Is Stone Veneer Effective Against Water Intrusion?

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/

New Stone Veneers for Any Application

ProCoat Systems of Denver invites you to witness their variety of exciting stone veneer products from Coronado Stone Products. These may be applied to interior or exterior surfaces to impart just about any unique and beautiful appearance you desire.For over 50 years, Coronado has innovated and replicated virtually every stone appearance that will add elegance and beauty to any indoor or outdoor setting.

To upgrade an old fireplace surround, a dull interior wall, or a tired and unsightly exterior façade, Coronado’s range of stone products from ProCoat Systems are the ideal answer. Durable, attractive, and economical, these veneer products are designed to achieve just about any desired look for a home or business.

Range of  New Coronado Stone Products

For over fifty years, Coronado Stone has been a top innovator of quality stone products. Their line of veneers are unsurpassed in beauty, style, and durability. Each year, the experts at Coronado introduce new products that broaden consumer selection while staying abreast of new trends. The veneer products have been unsurpassed in matching the unique qualities of a broad range of stone types, textures, and colors. Whether the material conveys the look of natural split limestone or even barn wood siding, they are incomparable in delivering elegance, warmth, or even a rustic appeal.

To enhance their extensive collection of natural and cultured stone veneers, ProCoat offers twelve new Coronado products that will enhance the interior and exterior features of any home or business. 

Decorative Bands

Decorative Bands include:

●     4” Chiseled Limestone in Silver Ash, Cream

●     4” Country Beige with French Limestone, Country Beige

●     4” Chiseled French White with French Limestone

●     6” Chiseled French Limestone in Country Beige

●     6” Chiseled Limestone Band with Colosseum Travertine in Mushroom

These newer additions to the ProCoat System line of architectural precast stone complement their existing portfolio of quality stone veneer products. These are durable, lighter in weight, easier to apply, and less expensive than natural stone. Moreover, these timeless veneers are undetectable from natural products.

Contact ProCoat Systems in Denver

For more information about ProCoat System’s range of stone veneers and tiles, visit the ProCoat Showroom to view firsthand how attractive and versatile the Coronado products are. Alternatively, phone the experts at ProCoat to learn more about their products and installation.

Phone 303.322.9009. Also you may visit ProCoat’s website at http://www.procoatsystems.com/ to learn the ways ProCoat can help you with your project.

This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/new-stone-veneers-application/

Maintaining Your Natural Stone Veneer Siding

Any exterior surface needs maintenance and cleaning periodically. Harsh Rocky Mountain winters leave grime and debris that can dull the finish of any stone or painted surface. And, like anything else, regular preventative maintenance and cleaning will preserve that like-new appearance and lengthen the life of the exterior.

Natural stone veneers are certainly tough and long-lasting. In order to keep the exterior surfaces from appearing dull and worn, a regular maintenance program is an important process.

Regular Maintenance

Natural or manufactured stone veneer is usually applied to the exterior of a home or building to impart a more elegant and natural look. Whether the veneer completely covers the structure or is a prominent decorative feature with columns or wainscoting, keeping the stone clean and free of matter that can stain or degrade the product is essential. A dull appearance will noticeably reduce the overall visual impact of the veneer.

Setting up a simple, regular program of inspecting, cleaning, de-icing, and sealing the exterior veneer will retain the highlights and the impressive features that were intended.

Cleaning

Over the harsh winters and even during other seasons, the stone veneers will collect grime and soot. A close-up inspection can reveal what might not be obvious from a distance. But neglecting to clean the veneer will, over time, degrade the appearance and reduce the best features of the stone material. The longer the dirt remains, the more difficult the cleaning process becomes.

If the accumulation is not severe, the surface should should be cleaned with a whisk broom or soft brush and scrubbed with water only.

Efflorescence Removal

Because the stone is a veneer, water moving through the material to the exterior surface can cause the presence of “efflorescence” or a white chalky substance that results from the presence of underlying salts and minerals. Without using harsh methods, the white material should be gently removed by using a solution of 25% vinegar with water and gently scrubbing the surface with a soft brush.

De-Icing

In the Rocky Moungtain States, ice buildup can be a common occurrence. Manufactured stone veneer should not be exposed to harsh chemicals to remove accumulated ice. Salts and other products can negatively affect the veneers, so using only products that are designed for use on lightweight concrete products are acceptable.

Sealing the Stone Veneer

Before sealing the cleaned and de-iced stone veneers, owners should be careful in choosing which sealants to use. Only breathable, water-based sealers should be used since many products can dull the finish of the veneer. Check with ProCoat for questions about sealants for stone veneers.

Contact ProCoat Systems

For information about maintaining and sealing natural and cultured stone veneers, contact the experts at ProCoat Systems at 303.322.9009.