Are you looking at your walls and wondering if you can just layer something nicer, like stone, over top of them?
Brick’s sturdy, and already weatherproofed, so many homeowners that are looking for ways to upgrade their homes are asking about veneers that can be applied directly onto brick and siding surfaces.
Can stone veneer go right on top of your existing brick walls?
The short answer is yes. You can give your Dallas home a fresh stone look without tearing down the sturdy brick that’s already there.
Brick walls usually provide a very solid foundation for stone veneer without adding significantly to the cost of remodeling.
(Read the original post on Medium)
However, before adding stone veneer, you’ll want to check the condition of your brick. If you want your new veneer to stick properly, you need to make sure that it passes certain basic requirements.
Requirements for Brick Surfaces
Make sure there aren’t any crumbling or damaged spots in your brick or mortar, because the wall has to be able to handle the extra weight from the thin stone veneers. If your brick is painted, a metal lath or cement boards will also need to be installed, to make sure the veneer can bond correctly.
Take a close look at your brick. If there’s paint, we’ll sandblast it away. Then we’ll clean the wall thoroughly of any dirt and debris.
For exterior walls, a water-resistant barrier should be installed to keep moisture from seeping through. If the brick is painted or very smooth, a scratch coat of about half an inch thick (of 1 part cement to 2.5 parts sand) will be applied. Horizontal lines are scratched into this coating, and allowed to dry for 24–36 hours, to add a texture where the veneer can adhere.
If your brick isn’t painted, all we need to do is apply a ½-inch scratch coat of 1 part cement with 2.5 parts sand.
Then we make horizontal lines across the surface and let it sit for 24–36 hours.
If we’re working with painted or really smooth brick, attaching a galvanized metal lath (with the cups facing up), and then applying the scratch coat on top of the lath is sometimes required.
Next we plan your layout, placing the stone veneer pieces on the ground and trimming and cleaning each piece before laying them permanently. We moisten the back of each stone, then spread a thick layer of mortar on it.
Starting from the bottom of the wall and working our way up, working with precision to make sure that the spaces between stones are even for a neat look.
Each stone is pressed firmly into the mortar and the surrounding joints are filled with grout. We wipe away the excess mortar and let the installation set for about 24 hours before sealing.
Stone veneer can also be installed over siding, assuming that your siding is in good shape. And the type of siding matters, too. If it’s a flat, sturdy material that can handle the weight though, you’re good to go.
Flat panel siding is typically the best candidate for stone veneer. Metal siding also works because it can support the extra weight and provides a stable base for the mortar to bond. Whichever material you have, it needs to be free of damage and able to support the veneer long-term.
If your home has wood siding, inspect it very carefully for signs of decay, moisture, or warping. For protection against water, you’ll definitely want a weather-resistant barrier installed over the wood. Then we’ll attach a metal lath with galvanized nails and apply a scratch coat of mortar. Then we can add the stone veneer pieces.
If you have vinyl or aluminum siding your situation requires a bit more scrutiny. Because stone veneer adds weight, these materials have to be secured tightly to the wall. And the flatter the siding is, the better your finished veneer will look.
So, if any parts are rippled or damaged, you may need to replace those sections with something more solid, like OSB or plywood, before adding the veneer.
The process for putting stone veneer over siding isn’t that different from doing it over brick. We just have to make sure that it adheres tightly so that it lasts and you can enjoy the results for years to come.
Just like with brick, we clean and moisten the back of each stone, and apply a ½-inch layer of mortar. Then we press the stone onto the wall, beginning at the bottom and moving upward. Using the spacers in the joints between stones to keep the piece even, we fill them with grout once the stone is firmly in place.
Finally, we wipe away extra mortar so it doesn’t harden on the face of the stone and seal the stone work against water intrusion.
Pros And Cons
It’s 100% true that stone veneer gives your home an upscale look and can raise its overall value. But, like any renovation, there are a few potential drawbacks. Understanding them helps you make good choices for your home.
Stone veneer can completely change how your brick or siding looks. You get a high-end, natural feel that boosts your home’s curb appeal (and probably your property value).Dallas homeowners who want to set themselves apart in their neighborhoods score massive wins with stone veneer as it has the same impact as natural stone in the minds of potential buyers without the extreme costs and the weight of all that stone.
