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Surfaces
An excerpt from the Dimension Stone Design Manual,
Version VIII (May 2016)
1.3.3 Thin-Set Mortar [Thin Bed (ANSI 1.4.1 Grid systems, commonly composed
A118.1)]. See Chapter 13, section 3.1.2. of vertical and horizontal support framing of
varying corrosion-resistant materials, such as
1.3.4 Latex-Portland Cement Mortar aluminum, mild steel, cold-formed steel, or
[Thin Bed (ANSI A118.4)]. See Chapter 13, stainless steel. The framing is typically pre-
section 3.1.3. installed in the stone setting cavity to the
substrate or support wall. Stone supports are
1.3.5 Epoxy Mortar (ANSI A118.3). See typically integrated in the system design.
Chapter 13, section 3.1.4.
1.4.2 Strut systems are commonly
1.3.6 Limestone Setting Mortar. See composed of vertical support framing of
Chapter 13, section 3.1.5. varying corrosion-resistant materials such as
aluminum, mild steel, cold-formed steel or
1.3.7 Setting Bed. White portland cement stainless steel. The framing is typically pre-
with low alkali content is required for all light installed in the stone setting cavity to the
colored stone varieties. substrate or support wall. Non-integrated
stone supports are typically attached in a
1.3.8 Petroleum-based organic method similar to Independently Supported
adhesives should be avoided because they Veneer or Stacked Veneer with Relieving
may stain the stone. Supports.
2.1.5.1 Grout. When using adhesion 2.4 Metal Studs. Metal studs placed
installation methods, grout joints shall be a behind stone wall installations to hold the wall
minimum of " wide. Apply grout to full should be 16 gauge or heavier.
depth of stone. Avoid use of designer grouts
on exterior or in wet areas, as these grouts tend 2.4.1 Lateral channels are frequently required
to be soft and very absorbent. to facilitate attachment locations and also to
distribute loads over multiple studs.
2.1.5.1.1 Limestone and Light-Colored
Stones. Wherever limestone, or white and 2.4.2 Where studs exceed 8'-0" in height, it
light-colored marble or granite are to be may be necessary to relieve the weight at a
installed, it is important to use only white maximum of 8'-0" intervals.
portland cement, white thin-set mortar, or
white-colored adhesive to adhere the stone to 2.4.3 Walls and partitions constructed of
the backup, or for setting anchors. It is normal metal studs should be designed to maximum
for the setting spots to darken the stone at the deflection of L/720 for conditions utilizing
face. The dark coloring should disappear as the thick-set or thin-set mortar installation
setting material cures and excess moisture is methods.
ventilated from the cavity. (This process has
been known to take up to 8 months). Prior to 2.5 Joint Size. Typical joint widths are:
installing any stone the Setter is not
experienced with, the setting material should 2.5.1 Exterior Stone Cladding: Minimum ",
always be applied to a test scrap stone and preferably 3/8". Joints of or larger are
allowed to cure thoroughly to make sure that frequently required for large unit size
the stone will not be permanently stained. installation.
Page 15-8 Vertical Surfaces/Exterior Stone Veneer 2016 Marble Institute of America
7.0 GENERAL PRECAUTION:
2016 Marble Institute of America Vertical Surfaces/Exterior Stone Veneer Page 15-9
NOTES:
Page 15-10 Vertical Surfaces/Exterior Stone Veneer 2016 Marble Institute of America
INTERIOR STONE WALL 2.2 Installation. Stone wall facing panels
may be installed either by conventionally set
CLADDING method using nonstaining anchors, dowels,
pins, cramps, wire, and mortar spots;
1.0 INTRODUCTION nonstaining adhesive in securing thin tile units
to interior vertical surfaces; or by one of the
1.1 Installation Methods. There are several mechanical methods.
several methods by which interior stone
cladding can be installed. Consideration 2.3 Physical Property Values. Final
should be given to the various features of each design should always be based on specific
method in making a selection for a particular physical property values of the stone. These
installation. See detailed illustrations of values are available from the Stone Supplier.
examples at the close of this section.
