The best way to begin any overview is to determine exactly what the feature is. So what is stone siding? Stone siding and stone veneer siding are defined as types of decorative and often protective coverings the exterior and interior walls of the home. It serves as a protective and aesthetic purpose for homeowners. It is made primarily from a concrete mixture that contains a variety of pigments seamlessly that have been blended together in moulds produced from the specific contours of real stones. There are a plethora of materials and options when it comes to stone siding including:
- Brick Veneer Siding
- Faux Stone Veneer
- Vinyl Stone Siding
- Faux Stone Siding
- Manufactured Stone Veneer
- Exterior Brick Veneer
- Exterior Stone Cladding
- Faux Rock Panels
- Stone Look Siding
- Stone Vinyl Siding
- Stone Cladding
- Faux Stone Siding
- Stone Veneer Panels
- Stone Panels
How To Install Stone Siding
When you begin stone veneer installation you should begin by consulting a professional. It takes an intermediate DIY installer or a professional to complete the job. Here are the basic materials and the basic steps for the home project.
Tools and Materials You Will Need:
- Grout Bag
- Wire Brush
- Bucket
- Vinegar
- Masonry Trowel
- Scratch Comb
- Pointing Tool
- Hoe for Mixing
- Stone Veneer
- Stone Cutting Tool
- Expanded Metal Lathe
- Type S or N Mortar
- Mortar Sand
- Hammer and Nails
- Aviation Shears
- Wheelbarrow
How To:
- Apply Vapor Barrier and Install Metal Lathe
This step is to avoid the sheathing of the materials used in this process. Following the vapour barrier application, a variety of sheets of expanded metal lathe as the foundation for the mortar used underneath the chosen veneer, install a metal lathe. - Apply the Scratch Coat
This will protect your stone siding and keep your home looking tip-top. This coating is made from type N or type S mortar(as seen in your material checklist above).
*Let the scratch coat dry for at least 24 hours (a full day) before applying the stone veneer. - Prep the Area and the Stones
Wash and trim the stones in this step. As the installation begins, this is important as a step to keep the stones from becoming damp to prevent them from absorbing moisture from the applied mortar. - Prepare Mortar Mix
This is to bond the veneer, mix it into a thick paste. - Apply Mortar
Apply your mixture! Work in small wall areas, so the mortar won’t dry out before you can cover it with veneer. The best approach is to start working upwards and outwards at wall corners near the edges. - Apply the Stone Veneer Pieces
Start by installing parts of your veneer that will wrap around corners. Begin from the bottom, and work your way upwards. Place the stone tightly into the mortar and hold for 10 seconds. Gently rotate the stone while pulling inwards to force out the mortar. You could see an amount of mortar up along the stone ‘s edges. If the stone is sliding or falling when you release it, it is possible that the mortar layer is either too thin or the mortar was too wet to mix.
Work outwards with flat pieces after the corner pieces are mounted, again starting at the bottom and working upwards. Edges cut with a saw should be positioned carefully in places where they are not visible. - Grout the Joints
Fill the bag with mortar, and squeeze along the joint while moving the nozzle. Also, be sure to cover all trimmed edges and ends with mortar. Joint depth should be uniform — the grout can be recessed slightly or the joints can be filled in entirely, just make sure the depth stays constant.
When the mortar mix begins to dry, use a pointer to pack the mortar into the joints, eliminating any spaces. - Clean and Seal
Use a mixture of vinegar and water and a brush of steel wire to brush away any excess dirt or mortar residues on the veneer face. Cleaning the stone veneer within 30 minutes is necessary before mortar can dry completely on the face. And then seal after this.
Faux Stone vs. Other Stone Veneer Products
Faux stone, architectural stone, manufactured stone, and Cultured Stone are a number of different names for what is essentially the same product:stone made to look natural.
Whereas natural stone can sometimes be carved to the desired shape for your specific home project, such as blocks for a building, and sheets for walls, or simply for tiles for flooring .It is best to compare the pros and cons in this case.
Faux Stone:
Pros
- It is light
- Simple to cut
- Comes in uniform size
- Easy to obtain
Cons
- Homogeneous appearance
- Colour tends to fade
- It is brittle
Other/Natural Stones
Pros
- It’s appearance
- Very durable
Cons
- Heavy/Dense
- Difficult to cut
- Harder to source
How Long Does Stone Siding Last?
Stone siding can last anywhere between 20 years and 75 years. This is why it is so important to seal and protect during installation.
Does Stone Veneer Increase Home Value?
Stone veneer and stone siding not only add a classy aesthetic to your home but an added property value fantastic for thoughts of reselling.