Installation
Reading Rock’s RockCast must be installed according to standard masonry specifications and within the guidelines of local building codes.
- Be sure to refer to specifications in NCMA TEK Bulletins and Section 04810 to install cast stone units in conjunction with masonry.
- Pull units from multiple cubes during installation to minimize variation in color and help with natural blending. RockCast is manufactured from natural limestone that has color range as part of its natural beauty.
- Waste. For various reasons due to shipping, handling or the manufacturing process, a small amount of product may have blemishes or chips and should be used for field cutting for maximum material utilization. When ordering material, please allow for waste and saw cutting in your material estimate.
- Cut units using motor-driven masonry saws. Finished ends should be turned to the visible side and the saw cut turned to the inside of the mortar joint to hide exposed aggregates and saw marks.
- When specified, fill dowel holes and anchor slots completely with mortar or non-shrink grout.
- Set cast stone units in full bed mortar, unless otherwise indicated on drawings.
- Fill vertical joints with mortar.
- Make joints 3/8", unless otherwise indicated on the drawings.
- Use Type N mortar when possible (ASTM C270).
- Sealing is not required. Rockcast is produced with an integral water repellent (IWR) in the mix design. If sealing is required, apply a non bridging breathable sealer typical of Prosoco’s Sure Klean®Weather Seal, Siloxane WB Concentrate or Siloxane PD, or Hydrozo® Enviroseal 7 according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
- All RockCast products are shipped on a pallet and have one unfinished side. Architectural machine-made units have only one finished face.Textured units are to be set with the texture face forward and smooth units are stacked “face up” on the pallet.
- Not all ends are finished. Custom cast stone units do not have returns or finished ends unless otherwise ordered and noted on the shop drawings. Architectural machine-made units have an unfinished back, one finished face, and approximately 40% – 60% of the units have one smooth finished end. Architectural machine-made split and chiseled faced units can be ordered with a matching finished end upon request.
- Cover wainscot for protection and bond separation with plastic, felt paper or other approved products.
- For best results cover freshly installed masonry products with plastic to ensure the wall system stays dry during the curing process especially if rain or cold weather is expected.