Installation Instructions

STONE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL INFORMATION
CLEANING
Dirt, etc., may be removed by using a solution of granulated soap or detergent and water with a bristle brush. Do not use a
wire brush as it will cause damage to the surface. Rinse immediately with fresh water. Do not attempt to clean using acid or
acid-containing products, power-washing, sandblasting or wire-brush cleaning.
ENHANCED BOND
Refer to MVMA Installation Guide Table 2 for application specific mortar recommendations. Pre-blended modified mortars,
bonding agents and enhancers may provide greater bond strength. Enhanced bond strength capability may be desired for
tight fit applications, tilt up construction or where code jurisdictions require higher bond strength. These products must be
compatible with manufactured stone and used in strict accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. These products may
also have specific requirements regarding hot or cold weather, exposure to rain/water while curing or water used to
dampen the stone units prior to installation.
SALT & DE-ICING CHEMICALS
Because concrete and masonry are vulnerable to damage by salt, Modulo Stone products are not warranted against damage
incurred from salt or other chemicals used to remove snow or ice. Do not use de-icing chemicals on areas immediately
adjacent to a Modulo Stone manufactured stone veneer application.
SCUFFING
Scuffing occurs on all natural stone. Occasionally some scuffing will occur on the surface of Modulo Stone products. This can
enhance the natural appearance of your Modulo Stone manufactured stone veneer installation. Some scuff marks can be
removed by cleaning as described above.
EFFLORESCENCE
Efflorescence is a water-soluble salt that is deposited on the surface of stucco, concrete, brick and other masonry products by
the evaporation of water from the wall. On rare occasions efflorescence will occur on Modulo Stone products. To remove
efflorescence, allow the stone to dry thoroughly, then scrub vigorously with a stiff bristle brush and clean water. Rinse
thoroughly—do not use a wire brush. For more difficult efflorescence problems, scrub thoroughly with a solution of 1 part
white household vinegar to 5 parts water. Rinse thoroughly.
WATER REPELLENT TREATMENTS/SEALERS
Sealers are not necessary on Modulo Stone products. However, some customers use sealers to help prevent staining in
applications prone to smoke, soot, dirt or water splashing. If you choose to use a sealer, make sure it is a Silane, Siloxane or
Silane-Siloxane blend breathable sealer. Take note that sealers may darken the color of the stone. A sealer may also slow the
natural movement of moisture out of the stone and increase the possibility of efflorescence and/or spalling. For information
regarding actual performance or application of sealers, contact the manufacturer of the sealer directly.
RAINSCREEN STATEMENT
Some building codes require a rainscreen behind cladding materials, including manufactured stone veneer. If you are
installing manufactured stone/brick veneer in one of these jurisdictions, or are concerned about extreme weather
conditions, it is recommended that you choose a rainscreen system that can achieve the following:
•
The system should create a space with a minimum depth of /" (5 mm) & max depth of ¾" (19 mm).
•
The materials should be corrosion and rot resistant.
•
Unless otherwise designed to manage moisture vapor with ventilation, the rainscreen system should be vapor
open.
•
If rainscreen space is created with a material other than solid strapping/ furring attached directly to framing, the
following must be considered. Lath fasteners must be capable of supporting the weight of the finished wall
cladding system considering the unsupported/cantilevered portion of fastener that is equal to the thickness of
the rainscreen materials.