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/

What are STO Stucco Systems?

STO Corp has been an innovator of many types of construction exteriors. Rather than producing a single purpose coating to clad the exterior surface of a building, STO manufactures systems consisting of materials that provide sophisticated insulation and moisture barriers, as well. STO Stucco System provides the ultimate in appearance, energy efficiency, ease of application, and moisture resistance. The coating and finish are integrated with other high-performance layers to create just the right combination of insulation,  flexibility, and endurance.

How are the STO Stucco Systems Installed?

The key to permanence among wall claddings is the ability to resist moisture accumulation and the effects of weather. STO’s Powerwall® Stucco Systems have been scientifically developed for low maintenance, durability, and energy efficiency. Consisting of a combination of layers of different materials, each with a particular purpose, the Stucco Systems protect the interior from moisture accumulation and provide a highly efficient energy barrier.

Placed against the interior substrate material. The STO Stucco System consists of the following layers of materials:

●      Air and Moisture Barrier

●      Continuous Insulation

●      Drainage Mat and Cavity

●      Powerwall Stucco

●      Texture Surface

Whether the system is installed from the outside in or inside outward makes no difference. The sequence of the application of the material can be reversed.

When finished, your exterior will look just like regular stucco. But this system performs far better than mere surface materials. You will experience lower energy bills,  a more durable exterior, and plenty of compliments on your beautiful stucco exterior.

Contact ProCoat in Denver

ProCoat Systems is a strategic partner to STO Corp for EIFS and other exterior claddings. Both companies are committed to super efficiency while providing the most beautiful surface available for outdoor use.

For questions about STO Stucco Systems, contact the ProCoat representatives at 303.322.9009.

This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/sto-stucco-systems/

Design your natural, stone veneer fireplace to complement your home.

Your natural stone veneer fireplace might be in the great room where your family gathers, or it might be in the formal living room where you entertain friends. Either way it’s sure to be the focal point of the room. So, it’s important that your new fireplace complement your decor. How to do that? Begin by answering some basic questions and then move on to design details.

Basic fireplace design questions

Ask yourself where do you want the fireplace to go? Does the corner you’ve chosen have enough space? Is it the optimal site for best fireplace function and reasonably priced installation?  Will the fireplace design suit your family for the life of the house? Will it still work with a style change and new furniture?

The uncomplicated design option

Now that you’ve got the basics under control the fireplace design fun can begin! One effortless way to design your fireplace is to choose a fireplace stone that either complements or contrasts with the overall tone of the room. Consider a room done in warm earth shades with fireplace stones picked out in the same tawny browns, desert sand and burnt orange colors. Or consider a room painted in bold shades of red. A fireplace built with contrasting, charcoal grey stones will really stand out.

More complicated design options

More complicated design options allow your fireplace design become an extension of the room style.  Here are four styles to consider.

Casual – For family rooms and great rooms a floor to ceiling fireplace with rough cut, or hand chopped stones in a random pattern works well. With room for a t.v and a hearth for extra seating you’re set!

Country – Dry stacked, rough- hewn, granite veneer in shades of brown or grey compliments a farmhouse or country lodge look.

Classic – For a traditional look in a formal living room, or bedroom think about a pale granite, or ashy limestone veneer with a smooth texture.

Contemporary – This is the time to use square and rectangular brick that echoes door and windows shapes. Experiment with veneer colors that are out of the ordinary like sleek blacks and opal greens to achieve a modern style.

Whether you’re creating a simple fireplace design or something more complicated it’s easy with our help, and with natural stone veneer choices in unlimited types, textures, patterns and colors

ProCoat – Denver 303 322-9009, Salt Lake City 801 410-4345

This post was originally published at http://www.procoatsystems.com/design-natural-stone-veneer-fireplace-complement-home/

What is Insulation Stucco?

What is Insulation Stucco?

Stucco itself is not a significantly effective insulating material. As a mixture of cement, lime, and silica applied in thick layers over a substrate, the material does create a concrete cladding over the exterior. This outer shell tends to require less energy to heat and cool the building compared to some other single layer materials.

