Installation

General Surface Preparation Guidelines

Concrete Block or Brick
Providing the existing wall or structure is sound and without defect, paints, or sealers, ThinStone™ can be applied directly to any new or existing block or brick surface.

Framed Exterior Walls
Build exterior walls to local building codes. Follow stud size, sheathing, and substrate thickness requirements.

Water Proofing Procedures

Here are some general procedures to keep in mind when waterproofing areas prior to ThinStone™ installation.

Flashing and Moisture Control
Provide a rubber weather shield, flashing, or caulk at all material transition points and at any area that could lead to possible moisture penetration, including window and door openings, electrical outlets, and electrical or plumbing fixtures. Follow the manufacturer's specification for correct installation methods. Include a weep system behind exterior installations of ThinStone™.

Installation Procedures

Mortar

Use Specmix® Polymer Modified Stone Veneer Mortar or Laticrete® Masonry Veneer Mortar for ThinStone™ applications.

Metal Lath

Use paper-backed, non-corrosive wire lath that meets ASTM C847 standards with the manufacturer recommended fasteners. Place and secure the first piece of wire lath at the bottom of the wall. Overlap the next piece of lath at a minimum of 3" and secure into place. Continue installing the wire lath up the wall from the bottom to the top, carefully overlapping each piece.

Bonding Agent

Use a bonding agent mixed with mortar to add additional bonding strength. Refer to the manufacturer's recommendation for mixture quantities. Use extra care with bonding agents as they are difficult to remove once they are cured.

Installing Natural ThinStone™ Veneer

Please use the following steps as a guideline for interior and exterior installation:

Interior & Exterior ThinStone™ Installation:

1. Once the metal lath and scratch coat are complete, proceed with the ThinStone™ installation. (The scratch coat is extremely important in an exterior installation where the area is exposed to both weather and nature.)
2. If applicable, install the corner pieces first in order to provide a better guide for the pattern to continue around the corner. (Most corner pieces have a long and short end.)
3. Alternate these pieces in opposite directions as they are stacked, one on top of the other.
4. Cover 100% of the back of each stone with at least ½" of mortar. (Additional mortar can be added towards the center of the back of each stone.)
5. Press the stone firmly against the scratch coat to ensure a sound bond. (Excess mortar will ooze out around the edges as each stone is set in place, creating grout joints.)
6. Alternatively, point the joints with the concrete mixture following installation of the field.

Cleaning

Wash down the stonework with water and apply a mild cleaning detergent such as Dry Treat Hannafinn Skavenja at least 48 hours after the stone has been installed. Use a stiff nylon brush to remove any dirt or mortar smear left from the installation.

Sealing

If a sealer is required, use a breathable sealer for exterior applications. Breathable sealers such as Dry Treat Hannafinn Stainproof Original can help enhance the color of the stone while protecting against weatherproofing failures that occur over the life of a wall or building. Do not apply the sealer until the stonework and mortar have cured. Follow the specific instructions of the sealer manufacturer.