Beautiful stone veneer can spawn an entirely new atmosphere for interior or exterior spaces. Whether natural or cultured stone, the long-lasting and stunning additions will add texture and a complementary spectrum of color to any room or outdoor livings space. Old fireplaces can benefit from a dramatic yet economical makeover with brilliant and exciting new shapes and patterns from ProCoat Systems.

Applying Stone Veneer, whether manufactured or natural, requires adhering to specific procedures for cutting, backing, cement texture, spacing, and placement. The experts at ProCoat Systems can advise the best methods for installing their stone veneer products.

With ProCoat’s top-quality stone veneer, installation is not difficult. However, for exterior surfaces, steps must be taken to ensure that moisture and water intrusion does not occur, a situation that can cause problems later. Experienced installers have developed specific processes and materials to prevent moisture intrusion from happening.

Protective Measures for Exterior Stone Veneer Applications

While each job may be different based on variable angles, pitches and configurations, installers have learned to overcompensate with protective measures to avoid embarrassing corrections later.

Backer Rods: At each juncture between the new stone veneer and any window, doorway, or other siding material, leave at least a 3/8” space. The gap should then be embedded with the appropriately sized foam backer rod. The backer rod is low-density polyethylene material with a skin-like surface that prevents the intrusion of moisture behind the newly installed stone veneer.

Flashing: Metal flashing must be added to avoid water from seeping behind the veneer from above. The width of the flashing must exceed the thickness of the veneer to channel water completely away. During the violent pounding rainstorms that sometimes occurs in Colorado, complete protection is necessary. If the flashing is too narrow, the water will eventually seep behind the veneer to create problems later.

Weep Holes: As a final “just-in-case” protection, installers frequently insert weep holes. These holes are located at the bottom of the veneer surface to allow any moisture that may have entered to escape. This last line of defense can prevent mold from developing which would require an expensive reworking job.

Check with ProCoat Systems for Installation Information

Depending on where and what type of stone material you will be applying, installation procedures may differ. Installing a stone veneer coating to an exterior or interior surface is a permanent improvement, one that should not require redoing or dismantling. Doing the job right the first time will save money and many headaches later.

Check with ProCoat Systems in Denver, Ft. Collins, or Salt Lake City for detailed instructions regarding the proper installation of natural or cultured stone veneers.

Phone the ProCoat Systems experts at 303.322.9009..

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