FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions?

Looking for information? Check out some of our most frequently asked questions/answers below.

Why choose Sun Precast?

Quite simply, because of our people, quality and service! Our company is 100% employee-owned and we are dedicated to providing the best quality product and customer service in the industry!

Are you a Certified Plant?

Yes, we are, by both the Cast Stone Institute and the Architectural Precast Association. Learn more about what that means here.

Do you have any career opportunities?

We are always looking for talented team members. Any open positions are posted on our Careers Page.

Do you provide a cost estimate?

Yes, our experienced estimators work with the contract documents to provide a detailed scope summary and cost estimate for your project.

Do you provide shop drawings?

Yes, we have a team of highly experienced CAD Drafters who will prepare full shop drawings for your project. The shop drawings will be submitted to you for approval prior to fabrication.

Can you provide engineering services?

Yes, we have a team of outside engineers that can provide connection engineering services if required.

Do you have standard colors?

Yes, you can see our Standard Color Set here. We also custom match pieces sent in by our clients, especially for use in restoration projects.

Do you have sample kits?

Yes, we carry sample kits in standard finish, polished finish, and wood-grain finish to begin your selection process.

Are custom color/finishes available?

Yes, we have extensive experience matching other samples and providing custom colors and finishes. Send us your sample today.

What types of finishes can you provide?

We can achieve virtually any finish for our precast and cast stone, standard acid etched, heavy acid etched, exposed aggregate, ground face, polished, tooled, rock-face, textured, stippled, striated, form-finish, and even wood-grained.

Do you deliver?

Yes, we have dedicated hired haulers available to deliver via Flatbed or Gooseneck Trailers.

How much notice is required to schedule deliveries?

Although times can fluctuate, in general we will need 4-5 days’ notice in advance of the delivery date to coordinate with the hauler.

Do we unload material upon delivery?

No. Your site crew will need the appropriate equipment to off-load the material from the trailer. Depending upon the size, the material will be palletized or single-set on the trailer.

Can I put deicing materials on precast / cast stone?

No. De-icing materials, especially rock salt, can cause permanent damage. If necessary, sand can be applied to the surface to add traction. If de-icing materials are absolutely necessary only a calcium magnesium acetate material should be used. A surface applied sealer may provide some level of protection, but it will not prevent damage from rock salt and other de-icing materials.

Do you provide patch kits?

Even with proper handling and installation small chips can occur on the precast. With every delivery, we supply a patch kit of the exact material used in the fabrication of the material.

How should the precast / cast stone be cleaned?

Many times a simple mild detergent and water along with a thorough rinsing with clean water will address minor stains from birds, dirt, handling, etc. If additional cleaning is required a non-etching masonry cleaner can be used. Etching cleaners cannot be used as they will damage the surface of the product.

Do you provide a quality product?

Guaranteed! Sun Precast is plant certified by both the Cast Stone Institute and the Architectural Precast Association. Every project is tested by an ACI Certified laboratory technician to assure that your product exceeds industry standards.

Do you provide design assistance to architects?

Absolutely! We are happy to provide feedback and assistance in the development of your architectural precast or cast stone projects.

Do you have specifications?

Yes. You can access Technical Information here.

What is Cast Stone?

Cast Stone is defined as “a refined architectural concrete building unit manufactured to simulate natural cut stone, used in unit masonry applications.” Cast Stone is a masonry product, used as an architectural feature, trim, ornament or facing for buildings or other structures. Cast Stone can be made from white and/or grey cements, manufactured or natural sands, carefully selected crushed stone or well graded natural gravels and mineral coloring pigments to achieve the desired color and appearance while maintaining durable physical properties which exceed most natural cut building stones. Cast Stone is an excellent replacement for natural cut limestone, brownstone, sandstone, bluestone, granite, slate, keystone, travertine and other natural building stones.

Where did Cast Stone originate?

Cast Stone has been a prime building material for hundreds of years. The earliest known use of Cast Stone dates about to the year 1138 and was seen at Carcassonne, France, the Cité which contains the finest remains of medieval fortification in Europe. Cast Stone was first used extensively in London in the year 1900 and gained widespread acceptance in America in 1920. Today, Cast Stone is a truly superior alternative to natural cut building stone. Combined with its ability to simulate or reproduce an almost limitless variety of natural stones, Cast Stone offers many advantages over cut stone. Cast Stone can be integrally reinforced with steel and precisely colored through aggregates or mineral oxides. Mix designs have tested engineering values, which result in a predictable durable life. Strength and weathering qualities are consistently better than natural stone because the manufacturing process is controlled. Properties such as these cannot be assured in a quarried building stone. Repetitive treatment, either as trim or ornament, can be achieved quite economically in Cast Stone. The ability of Cast Stone to replicate deteriorating natural stone on existing buildings makes it an ideal material for the remodeling or restoration of old structures. For its beauty. For its permanence. For its versatility.