Freeze Recovery for Cast Stone Garden Products

Best Practices for Cast Stone in Freezing Temperatures

Cast stone has been used in the construction of bridges and buildings for centuries. It is a tried and true material, but even the toughest materials can have a weak spot, and with cast stone, it is freezing and thawing of water. The use of cast stone is perfect for shaping all the wonderful ideas of the creative mind. Statues, fountains, birdbaths, planters, and benches can all be formed into reality using cast stone. It will last a lifetime, with a few simple steps to maintain its integrity in the freezing winter months.

The number one way to extend the life of your cast stone piece is to prevent water from settling in, freezing, and then thawing out. The freezing expands the cast stone particles and once thawed, can cause deterioration and cracks.

The best practice is to dry out your fountain or birdbath before the first frost. Cover larger fountains with a good cover. Campania offers covers for all their fountains small to extra large. For smaller items like statues, birdbaths, or small fountains it is best to store them inside. Similarly, ensure garden wall fountains are fully drained to prevent water from expanding behind the feature. But if the item must be left outside, drain it, dry it and cover it. Pumps for the fountains are best brought inside as well.

Some areas of the country have the on and off winter months. One day it is warm and the next you are covering your pipes in flip flops. We have often had customers call and ask us what steps they need to take in these weird winter weather conditions. Our answer is the same, drain it, dry it and cover it or bring it inside. This will keep you from doing the extra work of uncovering and recovering and insure that your fountain stays nice in the Spring, Summer and Fall.

What do you do if your cast stone piece cracks or starts to flake? 

We’ve all been there—life gets busy, and the fountain doesn't get covered before the first freeze. While it’s the worst-case scenario, there is a path forward. Because cast stone is porous, once its integrity is compromised by ice, a simple patch won't hold. However, we can help you replace the specific damaged piece. Contact The Garden Gates Customer Care Center, and we will get you an estimate to replace the damaged piece. If you are unsure what the part is, please send us a picture, and we can identify the part and get you an estimate. We can even help you find the right garden fountain supplies or pumps to get everything running again. If you decide it's time for a fresh start, our vibrant glazed ceramic fountains offer a stunning, durable alternative that can be easily maintained for years to come.