Outstanding Advantages of Real Stone Veneer

Although many of the manufactured stone veneers have reached a high level of quality, nothing can match the beauty and elegance of real stone veneers for interior and exterior surfaces. While manufactured products can be expected to last for decades, real stone is virtually eternal.

Natural stone construction from marble, limestone, travertine, and slate, for example, have withstood centuries of exposure to the elements without any diminished strength and appearance.

Real stone veneers are a product of natural stone that is cut into thin pieces for ease of application. Home and business owners may choose from a wide range of real stone and cladding products.

What are the Advantages of Real Stone Veneer?

Beauty: Natural stone is quarried in several places around the world, each location yielding different characteristics. Marble, slate, limestone, and ledgestone, for example, are found in such places as China, India, Turkey, Italy, and even parts of the United States. Colors, shades, and textures vary depending on the source. Patterns and striations between any two pieces are never identical and their natural variations only enhances their beauty.

Uniqueness: Stone like marble and limestone is created by fossils, water, heat, and the ever-increasing pressure from above. The rock formation is a result of the chemical changes that take place over time. Imperfections like veining and pitting are simply natural occurrences that add substantially to the natural beauty of the veneer.

Durability: Stone is stone and virtually nothing can outlast it. Note that while most of the structure of old buildings deteriorate or burn down, what remains is usually only the stone fireplace. Real stone veneer possesses all the durability of whole stone.

Ease-of-Application: When real stone is cut into more uniform, thin pieces, the natural strength remains. However, application is far easier than attempting to cut real stone on-site. The savings derived from eliminating the transport, waste, and labor is substantial and the results are amazing.

Space Savings: Real stone veneer is cut into easy-to-apply one to two-inch units. As a result, the stone adds very little to the thickness of the wall making it perfect for smaller rooms, spaces, and narrow walkways.

Contact ProCoat Systems to Learn More

ProCoat Systems is a leading supplier of world-class coatings and claddings for interior and exterior use. For more information about real stone veneer, contact the experts at ProCoat at 303.322.9009.

And check out ProCoat’s website to see some more new building and remodeling ideas.

This post was originally published at procoatsystems.com/outstanding-advantages-real-stone-veneer/

Fireplace Surround Designs Using Stone Veneer

The fireplace is often the most dramatic focal point in any home or business. More than simply a log-burning cavity, the surfaces that surround fire box can be elegant, rustic, linear, or impressively massive. The fireplace, surround, mantle and the areas above will draw attention and can create the mood. Danes revere a concept known as “hygge” (pronounced hoo-gah) which depicts surroundings that exude comfort, well-being, and coziness. Nothing creates a “hygge” atmosphere better than a beautiful fireplace on a frosty evening.

That sense of well-being can be greatly enhanced by replacing that tired, old fireplace surround with a beautiful new stone veneer. Expand the size, create a beautiful and symmetrical stone surround with rectilinear stone veneer pieces, or recreate that irregular and natural stone lodge-like appeal with rough-surfaced stone veneer.

Application of  Stone Veneer for Fireplaces

Stone veneers are available in a wide variety of styles, shapes, colors, and stone types. These may be either natural or manufactured stone veneers with each piece cut into an easy-to-install size and thickness. Ledgestone, cobble, brook, and ashlar are some common natural stone veneers.

ProCoat System’s Cultured® Stone can create all the same effects and ambiance as natural stone veneer but with lower cost. Durable, the manufactured stone veneers for fireplace surrounds are guaranteed for 50 years when professionally installed.

Getting Started

Once the style and color of stone veneer for fireplace surrounds are chosen and in place, the installation begins. The following steps are necessary whether installing a natural or a manufactured fireplace surround.

Install the Base Layers:

1.   Apply builder’s felt to the entire area to be covered.

2.   Cover the felt with the metal lath that will keep the mortar from slipping. Carefully bend the lath around the corners of the fireplace until the material is flush with the subsurface.

3.   Apply mortar over the metal lath. This will act as the scratch coat.

4.   Once the mortar is applied, use a notched tilling trowel to create a grooved, textured surface.

5.   Let this all stand for at least overnight.

Applying the Stone Veneer

1.   On a flat surface, create a “dry run” with your stones, placing them exactly as if you are applying them to the fireplace surround. Minimize the grout gaps, where possible, and pay particular attention to the fireplace opening and the outer edges of the surround.

2.   Remove any excess material from the pieces.

3.   Install the corner pieces and header stones.

4.   Fill in the spaces between the corners and header.

5.   Fill in the grout spaces.

Contact ProStone Systems for Guidance

Applying a natural or cultured stone veneer to a fireplace surround is an exacting process. An experienced mason will more often achieve the  desired result.

 For advice or direction regarding natural or manufactured stone veneers for fireplace surrounds, contact the experts at ProCoat Systems in Colorado. ProCoat professionals can help you with imagining, designing, and product selection to create your desired effect.