2.1 Stone Size and Thickness. Most 3.5 Panel Installation. Stone panels must
dimension stones, as defined by ASTM C119, be installed to the mechanical system in the
are suitable for interior cladding. Stone panel prescribed manner, with vertical lines plumb
size and thickness are closely interrelated with and horizontal lines level.
the type of stone being installed and its
particular engineering qualities. Generally, 3.6 Conditions. In all conditions, the
consideration for greater stone thickness substrate must be installed sufficiently true and
should be made for larger-sized stones (over 12 level so that the stone panels or tiles may be
sq ft) set at higher elevations, and more fragile installed true and level and sufficiently rigid to
stones, with the exception of natural stone ensure a satisfactory backup surface to the
veneer panels with integrated reinforced stone installation. (Industry standard: 1/8" in
backers, which have a limited availability of up 10'-0" with no more than 1/32" between
to 5' x 10'. individual stones.)
2016 Marble Institute of America Vertical Surfaces/Interior Stone Wall Cladding Page 15-11
3.7 Masonry Backup. May be poured-in- base stone remains prominent. It may be
place concrete, hollow concrete block, brick, profiled or otherwise decorated to achieve
or other solid masonry surface. Normally, architectural effect. The base must be
stone installation with this substrate will be set separated from the floor with a soft joint
with a cavity. appropriately sized to accommodate
anticipated building movements and prevent
3.8 Metal Studs. Must be 16 gauge or damage to either the horizontal or vertical
thicker. Stone anchors may attach directly to surface.
the studs, or a horizontal track component may
be used to carry the load of the anchor to 4.3 Installation. Stone panels may be solid
several studs. May use plywood, cementitious set or standard set (with a cavity) to the
backer board, or gypsum board as a non- substrate. Normally, standard set is the more
loadbearing sheathing. economical method, and is most commonly
employed. The solid-set method is seldom
3.9 Wood Studs. Stone anchors may used, except for installing wainscot or in
attach directly to the studs, or a horizontal certain wet or special circumstance area
track component may be used to carry the load conditions. In the standard-set method, space
of the anchor to several studs. May use allowed between the substrate and the back
plywood, cementitious backer board, or face of the stone may be as little as 1". Wider
gypsum board as a non-loadbearing sheathing. spaces over 2" should have strap anchors
instead of twisted-wire anchors.
3.10 Mechanical Systems. Each
mechanical system is different. Follow 4.4 Weight Relief. Stone panels should
Manufacturers recommendations. have their weight relieved when spanning
openings over windows or doors, at all floor
3.11 Wet Areas. Avoid the use of plywood lines, at any expansion joints in the substrate,
or gypsum board as substrate materials. or at 12' to 15 intervals in height.
Provide a moisture barrier. Suitable substrates
are masonry backup and cementitious backer
board on metal or wood studs. Apply 5.0 STONE TILE
appropriate water proofing membranes to all
substrates. 5.1 Color Differential. Stone tiles are
subject to manufacturing processes different
than other dimension stones and natural stone
4.0 STONE PANELS veneer panels. There is greater latitude in the
acceptability of shaded stones, and Installers
4.1 General. Stone panels that cover a wall should obtain approval of the stone layout prior
(wall die) or a lower portion of a wall to installation.
(wainscot) are supplied in several standard as
well as custom thicknesses depending on the 5.2 Installation. Stone tile may be
stone, its location on the wall, and its use in the installed in almost any location for which stone
project. Normally, stone thickness of " is panels are considered. The exception is for
sufficient. In some instances of very large or elevations higher than 15'-0", which require
fragile stones, thickness of 1" or greater may anchors. Thin stone tiles are not suitable for
be necessary. use with anchors. Stone tile may be installed in
a full mortar bed, in a thin-set mortar bed, or
4.2 Base. The base may be in coplanar with an approved adhesive.
position with the wainscot or die or be offset
so that a portion or all of the top edge of the
Page 15-12 Vertical Surfaces/Interior Stone Wall Cladding 2016 Marble Institute of America
5.3 Back Buttering. For all applications,
the stone tile shall be back buttered to achieve,
as close as practical, 100% adhesive contact
between the stone and the backup.
