What is Stone Veneer?
Stone veneer is a decorative, protective building material manufactured to replicate the look of natural stone. There are two types of stone veneer, natural stone veneer and manufactured stone veneer. Natural stone veneer is made from real stone that is either collected stone or from quarried stone. Often referred to as “thin stone veneer,” the stone is cut to a consistent thickness and weight for use as a veneer.
Manufacturers pour a lightweight concrete mix into forms of different style in order to create manufactured stone veneer. It is then painted with a coloring process which makes it resemble real stone. Manufactured stone veneer is also knows as “artificial stones” or “manufactured stone.”
Stone veneers and manufactured stone has become more common in the building of new homes. Some of the advantages of stone veneer are:
- cost (cost of material, cost of application, waste cost)
- weight (ease and cost of application)
- variety of designs and colors
However, stone veneer can cause problems for the homeowner when not installed or cared for properly.
Why Are Stone Veneer Problems so Common?
While most people do not realize it, the application process for stone veneer and stucco is very similar. Therefore, stone veneer can be vulnerable to the same moisture problems as stucco.
If the stone veneer is not sealed properly, water intrusion becomes an issue. Water and moisture can make their way behind the thin stone wall. Once trapped behind the wall, the moisture can’t drain or dry. The trapped moisture results in mold and rot, severely damaging wooden studs and wall sheathing underneath.
Proper professional installation is a crucial for your stone veneer to perform the way it should. There are installation practices that prevent water from collecting behind the veneer and from entering your home. For instance, there should be a gap between the bottom of the veneer and the ground to let water seep out and to prevent wicking. Failure to follow practices such as these can result in damage.
Also, if the installer did not use enough mortar or the appropriate type of mortar, it will create a weak bond between the stone and the area of application. This week bond will result in stones coming off the wall, which would allow for more water intrusion.
Having Stone Veneer Problems? Call Ai Restoration!
Ai Restoration is a stucco and stone veneer repair company outside of Philadelphia. We know siding materials inside and out! Ai Restoration has vast knowledge in all types of stones and our installation system well exceed the industry standards. We will not just be able to give you great options but also be able to install a system that will give the longevity you would expect from stone.
Ai Restoration brings over 17 years of residential water remediation and restoration experience to every project. We have transformed thousands of homes in and around our community.
Contact us at 215-794-6858 for a consultation or inspection today!
