Stone cladding - laying technology

Today, the cladding of the house with a stone becomes more and more popular, it protects the facade from precipitation, mechanical damage, wind, and gives the original appearance. This method of finishing increases the period of operation of the building, which many other methods can not boast, which is what ensures its relevance, despite the fact that it requires significant financial investments.

What you need to know

Facade work is done after the completion of the erection of the house, subject to the finished roof. Stone facing should be planned at the construction stage, because for this it is necessary to choose a design execution and suitable material dimensions, textures and types.

If there are difficulties, you can turn to professionals in the field of exterior exterior, they will help in selecting the necessary materials to form the desired result. There are two types of surface design: smooth and convex, the latter is more popular due to giving a natural natural look to the house. In this case, the stone can be used for finishing both private property, and municipal, and public.

The material is resistant to ultraviolet radiation, precipitation and wind.

Advantages and disadvantages

Facing with artificial stone of different texture, size and shape allows you to get non-standard design solutions, for example, imitation of "wild" stone or brickwork.

In building stores, you can find any options for the material from limestone strips to smooth tiles.

Facades made of stone not only have a beautiful appearance, but also practicality, long life and durability. Also, the material can be used for partial finishing (corners, door and window apertures, socle), which significantly saves the budget, while the rest is applied decorative plaster or paint.

Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting that the mass of elements with a sawn plane, and stylized as "wild" stone, is greater than that of the usual polished ones, so cement mortar and sealant are used for their installation.

Regardless of the version, the material is characterized by high density, and as a consequence, high weight. Facing the facade with a stone increases the load on the base of the house, because of which, in rare cases, its deformation occurs.

There is also the possibility that some parts may fall off the wall structures. This is due to the difference in thermal expansion of the solution and heavy material, which is why a complete compliance with all installation rules is required.

How to choose a stone

There are several varieties:

• Marble is a classic material characterized by a variety of shades and patterns;
• Granite has frost-resistant properties, extensive color and textural designs;
• Travertine has a porous structure and a beige-brown scale;
• A distinctive feature of quartz shale is a rich palette of shades;
• Quartzite is a dense type of stone, with inclusions in the form of quartz shiny elements;
• Basalt has characteristics similar to granite, but with a lower cost.

Features

Plates having a thickness of more than 1 cm and an area of 0.4 m2 should be additionally fixed on wall structures. Between the elements, there should be small gaps, since the stone, being a natural material, changes its dimensions at temperature changes.

The lining of the cap of the stone is performed in a darker shade, compared to the main surface, this will ensure less noticeable temperature changes and traces of water and dirt.

Technology

The most common variant is the use of small stones on the top and sides of the facade, and larger elements in the central part. Facing with a stone does not tolerate haste and use of a poor-quality solution, it is possible to use compositions based on glue with plasticizing components or sand-cement mass from a material of a brand that is of sufficient quality.

In the process of work under the condition of high humidity there is the possibility of sliding elements, so it is desirable to treat the surface of wall structures with a solution by spraying, without the need for special tools, since all actions can be carried out with the help of hands. But to grasp the composition takes time and further work can be carried out at least two days.

Metal mesh provides high quality masonry, by increasing the adhesion of the material, wall surface and mortar. Facing with stone With a small weight requires the use of a grid with cells within 4 cm, for heavier slabs the cells must be at least 6 cm.

Preparation

Pre-clean the surface of dust and existing contaminants. Compliance with this rule requires the construction of any material.

For brick walls without "ribs" it is necessary to install a facade mesh, if you have one, you can not use it. It is also required for any gas silicate blocks and foam blocks. Fixation of the facade mesh is made by special dowels in the amount of ten elements per square meter.

Then the level is set, from which the first row is laid. For this purpose, the laser device is best suited, since it has the best characteristics of reliability and durability. After the corner elements are laid out, between which a thread or a line is stretched.

Layout of the first row

The first row must fit in accordance with the tensioned thread, this will ensure that there is no violation of the general geometry. The optimal option will be the implementation of work with the first rows of threads, subsequent can be attached using a level.

Depending on the type of stone, a solution or glue is used, the composition is applied to each element, and a part of the surface on which the material is fixed is also rubbed onto it. Ignoring this rule and insufficient application of the mortar can cause the facing of a natural stone to deteriorate over time from temperature changes. It is worth noting the need for systematic verification of the angle of inclination and plumb.

On the line, the cornices and window openings are decorated. Particular care should be taken when there are geometric long patterns on the material, otherwise the failure to comply with the level and other shortcomings will be very evident.

Completion of work

After the last tile is fixed, a hydrophobizing composition is applied to the surface obtained, which prevents blackening, development of moss and fungus. As is known, the stone is subject to gradual darkening, and protective substances allow preserving the former appearance. Also, the protective coating provides heat resistance of the material and easy maintenance.

Facing with a stone is characterized by an easy technology of carrying out works, which even people who do not have the appropriate skills and experience can do it. Naturally, we will have to try, but the result is worth it.