Welcome to the Cast Stone Institute®
The Cast Stone Institute® (CSI) was formed in 1927 by a group of
visionary Cast Stone producers who identified the need to have a
common voice for the Cast Stone industry. Today our mission remains,
not only to be the authoritative spokesperson for Cast Stone, but
also to provide expert counsel to the architectural and engineering
communities.
Members of the Cast Stone Institute® are engaged in the relentless
pursuit of excellence in manufacturing. Prior to admission, each
potential CSI producer member must submit to a rigorous examination
of product quality, safety, testing and meticulous record keeping. Cast Stone Institute® producer members must also undergo the
recertification process every two years. The results of this
self-governing association of producers include consistently high product quality, through
continuous improvement in manufacturing methods and materials, and
the assurance that Cast Stone Institute members are “on the job”
keeping Cast Stone a premier building material. The Cast Stone
Institute, through its standing committees disseminates current
information and standards regarding the design, manufacturing,
installation and use of Cast Stone.
As of January 1, 2011, all Certified Cast Stone Institute Producing
Members provide a 10-year Limited Product Warranty for the Cast
Stone they supply on projects. This warranty demonstrates that CSI
Producer Members embrace sustainability, durability, and produce
product that will stand the test of time.
All Cast Stone Institute Producer Members are required to supply
product that complies with ASTM C1364. Not all of the Cast Stone
industry necessarily complies with all of the requirements of ASTM
C1364 (which includes a freeze thaw component).
Cast Stone is a masonry product that provides ornamental or
functional features to buildings and other structures. Cast Stone products are available in virtually any color, and will
give the appearance of a variety of natural building stones
including but not limited to limestone, granite, slate, travertine
or marble. Properly manufactured, Cast Stone has the same or stronger physical
properties as most dimensional building stone.
Care and installation of Cast Stone are referenced in many of the
Cast Stone Institute® publications and technical bulletins available for free download under Technical Resources. CSI producer members also stand ready to provide
experienced and reliable counsel. Please consult the membership
directory of this website for CSI Certified Cast Stone producers.
Cast Stone
Institute® educational efforts include presentations to general
contractors, masonry contractors, non-AIA architects and structural
engineers. To take advantage of educational or informational
opportunities, please contact the Cast Stone Institute® office.
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