Technology of cladding the facade with natural stone

A classic method of enhancing a building’s durability and beauty is to clad it in natural stone. This technique offers a layer of protection from the weather in addition to a touch of elegance. Natural stone provides a flexible option that can blend in with any architectural style, whether you’re going for a modern or rustic aesthetic.

Although working with natural stone can be intimidating at first, it can be an easy and satisfying process if you take the proper approach. Knowing the unique properties of the stone you’re using and how to properly prepare the surface for installation are crucial. You can get a gorgeous, long-lasting finish that will last for ages by using the right techniques.

This post will go over the crucial actions needed to clad a facade with natural stone, from selecting the appropriate materials to adding the finishing touches that guarantee a polished look. Regardless of your level of experience, this guide will arm you with the knowledge you need to confidently finish your project.

Step	Description
1. Surface Preparation	Clean the facade and repair any damages to ensure a smooth surface for stone application.
2. Applying Waterproofing	Apply a waterproofing layer to protect the structure from moisture.
3. Installation of Metal Mesh	Attach a metal mesh to the facade for better stone adhesion.
4. Mixing Mortar	Prepare the mortar mix according to the manufacturer"s instructions.
5. Stone Placement	Start placing stones from the bottom, pressing each into the mortar firmly.
6. Joint Filling	Fill the gaps between the stones with mortar, ensuring a neat finish.
7. Cleaning and Sealing	Clean the stone surface and apply a sealant to protect against weathering.

Advantages and disadvantages of the material

Natural stone offers several benefits.

1. Decorative component. There are many varieties on the construction market that allow you to choose the best option for any case. The resulting surface always attracts attention.
2. Durability. Using natural stone allows you to get rid of the need to carry out finishing work in the future. The service life of the material is tens of years, the adhesive composition becomes unusable faster than the cladding itself.
3. Practicality. The facade of the house has reliable protection that does not require maintenance.

Additionally, facing stone has drawbacks.

• Weight. The products are characterized by significant mass, which puts a load on the building. To avoid problems in the future, increased strength is included in the design in advance or strengthening work is carried out.
• Expensiveness. Stone finishing involves serious financial costs. It is possible to reduce the construction estimate by using parts only on certain sections of the facade: base, corners, columns.
• Complexity of installation. Any violations of the technology lead to deformation of the coating.

Note: Due to several drawbacks, stone cladding is rarely used on houses.

Types of stone

There are several primary categories of natural materials used in the workplace, each with unique properties. Quality is taken into consideration in addition to appearance and price when selecting a suitable product. There are goods available for purchase that are flawed or lack the required qualities. Stone for the facade needs quality certifications and supporting documentation, especially for luxury brands.

Granite

Granite is either delivered in pre-polished slabs or without any such treatment. The material’s exceptional strength and longevity make it unique.

There are three choices for this facade stone:

• Alaskite. The details are pink.
• Plagiogranite. The surface has a light gray tint.
• Porphyritic granite. Differs from alaskite by the presence of inclusions.

Be advised that there are often differing views on how radioactive a product is. Since the indicators do not endanger public safety, the natural stone facade is actually completely eco-friendly.

Marble

Similar to the preceding choice, this content is regarded as elite. Polished variety is used for exterior finishing. The location of extraction has a significant impact on the decorative element, but the material is consistently identified by its deep hue. Cladding is made of parts with a medium density.

Limestone and sandstone

The surfaces of limestone slabs can be naturally chipped or matte polished, and each part has a unique shape. A material with a high calcite content is used for facade finishing. In the natural world, shades of yellow and pure white are more prevalent. Because of the effects of moisture and temperature fluctuations, the parts’ strength is reduced and the coating is destroyed.

Sandstone is comparable to the earlier type, but more dependable. Material comes in a variety of forms, including lithographic, oolite, pisolite, and shell rock.

Slate

These products are components with a complex structure; raw materials are more prevalent. The material’s potential for delamination is a drawback.

Natural stone cladding is a classy way to improve a building’s exterior because it combines durability and timeless beauty. This method is a useful and beautiful option for both builders and homeowners because it not only adds aesthetic appeal but also offers durable protection from the elements.

Installation nuances

Natural stone faces have a number of advantages.

• Unprocessed parts are lighter than polished ones, therefore, a stronger solution is used for laying the latter.
• Parts less than 1 cm thick and up to 0.4 m2 in area do not require additional fixation methods.
• Elements must be laid with a gap.
• If the base is being finished, it is better to use a dark-colored material.

