Tips for Proper Stone Veneer Installation

Beautiful stone veneer can spawn an entirely new atmosphere for interior or exterior spaces. Whether natural or cultured stone, the long-lasting and stunning additions will add texture and a complementary spectrum of color to any room or outdoor livings space. Old fireplaces can benefit from a dramatic yet economical makeover with brilliant and exciting new shapes and patterns from ProCoat Systems.

Applying stone veneer, whether manufactured or natural, requires adhering to specific procedures for cutting, backing, cement texture, spacing, and placement. The experts at ProCoat Systems can advise the best methods for installing their stone veneer products.

With ProCoat’s top-quality stone veneer, installation is not difficult. However, for exterior surfaces, steps must be taken to ensure that moisture and water intrusion does not occur, a situation that can cause problems later. Experienced installers have developed specific processes and materials to prevent moisture intrusion from happening.

Protective Measures for Exterior Stone Veneer Applications

While each job may be different based on variable angles, pitches and configurations, installers have learned to overcompensate with protective measures to avoid embarrassing corrections later.

Backer Rods: At each juncture between the new stone veneer and any window, doorway, or other siding material, leave at least a 3/8” space. The gap should then be embedded with the appropriately sized foam backer rod. The backer rod is low-density polyethylene material with a skin-like surface that prevents the intrusion of moisture behind the newly installed stone veneer.

Flashing: Metal flashing must be added to avoid water from seeping behind the veneer from above. The width of the flashing must exceed the thickness of the veneer to channel water completely away. During the violent pounding rainstorms that sometimes occurs in Colorado, complete protection is necessary. If the flashing is too narrow, the water will eventually seep behind the veneer to create problems later.

Weep Holes: As a final “just-in-case” protection, installers frequently insert weep holes. These holes are located at the bottom of the veneer surface to allow any moisture that may have entered to escape. This last line of defense can prevent mold from developing which would require an expensive reworking job.

Check with ProCoat Systems for Installation Information

Depending on where and what type of stone material you will be applying, installation procedures may differ. Installing a stone veneer coating to an exterior or interior surface is a permanent improvement, one that should not require redoing or dismantling. Doing the job right the first time will save money and many headaches later.

Check with ProCoat Systems in Denver, Ft. Collins, or Salt Lake City for detailed instructions regarding the proper installation of natural or cultured stone veneers.

This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/tips-proper-stone-veneer-installation/

Top Stone Veneer Distributors in America

High-quality real or cultured stone veneers are perfect for just about any application. These high-quality stone claddings add beauty and elegance to any project and are available in a variety of colors, shapes and textures.

An essential group of ProCoat Systems’ broad portfolio of coatings and claddings is their comprehensive line of stone and masonry products for any interior or exterior surface. Collaborating with an impressive supply chain of world-class stone product producers and distributors, ProCoat offers premium choices of materials to match any taste and budget.

While stone veneers naturally feel rigid to the touch, the textures and colors diffuse ambient light to add an elegant dimension and softness to any setting.

ProCoat Stone Veneer Suppliers

Stone veneers can be produced from actual stone or manufactured as cultured material. The stone types, colors, and textures offered by ProCoat Systems are vast, so choosing the right one for a particular setting and budget may be challenging.

Here is a list of ProCoat Systems’ high-quality stone veneer manufacturers:

Boral™ , a leader in manufactured stone products for walls and fireplaces, offers stone veneers that include ledgestone, fieldstone, Cultured Brick®, coral stone, limestone, castle stone, river stone, and more. Offering colors that range from very dark to white in variable shapes and sizes, Boral products are right for any job.

Boral is also the producer of ProCoat’s exclusive ProStone® line of stone veneers, designed to fit any budget with a full group of modern and traditional quality stone veneer products.

Coronado Stone Products® produces a full line of manufactured stone tile, veneers, thin brick, and precast products. In business for over 50 years, Coronado’s cultured products replicate the texture and color of almost any stone sourced from around the world.

realstone Systems™ manufactures natural stone products for walls and fireplaces.Available in rustic, traditional, classic and contemporary styles, Realstone products are made from a choice of:

●     marble

●     travertine

●     slate

●     granite

●     limestone

●     quartzite

●     sandstone

Arnoldstone™ Natural Stone Thin Veneers are lightweight and durable and are cut from genuine stone in ½” or ¾” thicknesses. These veneers impart natural elegance and style, while adding value and beauty to any project.

Contact ProCoat Systems

For more information regarding high-quality stone veneer and other coating systems, communicate with the experts at ProCoat. Visit their website at http://www.procoatsystems.com/ or phone 303.322.9009. Alternatively, visit their locations in Denver, Fort Collins, or Salt Lake City. ProCoat’s experts will be pleased to talk with you about solutions to any building or remodeling projects.

This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/top-stone-veneer-distributors-america/

Steps to Laying Interlocking Pavers

For dedicated do-it-yourselfers, creating a patio, walkway, driveway, or other outdoor area with interlocking pavers can be a rewarding task. Doing the job right the first time, however, is essential.

Paver stones are stronger and last longer than poured concrete and any subsequent adjustments and repairs are far easier. Also, some paver systems are environmentally sustainable as they allow rainwater to pass into the ground without redirecting the flow unnaturally.

