Natural

Thin Stone
Veneer
T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N GUIDE
 Natural Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Thin Stone Explanation of Natural Thin Veneer . . . . . . . . . . .2

Advantages of Natural Thin Veneer . . . . . . . . . . .2

Product Comparison Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Veneer Product Specification Description . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Stone Type
Packaging
Quality Criteria
Usage
Technical Data

Waterproofing Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Moisture Control
Flashing
Caulk
Metal Lath

General Surface Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Concrete Block or Brick
Framed Exterior Wall

Installation Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Type Mortar
Bonding Agent
Setting Natural Thin Stone Veneer

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Cleaning
Sealing (optional)

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Availability
Preface Cost
The following information was Sources
developed to provide basic guidelines
for architects, engineers, and
contractors regarding the installation of
natural thin stone veneer. This general
information brochure gives suggested
guidelines; however, it does not
override any local building codes.
Introduction
Stone has been used for thousands of years. Since ancient times, natural stone has been an enduring symbol of wealth,
beauty, and sheer magnificence.
Natural Thin Stone Veneer has been fabricated for many years. Recently, machinery (by a variety of manufacturers) has
evolved to cut natural full dimensional stone to natural thin stone veneer (nominal 1-1/4 inch thickness). The machinery can
also cut 90 degree corners which are used for corner applications, concealing the true thickness of the stone. The results?
Natural Thin Stone Veneer weighs less than full thickness veneer thanks to the thin cut. The lightweight pieces help reduce
production, shipping, and construction costs. In addition, Natural Thin Stone Veneer can be installed without footings or
ledges and adheres to concrete, plywood, paneling, drywall, and even metal.
Most consumers prefer natural stone over man-made cast concrete materials, which is why Natural Thin Stone Veneer is
becoming so popular in the marketplace.

ExplanationofNaturalThinStoneVeneer 2
Full Dimensional Stone = 3 - 5 inches depth & 40 - 73 lbs./sq ft
Natural Thin Veneer = 1-1/4 nominal inch (generally), 15 lbs./sq ft or less
In order to be considered a Natural Thin Veneer, the weight of the stone needs to be less than 15 lbs/sq foot as
described in the 1997 Uniform Building Code.
In order for this to be accomplished, the stone (pictured above) needs to be a nominal 1-1/4 inches thick.
The thicknesses of other types of stone may vary depending on the density of the stone.
Natural Thin Veneer is typically less than 1/2 (or more) the thickness of Full Thickness Veneer.
In addition, the weight of Natural Thin Veneer can be just a fraction of Full Thickness Veneer, sometimes
75% less.

AdvantagesofNaturalThinStone Veneer
Freeze/Thaw Cycle Non-patterned
Shapes/textures Customized without sacrificing look/quality
Consistency in manufacturing process = meets Available in all Natural Stone limestone,
weight requirements granite, bluestone, sandstone, mica and others
Variety No support ledge required ideal for
Durability remodeling projects
Low maintenance Can be applied directly over brick and other rigid
Many sources structures
Its the real thing others trying to imitate Interior applications work very well. The use of
look and feel Natural Thin Stone veneer in a remodeling job
can add tremendous value to a project
 ProductComparisonMatrix

Characteristics Natural Thin Veneer Full Thickness Veneer Man-Made/Concrete Veneer

Color Availability Natural tones and hues, no Natural tones and hues, no Predictable manufactured colors
unnatural reproductions unnatural reproductions Unpredictable consistency

Material Entirely natural stone Entirely natural stone Cement, oxide colors, various
Composition aggregates and other chemicals

Long-Lasting/ New application of Proven over centuries Short history, warranties are
Durability proven material needed to promote product

Design Flexibility Allows creative and Allows creative and Defined and predictable patterns
custom patterns custom patterns Limited to number of molds

Product Availability Abundant Abundant Limited to cement and

geographic availability

Color Maintained throughout life Maintained throughout life Prone to fading over time
of product of product

