Stone

STONE FACADES

stone slabs elewacja

Stone facades have been available on the Polish market for a long time. They are often used due to their wide range of colors, textures, and various processing options (grinding, polishing, sandblasting, etc.). They are very durable, resistant to mechanical damage and atmospheric factors, so they do not require frequent maintenance. In the event of damage to part of the facade, it is enough to replace a single, damaged element without having to completely dismantle the cladding. The stone elevation optically raises the importance of the building in relation to the surrounding buildings.

Methods of fastening stone elevations:

• indirect dry installation

Stone elements are mounted to the wall using grids made of aluminum, stainless steel or anti-corrosion protected steel. These grids transfer loads to the load-bearing elements of the building when direct fastening to the walls is not recommended due to the ineffectiveness of the anchoring (walls made of materials other than brick and concrete). This is one of the most modern assembly methods – the cladding can be installed in all planes. The frame for fastening the cladding is suspended on the supporting structure of the building or is a self-supporting element, independent of the support – this allows for obtaining diverse forms of the elevation.Stone slabs are mounted to the grid using welded or screwed anchors, leaving an air gap (2-5 cm) between the cladding and the thermal insulation layer.

• direct dry installation

Stone elements are mounted using stainless steel anchors (e.g. DT anchors) attached to the substrate using expansion bolts). A major advantage of this method is the possibility of making this type of elevation even at sub-zero temperatures. The elevations can also be mounted on anchors made of flat bar, provided that the wall is made of solid brick or concrete.

• direct wet installation

Stone elements are mounted on stainless steel anchors. These anchors are inserted into previously drilled holes in the substrate and fixed using mortar.

• glue installation

The substrate is covered with a primer that strengthens it. Stone elements are installed using appropriate glue and then grouted. An impregnation protecting against the harmful effects of water is applied to the finished facade. This is one of the easiest methods of installation, additionally allowing for the creation of even the most decorative facades. The method of installation depends on the strength of the substrate constituting the load-bearing element. If the substrate is strong (concrete min. B20, brick with a strength of min. 10MPa), direct installation is used. If the substrate is weak (e.g. a wall made of aerated concrete) – we use indirect assembly on a grid structure connected to building elements of sufficient strength (e.g. ring beams).

The main stone materials used for facades are:

1. Granites and syenites

Properties:    non-absorbent; frost-resistant;    resistant to moisture; resistant to atmospheric influences; non-absorbent; hard;    durable; resistant to abrasion; durable;    easily processed; the surface can be raw, rusticated, ground, polished, hammered, radiated; structure: granular; colors: granites – gray, yellow, green, brown, red, pink; syenites – dark gray; Application:    facade slabs and tiles; limestones (commonly called marbles) Properties:    not very resistant to weather conditions; soft; porous; not polishable; light limestones are easy to process; compact limestones have better technical and decorative properties; colors: from white to gray; Application:    light – occur in the form of shapes and cladding tiles; compact – occur in the form of chipped elements and unpolished tiles;

2. Marble proper

Properties: easy to process; easy to polish; durable; medium hard; highly absorbent; lose their color intensity and become dull over time; colors: white, beige, gray, pink, yellow, red, dark gray, black; Application: less absorbent varieties can be used in places that are rarely used; travertine Properties: abrasive; porous; low absorbency; low resistance to compression; structure – varies depending on the place of occurrence; colors: from white and beige, through yellow and red to brown; Application: as vertical cladding, usually after covering with resin or filling with cement mortar;

3. Sandstone

sandstone mounting on the facade

Properties: matte, not susceptible to polishing (except for some varieties); easy to process; sandable; frost-resistant; not very durable; absorbent; abrasive; colours: cream, light grey, yellow, brown, red; Application: mainly as vertical cladding for elevations and foundations; The range of available products is incredibly large. Elevations can be made of slabs, tiles, split stone, cobblestones, etc. Elements imitating stone are also available.

Source: elewacje.pl

Stone elevations mounted on a frame are a modern solution that combines the aesthetics of natural stone with the strength and durability of metal frames. Thanks to this, these facades are not only beautiful, but also resistant to weather conditions and mechanical damage. They are increasingly chosen for both residential and commercial buildings, as well as for renovation of historic buildings.

façade fastening stone

The technology of fastening ventilated stone facades to the frame consists in attaching special steel profiles to the building wall, on which stone slabs are then mounted. Profiles are usually made of galvanized steel, which is resistant to corrosion. Stone slabs are attached to the profiles using special clamps or screws. Depending on the type of stone and aesthetic requirements, the slabs can be mounted flush with the surface of the profiles or protrude from their surface.

