Tutorial

NVCS

INTRODUCTION

7A

TUTORIAL

MOLDINGS, SILLS, KEYSTONES, PLINTHS, BASEBOARD, CORBEL, DECORATIVE ORNAMENTS:

Since ancient times these elements have been used on buildings as a method to accentuate, through the
use of light and shade, the contours and lines of the architecture. Throughout the ages the climate,
materials and history of each countries architecture has contributed and built one upon the other influencing modern design styles. In the effort to make some of your design choices easier, we have
combined various profiles and grouped them according to style. These are intended to simplify the
process and are not strictly conforming to various historical periods or styles.
This Tutorial has been designed to assist you in understanding the various methods of assembly and
conditions encountered in common architectural detail applications. Only the most common questions
are addressed while each project may require a combination of methods, others required may not be
shown. If your condition is not shown please consult an NVCS representative.
The Tutorial will provide a basic understanding of balustrade, that will apply to the Systems, Semi
Custom and Custom sections of this product grouping. It begins with definitions of each of the component pieces, the typical applications for which they are used, the most common method of assemblies,
corner and terminus conditions and the product key code.
Once you have completed the tutorial we suggest you begin with the NVCS Systems Overview
pages(7B) which will outline some various styles and groupings of profiles which we hope will meet
most of your design requirements. If the System groupings are not exactly what you had in mind and
you would like to mix and match, please see the Semi Custom & the Library of Basic Components(7C)
where you may design your own assembly. If you require a custom application (such as radii or a
custom piece) see the Custom section(7E) for the NVCS parameters. Questions specific to this section
are addressed in the Appendix(7X)while the General Appendix section 10X relates to information
common to all sections.

Moldings

7A.1

Tutorial

NVCS

DEFINITIONS OF BASIC COMPONENTS

This page shows the basic molding components available.

Molding:
Moldings are a architectural profile composed of contours, coves, notches or angles.
They each come with 22 gage brick ties embedded for mechanical attatchment. They
may be used for a variety of functions, from simple window and door trim, to bellybands and decorative elements. Often used to construct an entablature or as a integrated component of an assembly consisting of any combination of our other materials. Our standard length is 24Long.

Sill:
Similar to moldings, they are constructed of contours, coves, notches and angles to
produce the architectural design profile. They are used primarily under a window or
atop a coursework and often with other elements or alone.. They have always been a
vital part of the design concept for providing a visual base weight to a window or
terminus for coursework. They maybe sloped or not and are standard at 24 in
length.

Keystone:
a wedge shaped piece at the crown of an arched window, door molding or used alone.
Traditionally, these peices were inserted last to lock other stone piece into place.
Today, they serve a mostly decorative function. Keystones usually rise above and in
some-casesdrop below a molding. They come in a variety of sizes.

Plinth Block:
a square or oblong vertically faced member immediately below the circular base of a
column, window or door detail; the base element. They provide several functions, as a
terminus point for a molding, architrive, pedestal or base course to a building. Used
today primarily under a window or door. Often these are custom items. A
Plinth(base) is an important architectural element for providing a visual weight or
footing, which anchors and supports the other elements.

Baseboards(plinth course):
A course of Cast stone veneers forming a continuous foundation or base course to a
wall or building or covering the joint of a wall and the adjoining floor. Basebords like
a plinth block, serve the same function of weighting or providing a visual footing for
a building.

Corbels:
Traditionally used as a supporting member to a detail or coursework above it. Today,
they are used as mostly a decorative item. They may be formed as bold brackets or
an ornamental molding. Aways projecting upward and outward vertically, they are
usually higher/longer than they are wide. Often found supporting a cornice , dental,
fireplace mantel or shelf.

Decorative Elements
Serve to decorate another architectural element and are purely ornamental in function. They give the viewer a visual sensory satisfaction with or without regard for
meaning. Often used around windows, such as a quatrofoil(pictured) or egg and dart
or dental moldings. They may be used in the frieze of an entablature or as panel
pieces for a variety of functions and forms. You may specify a design from any
resource catalog. (See custom section).

