Stone Veneer Siding Maintenance and Installation
In this post, we are discussing the importance of Stone Veneer siding along with its installation and maintenance procedure.
Introduction to Stone Veneer Siding
Stone veneer is pulled out as a thin layer from the natural stone and also can be manufactured by mixing lightweight natural aggregates into portland cement and water adding iron oxide pigment to give it the color. Stone Veneer siding is used purely for aesthetics and not meant to bear the loads. Stone veneers are obtained in two ways, the first way is to slice them off from natural real stones i.e. quarried or fieldstone and the second way is manufacturing them by pouring lightweight concrete mix into rubber form.
The final product that is Stone Veneer obtained both ways is then attached to walls using special mortar as the bonding material. Pulling a thin layer out of natural stone like Sandstone, Slate, etc supported by composite material creates flexible stone veneer. Manufactured stone is also known as faux stone is as aesthetic as natural stone. The first stone veneer was developed in the late 19th century which was made from natural stone.
Uses of Stone Veneer Siding
Stone veneer siding has several uses. The versatility of Stone Veneer is such that Builders and Architects use it in various ways. Stone Veneers are used over wood-framed walls, metal, over poured concrete, and masonry substrates of CMU brick or block. It can be used at a fireplace as it is heat, fire, and smoke resistant as well as moisture-prone areas and areas exposed to chemicals like Chlorine. There are various uses of Stone Veneer in a Structure:
1. Plain Concrete:
Using stone veneer over dull-looking plain concrete gives it a natural and attractive look.
2. Interior
Stone veneers siding is widely used in Chimney which gives it a spectacular appearance.
3. Exterior
Stone Veneer on the Exterior of the brick house or even wooden house makes it appear like a stone cottage.
4. Interior Walls
The Stone veneer on the walls makes it stronger as it is lightweight and pleasant looking.
Advantages of Stone Veneer Siding
- It costs less than actual stone and shipping cost also reduces than the actual stone.
- Easy to install as it can be easily installed over curved or rounded surfaces.
- Easy maintenance by simply wiping down the dust with the standard cleaner.
- Stone Veneers are long-lasting.
- It is colorfast and it won’t fade with intense summer heat or rain for years.
- It is lightweight and not heavy.
Disadvantages of Stone Veneer Siding
- First is an improper installation that may lead to breaking and chipping.
- Generally, stone veneers are suitable for moisture-prone areas but not all varieties may be suitable for such areas.
- The use of strong cleaners and improper cleaning can damage the surface and erode the color.
Conclusion
Stone Veneers are in demand these days because of their advantages in construction and their pleasant, natural, earth-like feel. Compared to its pros and cons, stone veneers come out to be a great deal for use in your house. The versatility of stone veneer makes it more favorable among other sidings.