Veneer Questions and Answers - Colonial Brick & Stone Inc.

48 Most Frequently Asked Questions

for Olde Colonial Thin Veneer

1. (a) Choices

With our 40 plus choices, plus many blends possible gives you at least 100 choices. We do not

only cut thin veneer from one kind of stone, but offer them from Granite, Limestone, Quartzite,

Fieldstone, and Marble. This gives you tremendous choice in color, texture, kind, and finishes.

(b) Strength

Colonial Brick & Stone Inc. has gone to a lot of expense and effort to find extremely strong

and good quality natural stones to use for producing their thin veneer from.

(c) Quality

If we get a request from others to cut their products ... we advise them, if we find their

product not as strong as we feel it should be. One of our customers called from West Virginia and

after using 2.5 truckloads of our stone, he said we only got 2 wheelbarrows of waste.

They were thrilled.

2. What is the difference between natural stone and manufactured stone?

Manufactured stone veneer is cast from molds of real stone, in effort to duplicate natural

stone; which is possible. It still takes real stone to look like real stone. Not only do the

manufactured concrete products look like concrete when they are new, but the worst part is

when they are out in the weather, many of the manufactured products have color deterioration

and quality deterioration, especially in areas where the veneer butts up against areas where

de-icier salt is used and soaks up the wall in a wick soaking action. We all recognize how all

concrete products deteriorate under de-icing products, and Colonial Brick & Stone Inc. is proud

about how their natural stone thin veneers are much more durable when being abused.

3. Where can I install Olde Colonial Thin Veneer?

Olde Colonial Thin Veneer can be applied to any structurally sound surface with the

proper preparation. It fits nearly any building plan - large or small, interior, exterior, new

residential, or commercial projects, or on any remodel.

4. Can I install Olde Colonial Thin Veneer myself?

Competent installers with experience installing stone and other veneer products, find

Olde Colonial Thin Veneer easy to install. In general, however, installation does require a

rudimentary understanding. Go to installation for step-by-step instructions. For in depth

instructions feel free to contact us at 519-595-4261.

5. What does Olde Colonial Thin Veneer Weigh?

Approximately 6-12 lbs. per square foot. Olde Colonial Thin Veneer qualifies as an

adhered veneer because it weighs less than 15 lbs. per square foot.

6. Should I worry about any repetition in either the stone profiles or installation?

Olde colonial Thin Veneer is not cast in molds - they are split from real stone. Even

' though no two pieces are exactly alike, when using real stone, the project looks much better

when you blend the colors well and do a good mixing of the sizes.

7. How important is a good stone installation?

As with any building material, the beauty of that product is greatly enhanced by how well

it is installed. With Olde Colonial Thin Veneer, careful consideration regarding the type of

profile and color selected, the actual installed stone "pattern", and the type of grout technique

used, are all very important factors to regard. It is always best to create a mock up board, with

the desired aesthetic appeal prior to installation on your project. Our brochures show several

types of mortar joints, as well as how color in the mortar changes the whole appearance also.

When doing mock-up boards, allow several days of drying and curing, because the mortar color

does change, even with no color additives. This will insure, you will be happy with the mortar

color and joint chosen.

8. Will Olde Colonial Thin Veneer fade?

Our Elite Blue Granite, Colonial Classic Granite, Ruby Lake Marble , Harvest Gold

Limestone, Red & Green Quartzite all hold their color. Our Charcoal and Brown Limestone

lighten, but end up as a beautiful natural stone appearance even if it has lightened in color.

9. What can I get in matching products?

Since Olde Colonial Thin Veneer is produced from natural raw slabs of stone, instead of

concrete poured in a mold, there are many matching products available such as; full thickness

building stone, dry stack retaining walls (random and guillotined), large wall stone, waterfalls

(indoor and outdoor), random and squared flagstone, window sills, random and squared steps,

many polished and bush hammered products, flooring, and wainscoting.

10. Where can I buy Olde Colonial Thin Veneer?

Olde Colonial Thin Veneer is sold by numerous authorized distributors throughout

the United States and Canada. Call Colonial Brick & Stone Inc. at 519-595-4261 for the dealer

nearest you. If no one is taking care of your area - you might consider the opportunity of

representing our Olde Colonial Thin Veneer in your area, as well as the many other products

we offer.

11. Where can I find knowledgeable masons?

Your local Olde Colonial Thin Veneer distributor can recommend local masons that are

familiar with Olde Colonial Thin Veneer. Colonial Brick & Stone Inc. also has many

experienced stone masons on staff who have laid thousands of tons of stone, and have laid

them many different ways, giving many different finished appearances.

