REAL & MANUFACTURED STONE VENEER INSTALLATION, REPAIRS & REMEDIATION CONTRACTOR.

WE SERVE CHESTER, BUCKS,DELAWARE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY AND SURROUNDING PA AREAS.

Since the 90’s we have installed a rain screen mat behind every stone veneer project we have worked on to make sure that the wall has the capacity to breath and dry out easily and faster, when stone knee walls are installed as part of the proper water drainage system we have always installed a non corrosive aluminum L flashing right over the stone sill to make sure that the water that is coming from the top cladding whether is siding or stucco flows and drain on top of the stone instead of behind, we always install a minimum of 2 layers of a water resistant barrier paper and weep screed where wood meets basement concrete to ensure that the water always have a place to weep out.

Stone is one of the most forgiven exterior claddings when it comes to maintenance mainly because it is a highly durable material, real thin veneer stones can easily out last any other exterior cladding, the only downside to it, is its price that compare to manufactured stones is higher.

Base on experience, even though stone is highly water and weather resistant, when it is not installed correctly with a proper drainage system behind, it tend to keep moisture even more then stucco probably because of its density, throughout the years we have remediate many stone homes with improper water managements, this experiences is what allow us to see why many stone installations fail.

If you are in need of a professional contractor, looking for an installer, an specialist, experiencing stucco, siding, EIFS stucco systems or stone problems, feel free to contact us, we will be more than glad to help you and answer all your questions.

Frequently asked questions.

What is manufactured stone?

Manufactured stone veneer is a building material fabricated by pouring a light weight concrete mix into a cast of natural stone mold. A distinct coloring process creates natural color palettes that capture the nuances of real stone. Its light weight properties eliminate the need for wall ties or footings. The thickness of manufactured stones is in average 0.625″ to 3.625″, depending on the texture.

What is a real thin venner stone?

Real thin veneer stone is a completely natural building material, blocks are removed from the quarry to further cut them to an acceptable required thickness and multiple shapes.

How does manufactured stone and real thin veneer stone is installed?

For both real thin veneer stone and manufactured veneer stone the process of the installation is the same.

On wooden walls a minimum of 2 water resistant barrier building paper most be installed followed by the installation of a rain screen mat to create a gap between the stone and the wall for water drainage purposes and faster dry out of the walls, all necessary flashings most be installed including weep screeds, kick out flashings, drip caps, j channels, etc. Once the water management has been taking care of the lath metal mesh is embedded in a thick or two coats of Portland cement with a remarkable scratch to ensure an strong bondage between stone and scratch coat followed by pointing of all joints and filling all spaces.

Does manufactured or real thin veneer stone require the installation of a drainage mat?

We ALWAYS recommend the installation of a rain screen drainage mat between the stone and the actual water proofing membrane, stone when is not installed correctly can cause 1000s of dollars worth of damage to the home owner, extra precaution should be used when designing an stone water management.

What is the difference between real thin venner stone and manufactured?

The main difference between this two claddings is mainly its origins.

Real stone been a Natural product and manufactured been a man made product.

Real thin veneer stone pros

100% natural look
Stronger density
It will not fade
Will handle elements better
Non combustible

Real thin veneer stone cons

High Price
Not easily replicable if needed

Manufactured veneer stone pros

Affordable price
Non combustible
It comes in many colors and shapes
Not as heavy
Replicable if needed

Manufactured veneer stone cons

Won’t handle elements as good as real
Minimal noticeable color fade with time

Does thin veneer stone need a ledge (footing) at the base or wall ties for structural support ?

Because of its light weight, thin veneer stone systems does not require footing or ledge detail, neither wall ties reducing the labor and the cost drastically when compare with thick real stone systems.

Why my stone cladding is failing?

As any exterior cladding that is constantly exposed to the elements thin veneer stone systems require a proper water management, base on experience when is not installed correctly, veneer stone can cause even more damage than stucco to the underlying sheathing and wood structure, probably because of its density can trap even more moisture.

If you are having stone, water ant mold issues refer to our Stucco and Stone remediation services page for more info.