Installation

Manufactured Stone Veneer

Installation Instructions

These instructions for the installation of manufactured stone veneer are for use with your new Laurel Mountain Stone Works cast stone veneers and accessories. Please check with local building codes prior to installation, as code requirements can differ from one region to another.

Preparing the site

A. Keep surface to be veneered free from moisture. Do not apply stone veneer to surfaces which have visible traces of frost or ice.

B. Please follow cold weather masonry procedures as outlined in ASCE 6-95/TMS 602-95 for installation when temperatures are below freezing (32 degrees F).

Installer Safety

A. Confirm installer compliance with OSHA regulations by reviewing written safety programs and training documentation.

B. Provide fall protection for installers who may be exposed to fall hazards

C. Scaffolding should be constructed and maintained in strict conformance to OSHA regulations

D. Installation of stone veneer above 30 feet on wood framed sheathing should only be installed if a building code official has inspected the site for differential movement and approved the use of stone veneer for this application. Laurel Mountain Stone Works does not recommend using stone veneer above 30 feet, unless approved by a code official.

Material Requirements

A. Laurel Mountain Stone Works cast stone veneer

B. Weather resistant barrier equivalent to grade D building paper or No. 15 non-perforated asphalt-saturated organic felt paper. Laurel Mountain Stone Works recommends using 2 layers of vapor barrier that are overlapped at least 4 inches, starting at the bottom.

C. Reinforcing Metal Lath that complies with ASTM C 847 or corrosion resistant minimum 18 gauge woven wire mesh that complies with ASTM C 1032.

D. Fasteners shall be galvanized steel (nails, staples or screws) for wood stud applications and should penetrate the stud a minimum of ¾ inch. Spacing of these fasteners should be a maximum of 6” vertical and 16” horizontal. Please refer to local building codes for information regarding specific fastener penetration depth.

E. Weep Screed should be no.26 galvanized sheet gauge, fabricated plastic, or vinyl material with a minimum vertical attachment of 3 ½ inches. Weep screed should have holes with a minimum of 3/16 inch spaced at a maximum of 33 inches on center. Please refer to building codes for information on weep screed use.

F. Concrete Bonding Agent shall meet ASTM C 1059 or ASTM C 932

G. Mortar shall be mixed with clean potable water free from injurious amounts of oils, acids, alkalis, salts, organic minerals or other deleterious substances.

H. Flashing, caulk and sealant shall meet local building codes

I. Metal accessories should be galvanized unless other noted.

Installation Procedures

A. Manufactured Stone Veneer should be furnished to the work site in take-off quantities that include allowance for waste and broken stones. Laurel Mountain Stone Works recommends an additional 5-7% of stone veneer be added to any project for this purpose

B. Prior to installation, protect any windows, doors, hardware, trim, fixtures and similar items prior to placing mortar.

C. Ensure Flashing, caulking or sealants have been applied by the responsible party around exterior openings and penetrations.

D. Install weather resistant barrier per manufacturer’s instructions over all exterior surfaces designated to receive stone veneer and that require waterproofing. Weather resistant barrier shall be incorporated into all flashing as to prevent moisture from entering into structure.

E. Apply concrete bonding agent as per manufacturer’s instructions to all new concrete and old concrete that has been properly cleaned and prepared.

F. Install metal lath using approved fasteners with the long dimension perpendicular to the supports. Lap lath not less than 2 inches all around vertically and horizontally.

G. Install weep screed per manufacturer’s instructions and integrate with weather resistant barrier and metal lath.

H. Install mortar scratch coat with sufficient pressure to form full keys through and embed into the metal lath. Cover the metal lath with a uniform layer (a minimum of 3/8 inch).

I. Install stone veneer by applying a ½ inch thick layer of mortar to the entire inside surface area of the stone. Press stone firmly into place with pressure to ensure light contact with and complete coverage of the base coat allowing mortar to fill texture and voids on the back of the unit. Work the units with slight lateral motion while applying pressure to improve bonding.

Maintenance and Care

A. Surface Scuffing

1. Surface scuffing is a normal occurrence on all natural stone and is caused by processing and handling. This is a natural attribute that adds to the aesthetic appeal of stone products used in building construction. Some scuffing will occur on manufactured stone veneer due to handling. Light scuffing can be removed by following the cleaning procedures outlined in this document. In cases where excessive scuffing is experienced, consult your local Laurel Mountain Stone Works representative.

B. Cleaning

1. Dirt and other particles can be removed from the manufactured stone veneer surface by using a mild soap detergent mixed with water and a non-metal bristle brush. Don not over scrub the surface as permanent discoloration my occur.

2. Never use acid or chemical based cleaners to the manufactured stone veneer as permanent damage may occur and will void the manufacturer’s warranty.

3. Pressure washing or any other method of cleaning with high pressure should never be done.

C. Sealing

1. Sealing of manufactured stone is not required. Using a sealant on Laurel Mountain Stone Works stone veneers will void the warranty.

2. If a customer chooses to utilize a sealer, a high quality breathable concrete sealer is recommended. Allow stone to cure a minimum of 10 days in 50 degree weather before sealing. CAUTION. Some sealers may change the color and appearance of manufactured stone. Always test a sealant on several sample pieces before applying to a completed project. Apply sealers in acceptable temperatures and conditions recommended by the manufacturer.