7A.1

Moldings

Tutorial

NVCS

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Typical molding applications are shown below.

Bellyband:
a flat or convex moulding/band, that, applied to the face of a building produces a
horizontal linear detail which gives the effect of girding the mass of the building.
These may be a simple running course of molding or a integrated assembly of moldings, veneers and decorative elements to produce a wider band. Moldings serve this
function in most cases. Moldings are usually standard 24 in length.

Door & Garage Door Surround:

straight or radial moulding which wraps the top and sides of the door, often terminating into plinth blocks. One can combine a number of elements such as, moldings
arond a door opeining, veneers and quoins to face a wall and finish the entablature
or cornice with moldings and even a widows walk of balustrade. Cast stone components are just as easy to design with as wood moldings and are field cut easily by a
qualified mason.

Window Surround:
straight or radial molding which wraps all sides of a window; the lower horizontal
member is often a sill with a deeper profile than the top and side pieces. Sometimes
a veneer piece is also used to wrap back into the window caseing. Often a Corbel is
used at the top center and a plinth block at the base and terminating into a sill or
threshold.

Decorative Elements:
straight or radial moulding which is used to create an integrated assembly for a fireplace, cornice, roof eave, dental, wall decoration, under a coping or any other application
where the architect or designer uses one, or several pieces to create a desired assembly.
Examples would be the angled pavers and moldings used in this picture to create this
morracan flavored entablature. Other examples are, a quatrafoil or egg & dart molding.
Specifiers may use any resource or catalog to specify a custom decorative detail.

Entablature:
an architecturally designed wall or facade supported by a column and supporting
structurally or visually the pediment or roof plate according to its position on the
front or flank of a building. It consists of a architrive(lower portion just above the
column), a frieze ( the trunk or wide centerface), and the cornice (just above the
frieze supporting the roof or pediment or standing alone as shown left)

Fireplaces:
many combinations of moldings,veneers, quoins and other elements can be combined
to form a fireplace surround. One should think of these pieces as building blocks and
as they would a wood molding. A designer and qualified mason can create wonderful
customized surrounds. Please note that we have many assemblies available in our
Furnishing section 9.

Note: moldings are often used as an alternate to sills and wall caps in course works for bricks, stone, and wainscot or
chimney caps.

Moldings

7A.1

Tutorial

NVCS

METHODS OF ASSEMBLY
WINDOW SURROUNDS
need text

sill:
SL-200

sill:
SL-200

sill:
SL-200

sill:
SL-200

sill:
SL-200
sill:
SL-200

sill:
SL-200

sill:
SL-200
sill:
SL-200

sill:
SL-200

sill:
SL-200

sill:
SL-200

sill:
SL-200

sill:
SL-200

sill:
SL-200
sill:
SL-200

7A.1

Moldings

sill:
SL-200

sill:
SL-200
sill:
SL-200

sill:
SL-200

Tutorial

NVCS

METHODS OF ASSEMBLY
DOOR SURROUNDS
sill:
SL-200

sill:
SL-200

sill:
SL-200

sill:
SL-200

Grand Entry

Moldings

7A.1

Tutorial

NVCS

METHODS OF ASSEMBLY

Section

Elevation

ENTABLATURE

7A.1

Moldings

NVCS

Tutorial
METHODS OF ASSEMBLY

Moldings

7A.1

Tutorial

NVCS

PRODUCT CODES
Each Napa Valley Cast Stone component number consists of four individual parts:
I.

Product Category: i.e. MD-100

II .

Molding, Sill, Keystone, Plinth, Baseboard and Decoritive Ornament abbreviations are:
MD-Molding SL-Sill KS- Keystone PB- Plinth Block BB-Baseboard D-Decoritive ornaments
Main component family number:
i.e., MD-100, SL-100 , KS-100 etc...
Standard component family numbers consist of two-, three- or four-digit numbers that are
somewhat randomly chosen.

III .

