Stone Cladding Installation Guide
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Measuring for Flats
To establish the number of flats you need, simply multiply the height x width of all the surfaces you are looking to cover in metric (Metres or Centre metres), then subtract any openings such as doors and windows, to give you the total. Flats are sold per square metre (m2).
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Example
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Wall A – Height 3m x width 2.5m = 7.5m2
Wall B – Height 3M x width 2m = 6m2
Minus a door which is Heigh 2m x width 0.8m = -1.6m2
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Therefore, the requirement is 7.5m2 x 6m2 – 1.6m2 = 11.9m2
Measuring for Corners
To estimate the volume of Stone Cladding corners you will need simply measure along the edge of the external corners, i.e. the edges of the fireplace between the chimney breast and the returns. Corners are sold by the metre and are required for external edges only (Internal edges do not require corners)
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Example
2 x external corners either side of the chimney breast, both measuring 2.5m – Requirement is 2.5m x 2 = 5m linear metres of corners
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*Please note, if the corners are on the same surface area as the flats, you can reduce your flat requirement to the following ratio. Every 3 linear metres, reduce flat coverage by 1 sq metre
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**Please also note that we strongly recommend ordering between 5 and 8% extra for wastage
New Surface Preparation
We would recommend applying a scratch coat with a water sealer for chimney stacks to minimise water absorbsion
Existing Surface Preparation
Existing plastered or dashed surfaces should be cleaned back to its original surface or alternatively attach cement backer board with corrosion resistant to screws to the uprights of the substrate
Uneven Surface Preparation
For any uneven surfaces, it is recommended to scratch coat to level the surface or fit Cement backer boards, which also provide additional strength to the wall
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Please note, if you have any doubts over the suitability of the surface, please seek advice from professional tradespeople. This could save both time and money in the long term!
Pre Application
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Layout a couple of boxes of the Stone Cladding on the floor, to give yourself a feel for the different shapes and colours.
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Arrange the cladding pieces so they fit and look complimentary together,
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Avoid grouping colour shades together in one area.
Installation
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Always start with the corners
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Ensure you alternate long and short returns on corner pieces.
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Slightly dampen the back of the stone, to remove any dirt and help prevent moisture loss.
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Apply a coat of adhesive to both the wall and to the entire back of the Stone, approximately 1-2mm thick for both
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As you press the stone onto the wall, rotate slightly to force any excess adhesive/mortar to squeeze out.
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Remove any excess adhesive or mortar before it sets.
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Its recommended that the be between 15mm and 20mm, so fill any larger gaps with smaller stones as you go along
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If cladding is required for a particular size which is not already available, cut or trim the stone cladding to fit
Pointing the Gaps
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Its personal preference how deep you want the mortar to go, as this will alter the finished look, so establish this requirement prior to starting
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Fill all the gaps between the stone cladding, with grout mortar or a lime based mortar to slightly above the desired finish depth.
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The mortar will tighten to seal the area around the stone cladding.
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Allow the mortar to dry until it is firm but not solid. Ideally you want to be able to push on it, without leaving finger marks, but don't let it dry too much.
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Use a jointing tool (or similar instrument) to compress the mortar into the gaps and scrape along the joints until the grout has a clean, even look to it.