. 

Site Practice & Handling

1. Pallets should be stored on firm level ground .

2. NEVER stack pallets on top of each other .

3. Ensure scaffolding poles , timber and all other objects do not come into contact with pallets in allocated storage areas.

4. Always ensure when moving pallets that forks are extended as wide as possible to ensure base of pallet does not deflect , thereby cracking lower units .

5. Lifting components directly with chains or slings is both dangerous and can lead to damage of units . 

6. When using grabs always ensure they grip the pallet and not the stone .

7. Individual units should have suitable protection between faces to reduce the possible damage .

8. Components must be supported by timber bearers which should be positioned to prevent point loading .

9. When removing polythene shrink-wrapping , do not burst open or tear off as this will damage edges and corners or components . Carefully cut open polythene using a sharp knife , taking care not to damage units within .

10. Never drag or slide units across each other .

11. Components should be handled and stored in the plane to which they are designed to be installed .

12. Once in place , components should be protected from damage or contamination from following trades , by covering with timber or heavy gauge polythene sheeting . 

Efflorescence

Efflorescence or "lime bloom' is a temporary , naturally occurring phenomenon that can affect cast stone as well as other cement based products . A lightening of the surface may occur which may be more prevalent in damp conditions . Efflorescence in no way effects the structural integrity of the cast stone and in most cases will disappear in time with normal weathering . 

Repairs and cleaning

Cast Stone products should be handled with care and protected at all times to minimise damage , subsequent remedial work and cleaning . However repairs can be undertaken using a suitable mix supplied direct from our factory . Depending on the nature and extent of the damage incurred , repairs may be carried out by site operatives .