Component piece identifier letters:

i.e., MD-100-I 024 = a MD-100 Inside Radius @ 24

Some component numbers have a suffix letter(s) to further identify the individual piece within the
component family For Moldings only the radius suffix applies, all radii are measured to the inside;
Standard piece identifiers used are:
I
CV
CC
CIR
IV.

Component suffix: i.e., MD-100 CN designates a feature such as a corner.

CN
CNO
URT
LRT
RRT
I
O

7A.1

Inside Radius followed by the number in inches(ieI024 inside 24 radius.)

Convex inside radius
Concave inside radius
Complex inside Radius

Corner (usually a window corner molding)

Outside Corner(usually a belly band molding returning around the building)
Universal Return( both a left and right profiled end, usually field cut one end)
Left Return
Right Return
Inside Radius(always an inside radius in inches)
Outside Radius(always an inside radius to rough indicating a convex in inches)

Moldings

Systems

NVCS

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

7B

SYSTEMS

What is a System?
SYSTEM (sistem) 1: A

GROUP OF INTERACTING AN INTERRELATED OR INTERDEPENDENT

ELEMENTS(COMPONENTS) FORMING OR REGARDED AS FORMING A COLECTIVE ENTITY. A COMPLEX
UNITY FORMED OF MANY OFTEN DIVERSE PARTS SUBJECT TO A COMMON PURPOSE B:AN AGGREGATION OR ASSEMBLAGE OF OBJECTS JOINED IN REGULAR INTERACTION OR INTERDEPENDENCE A SET
OF UNITS COMBINED BY NATURE OR ART TO FORM AN INTEGRAL ORGANIZED WHOLE

What is a NVCS Cast Stone System?

n order to help simplify your design choices, and address the most common general design concepts for a
building facade vertical assembly, we have pre-designed and grouped certain Components and Assemblies
together creating Systems. These systems combine moldings, Sills, Baseboards, veneers and other components to create various assemblies such as entablatures, door and window surround, belly banding and water
tables. The systems included in this section make it easy to design, specify and install complex sets of parts
within todays budget constraints.

How are Molding, Sills, Baseboard, Keystone and decoritive ornaments used to
create Systems?
If you have not read this Section Tutorial 7A ,we suggest you begin there and then return to this section as
the tutorial will familiarize you with the way assemblies can be created, which form the basis for the
Systems. In this Section 7B the Overview, on the following page, will provide an at a glance view of the
NVCS Systems allowing you to determine if one of these style groupings will be appropriate for your project.
If a system does not meet all of your requirements, you may want to browse through the Semi -Custom
Section (7C) containing the Library of Basic Components for information on modifying a system or mixing
and matching various profiles to creat your own assembly. Information on customizing parts or the NVCS
parameters for a custom design or radius may be found in the Custom Section (7D). The Appendix section
(7X ) will provide a list of parts, weights, technical information and related alternate resources.

Moldings

7B.1

Systems

NVCS

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

MD-100

7B.1

Moldings

MD-100

SYSTEM 1000

NVCS

Systems

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

MD-100

MD-100

Moldings

7B.1

Systems

NVCS

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

Round
Top

maximum
arc
length=2
"
r

Miter cut
corners

Pediment

Shelf
Header

Shelf
Header
Corbal

Molding

Plinth

Window
Sill

7B.1

Moldings

Left Return
SL-250-LRT

Straight
SL-250

Systems

NVCS

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

MD-237

MD-151

MD-116

ENTABLATURE

Window:
MD-100

Alternate:
MD-129

Alternate:
MD-128

Door:
MD-101

Alternate:
MD-111

Bellyband: MD-102

MOLDINGS

Pediment/Shelf:
MD-5067URT

Pediment/Shelf: MD-127

PEDIMENT/SHELF

VN 1004EAS
1504EAS
2004EAS

Header: MD-5068

Corbal: MD-5060

HEADER/CORBAL/VENEER

SL-250

PLINTHS/SILLS

Baseboard: BB-57

BASEBOARD/KEYSTONES

Moldings

7B.1

Systems

NVCS

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
SYSTEM ADDENDUM PAGES
Periodically NVCS may be sending you addendums to the Systems section, this page acts as a separator for
those pages. When we have compiled a new section in totalty we will then send you a replacement section.
For information about new profiles or systems you may call the main NVCS phone number 1-707-258-3350.
Example If we send you an addendum to page 7B.3 , the addendum page will be labeled 7B.3.1, the next as
7B.3.2 etc., We suggest you file them in order as received here after this page and before the next section.

