Frequently asked questions

  1. What is Castia Stone?
  2. What is Castia Stone made of?
  3. What is the Castia Stone rainscreen system, and what are the advantages?
  4. How much does Castia Stone cost compared to the alternatives?
  5. What are the color options?
  6. Does the color go all the way through?
  7. How long will Castia Stone last, and does it carry a warranty?
  8. How is Castia Stone installed?
  9. How do I become a certified Castia Stone installer?
  10. Is Castia Stone mortared?
  11. What maintenance is required?

1. What is Castia Stone?

Castia Stone is a unique siding material which creates a beautiful exterior for your home or building while protecting it from the weather, dry rot, and mold. Due to its sealed concrete construction and innovative rainscreen technology, Castia Stone deflects the harsh Northwest elements while providing a complete moisture barrier and allowing the structure to breathe.

Castia Stone is also mortar-less application. Each piece of stone is attached to the substrate by a bracketing system cast into the stone during the manufacturing process. This specifically engineered rainscreen design creates a continuous ½” airspace between the stone siding and the structure of your home or building, allowing ventilation to occur and any trapped moisture to drain, preventing dry rot and mold.

2. What is Castia Stone made of?

Castia Stone products are pre-cast using light weight concrete. All siding tiles are manufactured with molds taken from natural stone to ensure an authentic texture.

3. What is the Castia Stone rainscreen system, and what are the advantages?

illustration showing airflow between siding and vapor barrier

The Castia Stone “rainscreen” design creates a continuous 1/2” airspace between the stone siding and the structure of your home, which allows ventilation and drainage to occur. This means you can say goodbye to trapped moisture, dry rot and mold. Castia Stone quality is proven through product development and testing. Learn more about our products and our high level of service and expertise.

4. How much does Castia Stone cost compared to the alternatives?

The installed cost of Castia Stone is less than the installed cost of natural stone. Castia Stone is priced competitive with brick, hard coat stucco, and other pre-cast stone veneers. Castia Stone does not require a special footing or foundation because all siding and molding pieces are individually attached to the substrate.

5. What are the color options?

Castia Stone offers a variety of colors. Custom colors are also available. If you are considering a custom color because cost and lead time will vary from standard colors.

6. Does the color go all the way through?

Yes, Castia Stone integrates a natural occurring iron oxide (pigment) into the concrete mix at the time of production.

7. How long will Castia Stone last, and does it carry a warranty?

Castia Stone is covered by a lifetime limited warranty. The concrete used in Castia Stone is similar to the lightweight concrete used on other manufactured stone products. All Castia Stone products are sealed with a siloxane sealer on the exposed surfaces prior to leaving the factory.

8. How is Castia Stone installed?

Castia Stone Installation Manual (PDF)

Castia Stone siding and trim are mortar-less in application. All molding and trim pieces are attached to a wood substrate using Castia’s unique bracketing system and stainless screws. Joints are sealed with a caulking specifically designed for concrete and covered with sand to create a mortared look. For applications other than to a wood substrate please contact Castia Stone.

9. How do I become a certified Castia Stone installer?

If you are a professional who would like to become a certified installer, Castia Stone offers an installation clinic once a month at their factory. A brief demonstration video is also in the planning stages.

10. Is Castia Stone mortared?

No, all seams are caulked with a commercial sealant (caulking) and coated with sand which gives a mortared appearance. This caulking is specially formulated for use with pre-cast concrete. It allows for expansion and contraction at the joints and also provides added protection against water. A variety of color options are available.

11. What maintenance is required?

Castia Stone requires very little maintenance. Unlike many other products, dirt can be removed with a brush, soap and water. If a piece is broken or chipped, it can be easily replaced.

Please see maintenance for specific maintenance instructions.