Belgard Hardscape’s interlocking pavers from ProCoat Systems in Denver are the premium quality materials and are available in a wide variety of aesthetically pleasing designs, colors, and styles.

Here are some procedures that should ensure a high-quality paving project:

Building the Base

The base is the most critical element of a well-constructed interlocking paver surface. Unevenness or variable stability can cause pavers to sink and separate to create an unstable and unattractive overall surface.

Steps for creating a stable base:

1.     Excavate and level the sub-grade to create a flat substrate. The depth of excavation is calculated by adding the paver height and the depth of the compacted bedding sand and stone base material.

2.     The depth of the base material depends on the eventual use. For a walkway, the depth need only be 3” to 4”. For a driveway, the depth should be 4” to 8”, depending on the weight of the vehicles.

3.     The base material can be decomposed granite, crushed stone, Class II Road Base or recycled concrete material.

4.     Using a vibrating plate compactor, make sure the entire surface is smooth and level for the next steps. Build in an approximate 1/4” drop per foot to facilitate drainage if the pavers are not permeable.

Applying the Sand Layer

Next, add a 1” layer of clean concrete sand. To ensure a level surface, professionals suggest laying two one-inch diameter “screeding” pipes spaced 6-feet apart in parallel. Fill the space with sand and pull a 2x4 across the pipes to level the sandy surface. Remove the pipes and fill the voids with sand.

Install the Edge Restraints

At this point, defining the exact shape and limits of the paver surface is important. While some limits may already be established, as with the edge of a building, the installer can use concrete or vinyl-molded restraint systems. Whether permanent restraints or temporary, these should be well secured to accurately define the desired perimeter.

Laying the Interlocking Pavers

Always moving forward, start at a 90° corner or the center of the starting line. Preset string will ensure you are heading in a straight line. Never step in the sand and place the pavers evenly without tilting. Continually recheck the straightness of your pattern. Leave a 1/8” joint between the pavers.

Shaping the Edges

As you approach the edges, spaces will need to be measured and cut to create a perfect border within the edge restraints. Cutting should be performed with precision using a masonry saw.

Vibrate in Place

With the vibrating plate compactor, run over the set pavers once to set the pieces evenly in the sand beneath. This step pushes sand up into the seams to begin the interlocking process.

Spreading Sand Over the Pavers

Spread a layer of sand over the entire surface. Run the compactor over the surface once more to push the pavers more firmly into the sand beneath and to create further interlocking.

Finally, sweep excess sand into the spaces between the pavers to finish the job, before removing away the excess.

Sealing the Surface

Once the surface is complete, spread a commercial sealer to enhance the appearance and protect the surface. Sealers come in many types and appearances that will highlight the color and patterns of the new surface.

 This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/steps-laying-interlocking-pavers/

Boral Cutured Stone Veneer from ProCoat Adds Elegance and Value

Few improvements create a warmer or more elegant atmosphere than a stone veneer covering for a fireplace or exterior wall. Boral® has been creating high-quality, aesthetically pleasing and affordable cultured stone options for over 50 years. Partnering with ProCoat of Denver, Boral offers a broad range of attractive stone solutions for use in and around beautiful homes.

Besides manufacturing a extensive selection of cultured stone, Boral is the sole producer of ProCoat’s exclusive line of ProStone® products. These stone materials are affordable, meet stringent Colorado building standards, and are guaranteed for up to 50 years. With the look and texture of real stone, ProStone’s natural beauty and variety can dress up any environment without costing a fortune.

ProStone products from ProCoat and Boral are perfect for virtually any interior or exterior application. The products may be used as an exterior cladding to upgrade a business or residence, while also offering a dramatic option for a fireplace surround, interior wall, or any outdoor living area.

The high-performing materials are durable, low-maintenance, sustainable, and affordable.

Durability

While offered with a 50-year guarantee, all of the beautiful ProStone veneers are subject to Boral’s 63-point inspection process before leaving the production facility. The testing protocols are conducted to ensure durability, quality, and consistency. As an endorsement for Boral’s stringent quality assurance processes, the ICC (International Code Council) Evaluation Service’s Report for strict quality enforcement and code compliance.

Maintenance

ProStone materials require virtually no maintenance. As with any exterior material, periodic light washing is suggested to remove accumulated dust and grime to maintain the like-new appearance of the stone veneer. ProStone Cultured Stone requires no sealing, coating, or painting.

Value

According to the Boral website, an independent study concluded that the addition of a full cultured stone façade of a home or business would increase the value of the structure by 6%. As for buyer perception, the value increases by up to 10%. In some cases, the addition of a classic stone façade may mean the difference between selling the home quickly or waiting months or more to find a buyer, usually at a significantly lower selling price.

Sustainability

Cultured stone is far more sustainable that natural stone. The amount of fuel to extract and transport the stone material is far more than in the production of ProStone cultured stone. Also, 54% of the materials used to produce Boral Cultured Stone is from pre-consumer waste. Boral Cultured Stone is the industry’s only GREENGUARD-certified veneer product.

This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/boral-cutured-stone-veneer-procoat-adds-elegance-value/