2016 Marble Institute of America Vertical Surfaces/Interior Stone Wall Cladding Page 15-13
NOTES:
Page 15-14 Vertical Surfaces/Interior Stone Wall Cladding 2016 Marble Institute of America
VERTICAL SURFACES 2.0 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
INTERIOR STONE BASE 2.1 Basic Use. Lowest or bottom part of
structural elements such as columns, piers, and
walls.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
2.2 Fabrication. Stone base units are
1.1 Installation Methods. There are fabricated to dimensions specified on shop
several methods by which interior stone base drawings, prefinished, and delivered to the job
can be installed. Consideration should be given site ready to be cut into required lengths for
to the various features of each method in installation.
making a selection for a specific installation.
See information about installation methods on 2.3 Finishes. Exposed surfaces and edges
the following page, and illustrations of are to be finished with any typical stone finish,
examples at the close of this section. usually polished.
1.2 Delivered ready to install. 2.4 Colors. Most of the commercially
Generally, stone base is cut to required lengths available varieties are suitable.
by the fabricator, based on job-site
measurements furnished by the stone 2.5 Sizes. Thicknesses of 3/8", ", ",
contractor, and delivered to the job site ready 7/8", 1", or as specified.
to install.
2016 Marble Institute of America Vertical Surfaces/Interior Stone Base Page 15-15
3.1.7 Soapstone: No ASTM Standard exists
at this time
4.0 INSTALLATION
NOTES:
Page 15-16 Vertical Surfaces/Interior Stone Base 2016 Marble Institute of America
NOTES:
2.3 Free spanning, exterior soffit 3.2 All stone soffit panels are to be
stones of limited thickness may not have mechanically anchored. Thin-setting thin
enough mass to resist uplifting forces caused by stone tiles in soffit and ceiling applications is
high wind conditions. It is therefore necessary not recommended without the specific
to mechanically anchor the stone to resist endorsement of the thin-set manufacturer.
upward in addition to downward forces.
3.3 For additional information, refer
2.4 Soffit installations encounter combined to Chapter 13, Installation General
gravity and windloads working in the same Information.
direction. For this reason, fabrication
tolerances with reference to panel thickness 3.4 Geographic Methods. Some
and anchor prep offset from panel face may installation methods and materials are not
become critical in soffit installations. recognized and may not be suitable in some
geographic areas because of local trade
2.5 Caution. The use of wedge-type or practices, building codes, climatic conditions,
expansion anchors in stone panels is not or construction methods. Therefore, while
2016 Marble Institute of America Vertical Surfaces/ Stone Soffits Page 15-17
every effort has been made to produce accurate 5.1.3 Marble: ASTM C503, Standard
guidelines, they should be used only with the Specification for Marble Dimension Stone
independent approval of technically qualified (Soundness Groups A & B)
persons.
5.1.4 Quartz-based Stone: ASTM C616,
Standard Specification for Quartz-based
4.0 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Dimension Stone
4.1 Basic Use. Horizontal underside of 5.1.5 Slate: ASTM C629, Standard
structural elements such as beams, arches, and Specification for Slate Dimension Stone
cornices.
5.1.6 Serpentine: ASTM C1526, Standard
4.2 Fabrication. Soffits are precut and Specification for Serpentine Dimension Stone
prefinished to dimensions specified on shop
drawings, and delivered to the job site ready to 5.1.7 Travertine: ASTM C1527, Standard
install. Specification for Travertine Dimension Stone
5.0 INSTALLATION