Can I install Grizzly Ridge Stone veneer myself or do I need to hire an installer?
Yes, most anyone can install stone veneer; however, installation does require a fundamental understanding of stone masonry. It is not rocket science, but if you have no prior experience it would behoove you to do some research before embarking on the task. We have provided installation information on this web site; however you can also find ample information on the Internet. If you decide that you do want to awaken your own artistic abilities by installing your stone veneer, you might want to set up a small test wall or sheet of plywood so you can work out the procedures, colors, and grouting before taking on a larger project. If in doubt, consult an installer in your area. Quality stone veneer can be applied to any structurally sound surface with the proper preparation. It can fit into nearly any building plan, whether large or small, exterior walls, interior feature walls, fireplaces, new residential homes, commercial buildings, or even if is a remodel of an existing structure. As with any building project, the end result of the project is greatly enhanced by how well the stone is installed.
Is there an advantage of manufactured stone veneer over natural stone veneer?
Manufactured stone, even though it has much the same visual effect once installed, is actually made of a mixture of strong lightweight materials added to water and color oxides. Once prepared, the mixture is poured into molds that were generated from actual stone, thus the end product looks exactly like the stone the mold was made from. There are many advantages manufactured stone as over natural stone. 1) Cost, once installed manufactured stone may have a cost differential of as much as half that of natural stone. Being lightweight, manufacture stone has no need of footings or wall ties. 2) Manufactured stone may be easier to cut and install. It is also designed to adhere more easily to many varieties of structurally sound surfaces, as well as lending to the ability to be installed where it would be very difficult and costly to install natural stone. 3) Duplication - stone color, as well as stone design is extremely important to most projects. Manufactured stone is very versatile when it comes to duplicating the desired color schemes as well as the type of stone desired. 4) Waste factor – The waste factor for natural stone can be as much as 10% or even more, whereas manufactured stone waste is approximately 2%.
Will the color fade over the years?
The colors are added to the original mixture and thus become an integral part of the stone veneer. It is a permanent mineral oxide pigment which is absorbed into the mixture prior to pouring into the molds. As with natural stone, there would be minimal changes to the color over the years as the stone is exposed to the elements.
What about installing the stone in or around a pool?
We don’t recommend installation the stone below any water line in general, such as pools, ponds, fountains or below grade. If you do have an application whereas maybe subjected to frequent water or water runoff you may choose to apply a high quality penetrating and breathable sealer, either a siloxane-based or silane sealer would be recommended. However, you may want to note that a sealer may have an effect on the stone color and would probably create a gloss or matte finish, so before applying the sealer to the whole project, test the sealer on a small area.
Should I seal the stone after it is installed?
It is not necessary to seal the stone veneer. However, a sealer may give added protection from the elements, as well as making it easier to clean. Again, use a high quality penetrating/breathable sealer as mentioned above with the same cautions. It is recommended to wait a few weeks before applying the sealer after the stone has been installed.
What is this white powdery deposit I see on some masonry products? Can I prevent it?
The white powdery substance that sometimes appears on some masonry products is a result of moisture migration through the masonry substrate; once the moisture evaporates it can leave a deposit dissolved salts in the form of efflorescence. Efflorescence will naturally disappear after a period of time as long as the moisture source is controlled or eliminated. Note: here at Grizzly Ridge we incorporate ingredients into our mixture that helps to eliminate efflorescence. However, if efflorescence does occur it may be removed with a simple solution of 1 part white vinegar to 5 parts clean water, scrubbing the solution into the stone surface with a soft bristle brush, and then rinse well with clean water.
How do I clean the stone, if needed?
Stone which is exposed to the outside elements may need to be cleaned from time to time, especially in areas where the wind carries a lot of dirt through the air. Cleaning should be a fairly easy process, depending on the amount of dirt or other particles, first try sweeping the stone off with a soft bristle brush. Depending on how dirty, you may find it necessary to use a granulated mild detergent mixed with clean water, or you can use a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 5 parts clean water. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with clean water. Never use wire brushes, power washers, paint removers, or any kind of acid cleaners on the stone veneer.
