How to Clean and Maintain Natural Stone Veneer

Natural stone veneer is a popular solution for new home construction and remodeling projects. Drive through any newly developed neighborhood and natural stone claddings are featured on the exterior of ost homes. Stone projects permanence and class.

Inside, as well, natural stone is the cladding of choice for family rooms and fireplaces, accent walls, and even bathrooms. Back outside, family entertainment areas and patios feature stone fireplaces, walls, walkways, and seating areas, made from natural stone.

While we think of stone as eternal, even natural stone veneer products accumulate dirt and grime, particularly on outside surfaces, and benefit from periodic cleaning.

What are Natural Stone Veneers?

Natural stone veneers are produced from real quarried stone and cut into thin easy-to-apply veneer panels, tiles, and accessories that dramatically reduce labor and on-site waste. ProCoat Systems, a distributor of quality building materials in the Rocky Mountain Region, is a partner of several world-class companies. One standout company is RealStone Systems™ , a producer of the highest quality natural stone veneer products.

RealStone products are available in a wide variety of color tones, styles, finishes, stone types, uses, formats, and sizes. Stone veneers may be quartzite, marble, sandstone, ledgestone, slate, granite, limestone, and travertine,

Maintaining Natural Stone

Over time, stone attracts soot and dirt particularly on exterior surfaces and specifically in joints and junctions. Natural stone can be porous and absorb dirt, rain, or other moisture that eventually causes staining.  If not periodically cleaned, the appearance of the exterior wall or fireplace surround can take on a dingy appearance and may become more difficult to clean.

Care should be taken to not overly scrub, but to gently clean the surface of the stone cladding.

Begin by rinsing the stone with water to remove any loose debris and dirt.

There is no need to use acids nor harsh chemicals. These can stain the surface of the natural stone and forever alter its appearance. Simply brush the dirty areas with a soft brush and mild detergent with water, and the exterior surface of the stone should return to a like-new appearance.

After brushing, rinse away any detergent that may linger since this also can leave a residue that could compromise the color of the stone. Allow the wall to dry, making sure that all soot and grime have been removed.

Contact ProCoat Systems

The experts at ProCoat Sytems understand the installation and maintenance of many types of interior and exterior cladding, whether manufactured or natural. As a partner to several world-class producers of quality construction and remodeling products, the ProCoat professionals are available to discuss your project.

Phone ProCoat Systems at (303)-322-9009.

This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/clean-maintain-natural-stone-veneer/

The Versatility of Beautiful Stone Veneer

Stone veneer can be a beautiful, long-lasting and stylish addition to any home or business interior or exterior. By providing texture, atmosphere, and refinement to any room or exterior structure, manufactured stone veneers are a high-quality cladding for fireplace surrounds, interior walls, exterior columns and wainscoting, and other elements.

Homeowners add curb appeal and value to their homes by installing stone veneer siding. Businesses intensify their presence and improve customer perception by upgrading exterior elements of their building with top quality stone veneer cladding.

What Types of Stone Veneers are Available?

ProCoat Systems of Denver, a supplier of high-quality cladding materials to the construction and remodeling industry in the Rocky Mountain region, offers a broad spectrum of stone veneer products for new construction or remodel projects.

Top brands like Cultured Stone® Veneer and ProStone® by Boral, Coronado, and RealStone Systems offer consumers an almost infinite number of textures, colors, stone types, and patterns to match their taste and budget. Each product is as durable and easier to apply than natural stone since these require less cutting, fitting, and shaping and therefore result in less waste. These products are highly durable and easily meet all building codes.

Quality stone veneers are perfect for:

• Exterior and interior fireplaces
• Stone walls and facades
• Commercial retail and entertainment areas
• Stone showers
• Accent walls
• Pool spillovers and surrounding walls
• Water features

Application of Stone Veneers and Preventing Water Intrusion

Accumulated moisture can be a threat to the life of any stone installation.However, when properly applied, stone veneer products are effective in preventing water intrusion. The stone itself does not absorb moisture, but the installation must include measures to prevent water from accumulating behind the exterior veneer. This usually involves three areas of attention. They are:

• Prevent moisture from entering at seams where the veneer meets doors, windows, gates, etc. Special attention to eliminating gaps should be applied to these locations.
• Extra flashing is important at joints, corners, and bends.
• Create weep holes for accumulated moisture, if present,  to escape

Quality stone veneers are rugged and longlasting of properly applied.

Stone veneer applications can alter the ambiance of an interior space or dramatically highlight the positive features of an exterior. Choosing the right stone veneer for your intended feature depends on the mood you are attempting to project. Will your fireplace surround deliver the comforting lodge-like feel you envision? Will the new stone veneer in the bathroom create the spa-like elegance of your dreams. Will the new exterior wall project rustic informality or sophisticated grace?

Contact ProCoat Systems

For more information regarding the selection and application of stone veneers for interior or exterior use, contact ProCoat in Denver and the Rocky Mountain Region.

