Today, stone cladding of a house is gaining popularity, it protects the facade from atmospheric precipitation, mechanical damage, wind, and gives an original appearance. Such a finishing technique increases the period of operation 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 turn to 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 the house a natural look. At the same time, the stone can be used to decorate both private estates, 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 construction stores, you can find any version of the material from limestone strips to smooth tiles.
Facades made of stone not only differ in their excellent appearance, but also in practicality, long service life and durability. Also, the material can be used for partial decoration (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 the usual polished ones, therefore, cement mortar and sealant are used for their installation to fill the joints.
Regardless of the embodiment, the material has a high density, and as a result, a large 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 likelihood that individual parts may fall off wall structures. The difference in the thermal expansion of the solution and the heavy material leads to this, 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 textured designs;
- travertine has a porous structure and a beige-brown gamut;
- a distinctive feature of quartz slate is a rich palette of shades;
- quartzite is a dense type of stone interspersed in the form of quartz shiny elements;
- basalt has characteristics similar to granite, but at the same time lower cost.
Features
Slabs having a thickness of more than 1 cm and an area of 0.4 m2 or more must be additionally fixed to wall structures. In this case, small gaps should remain between the elements, since the stone, being a natural material, changes in size with temperature changes.
Facing the basement with a stone is performed in a darker shade, compared with the main surface, this will provide less noticeable temperature changes and traces of water and dirt.
Technology
The most common embodiment is the use of small stones on the upper part and sides of the facade, and larger elements in the central part. Stone lining does not endure haste and the use of low-quality mortar, it is possible to use compositions based on glue with plasticizing components or sand-cement mass from brand material that is of sufficient quality.
In the process of work, under conditions of high humidity, there is a possibility of the elements sliding, therefore it is advisable to treat the surface of wall structures with a solution using the spray method, and there is no need to use special tools, since all actions can be carried out using hands. But it takes time to set the composition and further work can be carried out in at least two days.
The metal mesh provides high quality masonry, by increasing the adhesion of the material, wall surface and mortar. Stone cladding with a small weight requires the use of a grid with cells within 4 cm, for heavier plates, cells must be at least 6 cm.
Training
Previously, the surface is cleaned of dust and existing contaminants. Compliance with this rule requires a construction of any material.
For brick walls without “ribs”, installation of a facade mesh is mandatory, if they are available, it can be omitted. It is also required for any gas silicate blocks and foam blocks. Fixation of the facade mesh is done with special dowels in the amount of ten elements per square meter.
Next, the level is set, the first row is laid from it. The laser device is optimally suited for this, as it has the best reliability and durability characteristics. After the corner elements are laid out, between which a thread or fishing line is stretched.
Front row layout
The first row should be laid in accordance with the stretched thread, this will ensure that there is no violation of the overall geometry. The best option would be to carry out work with the front rows along the thread, the subsequent ones can be attached using the level.
Depending on the type of stone, mortar or glue is used, the composition is applied to each element, it also wipes part of the surface on which the material is fixed. Ignoring this rule and insufficient application of the solution can lead to the fact that the lining with natural stone will be damaged over time from temperature extremes. It is worth noting the need for systematic verification of the angle of inclination and plumb.
The fishing line is decorated with cornices and window openings. 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 striking.
Completion of work
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 their previous appearance. Also, the protective coating provides heat resistance of the material and easy care.
Stone cladding is characterized by light technology of work, which is even for people who do not have the appropriate skills and experience. Naturally, you have to try, but the result is worth it.