12. Does Old Colonial Thin Veneer meet building code requirements?

Olde Colonial Thin Veneer compiles with all applicable building code requirements.

13 Where can I learn more about Olde Colonial Thin Veneer?

Talk to your local distributor to find out more about the many inspirational and

technical attributes that make Olde Colonial Thin Veneer a nice product to work with, and

the finished project breath taking.

14. How thick are the stones?

The stone are about 0.5" to 1.5", depending on the texture and weight of that particular

kind of stone.

15. What type of coverage can be expected?

Approximately 75 - 200 square feet per day. This varies depending upon the stone type,

joint, type, and how tight the equableness of the mortar joints. Another thing that effects

laying productivity in installation, is if there is a high percentage of windows, corners, or

anything that shortens the length of the laying area. For example, porch pillars are nearly

all corners. If you lay Olde Colonial Thin Veneer, the same way as concrete veneers, without

cutting any pieces and with a large variation in joint shape and size, your labor cost can be

the same as the concrete veneer. However, with Olde Colonial Thin Veneer, a real craftsman

because of having pride in his workmanship, may take it to the next level of added beauty

an craftsmanship, which does involve added labor.

16. Is Olde Colonial Thin Veneer combustible?

Olde Colonial Thin Veneer is natural stone, and is not combustible. It can be installed

as a facade to fireplaces and behind stoves. Our Elite Blue Granite is so heat resistant that

we can even make firebricks from it. Imagine the flicker of flames on the sparkle of this

beautiful natural stone product.

17. How thick from the substrate to surface of the stone?

There will be roughly and additional 1/2" - 1" of mortar thickness behind the stone.

For example, if your stone profile if 1 1/4" thick, you can expect the total thickness from the

substance to the face of the stone to be around 2 - 2 1/2" thick.

18. Can I install Olde Colonial Thin Veneer near water?

Olde Colonial Thin Veneer requires the same flashing and water proofing as stucco.

It is recommended for use below the water line in a pool, fountain, or below grade. A high

quality penetrating breathable sealer, that is either saline of siloxane-based is

recommended in areas where the stone may be subject to frequent water run off. Note: A

sealer may affect the stone color and may create sheen. Always test a small area beforehand,

that is not installed on the wall. These precautions are not required to protect the stone,

but rather the products behind the stone. All warranties are voided, if not installed

according to the local building code and the manufacturers' recommendations.

19. Use of Olde Colonial Thin Veneer on overhead horizontal surfaces.

Horizontal overhead applications are not supported by current evaluation reports or

building codes. Please verify your installation with your building official and consult

with an engineer for specific design issues on your project. There are grout and mortar

manufacturers that will support their products use in these installations. Olde Colonial

Thin Veneer warranty would still cover our veneer products for manufacturing defects.

20. How do I install Olde Colonial Thin Veneer when there is an expansion joint?

Treat each section as a separate installation. Do not span expansions or control

joints with the stone, because you are hindering the joint from its intended purpose, and

that is to flex in a controlled area.

21. What is the installed weight?

The installed weight will vary depending on mortar used, grout method, and profile

chosen. The stone will range 6 - 12 lbs. per square feet. In a standard application, there is

also in the scratch coat and 1/4" to 1/2" bed of mortar that you firmly press the stone into.

If a specific weight it needed for a project, we recommend having an engineer evaluate the

system.

22. How many square feet will a bag of mortar cover when applying stone?

A 94 lb. bag covers 8 - 12 ft. for grouted applications and 10 - 14 ft. for dry stacked.

23. How do you clean the stone?

To clean dirt or other particles from the stone, first try a simple hard bristle brush

with water. If necessary, use a granulated mild type detergent mixed with water or a

solution of no more than 1 part white vinegar to 5 parts water. Rinse well with clean

water to remove any cleaning solution that might remain on the stone. Never use a power

washer, or paint remover. Never use any type of concrete or mortar cleaner without

professional advice. When cleaning mortar spilled on the stone, it helps if water is

running over the stone while rubbing the mortar with a piece of wood, or a harder surface

if required.

24. What should I do if the stone is damaged or chipped?

Unlike concrete veneers, a piece of Olde Colonial Thin Veneer that gets a chip

does not look like chipped or broken concrete, and does not require mortar to be flared out

of the mortar to cover the concrete broken edges.

25. Is the statement that natural stone is too expensive, true?

NO. Our least expensive Olde Colonial Thin Veneer is less expensive than most

concrete thin veneers. We have a very good range in pricing, as well as colors, and textures

We have been told by many people that our pricing is very fair, and our quality is well

above normal. Don't let someone tell you it costs more to lay our stone than concrete thin

veneers, when you do a fair comparison.

