Masonry Magazine August 2010 Page. 30
MANUFACTURED STONE
Consult with the specific AMSMV manufacturer for complete installation information including flashing, weep screeds, expansion joints and other critical detailing elements.
The problem
UNFORTUNATELY, traditional site mixed masonry mortars fall short in their ability to withstand the demanding conditions that AMSMV typically face. They simply don't have the adhesion strength or durability to withstand the rigors of such an installation. Therefore, many of these installations experience bond failure as the veneer separates from the substrate and eventually falls off the building (see figure 4). In many cases, Type S and Type N masonry mortars do not even achieve the code prescribed shear bond strength requirement of 50 psi (345 kPa). This is due to the fact that Type S and Type N mortars are not designed to achieve high shear bond strength; they are typically used to bed brick, block and stacked stone and therefore, shear bond strength is not one of this mortar's better qualities - it's just not designed for it.
A major problem is that traditional AMSMV applications typically only use damp-proofing/weather proofing membranes (e.g. 15-pound builders felt) in lieu of true waterproofing membrane products. Therefore, water infiltration is a common problem associated with many AMSMV applications as the damp-proofing/weather proofing membranes are not sufficient to prevent water infiltration. This problem is magnified as the water infiltration also causes freeze/thaw damage in colder climates and thermal expansion problems in warmer climates along with corrosion of the wire lath and its fasteners (see figure 5). The Type S and Type N mortars described above are also susceptible to this damage.
The brief history of AMSMV has demonstrated that more robust installation products and methodology are required. This is where familiarity with installation materials and methodology commonly used by dimensional stone installation companies comes into play along with proven technology and innovation from LATICRETE International, Inc.
In The News
Veneerstone LLC. Purchases Modern Stone of Arizona LP
The manufactured stone industry sees its first consolidation move in years. In a strategic move, Modern Stone of Arizona was purchased by Veneerstone, which also owns Tejas Textured Stone. This acquisition strengthens the company's national footprint and expands its product offering. "Veneerstone is a family-owned company that is committed to earning the business of its distributors. This acquisition strengthens the brand, allowing the company to service its customers with greater efficiency and cost effectiveness," says Dan Mulhern, president of Veneerstone.
Veneerstone is a national producer of manufactured stone and thin brick with three plant locations in Plano, Texas; McClellan, Calif.; and Orlando, Fla.