Product Specification Description

3 Stone Type
Natural Thin Stone Veneer is to be 100% natural quarried stone. No concrete composite stone is to be accepted. Stone is to
be sound type and is recommended to be tested to ATSM specifications. It is also recommended that this material be packaged
carefully in boxes or on pallets, stored off the ground and protected from the elements.
Packaging
Consider that packaging by different fabricators varies from waxed cardboard containers, wooden pallets with wire wrapping,
to wooden crates. The thin stone product is to be packaged in a durable non-staining, protective packaging designed to minimize
damage to products during shipping and outdoor storage. The name of the product should be identified on each package of
product.
Quality Criteria
Natural Thin Stone Veneer should meet minimum quality standards as follows:
Thickness range: 3/4 minimum to 1-1/2 maximum
Weight per square foot: Stone should weigh no more than 15 lbs per square foot for the thickest stone.
Natural Formation: No open seams or starts or cracks. No high percentages of rusting or oxidizing minerals
which may cause excess staining and bleeding after installation.
Face area: Minimum 1/8 sq. ft. per face with minimum dimension of 2 in any direction.
Corner stones: Minimum of 3 length on return on any exposed side of corner stones.
Tests: Meets or exceeds required ASTM testing levels for absorption, compressive strength, and flexural
strength for the appropriate geological stone type.
Usage
Natural Thin Stone Veneer is fabricated to offer the original beauty that only natural stone can provide but is designed for a
lightweight non-structural installation. A support ledge is not needed for a successful installation, provided the natural thin stone
veneer weight is 15 lbs. per square foot or less.
Technical Data
Product information and testing data should be requested and obtained from the product manufacturer. Contact Moon
Export India for manufacturers and distributors in your area.
WaterproofingProcedures
Listed below are general procedures used to waterproof areas before the installation of Natural Thin Stone Veneer. Waterproofing is an
extremely important process which must meet or exceed all local building codes and MEI recommends that a highly qualified waterproofing
company/contractor handle this portion of the installation or knowledgeable mason subcontractor adhering to industry standard.
Moisture Control
If additional moisture control is desired, a moisture-resistant barrier can be applied to all vertical wood or moisture-sensitive
backup walls. Overlap adjoining sheets of moisture barrier a minimum of 2 on horizontal joints and minimum 6 on vertical
joints. It is recommended by Moon Exports India to include a weep system behind an exterior installation of Natural Full Veneer
and Natural Thin Stone Veneer. Contact the Moon Exports India office or visit the Web site www.moonexportsindia.com for
further weep system information.
Flashing
It is important to provide a weather shield, flashing, or caulk at all material transition points and at all areas that could
lead to possible moisture penetration, including but not limited to all window and door openings, electrical outlets, electrical
fixtures and plumbing fixtures. It is important to follow manufacturers specifications for correct installations. Flashing needs to
be applied under water tables and sills, and the base of walls where this veneer meets a brick or other ledge.
Caulk
Cut paper-backed lath as close as possible around electrical outlets, and then caulk between the outlet and the lath. Apply
silicone caulk to the sides of all windows and doorways. Caulk all joints which occur between thin stone veneer and dissimilar
materials like wood, glass, vinyl, and also at all control and movement joints which occur in the structure. Use backer rods in
caulked control joints to allow for proper joint movement during expansion and contraction.

GeneralSurfacePreparation
If there is a chemical film on the wall it needs to be removed. In many instances the film may be removed with sandblasting or
etching with masonry detergents. The use of acid to remove the film is also a consideration however, in all cases you should
check with the manufacturer of the product(s) to make sure it will not damage the underlying surface. The removal process
will also make the wall surface less smooth which will aid in the installation process. 4
Concrete Block or Brick
Natural Thin Stone veneer can be applied directly to any new or
Block or Brick
existing concrete block or brick surface. (Fig. 1) It is important to make sure
that the existing surface and wall is sound and without defects, and that the
surface has not been painted or sealed. In the case of a poured concrete
wall, all form release chemicals should be either sandblasted or removed Setting Mix
with a masonry detergent before the application of the natural thin stone
veneer. Grout Joint
Framed Exterior Walls Natural Thin Stone Veneer
For exterior walls a non-corrosive paper-backed lath is applied (see
waterproofing instructions). All wood surfaces require the application Fig. 1
of non-corrosive wire lath and a setting mix (between 1/2 - 1 thick) before
applying natural thin stone veneer (Fig 2). Studs in walls are covered with Wall Studs
exterior grade wood sheathing or cement mesh mortar units as chosen by
builder. Minimum thickness of 1/2 is recommended. Plywood or Sheetrock

