The Top 4 Disadvantages of Real Stone Veneer

Meta Description: Real stone veneer continues to be a dependable building product for many years now. But do we know all that there is to know about it?

Real stone veneer is made from stone that is quarried from the earth. Usually, manufacturers slide these large pieces into thin pieces to create veneers. Although real stone veneer has been a solid choice for many builders over the years because of its tonal variations and textures, there are many other options to consider.

As such, there is something for everyone, including builders with different tastes and preferences. But as they say, all good things come with their downsides. Unfortunately, this building material is no exception to the rule. Here are the top 4 disadvantages of real stone veneer:

• It’s expensive and labor-intensive

Building with real stone veneer is an expensive and labor-intensive process. Apart from the fact that the stones are expensive because they are one of a kind, a lot of hard work goes into making them what they are.Needless to say, preparation is key.

First, you’ll have to wash all the stones and lay them out on a flat surface to test them out. Ideally, it’s best to blend a variety of veneer stones to get the best blend of shapes and colors.

This equally means that you’ll have to spend sufficient time and effort on finding the mix of stones. There are instances where trimming using a blade or chisel is necessary. Thereafter, the stones are ready for installation!

• It’s not watertight

If you are looking for a watertight house siding, then the red stone veneer is far from it. When not installed properly, then it can result in measure problems which will eventually trap water behind the veneer.

Other factors that attract water include missing flashings, improper backing materials as well as insufficient sealing of the doors, windows, and vents. The accumulation of moisture in these places further results in structural damage and the growth of mold.

A reputable home inspector should check for moisture behind the veneer if like to purchasese a ready-made home. This way, you’ll not have to worry about structural damage in the future.

• It requires the use of a structural substrate

Also referred to as mortar mix, the stone veneer would not be firm enough without this structural substrate. The substrate is prepared by combining parts of water with parts of cement until you achieve a thick paste that is in the form of a workable consistency.

The substrate should be wet enough to not dry out but stiff enough to adjust and level the stone easily. Without this substrate, veneer stones cannot come together.

• Best installed by a professional, cannot be done as a DIY project

If you are thinking of taking stone veneer installation as a DIY project, then maybe you should have a rethink. The reality is that it will be a hectic and cumbersome project to complete alone.

To carry it out successfully, you’ll have to set some money aside so as to call on a professional contractor. Since the professional has the experience, then you can be sure that they’ll provide your home with beautiful siding.

They’ll devote all of their time and energy to a desirable end product. But even if they do, you’ll still have to pay for it where you could have completed the project yourself and set aside the money for other important uses.

Things to Keep in Mind

• The improper installation of this building material can result in irreversible damage, usually immediately after installation. As such, hiring a professional to do the work is mandatory to have a successful building.
• Exposure to a number of elements like moisture and harsh chemicals will reduce the aesthetic appearance of real stone veneer. As such,  you should do the cleaning should very carefully as it could cause discoloration. The more you protect your stone veneer, the more durable it will be.

The Final Verdict

The aforementioned concerns do not mean that you shouldn’t use real stone veneer in your building and construction. Instead, it’s important to keep these cons in mind and use the stones with caution to make the most of them.

The fact that it comes in a vast array of colors and patterns makes this type of stone the most versatile choice for many builders. It’s only best to beware of its susceptibility.

This way, you will install it, repair it and replace it in the right way!