WINTER CARE of CAST STONE CONCRETE
Extreme and rapid changes in temperature and humidity affect all concrete. Concrete has an inherent tendency to expand and contract with climatic conditions (a phenomenon taken into account by masons who use expansion joints such as lines in the sidewalk). The design of your cast stone concrete product considers weather conditions in the US. The concrete mix contains fiber and other additives for elasticity. Occasionally, normal, unharmful surface shrinkage cracks might appear. Your cast stone lawn and garden decor should not crack from weather conditions if you follow these simple rules.
- Do not allow water to collect and freeze in fountain bowls or shells, planters, saucers or birdbaths.
- Do not allow the bases of your concrete item to sit in a pool of ice. Cast stone products left exposed to icing conditions may crack due to the mechanical force of water freesing and expanding along the concrete surfaces.
Important: if your fountain, birdbath, planter or statuary cannot be stored indoors during the winter season, you must at least protect it from ice or exposure. We sell fountain covers for this purpose which can be used for birdbaths.
How to protect your cast stone products during the winter season
- Fountains
- Remove the fountain statue and pump and store them inside if possible.
- Fill the bowl(s) or shell(s) with an absorbent material such as burlap bags, blankets, etc.
- Cover the entire fountain with a fountain cover (available at Gardecor®) or tarp. Should condensation droplets form on the inside of the cover, they will be absorbed by the material.
- Planters and Statues
- Set the pieces on high ground where a pool of ice will not form at the base.
- Cover with a fountain cover or tarp.
- Birdbaths
- You can use a birdbath water deicer/heater to keep the water from freezing and available to your birds in the winter months. These are available at bird or pet stores.
- If you don't use a birdbath heater, then store as described for Planters and Statues, above.
- Do NOT allow salt or melting snow with salt to come into contact with your concrete item. The warranty will be invalid.
By following these simple and sensible precautions during the winter season, you will protect your cast stone concrete products for years of beauty and enjoyment.
