Installation Steps

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Step1: Securing Metal Lath

Apply moisture barrier of Stucco Wrap and 30lb. felt, or equivalent. Starting from the bottom , overlap horizontal joints by 4” and vertical joints by 8”. All corners should be wrapped 16”. Then, in accordance to local building code, apply 2 1/2 lb. Mesh, overlapping in the same manner as the felt paper. Lath should lay flat against supporting surface with no loose spots. Fasten with galvanized nails or staples, at least 1” into the studs, every 6”.

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Step2: Mortar Application

When applying bed coat or scratch coat over metal lath, spread evenly over the lath approximately 3/8” to 5/8” thick, keeping surface fairly flat. See mortar mix below for mixing instructions.

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Step3: Applying the Stone

Lay out 1 to 3 boxes of stone in your work area for easy stone selection. Apply corner stone first and work down and across the wall surface. (With some stones you may want to work from the bottom up.) Spread 1/2” of mortar evenly across the entire back of the stone. To set stone the stone, apply even pressure on the entire stone using a circular motion. This will help to set the stone. Sometimes you may have to adjust your mortar consistency depending on weather conditions. It may be necessary to dampen the back of stones or the scratch coat in extremely hot or dry weather, in order to achieve proper bonding.

Note: These specifications were current at the time of publication but are subject to change at any time without notice. Please confirm the accuracy of these specifications with the manufacturer and/or distributor prior to installation.

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Step4: Grouting the Stone
Using a grout bag, fill between the stone from the wall out to the stone surface. Do not over-fill the joints and mess the stone surface. To enhance the appearance of your stone, match the grout color to the stone. This will also allow for coverage of cuts, giving the stone a natural look.

 

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Step5: Striking the Joints
When mortar becomes firm to the touch, strike the joints with a striking tool. Be sure to press grout firmly, filling any voids. When done, lightly sweep excess mortar dust from stone.

 

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Installation Tips

 

Mortar Mix

Using Type M or N mortar, mix to a moist consistency. Mortar that is too dry may not bond properly and mortar mixed too wet will lose strength. All stone setting materials should be clean of salts or chemicals that may cause efflorescence.

 

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Cleaning Stone

To remove mortar and light scuffing, clean immediately with a little water and a soft nylon brush. When mortar has bonded to the face of the stone, it is very hard to remove so it is very important to clean the day of installation.

To protect the beauty of your Dutch Quality Stone, do not sandblast, pressure wash, use wire brushes or acidic compounds to clean your stone.

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Contractor & Architect

Dutch Quality Stone recommends a sealer be used in exterior applications to help seal mortar joints and limit the amount of vapor penetration. The sealer should be breathable in composition and should be tested in an inconspicuous location for any color change.
To resist water penetration, flashing must be used in accordance to applicable building codes, at all penetrations and terminations of the stone veneer. A flexible joint should be used in conjunction to flashing at all terminations of the stone.

On exterior applications, the improper use or absence of flashing and the improper termination of stone can create a higher possibility of water infiltration and risk damage created by water infiltration.
Proper surface preparation is essential in creating an effective wall system for your Dutch Quality Stone to be applied to.

Dutch Quality Stone is not responsible for the entire wall system to which it is applied. It is the responsibility of the architect/contractor to use materials that conform to local building codes and perform together in the climate they are placed. A wall system is defined as the wall construction and surface preparation in which the stone is applied. Local building codes supercede manufacturer's recommendations.

Dutch Quality Stone should not be used in conjunction with any interior vapor barrier rated less permeable than 1.

Stone should be installed no closer than 4" to the final grade. This will provide proper drainage, keep the freeze from pressuring the stone and help keep the stone clean. Dutch Quality Stone is not responsible for soil staining during the construction process.