Building Paper
Metal Lath
For applications that involve installing paper-backed corrosion resistant Metal Lath
wire lath: After the first piece of lath is correctly placed at the bottom of the Setting Mix
wall, continue up the wall overlapping a minimum of 3 for each piece of lath
from the bottom to the top. Wrap metal lath around and overlap at corners a Grout Joint
minimum of 16. Use self-furring, non-corrosive, expanded metal lath,
Fig. 2
3.4 lbs per yard weight. Use Galvanized, barbed nails (or another quality
anchor system such as galvanized screws and washers) at 6 vertical centers, in line with wall stud horizontal spacing. Place
nails in furring groove or dimples to preserve 1/4 furring away from wall of metal lath. Overlap horizontal joints of lath a
minimum of 1 and vertical joints a minimum of 1. A paper-backed metal lath can be utilized to avoid the need for a separate
moisture control barrier being applied prior to the metal lath.
 InstallationProcedures
Mortar Type
Type N or S mortar is used for installing Natural Thin Stone Veneer depending upon the type of stone being installed. Check
with producer for a recommendation.
Bonding Admixtures
The use of a bonding admixture with the mortar may be recommended to add bonding strength (check with your stone dealer
for recommendation). Please refer to the selected bonding agent instructions for recommended mixture quantities. Extra care
should be taken when using bonding agents since dropping can be difficult to remove once they cure. The use of an epoxy, thin
set and/or construction adhesives should only be used in interior applications. Admixtures are necessary for all soffit or overhead
conditions.
Setting Natural Thin Stone Veneer
Now that the metal lath and the scratch coat have been applied, installation of the natural thin stone can proceed.
If corner pieces are required for the application it will be best to start with the corners first. This will provide a better
guide for your pattern to continue around the corner.
Most corner pieces will have a long end and a short end. These pieces should alternate in opposite directions, as
they are stacked, one upon the other.
The back of each stone should be covered 100% with a thickness of at least 1/2 of mortar. A bit more mortar can
be added towards the center of the back of each stone.
The stone should be pressed firmly against the scratch coat wall to ensure a sound bond.
Extra mortar will ooze out around the edges as each stone is set in place. This extra mortar will fill in around the
stone creating your grout joints.
If you choose not to use this method to fill the joints, then the joints can be filled with grout using a grout bag and/or
5 a tuck pointing tool.
Make sure to create control and movement joints in the veneer in the same places that they exist in the structure.
These control and movement joints serve to allow for the movement of the structure as it settles and moves from
environmental changes. Consult a local contractor, your builder, or structural engineering professional to determine
the need for these special joints.

1. Surface to be covered
2. Construction Paper
3. Metal Lath
4. Setting Mix
5. Natural Thin Stone Veneer
Maintenance
Cleaning
If mortar contacts the face of the stone, allow it to dry slightly and then pick the mortar from the face. If removed when
very wet, the mortar can smear and cause more work later. If a bonding admixture is used in the mortar then remove the
mortar as soon as possible by dry brushing and then damp sponge. Do not attempt to smear the mortar. It is suggested to
wet the stonework down with water and then to apply a mild cleaning detergent with a soft bristle brush to remove any dirt
or mortar smear left from the installation. DO NOT USE ANY TYPE OF ACID. Always wet the stone first before applying any
cleaning solutions to prevent over-absorption of the cleaning solution, and always ask your dealer for a recommended cleaner.
Cleaners perform differently and your needs will vary depending upon the stone used.
Sealing (optional)
If a sealer is required, first check with the natural stone supplier as to a sealer that may be recommended for your stone.
Topical sealers and impregnators are available for application when enhancement of the color or water repellency is required.
Make sure to choose products which are not harmed by ultra-violet rays, alkali, do not yellow, and do not interfere with
evaporation of moisture through the stone. Always test a small area before full application. Once sealers are applied to the
stone it must be considered that re-application of the sealers will be necessary over time. Longevity varies and re-sealing
times can range from 1 year to 10 years depending on the product, application, and exposure. The sealer should not be
applied until the stonework and mortar has time to completely cure. EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: The installation instructions by
the sealer manufacturer must be followed.

GeneralInformation
Availability
Natural Thin Stone Veneer may be purchased from a quarry or one of their authorized dealers throughout the United States
and Canada. Most dealers can also provide installation services or can recommend a qualified installation company.
Cost
Natural Thin Stone Veneer is priced per square foot. Prices will vary in different locations due to such variables as shipping
cost, installation applications, and material costs. Materials are usually packaged in certain units, like pallets or boxes,
6
and require purchase of the entire unit. Always allow an overage (consult your stone supplier for an exact percentage) in
purchasing to allow for selection of product which goes into the final installation. Cost savings on Natural Thin Stone Veneer
are typically realized in the shipping and installation portion of the quote.
Therefore it is extremely important to price out the entire project from start
to finish to realize the entire savings. Typically, natural thin stone processing
costs are slightly higher than for full veneer, due to the added cuts and labor
to make the thin stone lightweight. Cost savings are realized through lower
freight costs and shortened installation times.
Moon Exports Manufacture, Suppliers & exporters of India natural stones, sandstone, limestone, marble, granite & thin
stone veneer Govt. of India Recognized Export House.
Moon Exports Group is Government of India recognized Exports House and
limited liability company registered under the Indian companies act promoted by a group of committed
people with an experience of more than Artifacts in Natural stones Manning, Building Construction and
building materials supply , The key success factor of our organization is experienced and qualified team
and this team experience help us to serve you in an effective and efficient manner.

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