Today, facing a house with stone is becoming increasingly popular, it protects the facade from precipitation, mechanical damage, wind, and gives an original appearance. Such a finishing technique increases the life of the building, which many other methods cannot boast of, which is what ensures its demand, despite the fact that it requires significant financial investments.
What you need to know
Facade work is carried out after the completion of the construction of the house, subject to the finished roof. Stone cladding should be planned at the construction stage, since for this it is necessary to choose a design and suitable material sizes, textures and types.
If you have any difficulties, you can contact the professionals in the field of outdoor exterior, they will help in the selection of the necessary materials to form the desired result. There are two options for surface design: smooth and convex, the latter is more popular due to giving a natural look to the house. At the same time, the stone can be used for finishing both private properties and municipal and public ones.
The material is differentresistant to UV radiation, precipitation and wind.
Pros and cons
Facing with artificial stone of various textures, sizes and shapes allows you to get non-standard design solutions, for example, imitation of "wild" stone or brickwork.
You can find everything from limestone strips to smooth tiles in hardware stores.
Stone facades not only have a beautiful appearance, but also practicality, long service life and durability. Also, the material can be used for partial finishing (corners, door and window openings, plinth), which significantly saves the budget, while decorative plaster or paint is applied to the rest.
Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting that the mass of elements with a sawn plane, and stylized as a “wild” stone, is greater than that of the usual polished ones, therefore, cement mortar and sealant are used for their installation.
Regardless of the version, the material has a high density, and as a result, a lot of weight. Facing the facade with stone increases the load on the foundation of the house, which in rare cases causes its deformation.
There is also the possibility that individual parts may fall off the wall structures. This leads to the difference in thermal expansion of the solution and heavy material, which is why full 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 texture designs;
- travertine has a porous structure and beige-brown tones;
- a distinctive feature of quartz slate is a rich palette of shades;
- quartzite is a dense type of stone, interspersed with quartz shiny elements;
- bas alt has characteristics similar to granite, but at a lower cost.
Features
Slabs with a thickness of more than 1 cm and an area of 0.4 m2 must be additionally fixed on wall structures. At the same time, small gaps should remain between the elements, since the stone, being a natural material, changes its dimensions with temperature changes.
Facing the plinth with stone is done in a darker shade compared to the main surface, this will ensure less visibility of temperature changes and traces of water and dirt.
Technology
The most common implementation is the use of small stones on the top and sides of the facade, and larger elements in the central part. Stone cladding does not tolerate haste and the use of poor-quality mortar, it is possible to use compositions based on glue with plasticizing components or sand-cement mass from the materialbrand of sufficient quality.
In the process of work, under conditions of high humidity, there is a possibility of elements slipping, therefore it is desirable to treat the surface of wall structures with a solution by spraying, while there is no need to use special tools, since all actions can be carried out with the help of hands. But it takes time to set the composition and further work can be carried out at least two days later.
Metal mesh provides high quality masonry by increasing the adhesion of the material, wall surface and mortar. Light weight stone cladding requires the use of mesh with meshes within 4 cm, for heavier slabs meshes should be at least 6 cm.
Preparation
Preliminarily, the surface is cleaned of dust and existing contaminants. Compliance with this rule requires construction of any material.
For brick walls without “ribs”, the installation of a facade mesh is mandatory, if available, it can not be used. It is also required for any gas silicate blocks and foam blocks. The facade mesh is fixed with special dowels in the amount of ten elements per square meter.
Next, the level is set, from which the first row is laid. For this, a laser device is optimally suited, as it has the best characteristics of reliability and durability. After that, corner elements are laid out, between which a thread or fishing line is stretched.
Laying out the first row
Firstthe row must be laid in accordance with the stretched thread, this will ensure that the overall geometry is not disturbed. The best option would be to carry out work with the first rows along the thread, the subsequent ones can be attached using a level.
Depending on the type of stone, a mortar or glue is used, the composition is applied to each element, and a part of the surface on which the material will be fixed is rubbed off. Ignoring this rule and insufficient application of the solution can lead to the fact that the lining with natural stone will eventually be damaged by temperature changes. It is worth noting the need for systematic verification of the angle of inclination and plumb.
Finishing of cornices and window openings is carried out along the line. Particular care must be taken when there are geometric long patterns on the material, otherwise non-compliance with the level and other shortcomings will be very conspicuous.
Completion of works
After the last tile is fixed, a hydrophobizing composition is applied to the resulting surface, which prevents blackening, the development of moss and fungus. As you know, the stone is subject to gradual darkening, and protective substances allow you to maintain the same appearance. The protective coating also makes the material heat resistant and easy to clean.
Stone cladding is distinguished by an easy technology for carrying out work, which even people who do not have the appropriate skills and experience can do. Naturally, you will have to try, but the result is worth it.