Dallas weather can be intense, but stone veneer shrugs off heavy rainfall, harsh sunlight, and other big Texas weather. It’s also fire-resistant -another layer of security to help you sleep at night. And with very minimal upkeep — just a good cleaning every now and then — stone veneer stays looking sharp. Because stone veneer is lighter than full stone, it doesn’t need much structural support. But the surface still has to be prepped to avoid cracks and moisture issues later on -something we’ll handle carefully before laying any new pieces.
Although stone veneer over brick or siding looks amazing, there are a few pitfalls to think about. When you add stone veneer, you change how moisture travels through your exterior walls. If the moisture barrier isn’t done correctly, water can get trapped between the old wall and the new veneer. That’s why we create drainage paths with weep holes and make sure that everything is sealed. Otherwise, you could run into:
Stone veneer adds extra pounds to your home’s exterior, which is why we inspect it to make sure it can handle the load first. It’s good to be cautious about this because if the wall or foundation isn’t sound, the veneer could lead to more serious problems down the road.
Stone veneer can be a breathtaking upgrade -if you hire a professional mason for the installation. If not, there are a lot of things that can go wrong, both big and small, that can ruin a perfectly good upgrade. Professionals who focus on stone veneer installations bring years of expertise to the table. We know how to evaluate brick or siding for hidden problems and can spot issues (moisture, soil shifting, etc.) long before they become major headaches. While hiring us looks more expensive than doing it yourself on the surface, we bring a lot to the job that you’re not able to, like:
The downside, of course, is the additional expense. But remember -doing the work yourself might be tempting, but a less-than-perfect install will lead to moisture damage or other serious issues over time.
When you hire experienced stone veneer installers, you’re paying for knowledge that can only be gained through doing the work over and over again. This real-world experience is more trustworthy than any YouTube tutorial. We know the best techniques for sealing out water. We deliver precise cuts and uniform spacing, resulting in a smoother, more attractive finish. We consistently provide a level of craftsmanship that may be tough to achieve on your first try.
Professional crews have the gear and know-how to work on tall walls or tricky corners without causing damage or risking injury. They’re also accustomed to moving heavy materials and setting up scaffolding or lifts safely. Because we often work in teams, we can also finish projects much faster than you can manage by yourself.
If you want a flawless stone veneer that truly stands out, it helps to team up with specialists with decades of experience specific to this area. Our skilled masonry contractors will handle every aspect of your project: inspecting your brick walls, fixing any issues, and then performing the installation with care.
Brick Experts follows proven techniques, pays attention to key details, and makes sure that each step — from the scratch coat to the finishing grout — is done correctly. When you’re ready to get started, the first step is an on-site evaluation. One of our experts will inspect your brick or siding, check for structural concerns, and measure the area you want to cover. After that, you’ll receive a free quote with all the details. Our initial assessment gives you a clear picture of the budget, timeline, and scope of the job without costing you a penny.
Can stone veneer be installed over existing brick?
Yes, as long as the brick is in good shape. You just have to clean and prep the surface, add a water-resistant barrier, and ensure the wall can handle the extra weight.
What preparation is needed before installing stone veneer?
Usually the existing wall needs to be inspected, cleaned, and have any paint removed. A water-resistant barrier is important, and if the surface is very smooth or painted, it’ll need a scratch coat or cement board for the veneer to adhere properly.
Should I hire a professional or DIY the installation?
Hiring a pro generally leads to a faster, higher-quality outcome, especially if you’re not an expert yourself. DIY projects may appear to save money on paper but they tend to take more time and it’s easy to cause yourself expensive problems along the way.
Will stone veneer affect my home’s structure?
Stone veneer adds weight, so it’s important to make your walls can support it before making the change. Manufactured veneer weighs less than natural stone, but not so much that you can ignore the possibility of reinforcing your walls -your masonry contractor will be able to judge.
Does stone veneer require maintenance?
Once installed, stone veneer doesn’t need much upkeep. It’s sealed with a breathable sealant, and occasional checks for any loose or damaged pieces will keep it looking great for years.
What are the benefits of installing stone veneer?
Stone veneer boosts curb appeal and is more durable than brick or siding. It also increases your property value. Plus it’s lighter than natural stone and doesn’t require a full teardown of your wall if you decide to go for it.