7B.1

Moldings

Semi-Custom

NVCS

HOW TO MIX & MATCH

7C

SEMI-CUSTOM

This Section is designed to help you understand how to use the Library of Basic Components to modify
an NVCS System or Mix and Match various Components to create your own assembly.

This Moldings, Sills, Baseboards, Keystone, section consists of 4 parts:

7C.2 Modifying an NVCS System: By taking one of our pre-designed systems you may substitute
a component out of the Library of Basic Components that more suits your design objectives. The
example will show you a NVCS System with one or components substituted from the Library of
Basic Components.

7C.3 Mixing & Matching: If you would rather develop your own assembly you may choose all the
components from the Library of Basic Components. The example will demonstrate a semi custom
assembly constructed of various components.

7C.4 The Library of Basic Components Drawings: Each of the Components profiles are
shown in a Cad Drawing or in some cases, a section with an extrusion. CAD Files are available to
Specifiers upon request. The Library is grouped according to shape or profile similarity. If you
already have the product code number and are locating the page number of the profile drawing,
refer to the following Library of Basic Components List.

7C.5 The Library of Basic Components List: This lists each profile in this section by number
in sequence. You will also find a Description, Dimensions, Molds Available(as of publishing date),
weights and the page number on which the drawing is found.

Moldings

7C.1

Semi-Custom

NVCS

HOW TO MIX & MATCH

MD-108

7C.1

MD-152

MD-163

MD-104

MD-165

MD-182

MD-130

MD-125

MD-164

MD-137
@ 12

MD-109

MD-192

MD-193

MD-196

MD-198

Moldings

COMPONENTS: MOLDINGS

Semi-Custom

NVCS

HOW TO MIX & MATCH

MD-100

MD-101

MD-111

MD-102

MD-103

MD-116

MD-128

MD-105

MD-110

MD-114

MD-118

MD-161

MD-115

MD-120

MD-119

MD-199
@30

Moldings

7C.1

Semi-Custom

NVCS

HOW TO MIX & MATCH

MD-145
1
2 slope

MD-151

MD-144
1
2 slope

MD-127

MD-136
1

2 slope

MD-150
4 slope

MD-179

7C.1

Moldings

Semi-Custom

NVCS

HOW TO MIX & MATCH

MD-142

MD-168

@ 14 slope

@ 30

MD-174

MD-147
@ 18 (no slope)

