Human
history has provided dwellings of all shapes and sizes, consisting of different
materials to decorate and/or stabilize (or both) structures. Natural stone was
a hugely popular choice due largely to its strength and aesthetic value. Pricey
due to its being of the earth and therefore limited in supply, full-fledged
stone use in construction and exterior decor has greatly dropped off in recent decades.
The cost and availability of manufactured materials like concrete, made stone
almost obsolete in the building of new homes. The overall beauty of stone as
applied in “siding” on houses fueled a need for cheaper alternatives that present
in the same way. Thus we have manufactured stone
for Minneapolis
home buyers and owners.
Known
by many names, manufactured stone goes by stone veneer, manufactured veneer,
faux stone, lick and stick stone, and so on. Manufactured stone is made of a
molded concrete mix that will be “dyed” or painted to mimic the look of any popular
type of real stone used in decorating a home’s exterior.
Manufactured
stone is much lighter than their natural counterparts allowing for ease of
installation. Less weight also equals less cost as the need for weight support
is substantially less than that of most any natural stone. The weight of the
manufactured stone is carried by the framing of the building itself and not the
foundation. This makes remodeling easier in all aspects.
The
installation process itself is much like that of applying stucco—a sticky base
is applied and the manufactured stone pieces or slabs are fit in. The stucco
application similarities require only an extra step for exterior applications
of manufactured stone: a weather resistant barrier consisting of wire mesh,
coat of mortar, mortar applied to back of stones and they are then placed on
the wall.
Cascade
Stone has been doing manufactured stone on houses for many years. Our process
involves blending colors into the stones, utilizing natural pigments and
permanent oxides. The colors chosen
become part of the manufactured stone itself are not mere surface tints. Our stone
veneers can be installed onto any structurally fitting interior or exterior
surface using regular mortar. Manufactured stone provided by Cascade Stone are not
flammable.
Cascade
Stone manufactures stones that can be installed one of three ways; grouted, dry
stacked or both. Check with Cascade Stone at the time of purchase for
installation instructions that correspond with the type of stone you have
selected.
Interested in learning more about manufactured stone
for your Minneapolis home? For free literature,
or the opportunity to speak with a sales representative, call Cascade Stone at
651-774-9657. You may also contact us
to get a free estimate or stone sample.
