Installing Stone Veneer Panels On An Exterior

STEP 1:

Orient Panels & Determine Installation Order

1. Orient each of the panels so that the flat lip on the long side (A) is up.
2. Each panel is hand painted and unique. In some cases, a style includes multiple molds to create an even more realistic look. Frequently the panels will have “A” and “B” stamped on the flat lip (A) to indicate the different molds. When both are available, it is a good idea to try to alternate between A and B panels when installing.
3. It is helpful to establish an order for the panels by laying them out prior to starting the installation process. Look at the variation in color and texture to ensure no one section draws the eye.

STEP 2:

Prepare Surfaces

Tools:

• Clean Cloth
• Tack Cloth
• Wire Brush

1. Ensure wall is stable ad in good condition
2. Wipe hard sufaces with a wire brush to remove loose debris.
3. Wipe walls wih a tack cloth to remove any dirt or sawdust. Clean surfaces are required to ensure the panel adhere properly.

STEP 3:

Install Drainage Mat

Tools:

• Deck Screws
• Screw Gun/Drill Driver with Driver Bits

NOTE: Skip this step if installing with adhesive only method over concrete, masonry, or metal.

1. Orient the roll so that the grid side faces the wall and the smoother side faces out.
2. Fasten the drainage mat to the wall using deck screws long enough to pass through the mat, house wrap, and into the structural material.

STEP 4:

Draw Level Line

Tools:

• Pencil
• Level / Laser Level
• Chalk Line / Laser

Find the high point on the floor/ground using a level. Place a full size panel against the wall and mark the height. Draw a level line the length of the wall.

STEP 5:

Install Corner Piece (optional)

If you are using corner pieces as part of your project, the first corner should be installed prior to starting the first row of the panel installation.

Interlocking corners: Install it and the panels by following Step 7 through Step 9, skipping Step 6 for the panels. Figure A

Flush corners: Install the corner by following Step 7 through Step 9. The panels will then need to be trimmed as shown in Step 6. Figure B

STEP 6:

Trim First Panel

Tools:

• Pencil
• Tape Measure
• T-square
• Wood Cutting Saw with Finish Blade

NOTE: Skip if installing interlocking corners.

For all panels except River Rock & Fieldstone:

1. Turn the panel over on a soft surface and mark where you intend to cut the panel. Trim the panel, using a wood cutting saw with a finish blade.
2. We recommend cutting off at least ¼ of the panel to minimize waste.
3. The slot side will be used first. Reserve the finger side for use later in the project.

For River Rock and Fieldstone panels:
NOTE: These styles will not have staggered seams.

1. Determine the number of panels needed to run the length of the first row.
2. Trim the bottom off each panel so that they will sit flush with the floor/ground.
3. Trim the fingers off the first panel.

STEP 7:

Apply Adhesive

Tools:

• Caulk Gun
• Loctite PL 3X
• Tack Cloth

Adhesive-Only Installation Over Concrete, Masonry or Metal Tools:

• Great Stuff Applicator Gun
• Great Stuff Pro Construction Adhesive
• Disposable gloves

Wipe the back of the panel with a tack cloth to remove debris.

Adhesive and Fastener Installation:
Turn the panel over on a soft surface and apply beads of Loctite PL 3X adhesive to the back of the panel in vertical lines spaced no more than 3” apart. Also add a dab of adhesive to the back of each finger.

Adhesive-Only Installation:
Wearing gloves and following the instructions on the Great Stuff Pro™ Construction Adhesive canister, turn the panel over and apply beads of Great Stuff Pro™ Construction Adhesive to the panel in vertical lines starting 2” from the edge and in 6” increments along the interior of the panel, and a dab on the back of each panel finger. When applying to metal buildings ensure that the adhesive beads align with any embossed patterns in the cladding.

STEP 8:

Adhere Panel to Wall

Tools:

• Level

1. Use a slight twisting motion to ensure good contact.
2. Ensure panel is level, lines up with the level line drawn in Step 3 and plumb with the edge of the wall.

STEP 9:

Screw Panel to Wall

Tools:

• Deck Screws
• Screw Gun / Drill Driver & Driver Bits

NOTE: Skip this step if installing with adhesive only method.

Place (1) screw per foot along the perimeter and (1) screw per square foot in the middle of the panel. Screws should be slightly recessed. Place screws under protruding rocks or in grout lines to make them less noticeable.

DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN SCREWS.

STEP 10:

Add Adhesive and Caulk

Tools:

• Clean Cloth
• Caulk Gun
• Color Coordinating Textured Caulk
• Loctite PL 3X

1. Add adhesive to the lip of the panel about 1” from the face.
2. Also apply a bead of textured caulk where the face meets the panel. Caulk must be added during this step. Adding caulk later will not protect against water and result in a less realistic appearance.
3. Use a damp cloth to remove any excess adhesive or caulk.

STEP 11:

Repeat Steps 7–10

Tools:

• Clean Cloth
• Caulk Gun
• Color Coordinating Textured Caulk
• Loctite PL 3X

1. Butt the panels tightly together while following the level line. Dry fit each panel before applying adhesive to ensure it fits flush.Trim if necessary. The last panel on the row will have to be trimmed from the finger side of a panel.
2. Wipe off any excess caulk or adhesive with a damp cloth before it dries.

STEP 12:

Start Next Row

Tools:

• Caulk Gun
• Loctite PL 3X
• Wood Cutting Saw with Finish Blade
• Pencil
• Chalk Line / Laser
• Level

1. For multiple rows, start the next row directly above the first panel, taking care to offset the seams (does not apply to River Rock or Fieldstone panels). Panels are designed to create a shiplap joint.
2. Before installing each panel on the next row apply adhesive to the top lip of the panel below. Take care when placing the panel to ensure a tight fit with the panel below.

STEP 13:

Touch-Up As Needed

Tools:

• Water
• Touch-Up Kit
• Paint Brush
• Clean Cloth
• Cotton Swabs
• Caulk Gun
• Color Coordinating Textured Caulk

1. Add a bead of caulk to seal any mitered joints and where a panel butts against another surface (like an adjoining wall).
2. Add caulk to fill in voids, gaps and holes from screw heads. Carefully blend before it dries.
3. If your touch-up kit contains a base coat, use a cotton swab to apply a light layer of the base coat and allow it to dry completely (about 30 minutes).
4. Using a paint brush, apply the appropriate paint then dab with a soft cloth to blend and allow to dry completely (about 30 minutes).
5. If your touch-up kit contains a wash, apply the wash using a paint brush and dab with a soft cloth to blend. If the bottle is labeled “wash concentrate” add tap water to the neck of the bottle, screw the lid back on and shake to mix before using.