Stone elevations mounted on a frame have many advantages. Firstly, they are very durable and resistant to weather conditions. Secondly, they provide great freedom in terms of choosing the type and color of stone. Thirdly, they are relatively easy to install, especially in comparison to traditional masonry techniques. A disadvantage, however, may be the necessity of regular maintenance, which primarily involves cleaning the stone surface and checking the condition of steel profiles.

The process of installing stone facades on a frame begins with preparing the building wall, which must be clean, dry, even and should have above-average load-bearing capacity taking into account the weight of the stone. Then, steel profiles are installed, to which the stone slabs are screwed. After attaching all the slabs, they should be impregnated with a special agent, which protects the stone from water and dirt.

Maintenance of stone facades mounted on a frame consists primarily of regular cleaning of the stone surface. You can use a soft brush and warm water with a mild detergent. In case of heavy dirt, you can use special stone cleaning agents. In addition, every few years it is worth checking the condition of steel profiles and possibly covering them with a new layer of protective anti-corrosion paint.

Stone facades mounted on a frame are a modern and aesthetic solution that will work well both in new buildings and during the renovation of historic buildings. Thanks to the use of durable and weather-resistant materials, such facades are an investment for years.

How to protect facade stone from graffiti and how to clean graffiti?

To protect facade stone from graffiti, you can use a special protective preparation. This preparation creates an invisible coating that stops graffiti, preventing it from penetrating the surface. Thanks to this, the paintings can be quickly and effectively removed using warm water.

When it comes to removing graffiti, the most popular method is painting it over. Applying paint to graffiti is a relatively cheap, easy, and safe method for most surfaces. However, this can be time-consuming, because most often one layer of paint is not enough to cover the paintings, so painting several times is required.

Another method is to use solvent-based chemicals. Their selection is large and also applies to strength. The stronger the preparation, the faster it will clean the inscription, but there is a risk that it will also damage the facade.

In case of difficulties with removing graffiti, you can hire professional companies dealing with facade cleaning. They have the right equipment and knowledge of what specialist agents should be used by employees to achieve the best possible effect and not destroy the given surface.

Is a sandstone facade resistant to frost when it absorbs water and is it safe for the slabs to fall off?

elevation panels stone

Sandstone elevation is resistant to frost and the effects of acidic chemical compounds contained in the atmosphere. However, sandstone in its raw state is permeable to water and other liquids, which is why it requires prior impregnation. Impregnation creates a protective layer on the surface of the stone that prevents water from penetrating its interior. Thanks to this, even if the sandstone absorbs water, it is resistant to frost.

As for safety, sandstone slabs are attached to the wall using special steel profiles. Thanks to this, they are stable and safe. However, like any building material, they require regular inspection and maintenance. If you notice any signs of damage or loosening of the panels, you should contact a specialist.

How to remove algae from a sandstone facade?

To remove algae from a sandstone facade, you can take the following steps:

1. Mechanical cleaning of the facade: The first step is to mechanically remove algae from the facade. You can do this using a high-pressure washer or hand tools – a brush or spatula. When cleaning the walls mechanically, be careful not to damage the surface of the facade, so it is better not to rub them too hard with a brush and scrape them gently with a spatula. When walls require cleaning with a pressure washer, it is best to set it to a lower pressure to avoid spraying algae and mold.
2. Wall disinfection: The second stage is to disinfect the walls, because mechanical removal of the deposits will not eliminate all spores. Special disinfectants are used for this purpose. A disinfectant should be generously applied to the cleaned and dry wall surfaces. This can be done with a paintbrush, roller or spray device, which can also be a regular garden sprayer. When the facade is soaked with the preparation, use a stiff brush to remove any dirt that is still visible on the surface.
3. Painting: A properly cleaned and protected facade can be painted after the fungicide has thoroughly dried. The paint should be a product with the addition of biocides, which effectively prevent the formation of biological corrosion. Silicate and silicone paints are particularly recommended for external walls attacked by algae, as they are characterized by increased resistance to microorganisms and fungi.

Are impregnants for stone facades such as disinfectants, impregnants, disinfectants, fungicides, biocides GreenBuilding?

Preparations for stone facades, such as disinfectants, impregnants, disinfectants, fungicides, biocides disinfectants, fungicides, biocides, can be different in composition and environmental impact. Some of them may be more ecological and in line with the principles of sustainable construction, the so-called “Green Building”, while others may contain substances that are harmful to the environment.

For example, impregnators for natural stone are usually colorless agents, created on the basis of silicone resins. Silicone is an organic compound, so these products may contain VOCs. They are used to protect the stone from absorbing moisture and other unwanted substances, such as grease. These impregnators create a protective layer on the surface of the stone that prevents water from penetrating into its interior. However, not all impregnators are ecological and some of them may contain substances that are harmful to the environment.

Similarly, fungicides and biocides are used to combat algae and mold on facades, but some of them may contain substances that are harmful to the environment.