One of the
critical decision points regarding the installation of natural stone veneers for interior or exterior walls
pertains to how well these coatings will resist water intrusion. Considerable
effort has been expended to identify the best strategies for resisting the
effects of water exposure to retain a dry and mold-free environment throughout
the building.
The problem
lies not in the stone material itself but with creating a system that will keep
moisture from penetrating behind the natural stone veneer. An accumulation of
moisture beneath the outer surface jeopardizes the integrity of the entire wall
covering and eventually weakens the subsurface. Over time, mold will develop
that will require replacing all coverings and replacing all affected wall
materials.
Following
specific instructions during installation can eliminate the possibility of
water damage and prevent the need for expensive repairs.
Strategies for Installing a
High-Quality Stone Veneer Wall to Prevent Water Intrusion
Experts at ProCoat in Denver have determined that carefully addressing three areas during the
installation will provide a healthy and beautiful stone surface without the
fear of intruding water damage. The three steps to focus on are:
● Sealing window, door, and siding
edges to close gaps
● Bigger flashing is need to protect
the thicker stone veneers
●
Create
more weeps for any intruding moisture to escape
Careful
attention to elements can reduce the likelihood of ever having a trapped
moisture problem.
Minding the Gaps
The vertical
spaces between door and window frames are primary culprits for allowing
moisture into the inner parts of the structure. Knowing that the natural stone
thickness is greater than with stucco or other sidings, using larger flashing
to accommodate the cladding will prevent moisture intrusion. Bigger and longer
flashing is far more acceptable for natural stone veneer coverings than flashing which is too small or
too short.
Provide More Escape Routes
A sufficient
number of “weeps” are necessary to ensure that any water that does intrude is
allowed to escape quickly. This last line of defense is needed in any case, so
make sure that there are an abundance of weep holes to carry out the mission of
keeping your subsurface as dry as possible.
Find further
commentary on this challenge, the attached ProCoat’s website has more detailed information.
Contact ProCoat Denver
The experts
at ProCoat in Denver will be very pleased to help you understand the steps
required to eliminate the harmful and expensive effects of water intrusion on
your beautiful new natural stone veneer. Check the ProCoat website
or call 303.322.9009.
This post
was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/stone-veneer-effective-water-intrusion/
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