Call ProCoat Systems at 1-303-322-9009.

This post was originally published at procoatsystems.com/fireplace-surround-designs-using-stone-veneer/

What is EIFS Stucco?

The newest versions of EIFS, Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, are durable, attractive, and highly energy efficient. These characteristics are a result of a scientifically refined system of layered materials that restrict energy loss, eliminate moisture accumulation, and provide a beautiful and lasting exterior appearance. While each layer has an important function, the exterior surface is comprised of a stucco-like material that offers substantial practical and aesthetic value.

What is the Makeup of an EIFS Finish?

In the very simplest terms, an EIFS coating consists of six layers.

Beginning from the inside out, the EIFS system is comprised of:

1.     Water-Resistant Barrier applied to the substrate of interior surface

2.     Adhesives or fasteners designed to permanently secure the next layer, the insulation board

3.     Quality Foam Insulation Board

4.     Moisture trapping and elimination barrier or a water-resistive barrier

5.     Reinforcement Mesh

6.     An attractive and durable Exterior Finish that is textured like standard stucco. This material creates an additional energy and moisture-resistant surface that imparts a classic stucco-like appearance.

What is the Difference Between Standard Stucco and EIFS Stucco?

The material applied as the outer surface of an EIFS wall is not the same as modern, traditional stucco. The latter is produced from Portland cement, sand, and water that presents a hard, brittle coating which has a notable potential for cracking as the building shifts due to temperature changes and ground settling.

While the exterior look is similar to normal stucco, EIFS coatings are colorfast and water resistant and are made from an acrylic, copolymer material. The substance resists cracking and has a softer feel than traditional stucco.

To determine the difference, if you press normal stucco with your thumb, it will feel hard. EIFS stucco will tend to give slightly because of its softer nature.

Contact ProCoat Systems in Denver

With improved application and materials, EIFS systems are proving to be an important option in the construction industry. Properly applied using the best materials, EIFS walls will last a lifetime and keep the interior well insulated and dry as they conserve a tremendous amount of energy each year. 

If you have questions, contact the EIFS experts at ProCoat Systems in Denver. They will be delighted to help evaluate the potential for EIFS inclusion in any upcoming home or commercial construction or remodel.

For more information regarding EIFS and any other of their high-quality cladding systems, visit the ProCoat System’s website or call today at 303-322-9009.

This post was originally published at procoatsystems.com/what-is-eifs-stucco/

Create a Backyard Fire pit with Manufactured Stone Veneer

While a backyard fire pit can be another focal point in a well-designed landscape, the structure is also an additional focal point for group fun and enjoyment on a cool, starry night. Whether for relaxing and enjoying the space with family and friends or simply providing a place to lean back and reflect on the day’s activities, a beautiful manufactured stone veneer firepit provides another great option for homeowners to enjoy their outdoor space.

An outdoor fire pit built with beautiful and durable manufactured stone veneer can add an enchanting and useful enhancement to an outdoor area. ProCoat Systems of Denver offers an extensive range of top quality stone materials to add a safe and attractive element to a homeowner’s backyard entertainment options.

Planning the Backyard Firepit: Exercise Caution

Landscape designers and homeowners should take extra caution to ensure the new firepit is properly placed. The first step is to check building codes in your neighborhood that sometimes restrict or specify the use of firepits. Some communities have a blanket ban on open fire burning.

If the restrictions are manageable, the plan should ensure that the firepit is placed sufficiently far from other structures to eliminate the possibility of a fire spreading elsewhere. A rule of thumb is to place the pit at least 10 feet from any other structure. Make sure there are no trees limbs or  and overhead wires directly overhead.

Always check the weather conditions before starting the fire. High winds will carry embers away that can cause damage to surrounding structures, including your neighbor’s. To this end, make sure any nearby neighbors are agreeable to your proposed placement.

Manufactured Stone Veneers from ProCoat Systems

Procoat Systems of Denver represents the finest quality manufactured stone veneer products available. The pavers are rugged and attractive, designed to match any style or stone type for fire pit construction. Once the design has established the diameter and firepit wall height, selecting the right manufactured stone veneer is simply a matter of taste and style. Boral® Cultured Stone® products replicate the look of many natural stone products but are one-third the thickness of natural stone products, less expensive, and easier to install. Boral products come in 21 textures and 100 different colors from which to select. Matching the surrounding décor and choice of style is simple.

ProCoat has supplied manufactured stone veneers for fire pits throughout Colorado and surrounding states.

Contact ProCoat Systems of Denver for Manufactured Stone Veneer Products

ProCoat Systems is a leader in the hardscape and stone industry. The experts at ProCoat will be pleased to answer any questions regarding fire pit construction or any exterior or interior coating needs.

Visit the ProCoat Systems website for ideas or call 1-303-322-9009.

This post was originally published at procoatsystems.com/create-backyard-fire-pit-manufactured-stone-veneer/