HOW WILL THE CONCRETE STONE AND TILE HOLD UP OUTSIDE IN VERY COLD CLIMATES?
Our proprietary mix formula includes air-entrainment agents to help prevent product breakdown under freeze-thaw conditions like those found in northern climates. The formula can be adjusted for extreme conditions and special applications as well.
WHAT ARE THE MOLDS MADE OF, AND HOW LONG WILL THEY LAST?
Our molds are made with a special .060 high-impact, virgin polystyrene, or industrial ABS plastic for strength, flexibility and durability. If cared for per our instructions, they should last hundreds of pours, depending on the style and size of the mold. Should they start to crack in the corners, they can be tape repaired. In many cases, like with real stone, cracks will enhance the appearance of the stone.
HOW MUCH DOES CONCRETE TILE WEIGH, AND HOW THICK IS IT?
An average 12"x12" tile weighs about four pounds. That weight for tile is based on the recommended thickness of between 3/8" and 5/8" with 1/2" being the ideal standard. The tiles can be poured thinner or thicker, depending on the application. (Vertical walls vs. stepping stones).
HOW MANY STYLES, SIZES, TYPES OF MOLDS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PRODUCTION?
We currently offer over 200 different styles and sizes of molds for both stone & tile, and are adding new styles constantly. We also have the ability to make custom mold styles for our Producers should they get a special request for a specific style or size of tile or stone.
WHAT IS THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF OLDE WORLD CONCRETE STONE AND TILE PRODUCTS?
The expected useful life is one-hundred years plus. Stone products have been used for thousands of years, with many of the mortared stone roads of ancient Rome still being used. We recommend that our Producers offer a minimum twenty-year warranty on their products produced to specification.
IS A KILN OR OTHER HEAT SOURCE NEEDED TO MANUFACTURE CONCRETE STONE OR TILE?
No kiln or other high-energy heat source is needed. Our stone and tile is cured via a simple method that you will learn in your training manual. There is no need for any special power source, special drains, etc. Our vibrator table runs on 115 volts, and we suggest that you run your mortar mixer on 220 to save money and provide increased motor torque... but it too can run on standard 115 volts.
HOW IS THE "GLAZED" LOOK ACHIEVED IF THERE IS NO KILN USED TO FIRE THE TILE?
The various finishes are created after the raw manufacturing process, through the use of various sealers. The "sheen" is determined by the sealers used, and range from a flat "stone" finish, to an ultra-glazed finish. The installation and customer preference determine which sealers are used.
HOW MUCH DOES OLDE WORLD STONE AND BRICK WEIGH?
In the case of our stone, the weight can be anywhere between the above tile figure of four pounds per square foot, down to about a third or less of that. We teach you how to make a number of different stone formulas, depending on where they will be used. We normally will use a light-weight aggregate to lessen the weight when the stone is being used for a vertical application like walls. When it is to be used for a walking or driving surface, we use our standard 4,000-6,000+ psi mix for added strength.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS FOR MOLDS?
We plan to continue to add stone facing, paver, steppingstone, and veneer molds to the line. This will allow our Producers to continue to offer new styles of stone for fireplaces, walls, walks, and any number of other different applications. The difference in the "value added" versus "actual cost" of stone that our Producers can offer builders and homeowners is staggering! And the stone or tile will still be there for their great-great-grandchildren to enjoy and admire.
WHY ARE YOUR MOLDS SO INEXPENSIVE COMPARED TO SOME OTHER COMPANIES?
The main reason is that we have very low overhead. We purchase our materials in large quantities, and have had long, ongoing relationships with most of our suppliers. We are a small, self funded company... which means we owe no-one anything. We own our buildings and land, and are family run. We keep our profit margins conservative, and grow and expand only as we can afford to. Thus... we are able to remain extremely competitive in our pricing, while offering a superior product. We do business the old fashioned way... or should I say "Olde" way. We are one of the few companies that can honestly say that "our success is truly based on our Producers success". The more successful they are, the more molds they'll need, and the more molds we'll sell. That's one of the reasons we work so hard for you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CONCRETE STONE, TILE, BRICK AND PAVER PRODUCTS
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