MD-134
@ 36 58

MD-133
@ 36 58

Moldings

7C.1

Semi-Custom

NVCS

HOW TO MIX & MATCH

MD-205

MD-191

MD-188

MD-204

7C.1

Moldings

MD-184

MD-160

MD-206

MD-197

COMPONENTS: BASEBOARDS

Semi-Custom

NVCS

HOW TO MIX & MATCH

MD-213

MD-211

MD-129

MD-216

MD-210

MD-200

MD-166

MD-183

MD-207

MD-194

Moldings

7C.1

Semi-Custom

NVCS

HOW TO MIX & MATCH

BB-50

BB-51

BB-53

BB-54

BB-55

BB-56

BB-52

BB-58
@ 30

BB-57

7C.1

Moldings

BB-59

Semi-Custom

NVCS

HOW TO MIX & MATCH

BB-601

BB-602

BB-700

@ 21 12

@ 9 12

@ 30

BB-900

BB-1000

BB-1100

BB-800

BB-1300

Moldings

7C.1

Semi-Custom

NVCS

HOW TO MIX & MATCH

BB-1600

BB-1500

BB-1400

Moldings

BB-1700

BB-1401

BB-1402

7C.1

BB-1601

BB-1800

NVCS

Semi-Custom
HOW TO MIX & MATCH

Moldings

7C.1

Semi-Custom

NVCS

HOW TO MIX & MATCH

SL-200

SL-204
8 slope

7C.1

SL-202

SL-203

SL-205

SL-206

8 slope

SL-207

SL-208

SL-209

SL-210

SL-211

SL-213

Moldings

Semi-Custom

NVCS

HOW TO MIX & MATCH

SL-214

SL-215

SL-217

SL-218

reduced scale

SL-220

8 slope

SL-221

8 slope

reduced scale
slope: 12/ft.

SL-225

SL-226

1 916 slope

8 slope

SL-216

SL-219
3

16 slope

SL-222
@ 30, (1/4 slope)

SL-227
1 34 slope

Moldings

7C.1

Semi-Custom

NVCS

HOW TO MIX & MATCH

SL-229

SL-231
1 slope

SL-233

SL-236

SL-239

continuous drip

SL-234

SL-235

SL-237

SL-238

SL-240

SL-241

@ 36

7C.1

Moldings

SL-232
@ 2358

continuous
drip

Semi-Custom

NVCS

HOW TO MIX & MATCH

SL-242

SL-243

SL-244

@ 30

@ 30

@ 30

continuous drip

SL-245

SL-246

@ 30 reduced

@ 25

SL-247

continuous drip

SL-248

SL-250

SL-252

SL-257

SL-250

Moldings

7C.1

Semi-Custom

NVCS

HOW TO MIX & MATCH

MD-185

MD-186

MD-122
(14 slope) @ 36

7C.1

Moldings

MD-187

Semi-Custom

NVCS

HOW TO MIX & MATCH

front view

front view

side view
KS-100

front view

side view
KS-101

front view

side view

side view
KS-103

KS-102

side view

front view
KS-104

Moldings

7C.1

Semi-Custom

COMPONENTS: KEYSTONES

NVCS

HOW TO MIX & MATCH

LIBRARY OF BASIC COMPONENTS ADDENDUM PAGES

Periodically NVCS may be sending you addendums to the Library of Basic Components section, this page
acts as a separator for those pages. When we have compiled a new section in totalty we will then send you a
replacement section. For information about new profiles or systems you may call the main NVCS phone
number 1-707-258-3350.
Example If we send you an addendum to page 7C.3 , the addendum page will be labeled 7C.3.1, the next as
7C.3.2 etc., We suggest you file them in order as received here after this page and before the next section.

7C.1

Moldings

Custom

NVCS

HOW TO MIX & MATCH

7D

CUSTOM

This section will help you specify a Custom Component using NVCS Parameters. You may use Custom
Components as a substitute for one of our System parts, as an alternate to your semi-custom design or as
an entire custom assembly of your own design. Each example provides a work sheet area to the side which
may be used as a submittal for quotation purposes or as an attachment to plans.

This section is outlined as follows:

3D.2 Creating a Custom molding: provides an example, worksheet for submittal, the NVCS
parameters when used as a surround for a window, door, belly-band, cornice, pediment.

3D.3 Creating a Custom sill: provides an example, worksheet for submittal, the NVCS parameters.

3D.4 Creating a Custom entablature: provides an example, worksheet for submittal, the NVCS
parameters. An Entablature usually includes one or more pieces of moldings, and sometimes
veneers, as an assembly.

Moldings

7D.1

Custom

NVCS

HOW TO MIX & MATCH

7D CUSTOM SECTION
MOLDINGS, SILLS, BASEBOARD,BELLYBAND,
ENTABLATURES AND DOOR & WINDOW SURROUND

his section will give you the guidelines and parammeters for specifying a Custom Component. You
may use Custom Components as a substitute for one of our System parts, as an alternate to your
semi-custom design, or as an entire custom assembly of your own design. Each example provides a
work sheet area to the side which may be used as a submittal for quotation purposes or as an attachment to plans.
This section is outlined as follows:

3D.2

Creating a Custom Cap , Base & Baluster: The example demonstrates how to
design a Wall Cap profile using NVCS Parameters for each of the Basic Components.