Considering these factors enables the achievement of a superior outcome.

Laying technology

There are various steps involved in finishing a house:

1. Choosing an adhesive. The composition must have excellent characteristics.
2. Preparing the base. During the event, the surface becomes completely suitable for subsequent installation.
3. Laying the material. Facing the facades with natural stone is carried out at positive temperatures and moderate humidity.
4. Finishing works. Include processes aimed at protecting the coating.

Every event builds upon the one before it.

Choosing the glue

The following criteria must be met by an adhesive composition that is appropriate for the task:

• Good fixation. Due to the large weight of the parts, it is necessary to ensure high adhesion strength. This indicator should not be less than 80-85 kg per 1 m2.
• Compensation for linear expansion. Facing the facade with stone can be carried out on various bases, the thermal resolution of which differs from the indicators of the finishing material.
• Durability. Repairing the faced surface is an expensive undertaking, so the glue must withstand the effects of moisture and temperature changes, as well as at least 40 defrosting and freezing cycles.
• Suitable drying time. If parts require trimming and adjustment, the fixing compound should not dry quickly. The mixture should be suitable for 1-2 hours in terms of use.

Vital! When dealing with stone facades, it is better to avoid using cement compounds and instead use mixtures based on polymers. When choosing a solution, be sure to take the manufacturer and other features into account because you cannot use a solution whose shelf life has passed. Declining the purchase is also the better option in cases where the product is cheap.

Preparation of the base

Among the preparation tasks are the following:

1. Walls are cleaned of dust and dirt. If the surface is finished with a decorative coating, then it is removed.
2. The condition of the facade is assessed. The wall to be faced should not have any damage. Cracks and joints are sealed with putty, defects are reinforced with reinforcing mesh to avoid cracking.
3. The base is impregnated with a primer. The mixture is selected based on the purchased glue. It is better to apply at least two layers, waiting for each to dry.
4. After preparing the surface, the metal mesh is laid. It is needed to strengthen the applied solution. This is especially important for smooth walls. On brick bases, you can do without it, provided that the seams are expanded.

Dowels and screws are used to secure the mesh; the screws are inserted every 15 to 20 centimeters. It is forbidden for the reinforcing layer to sag.

Laying

The method used to finish the facade with stone varies depending on the kind of material: unprocessed products are laid down or pieces of the right shape are installed. The sequence of events in the first instance is as follows:

1. Marking is carried out. For this, the initial row is determined using a level.
2. Fastening starts from the corner. For convenience, a cord is pulled, it will ensure control of evenness.
3. Facing material is prepared in advance. Glue is applied to the base and the back side of the part according to the instructions.
4. The element is pressed into place. If it is necessary to create a clear row, then its position is checked by level and cord.
5. It is necessary to leave small seams, they will ensure the absence of defects when the outside temperature rises and falls.
6. When the stone cladding reaches the window openings, the marking is repeated. If trimming is required, use a grinder with diamond attachments.

In the second scenario, surface design is more challenging. The elements are schematically arranged on a flat surface because work requires fragments of varying sizes, and additional adjustments are made on location. When stone facades are finished with this technique, large, irregular seams can be achieved. The fragment is then put in place after the part and base have been coated with adhesive. First, the next element is tried on, and if needed, it is chipped or cut.

Note: To cover a coating in this way, creativity and imagination are needed.

Finishing work

The next steps are to seal the joints (should they not have been immediately filled with extra mortar) and apply protective compounds to the surface. These are typically hydrophobic mixtures that shield the coating from precipitation’s damaging effects.

Natural stone cladding is a time-tested method of improving a building’s durability and appearance. Even though the procedure is extensive, it is simple to understand when divided into digestible steps. It requires meticulous planning, accurate installation, and appropriate finishing—all of which go toward creating a beautiful and durable exterior.

Homeowners can make sure that their stone facade looks great and endures over time by using the right techniques. A house that exudes resilience and natural elegance can be achieved with the correct supplies and a little perseverance.

This cladding method is a good option whether your goal is to add value to your property or just appreciate the beauty of natural stone. It’s an investment in your home’s longevity as well as its appearance.

Video on the topic

Natural stone. Stone finishing. Facade finishing.

Facade finishing with stone.

Slate facade. You need to know these subtleties when finishing a house with slate

Finishing the facade of a private house with stone, facing with natural sandstone with your own hands video

Dagestan stone. Fastening units and installation from the company "Kamen Yug"