26. Does Olde Colonial Thin Veneer need a ledge detail at the bottom for structural

support, or can it hang freely without a support ledge?

No footings or support ledges are needed. Our product is an adhered veneer and is

supported on the wall by the bond of the mortar to the stone and scratch coat. Colonial

Brick & Stone Inc. also recommends an adhesive or mortar glue to be mixed into the

mortar mix for added adhering. In the second coat of mortar in wire lath applications

and in all mortar in a non-wire lath application.

27. How do you clean Efflorescence?

When efflorescence occurs, as it does with many masonry products, it is usually

the result of moisture migration through the masonry substrate. Once the moisture is on

the masonry surface, it evaporates, depositing dissolved salts in the form of efflorescence.

Efflorescence may be removed with a solution of 1 part vinegar to five parts water. Scrub

using a soft bristle brush and vinegar/water solution. Rinse well with clean water. If only

mineral laden water is available on the job site - bring in pure non-mineralized water

for your cleaning, with use of mineralized water the problem will continue to reoccur.

Note: natural stone has much less efflorescence problems than concrete or clay products,

and actually very rarely happens and is usually from minerals in the water issued for

mortar or cleaning purposes.

28. Protection against Graffiti?

In many areas, Olde Colonial Thin Veneer is considered a protection against

graffiti. The color blends and uneven textures of our stones are not the best canvas for

graffiti "artists". However, if you should choose to use an anti-graffiti coating, please

speak directly to the manufacturer of the product that you have specified, or that your

contractor has submitted for your approval. These products could encourage additional

efflorescence on the stones surface. No type of coating should be applied until the stone

has been on the wall for at least 38 days (in good drying condition).

29. Can I seal the stone?

It is not required to seal Olde Colonial Thin Veneer. If you choose to use a sealer

for added protection, use only a saline or silcxane based penetrating breathable sealer.

Note: A sealer may affect the stone color and or may create sheen. Always test a small

area beforehand that has not been applied to the wall. Also allow the mortar to cure well

in good drying conditions before sealing the wall. Thankfully when using Olde Colonial

Thin Veneer the concern is not the stone, but rather what is behind the stone.

30. What does Olde Colonial Thin Veneer recommend about flashing around

windows and doors?

To maintain the weather-resistance of the exterior wall on which the stone

products are installed, rigid, corrosion-resistance flashing, and a means of drainage

shall be installed at all penetrations and terminations of the stone cladding. Flashing

type and locations shall be in accordance with the requirements or all the applicable

codes and manufacturers recommendations.

31. Can we install your stone around a fireplace?

Olde Colonial Thin Veneer can be installed onto any structurally sound surface.

For all stone applications up to 30 feet in height, we recommend following all building

codes plus our installation procedures. There is a 30 foot limit for installations over

wood-framed sheathing. There's no specified limitations, but recommend checking

with your local building code to determine if there are any additional requirements

for installing adhered veneer in your area. Olde Colonial Thin Veneer is

non-combustible, and can be used on fireplaces and behind and under stoves.

32. What is the fire rating of your stone?

Olde Colonial Thin Veneer is natural stone and does not burn. This product is

non-combustible, therefore there is no fire rating.

33. How versatile is Olde Colonial Thin Veneer?

We understand that some of our customers desire many options on the same

project. Sometimes they want to use the same stone on a project, but want selections or

highlighted areas or quoin corners, and window surrounds to look different but

blending well. This is where our many years of installation experience helps us and

you. Many of our stones are available in many shapes, including random, squared,

ledgerock, sawn height, low rise, sawn height drystack, and northern collection. Also

when you have the choice of either tumbled or non-tumbled there is a large difference

in appearance.

34. Does Olde Colonial Thin Veneer require control joints?

Expansion or control joints can be installed to limit the effect of differention

movement of supports must be specified by the architect, designer or veneer

manufacturer, in that order. Consideration must also be given to movement caused by

temperature change, shrinkage, creep, and deflection. A control joint should also be

used if there are sections of full thickness stone or other masonry products butting up

against Olde Colonial Thin Veneer.

35. What kind of weather resistive barrier can I use?

The weather resistive barrier shall be equivalent to ASTM D 226, Type 1 No.

15 non-perforated asphalt-saturated felt or UBC Standard 14-1 Kraft water proof

building paper. However Colonial Brick & Stone Inc. requests that also be used if there

are sections of full thickness stone or other masonry products butting up against Olde

Colonial Thin Veneer.

36. How can I find out more about Olde Colonial Thin Veneer?

Contact Colonial Brick & Stone Inc. at 519-595-4261 or the local dealer

nearest you. If you find there is no dealer in your area, contact us if you would have

interest in that.