How does the stone veneer hold up to seasonal temperature cycles?
Ingredients are added to the mixture to strengthen the stone veneer; we do all we can do to ensure that the Grizzly Ridge stone veneer will endure the seasonal freeze and thaw cycles. However, as with any building practice one must make sure to incorporate good building practices to ensure a successful installation, this would include such things as proper flashing over the upper stone edge and water diversion techniques protecting the stone veneer from extensive moisture. A rigid, corrosion-resistant flashing should be installed and a means of proper water drainage well help maintain weather and moisture resistance of exterior walls. Consult your local codes for the flashing type and installation requirements.
What the dimensions of the Grizzly Ridge Stone Veneer?
All dimensions are found on the product page above.
What kind of foundational support is needed to install your stone?
No footings or support ledges are needed at all. The veneer is designed to adhere to and to be supported on the wall by the bonding of mortars to the stone and a scratch coat.
What is required as a moisture barrier before installing the stone?
It is recommended to use two separate layers of WEATHER RESISTIVE BARRIER (WRB) in all applications where WRB is specified. Any WRB to be used must meet the specifications of ICC-ES AC 38 (Acceptance Criteria for Water-Resistive Barriers). If you decide to you use felt paper, it must be clearly marked that it meets the requirements of AST MD226 for #15 or #30 asphalt saturated felt. It would be acceptable to use one layer of applicable house wrap then covered by a second layer of WRB. Noting that the WRB should always be new not used and free of holes and tears.
Do I need flashing?
As a rule, one should always try to maintain weather resistance of an exterior wall where stone veneer is installed. Best way to accomplish this is to use a rigid, corrosion proof or resistant flashing. All flashing types and locations must be in accordance with the requirements of your local codes.
How much does your stone weigh?
We use a very light weight aggregate in our mixture, so our stone weighs approximately 7 to 10 lbs per square foot, which qualifies our stone as adhered veneer to be far less than 15 lbs per square foot.
Yes, most anyone can install stone veneer; however, installation does require a fundamental understanding of stone masonry. It is not rocket science, but if you have no prior experience it would behoove you to do some research before embarking on the task. We have provided installation information on this web site; however you can also find ample information on the Internet. If you decide that you do want to awaken your own artistic abilities by installing your stone veneer, you might want to set up a small test wall or sheet of plywood so you can work out the procedures, colors, and grouting before taking on a larger project. If in doubt, consult an installer in your area. Quality stone veneer can be applied to any structurally sound surface with the proper preparation. It can fit into nearly any building plan, whether large or small, exterior walls, interior feature walls, fireplaces, new residential homes, commercial buildings, or even if is a remodel of an existing structure. As with any building project, the end result of the project is greatly enhanced by how well the stone is installed.
Is there an advantage of manufactured stone veneer over natural stone veneer?
Manufactured stone, even though it has much the same visual effect once installed, is actually made of a mixture of strong lightweight materials added to water and color oxides. Once prepared, the mixture is poured into molds that were generated from actual stone, thus the end product looks exactly like the stone the mold was made from. There are many advantages manufactured stone as over natural stone. 1) Cost, once installed manufactured stone may have a cost differential of as much as half that of natural stone. Being lightweight, manufacture stone has no need of footings or wall ties. 2) Manufactured stone may be easier to cut and install. It is also designed to adhere more easily to many varieties of structurally sound surfaces, as well as lending to the ability to be installed where it would be very difficult and costly to install natural stone. 3) Duplication - stone color, as well as stone design is extremely important to most projects. Manufactured stone is very versatile when it comes to duplicating the desired color schemes as well as the type of stone desired. 4) Waste factor – The waste factor for natural stone can be as much as 10% or even more, whereas manufactured stone waste is approximately 2%.
Will the color fade over the years?