3D.3 Creating a Custom Pier: The example demonstrates the parameters for designing
custom Piers & Balustrade Pier Caps in various methods.(other pier caps are addressed in
section 4)

3D.4

7D.1

Creating a Custom Helical or Radial Balustrade Cap & Base: The

example provides the parameters for specifying and designing Simple Radii under 3 and
complex Helical conditions. For Simple Radii(non-helical) over 3 see our Semi Custom
section.

Moldings

NVCS

Custom
HOW TO MIX & MATCH

Moldings

7D.1

Custom

NVCS

HOW TO MIX & MATCH

CUSTOM ADDENDUM PAGES
Periodically NVCS may be sending you addendums to the Systems section, this page acts as a separator for
those pages. When we have compiled a new section in totalty we will then send you a replacement section.
For information about new profiles or systems you may call the main NVCS phone number 1-707-258-3350.
Example If we send you an addendum to page 7D.3 , the addendum page will be labeled 7D.3.1, the next as
7D.3.2 etc., We suggest you file them in order as received here after this page and before the next section.

7D.1

Moldings

Appendix

NVCS

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

7X

APPENDIX

7X.2 FAQs: Moulding, Sill, Keystone, Plinth, Baseboards, Corbals & Decoritive
elements:
Contains questions and answers
Technical information on Mouldings, Sills, Keystone,Plinth,Baseboards, Corbals & Decorative
Elements.
Typical construction techniques.
Other manufacturers of related products applicable to this section.

7X.8 Moulding, Sill, Keystone, Plinth, Baseboards, Corbals & Decoritive

elements Basic Component lists
Basic Component lists contain information on the piece size, weight, description and page number
where it may be found in the Library of Basic Components

Moldings

7X.1

Appendix

NVCS

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
1. Dimensions: Vary per profile refer to the catalog 5. Installation:
component drawings found in the Library of Basic
Components of Section 3C. All NVCS Standard
Balustrade systems have a rail length of 36L unless
noted.

2. Weights: Varies

per profile, you may look up the

weights of your specified profile(ie.BL-301B)in the
Basic Components list of Section 3X. You will find the
weight listed to the far right of the page. For the price
per foot you will need the total weight from the Basic
Components list and then divide it or multiply it as
needed. Using the Bl-301system and adding them
together we have 1 Base @36 is 147lbs, 1 Cap @36 is
97lbs and balusters are 47Lbs each @ 1.52 Balusters
per foot so 4.56 balusters are required for 36, total
weight for a 36 section is 453.76lbs divided by 3 is
152.25lbs per linear foot. This example does not
include Piers, pier caps and possible copings required
to finish a balustrade system. Please refer to your
local building code, architect or engineer. Some
projects require a push over specification which may
require additional anchoring.

No Installation is included or
quoted. Client is responsible for finding a qualified
installer. NVCS does provide a local Reference of
qualified masons for Northern California, contracts
are between the Mason and client. We suggest to all
homeowners that they find a qualified mason or
installation company to assist them in providing them
with a "take off" of your plans, and with responsibility
in placing the order. If you or your contractor do not
know of a good installer, please see your yellow pages
under; masonry contractors, marble and tile
contractors, or tile setters. We also suggest
visiting one of their completed job sites which
contain elements similar to your own. Some
contractors may cost more and be well worth
the extra and others may cost less and produce
work that is acceptable but not exceptional, be
familiar with your expectations.

3. Sphere codes: California's code requires a space

no bigger at the widest point of four inches. A 4
sphere is used to pass through the balusters. A 4 code
would mean you have (in the above case of the BL301BR,baluster)1.52 balusters per lin.ft. a 6 code
would be 1.22 per lin.ft. A 9 placement would be
.92per lin.ft. etc. You will need to check the building
codes in your area for requirements. Balustrade used
in decorative Landscape whose height is less than the
specified code may often be placed as desired, we
suggest no fewer than 3 per run. In most cases the
specifier will be able to provide you with their local
requirements. For example a 4 code would mean that
a three- foot section would be, 3 x 1.52=4.56pcs
required. Round up of course and always include 5%
extra for overage or cuttings. On center marks for the
systems may be found on the each systems page far
left and top on the elevation drawing.