Typical stucco does retard external noise transmission, an important attribute for those living near noisy freeways and other busy areas. 

But usually, when the term “insulation stucco” is used, the reference is to a more sophisticated building-cladding strategy known as EIFS, or Exterior Insulation and Finish System. Simply put, EIFS is a scientifically designed combination of materials layered to prevent moisture accumulation and impede the loss of energy. EIFS is a superior wall cladding designed to reduce energy loss, enhance weather resistance, and can provide a beautiful stucco exterior.

What Makes Up Stucco Systems Cladding?

Stucco Systems by STO Corp, a strategic partner of ProCoat Systems of Denver is a combination of several compatible barrier layers beneath an exterior coat of stucco.

From the inside out, the STO Stucco System’s high-performance layers are designed to work together to form a protective barrier that eliminates moisture accumulation and reduces the total energy required to heat and cool the building.

Directly applied to the interior substrate, the first layer is an air and moisture barrier that limits moisture from entering the system. Second is a patented continuous insulation system with high R-value to prevent thermal bridging. The next section is a drainage mat and cavity that are designed to block moisture from entering and keeping it from accumulating within the wall system. The gap promotes rapid drainage away from the wall system.

The outer layer is the Powerwall stucco material that supplies additional thermal protection. A broad spectrum of premium finishes, coatings, and textures are designed to protect the stucco layer to keep it beautiful and functional for decades.

The STO Stucco System is easier to apply than many other exterior claddings. The layers are pre-manufactured and can be installed from either the exterior or the interior. The result is like coating your building in a warm blanket.

Contact ProCoat Systems

For more information about creating an energy efficient stucco cladding, phone the experts at ProCoat Systems of Denver. They will be happy to discuss the economics and practical aspects of surrounding your building in these energy saving materials.

Phone ProCoat Systems at 303.322.9009.

EIFS vs. Metal Cladding: What You Need to Know

EIFS vs. Metal Cladding: What You Need to Know

When choosing between a metal or EIFS cladding for any building, there are several factors to consider. Overall appearance, resistance to damage from weather, energy efficiency, and ease of installation should be primary considerations.

Incorporate these decision points choosing between metal or EIFS, an Exterior Insulation and Finish System.

What Is EIFS Construction?

EIFS is recognized as the most energy-efficient construction cladding for reducing long-term operating expenses. An EIFS building is sealed with specially designed layers of barrier materials to provide insulation and moisture resistance. The leading EIFS method is a scientifically designed system developed by STO Corp that engulfs the building much like an enormous thermal blanket.

And, any one of variety of attractive exterior claddings may be used to cover the insulating EIFS material.

Appearance

Metal cladding alone can be an attractive alternative to other external options. However, EIFS construction allows for a choice of exterior cladding options that have the appearance of stucco, brick, stone, or limestone to match surrounding buildings or the owner's preferences. Available in nearly unlimited colors with many decorative architectural features, EIFS cladding can result in the building of your dreams in every respect.

Resistance to Damage

Metal siding eventually succumbs to damage. Hail and physical impact from equipment and flying objects eventually take their toll on a metal-sided building and the accumulated effects can become obvious in very few years. EIFS claddings are far more durable and less likely to show signs of external damage.

Insulating Capability

In the category of insulation capability and energy savings, EIFS cladding stands as the reigning champion. With several layers of material integrated to diminish any loss of energy, the building will remain warm in the winter and cool in the summer at a much lower operating costs than with other construction types.

Metal cladding, on the other hand, is known to conduct, rather than restrict, heat and energy.

Ease of Installation

EIFS systems, incorporating all of the insulation plus moisture and air resistant layers, are manufactured by STO as an all-inclusive system. Metal sidings require special sizing and cutting using specially designed blades to achieve the right-sized pieces. Usually additional insulation must be added before the metal cladding is applied.

Contact ProCoat of Denver

ProCoat is a supplier for the innovative products from STO Corp, the worldwide leader in EIFS exterior cladding. For more information about EIFS and other innovative cladding concepts, contact the experts at ProCoat at 308.322.9009.