The colors are added to the original mixture and thus become an integral part of the stone veneer. It is a permanent mineral oxide pigment which is absorbed into the mixture prior to pouring into the molds. As with natural stone, there would be minimal changes to the color over the years as the stone is exposed to the elements.
What about installing the stone in or around a pool?
We don’t recommend installation the stone below any water line in general, such as pools, ponds, fountains or below grade. If you do have an application whereas maybe subjected to frequent water or water runoff you may choose to apply a high quality penetrating and breathable sealer, either a siloxane-based or silane sealer would be recommended. However, you may want to note that a sealer may have an effect on the stone color and would probably create a gloss or matte finish, so before applying the sealer to the whole project, test the sealer on a small area.
Should I seal the stone after it is installed?
It is not necessary to seal the stone veneer. However, a sealer may give added protection from the elements, as well as making it easier to clean. Again, use a high quality penetrating/breathable sealer as mentioned above with the same cautions. It is recommended to wait a few weeks before applying the sealer after the stone has been installed.
What is this white powdery deposit I see on some masonry products? Can I prevent it?
The white powdery substance that sometimes appears on some masonry products is a result of moisture migration through the masonry substrate; once the moisture evaporates it can leave a deposit dissolved salts in the form of efflorescence. Efflorescence will naturally disappear after a period of time as long as the moisture source is controlled or eliminated. Note: here at Grizzly Ridge we incorporate ingredients into our mixture that helps to eliminate efflorescence. However, if efflorescence does occur it may be removed with a simple solution of 1 part white vinegar to 5 parts clean water, scrubbing the solution into the stone surface with a soft bristle brush, and then rinse well with clean water.
How do I clean the stone, if needed?
Stone which is exposed to the outside elements may need to be cleaned from time to time, especially in areas where the wind carries a lot of dirt through the air. Cleaning should be a fairly easy process, depending on the amount of dirt or other particles, first try sweeping the stone off with a soft bristle brush. Depending on how dirty, you may find it necessary to use a granulated mild detergent mixed with clean water, or you can use a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 5 parts clean water. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with clean water. Never use wire brushes, power washers, paint removers, or any kind of acid cleaners on the stone veneer.
How does the stone veneer hold up to seasonal temperature cycles?
Ingredients are added to the mixture to strengthen the stone veneer; we do all we can do to ensure that the Grizzly Ridge stone veneer will endure the seasonal freeze and thaw cycles. However, as with any building practice one must make sure to incorporate good building practices to ensure a successful installation, this would include such things as proper flashing over the upper stone edge and water diversion techniques protecting the stone veneer from extensive moisture. A rigid, corrosion-resistant flashing should be installed and a means of proper water drainage well help maintain weather and moisture resistance of exterior walls. Consult your local codes for the flashing type and installation requirements.
What the dimensions of the Grizzly Ridge Stone Veneer?
All dimensions are found on the product page above.
What kind of foundational support is needed to install your stone?
No footings or support ledges are needed at all. The veneer is designed to adhere to and to be supported on the wall by the bonding of mortars to the stone and a scratch coat.
What is required as a moisture barrier before installing the stone?
It is recommended to use two separate layers of WEATHER RESISTIVE BARRIER (WRB) in all applications where WRB is specified. Any WRB to be used must meet the specifications of ICC-ES AC 38 (Acceptance Criteria for Water-Resistive Barriers). If you decide to you use felt paper, it must be clearly marked that it meets the requirements of AST MD226 for #15 or #30 asphalt saturated felt. It would be acceptable to use one layer of applicable house wrap then covered by a second layer of WRB. Noting that the WRB should always be new not used and free of holes and tears.
Do I need flashing?
As a rule, one should always try to maintain weather resistance of an exterior wall where stone veneer is installed. Best way to accomplish this is to use a rigid, corrosion proof or resistant flashing. All flashing types and locations must be in accordance with the requirements of your local codes.
How much does your stone weigh?
We use a very light weight aggregate in our mixture, so our stone weighs approximately 7 to 10 lbs per square foot, which qualifies our stone as adhered veneer to be far less than 15 lbs per square foot.