4. Cost:

Varies depending on the system, Series

texture, and finish specified. We have 4 texture series
levels and price points are set accordingly. Concrete G
is the lowest, Concrete W is the second price point and
Precision Series Texture is the 3rd level with Artisan
Texture Series being the most expensive. Quality is
the same at each level pricing is a result of manufacturing processes used to produce the final texture and
finish. Please consult NVCS for a quote.

7X.1

Moldings

Please see the technical drawing page #______ as a

typical layout. Each installer's methods may vary and
for this reason we recommend contacting the installer
for their trade technique. Install using either high
strength adhesive mortar or epoxy methods per directions in the catalog page_________ under Setting
methods. Rebar is included in the balusters provided
by the manufacturer. These are then doweled into the
cap and base field drilled holes as needed. A carbon or
diamond drill bit will pene

Appendix

NVCS

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
trate cast stone easily. Base rails are doweled and hot
mopped into the substructure by bolt, rebar or some
other attachment method specified by the architect
designer or engineer. When an End Pier is used the
base and cap rail should run into it on center. When
using an under rail system the cap and base rail run
over and under the pier as it is no higher or wider
than the balusters. On raked stair some field cutting
of the pier or adjustments may be required at the top
and bottom of the stair, it is important to work out
these issues in the design phase.

6. Attachment methods: Please see drawings of typical methods. All installer have different methods and
the installer should be contacted for their planned
method. Typical installations usually involve attaching
our 22 gauge ties that are embedded in the cast stoned
profile at scratch or brown coat through the stucco and
into the sheathing with some kind of galvanized
anchoring system. The system is then adhered to the
stucco coat with an high strength epoxy or adhesive
mortar. Some installers prefer to use a doweling
method and drill into the moulding profile and attach a
dowel and lag back into the sheathing using high
strength adhesive mortar or epoxy.

Typical Thin-set Mortar or Epoxy Method: A factory

prepared filler, mixed with either water or various
additives depending on strength required and type
chosen. Shear Bond strengths of 250 to 1000 PSI can
be obtained with this type of mortar. We recommend
Laticrete International Inc. products or equivalent.
Please refer to and follow the manufacturers exact
recommendations for the particular product chosen.
Typical thin-set thickness is 3/8" to allow for the 1/8"
tolerance of most basic components. 1/4" is the minimum reasonable thickness. Less than 1/4" may require
grinding of the basic components to fit. The back of
each piece should be buttered with a notched trowel
with 1/8" to 3/8" of adhesive mortar with 100% coverage and the application surface should be troweled
with 1/4" to 3/8" adhesive mortar with 100% coverage.
This method allows the tradesman to adjust for the
1/8" tolerance in the NVCS and set the surface level
although the material may be warped, cupped, curled
or of uneven thickness.
Portland Cement Mortar Bed Method: Portland Cement
Mortar is suitable for most surfaces and most types of
cast stone materials, with certain types of flatwork
being a possible exception. (See note below.) The Tile
Council of America recommends a cement mortar bed
of 3/4" to 2" thick. This method is covered in detail
under the American National Standards Institute,
ANSI A108.1A.

7. Grout

should be installed wet and packed tightly

with a masonry tool. Grout widths are 3/8 to 1/2 as
desired. Smearing an entire area is not recommended
due to the porosity of the product. Expect grout widths
to vary. Grout lines are prone to cracking. NVCS recommends that patching of grout lines at 90 days past
initial installation be included in all installation
contracts.

