30
Oct

Stone Veneer Maintenance & Installation: What Homeowners Should Know Before Winter

Stucco home with stone veneer facade

Winter approaches. Temperatures are dropping, and soon they’ll be dipping below freezing. With this kind of weather setting in, the cold can quickly accelerate damage to your stone veneer. This component of your home offers plenty of benefits, but it still requires proper maintenance if you want to keep it in tip-top shape.

Whether you’re planning a new stone veneer installation or simply applying some stone maintenance to an existing facade, here’s what you should know about defending it against winter and everything that comes with it.

Types of Stone Veneer: Natural vs. Manufactured

Let’s start with a distinction. Do you have natural or manufactured veneer?

  • Natural: As the name implies, this material is made from actual stone, giving your veneer that natural, timeless look that offers impressive durability. That said, it’s heavier and more costly than its manufactured counterpart. On that note…
  • Manufactured: This is made from concrete molds and pigments in order to mimic the look of natural stone. The upside? It’s lighter and more cost effective, as well as flexible from a customization standpoint.

No matter which stone veneer installation you choose, it’s essential you have it done professionally. With a trained pro behind the project, you’re ensuring the final product is ready to withstand the weather with no weaknesses!

Maintenance Essentials to Perform Before Winter

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk stone maintenance (natural and manufactured). We recommend the “heavy lifting” is done by Robey professionals, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do on your own to bolster your winter defenses. Here are the steps you can take:

  • Cleaning and Gentle Care: Ready a soft brush, mild detergent, and water and get ready to remove the mold and mildew from your veneer. Make sure you stay away from harsh chemicals, pressure washers, and wire brushes, as they can damage the stone’s finish.
  • Inspection Checklist
    • Check the stone for any cracks or loose pieces.
    • Examine your flashing, weep holes, and mortar joints to make sure there’s no alarming gaps or other wear and tear.
    • If there’s any water intrusion, address it promptly.

In addition to these essentials you can perform on your own, sealant and waterproofing can be applied to get the surface ready for winter. The surface needs to be cleaned and dried. A high-quality masonry sealant or waterproofing membrane is then carefully applied.

Winter-Specific Challenges for Stone Veneer

Weather doesn’t discriminate. You’re on your own making sure your property is protected from it. If your veneer is poorly installed, the cold can be unforgiving, causing:

  • Freeze-thaw damage, which could cause shifting and crumbling
  • Moisture intrusion, which can cause water to become trapped behind the veneer, leading to long-term (and costly) structural damage

Deicing chemicals are also commonly used during the winter months, but please use caution. Salts and harsh chemicals can cause degradation in natural and manufactured stone veneer alike. It’s important to only use chemicals and products that won’t harm your home.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (and How Robey Prevents Them)

One small misstep when maintaining your stone veneer installation could spell trouble, and there are a few mistakes that are all too common.

  • Using improper materials such as standard mortar that isn’t rated for exterior veneers.
  • Cleaning with powerful pressure washers, steel wool, and other abrasive tools.
  • Letting vegetation overtake your veneer, trapping moisture and eating away at the material.

To avoid making costly mistakes, it’s best to get in contact with the people who are familiar with this kind of maintenance. At Robey, we’re always happy to lend a hand and maintain your home.

Considering New Stone Veneer Installation Before Winter

You don’t want to be doing a stone veneer installation or maintenance in the middle of winter. Instead, you want everything to be in order before that harsh weather hits. With such moderate weather conditions, fall is a great time to make it happen. The working conditions are ideal, site access isn’t hindered by snow, and materials have plenty of time to set. Win-win-win!

With that said, the clock is ticking this year. If we’re unable to fit you into our schedule before winter, we’re happy to come up with a plan for next year. In the meantime, we’re happy to perform an inspection to make sure no big issues are on the horizon for your stone veneer today.

Maintenance and Service Plans Offered by the Installer

When you have this work done by a professional, you’re getting more than quality work. You can get a maintenance plan that works for you. Long-term care means that this investment of yours can be properly maintained down the line with:

  • Annual inspections
  • Sealant reapplication
  • Mortar and flashing repair as needed
  • And, of course, winter prep

Trusted Stone Veneer Experts Will Make Your Winter Easier

In short, proper installation and maintenance is key to avoiding damage to your veneer. While routine inspections and small repairs can be done by the homeowner, it’s best to leave the heavy lifting to Robey professionals who are familiar with the ins and outs of installation. The good news is that we’re just a phone call away. Get in touch today!