Visit their website for ideas. Or phone the ProCoat professionals at (303)-322-9009.

This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/versatility-beautiful-stone-veneer/

Interior Stone Veneer Applications

The beauty and elegance of a stone veneer interior wall establishes a tone of warmth and comfort that painted surfaces cannot. On a fireplace surround, a well-chosen stone cladding imparts that lodge-like appeal that is perfectly suited to relaxing with a book or enjoying the company of friends and family.

Even in the kitchen as an attention-grabbing accent, a beautiful stone veneer backsplash can change the entire mood of the room and add that touch of class to a previously dull food preparation and gathering space.

Stone Veneers for Interior Applications

Many of the natural and manufactured stone veneers used for exteriors are also appropriate for internal use.

ProCoat of Denver offers the finest stone veneer products for new construction and remodeling. Whether your preference is for natural or manufactured stone veneers, ProCoat offers a range of products to fit any taste and budget. Because the veneers are often only 2” thick, they provide a real perception of substantiality and depth while minimizing the minor space reduction resulting from the additional thickness added to the fireplace.

Fireplace Surrounds and Mantels

Probably more than any other area of their homes, most often homeowners have embraced resurfacing fireplaces and mantels with stone veneer. Relatively easy to install and economical, high-quality stone veneer is available in many shades, textures, colors, and natural stone types.

A new stone veneer fireplace surround can be reinvented with veneers made from natural marble, limestone, ledgestone, or slate. These are pieces produced from genuine stone cut thin for easy application.

Manufactured stone veneers like Coronado products or Cultured Stone® from Boral replicate the same characteristics as natural stone veneers.

Walls and Walkways

Stone veneer walls at entryways provide a dramatic introduction to a home. Rooms take on a cozier, more elegant feel when a stone veneer accent wall brings texture to a bare room.

And, homeowners may consider creating a softly lighted, natural spa ambiance by adding a veneer stone wall to their master bath. 

Stone Veneer Backsplashes

In the bathroom or kitchen, a stone veneer backsplash with smaller diameter stones or even a mosaic veneer can be a stunning accent to the area while protecting the other surfaces from splashes and drips. 

Contact ProCoat of Denver

For more information regarding stone veneer products for your interior space, check out the ProCoat Systems’ website. Here you will find new ideas and applications that will be ideal for many homeowners.

Phone the experts at ProCoat at (303).322.9009 for more information.

This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/interior-stone-veneer-applications/

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/

Boral Versetta Stone Veneer

A global leader in high-quality material and construction materials, Boral Limited continues to develop innovative easy-to-install solutions that create style, grandeur, and sustainability for interior and exterior surfaces. The Versetta line of manufactured stone veneers provide home and business owners a wide range of new looks for new construction or remodeling.

ProCoat Systems, a Denver-based supplier of high quality building cladding products, has chosen to partner with Boral because of the beauty and practicality of their broad range of products. One particular line, Boral Versetta Stone® revolutionizes the installation of stone veneers to achieve the appearance and elegance of natural stone products.

How Are Versetta Stone Veneer Products Installed?

Over the years, Boral has perfected the art of creating manufactured stone products to duplicate the colors, textures, and durability of natural stone. These products are designed for easy handling and installation to save substantial time and money.

Installation of Versetta Stone Veneer panels is similar to the methods used for installing other types of siding. The interlocking panels are 8” x 36” in size with 26-guage galvanized nailing strips which are guaranteed for non-corrosion for 60 years. Versetta products have with flat panels underneath, and employ universal corners, mechanical fasteners, and flashing to attach the panels to any substrate. Nail gun, hammer, drill, measuring device, and safety equipment are the essential equipment required. There is no need for mortar or natural stone cutting saws.

The lightweight, fiber-reinforced panels are rated for wind resistance up to 110 MPH and rated Class A for fire resistance. The products are guaranteed with a 50-year limited warranty.

More information and video demonstrations regarding the simplicity of installing Boral’s Versetta Stone Veneer are available on the Boral website.

What are the Style Choices?

One major advantage to choosing Versetta Stone for interior or exterior walls is the range of styles and colors from which to choose. Styles include Ledgestone and Tight-Cut, each with a wide assortment of colors, textures and compatible accessories such as light and receptacle boxes, trim stones, and wainscot caps and sills.

Ledgestone and Tight-Cut styles and colors range from nearly white Sand to very dark Graphite. In between are Mission Point, Terra Rosa, and Sterling.

And, Boral provides Stone CAD (computer aided design) that superimposes any choice of Versetta design over photographs of existing walls and exterior surfaces to determine the ideal choice of designs.

For More Information Contact ProCoat of Denver

ProCoat specializes in the world’s finest construction and cladding materials. A valued partner of Boral, ProCoat experts can advise you of the best solutions and installation procedures for Boral Versetta products.

Visit the ProCoat website or phone 303-322-9009.

This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/boral-versetta-stone-veneer/