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Product Manufacturers Resources List* Click on the Manufacturer's links below to get information on your product. From there you will get helpful advice and recommendations for the care and maintenance of their respective products. We have added some generic guidelines for the care and mantenance of our other stone and masonery products, If we can be of further assistance please contact us. CONCRETE CAREYou will be able to find information for care and maintenance. The following information is just a basic care guide. The following recommendations are offered to help insure that your statuary purchases give you years of pleasure. SUMMER CAREAll concrete items include Painted Concrete Statuary or Com-Cast Resin products; an application of a good concrete sealer will help prolong the life of your product. On warm and sunny days, you can clean natural stone items by giving them a wash down made from a light Clorox solution (Dilute one part Clorox to 10 parts water). For painted products, Wash item at least once a year with mild detergent. Let the items dry and apply the sealer inside and out with spray or brush. We recommend Clear Sealer/Matte-dull look/UV rated Ultra Violet. WINTER CAREExtreme and rapid changes in temperature and humidity affect all concrete adversely. Concrete has an inherent tendency to expand and contract with climatic conditions (a phenomenon taken into account by experienced masons who employ expansion joints. – like those “lines” in the sidewalk). Most fountains have been manufactured with weather in mind. The concrete mix contains fiber and mechanical additives, which enhance the elastic qualities of the concrete. The components are further reinforced with steel. Therefore normal surface shrinkage cracks may sometimes appear that are not harmful to your fountain. Your fountain will not crack through due to weather, if one important rule is followed: Do Not allow water to collect and freeze in the bowl or shell. Do Not allow the fountain to sit in a pool of ice! Winter freezing can be most harmful especially to fountains & birdbaths. Shells and bowls left exposed to icy conditions may shale and crack, due to the mechanical force of water solidifying and expanding along the concrete surface. Fountains should be drained and covered to protect against cracking. Remove the drain plug if your fountain has one. Remove all pumps; pumps are not guaranteed if you let them freeze. If your fountain cannot be stored indoors during the winter months, you must at least protect it from ice collection. Fill the bowl or shell with an absorbent material: burlap bags, blankets, etc. Then, cover the entire fountain with heavy-duty plastic and twine. Should condensation droplets form on the inside of the plastic, it would be absorbed by the burlap bags or blankets. Thus protecting your fountain for the winter. Birdbath tops should be placed inside, or turned upside down, or leaned on its side. We also carry birdbath heaters/ice eliminators. Further, items set directly on bark tend to take on more moisture, which in freezing weather can cause cracks. To protect your concrete piece, we recommend placing it on bricks or blocks. That way, air can circulate under the piece. The same principle also applies to planters and any other concrete object that may collect water. Make sure pots and planters drain properly. Use pot feet or ½” inch thick tiles to raise the pots. We also recommend using a planter insert to use less soil. You don’t want moss or dirt to clog up the drain. If you have saucers under your pots, remove them if you plan to leave the pots outside through the winter. Saucers collect and hold water, which can lead to cracking. Loose dirt expands and contracts with temperature more readily than hard, compact dirt, so prepare the soil accordingly. Nature can be very harsh to your outside adornments, even cast stone items. Just keep in mind, that with good maintenance and care your statuary investments will stay beautiful for years to come! Pietra Garden Arts carries a complete line of fountain and statuary care products, including fountain covers.
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