No, if you seal your stone, the sealer you use must be a breathable sealer. If you use a sealer that is not breathable, it will not allow any moisture that may have entered the wall to escape, causing further damage to the stone. If you choose to seal your stone, a silane or siloxane based sealer is recommended which will not affect the color, texture, or breathability of the stone. A sealer that we like to use is Prosoco Siloxane PD.

According to manufacturers yes, but you have to use the correct board and a different mortar. Typically, if we run into a job that has cement board we will still install a wire lath and use the same mortar as we typically do. Using a wire lath is generally the most sure way of knowing that you will not have any troubles with the stone and also allows us to use the regular mortar instead of having to get a special mortar for those few jobs. For the exact manufacturer requirements, please see the veneer stone installation guide below for the correct cement board and mortar for your application.

The weight of the stone will vary depending on manufacturer, style, installation method, and grout joint style. Most veneer stone can weigh as much as 15 pounds per square foot for the stone and installation materials. No extra reinforcement of your walls or floors are necessary, as long as they are built to the current standards.

To clean dirt or other particles first try a simple soft bristle brush. If necessary use a solution of mild detergent with water and scrub the surface with a soft bristle brush. Rinse with clean water to remove any cleaning solution that might remain on the surface. If the stone has a white stain deposit (efflorescence) please contact our office for recommendations. Never use wire brushes, acid cleaners, power washers, bleach, paint remover or any other type of concrete cleaner.