37. Disclaimer:

We request that our dealers are honest and service our customers well. We

suggest that all our dealers request that their customers sign this, or an equivalent

disclaimer. It is good to remind everyone that any product must be installed properly.

We accept responsibility to install this product in accordance to both local building

code and manufacturers recommendations. This mush be signed upon purchase or all

warranties are null and void. _____________

38. How do I give one of the tumbled surfaces the same original look if I have to chip

or shape a piece of stone?

Take a piece of the same kind of stone and rub it until the altered area looks

the same as the rest of the piece.

39. The beauty of real natural stone.

Nothing can compare with real natural stone when you take the beauties

of these products, and add the touch our craftsman's chisels you have a beautiful

product that is absolutely stunning. We take pride in our projects making a lasting

impression.

40. Rain Screen Systems

Olde Colonial Thin Veneer does not require the use of a rain screen system.

If you choose to use one of these systems, Olde Colonial Thin Veneer ltd. warranty

still covers our product for manufacturing defect as long as it is approved be a

licensed architect or engineer. However, if there are problems or damage that occurs

as a result or the rain screen system, this will not be covered by our warranty.

41. Is Olde Colonial Thin Veneer too heavy?

No. The maximum weight allowance for thin veneer is 15 lbs. per square

foot. Olde Colonial Thin Veneer ranges from 6 - 12 lbs. per square foot with most

of them between 9 - 12 lbs. per square foot.

42. The owner of Colonial Brick & Stone Inc., Elroy Wagler, has had 35 years experience in the

natural stone industry. Aside from owning a 1200 acre quarry property on Manitoulin Island and

running the processing facility with 4 guillotines, a nine foot saw, a veneer saw, 2 cut off saws, and

now their bush hammer, polisher, and bull nose capabilities, Mr. Wagler has many kinds of natural

stone. Mr. Wagler's wealth of knowledge is being transferred into the minds and hearts of his

family and employees where because of laying huge tonnages of natural stone with his own hands

and equipment himself, Mr. Wagler has the advantage of being able to develop methods of

production that bring each kind of stone to the most interesting and best beauty

possible. Colonial takes pride in the special touch that the unique professional hand work their

talented employees are putting into their thin veneer which makes it beautiful. Our flexibility in

finishes and blends also gives you tremendous capability. The most recent theme our company and

distributors have come up with is: "build and landscape to match" where you can do the

landscape and water feature in the back yard and later match the house with the possibility of

matching thin veneer or look out the window and see a landscape matching your new thin veneer

fireplace - one inside, one outside, but blending through the view of the window.

43. A question on durability?

We have so much confidence in our stone, that we welcome the concrete thin veneers, and

even some of the natural thin veneers, that are being produced from stones that are not strong

enough, to enter a fair contest with us. In this contest- we place numerous kinds of products

into a water puddle, for only one winter and we will review the results in the spring. Then for

the ones that are still intact, after that abuse the next winter, we can add some de-icier salt and

review the results in the spring. We have noticed that there are many products on the market

today that are deteriorating on the pallet, where it can dry off periodically, they don't stand a

chance in the water puddle test. It's up to you to decide if you see a product that does not survive

the water puddle test for one winter, do you want it on your house?

44. Taking care of my product.

We recommend that if our Olde Colonial Thin Veneer gets in contact with or gets set on

dust, dirt, ground, gravel, petroleum products, or anything that would hinder it adhering to the

wall, proper cleaning procedures should be used before attempting to use the product.

45. Resale Value

Which has more resale value

(a) concrete stone made in a mold with only a skin thin texture to try to make it look real

(b) real natural stone

46. What is a proper corner for thin veneer?

It's the corner that gives the entire project either a real or imitation appearance.

Mr. Wagler, at Colonial Brick & Stone Inc., and because of his many years of installation

experience, takes this very seriously. Too many concrete and natural stone producers do a very

short wrap around return, some as little as 1.5" and many are 3" x 3", 4" x 4", 5" x 5". This

leaves the corner looking weak (and it is) and it shows poor quality on the manufacturers'

part as well as it makes the installer look like they don't know what they are doing. We are

proud of our Olde Colonial Thin Veneer corner. We make many of them up to 12" long and

some kinds are available with some corners returning around the corner up to 8". After

installed ones eye catches a glimpse of the thickest return and believes that's how thick the

wall is.

47. Consider all these facts.

Your house deserves the best appearance and strongest stone available as well as a real

stone supplier that really cares about you and your home.

48. Olde Colonial Thin Veneer is available from a dealer and distributor network throughout North

America. However, if you find there are no dealers close to you, contact us.