6. Setting methods:

Typical Setting Method used

in the application of cast stone is to clean, dampen
and back-butter the entire setting surface of the piece
and level it into a bed of mortar, tapping or beating as
necessary. The two methods listed below are
commonly used. Cost, setting bed allowances, type of
material (i.e. Columns, Balustrade, Wall Cap, Pavers,
etc.) and specific site conditions are generally the
determining factors in choosing the appropriate
method.

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Appendix

NVCS

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
9. Copings: These

are most often required when a

free-standing end pier is used requiring a set back
from the edge. It was often used to finish the
balustrade system along the edge of a substrate and
includes a skirt (such as a riser, molding or veneer) of
some kind to add an additional visual weight to the
base as viewed from below. Many people eliminate
this detail due to cost and as such should use the
under rail system allowing them to stucco up to the
balustrade base

10.Radii: Whether it is an inside radius or an outside

radius depends on where you are standing or viewing
the plans. If it wraps around you as you face it, then it
is an inside radius. If you are standing on the opposite
side and it curves away from you and around someone
else then this is the outside of the radius. Please look
at the drawing below and custom section 3D.
Abbreviations for Inside radii are IR, and OR for
Outside radii. NVCS prefers the inside radius or
radius centerline be provided. for example, BL-301Br-I048, signifies a BL-301 Base inside radius at 48,
set up costs for this are included in the B-r and C-r
prices if over IR 30. Any radii less than 30 can be
manufactured but will require a mold tooling fee in
addition to the radius price. Please talk to a design
representative for the current pricing. See the drawings in the custom section 3D for custom parameters.
The custom mold charge will be located on your
contract in the last column line item under custom
mold charges and a total for all molds will be found
on the totals page. You may specify the radius dimensions on plan or the person placing the order may
provide them by template or in writing. A drawing
will be supplied to you for approval by the contracting
party who will make any corrections and return them
in a timely fashion as indicated. If the contracting
party shifts responsibility to an alternate party
for approvals, the contracting party assumes all
responsibility for error and additional costs.

11.Complex or Helical Radii:

A Helical
radius (or complex) is a radius that twists as it
descends such as with a spiral stair or flared entry.
These are difficult to engineer and NVCS recommends
that you have them engineered by a qualified professional. Once they are drawn you may send us the
drawing with the following information. 1) the height
of the rise from the bottom of the base rail on the
lowest level to the bottom of the base rail at the highest point. This is called the Lead. This must be accurate in order to use the formula to determine the
twist. See drawing X. 2) provide us the simple IR
radius to center and IR finish of the cheek wall or
structure on which the base rail will sit. See drawing

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Moldings

Y. 3) provide the arc length of the entire radius of the

wall on which this will sit. See Z. This will provide us
with the information to determine the radius. NVCS
must be provided this information in writing
and in a timely fashion by the contracting party.
NVCS assumes no responsibility for

APPENDIX: COMMON MOLDING QUESTIONS

APPENDIX: PRODUCT KEY

NVCS

Appendix
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

additional costs from errors outside its warranty,

and is at their discretion.

12. Cleaning:

clean NVCS with appropriate

ProSoCo or other high quality cleaners before applying any type of sealer. Pro So Co light duty cleaners
may be used for maintenance as well.

13. Sealing:Check

with the purchase agent to see if

pre-sealing, sealing after installation, or final grout
sealing of pre-sealed material will be required as part
of the installation bid. For information on products,
see the ProSoCo, Inc. product literature.

14.Cracking:

Hairline cracking may occur around

the baluster neck, particularly in new site construction often due to settling. It also may occur in areas
with seismic activity. If the substrate settles even a
bit there is no where for the stress to find relief, this
most commonly occurs in the necks of balusters or in
grout joints. It is not uncommon to re-grout after a
year or so, this is most often not due to poor installation. cracks are seldom structural as the material is
fiber reinforced and balusters have 3/8 rebar cast at
the center. Remember how lovely European stone is
with all its cracks and fissures!

15.Terms and conditions & NVCS

Warranty. all terms and conditions of Sale apply
as noted in the Terms and Conditions and warranty
provided in the General appendix Section X. Please
read them carefully.

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TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

Picture

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NVCS

Appendix
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

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