Why Hire a Stone Cladding Installer?
About Stone Cladding
If you are looking for solid stone walls, but don’t want to deviate away from the timber frame construction model or commit to extra costs of building a house with solid stone walls, stone cladding could be exactly what you’re after. This type of cladding can be produced in a number of ways. It can be made from thin sheared veneers of large stones or rocks which are then glued to plywood with mortar and it can be made from plywood coated with small pebbles. Stone cladding is often used to conceal a less appealing finish, but can also serve as an alternative to a whiteboard or other options in the external cladding, perhaps even as a decorative feature to compliment another style of the cladding. Stone wall panels, natural stone cladding present a natural open cut and irregular surface texture which provides a profound link between architecture and the surrounding landscape design. The depth of the pieces within the panels creates natural stone color variations for an authentic feel
“Stone wall panels present an irregular surface texture that grounds the architecture in its surrounding landscape”.
Why Install Stone Cladding?
Stone exteriors look great and the cladding is available in a wide variety of styles. Stone can help you achieve almost any look, from cottage to castle. Although it can be more expensive than other cladding options, properly installed stone cladding is very durable and resists damage from fire and strong weather conditions. Cladding often helps to create a tight building envelope with a well-functioning vapor barrier, so moisture is kept out of your home. The cladding is also a good start to creating a well insulated home, but more insulation will be needed to help you regulate the temperature effectively.
How is Stone Cladding Installed?
Stone cladding can be more difficult to install than other types of cladding, as it is heavier and puts more stress on foundations and walls. Once the house frame is put up and sheathed with plywood or a similar thin, flexible material, the cladding can be installed. It generally comes in sheets, which are attached to the outside side of the wall studs and sheath, leaving a space between the cladding and the sheath to allow water and air to circulate.
Before installing the stone veneers, the wall surface is usually first treated with a waterproofing material. This prevents water from getting inside the house but also allows condensation from inside to escape, which helps prevent mildew and rot.
Maintenance
Stone cladding needs almost no maintenance aside from a yearly wash. Stones with gaps or protrusions have a tendency to grow mildew on the sides that shadow from the sun, so keep an eye on any growth. ‘Efflorescence’ also has a tendency to appear on the stone and masonry walls. This white powdery coating of salt is a product of water evaporating out of the stone. It can easily be dealt with by scrubbing the stones gently with a non-wire brush dipped in a diluted white vinegar solution. If your siding has mortar in between the stones, check this annually and replace it as required.
Get in touch with the team at Zero Defects today to schedule your no-obligation consultation or book your masonry project with us. Contact us to learn more or to Request a Free Estimate.
