Stone Veneer

The Benefits of Stone Veneer for Your Home

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Masonry is the age-old practice of building structures by using mortar to lay and hold materials in place. Stone is the most common material used in masonry. Masonry stone can be used to build and accent foundations, floors, columns, retaining walls, feature walls, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, chimneys, facades, and more. The beauty, versatility, and durability of stone are nearly unmatched by any other building material used in the building industry today.

If you are considering using stone veneer for a home you are building or renovating, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Why Stone?

Stone is the preferred choice in masonry work as it is one of the most durable and weather-resistant building materials that you can find. The oldest, most resilient, and most beautiful structures in the world are constructed of stone, including the Greek Parthenon, the Great Pyramids, and Casa Mila. It is also one of the most abundant resources that we have that can be used for building the residential, commercial, and institutional spaces that we live our lives in. Stone can be shaped and manipulated to become whatever you envision it to be. Stone has enormous and varied aesthetic appeal; the ability to give grand, stately impressions or create warm, rustic intimate spaces is an inherent benefit to using stone. Stone can complement any other material, ensuring that your design options are endless.

Natural stone versus manufactured masonry stone

Masonry stone can be made from natural veneers or manufactured veneers. In the case of natural stone veneer, rock is quarried from the earth, sliced into thin layers, and then finished accordingly to whatever look is desired. On the other hand, manufactured stone veneer, as the name suggests, is man-made. Typically, manufactured stone veneer is made using concrete and aggregate materials. They are designed to look like natural stone, taking on similar colours and textures, and from afar, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two.

Appearance
Although manufactured stone veneer is made to look like natural stone, and there are varying colours and profiles to choose from, upon closer inspection, manufactured stone veneer cannot truly mimic natural stone veneer. You might even find that two pieces may be near-identical to one another, and that never happens with a natural stone veneer. Natural stone will have pronounced variations that make them unique. While manufactured stone veneer will still give a beautiful finished product, the rich natural colour depth, the texture, and feel of the natural stone give it an unmatched appeal.

Durability
Both natural stone veneer and manufactured stone veneer will last long-term. However, the natural stone veneer will ultimately stand the test of time better than any manufactured product. Manufactured stone veneer can be more porous than natural stone veneer, giving it a more limited lifespan than a natural stone veneer.

Versatility
Natural and manufactured stone veneer products are both versatile, but there can be limitations on where they may be installed. For instance, if you want to do stonework around a pool, consider natural stone products over the manufactured stone as chlorine may discolour manufactured stone veneer products or affect their structural integrity over time. Natural stone also tends to be better suited for building exteriors as they are hardier against the elements. That said, natural stone is often heavier and denser than its manufactured stone veneer counterparts. Manufactured stone veneer tends to be lighter than natural stone and can be used on many types of surfaces that do not need to be structural.

Cost
As the technology for making manufactured stone veneer has improved, the cost of the product has increased while natural stone costs have fallen somewhat in recent years. There is no longer a large gap between the costs of natural stone veneer and manufactured products, though manufactured stone veneer tends to have the cost advantage more often than not. In terms of maintenance, however, natural stone tends to cost less, being a hardier product that can easily withstand a power washer better than manufactured stone.

Are you searching for a masonry stone supplier in Surrey?

If you are ready to get started with a stone masonry construction project and you are searching for a masonry stone supplier in Surrey, contact us at Pacific Stone.

For nearly 15 years, Pacific Stone has been a trusted importer of masonry stone with an unwavering reputation for high-quality products and outstanding customer service. At our store, you will find a range of natural and manufactured stone veneers to choose from, and if you have questions about what type of stone will work best for your home, our friendly team is there to help you make an informed choice.

The Thin Alternative to Traditional Masonry

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Masonry is a method of construction in which single units are laid and bound together using mortar. Typically, masonry construction employs the use of materials like brick, building stone or concrete blocks. In recent years, however, thin masonry veneer products have taken over the market as they offer a less labour-intensive, more affordable way to achieve some of the same results as traditional masonry products. Thin masonry veneer products include thin brick veneer, natural stone veneer and manufactured stone veneer.

Thin brick veneers are available in a range of textures and colours unmatched by stone veneers. For that reason, many prefer thin bricks to other masonry veneer products as it is easier to find brick masonry veneer products to match your specific design style.

What is Thin Brick Veneer?

A brick veneer is a thin overlay used on the frame of a building. Thin brick veneers are versatile and are designed to mimic the appearance of solid bricks. But unlike solid bricks that may be used to build foundations and walls, thin brick veneer products are mainly used for decorative purposes and not to support the entire building. Solid brick structures are built by laying bricks back to back and cementing them in place. On the other hand, brick veneers are placed on the exterior of a building that has been constructed using steel or wooden framing, then covered with wood sheathing or insulation before being covered by brick veneers. So, if you were to remove brick veneers from a building, the structural integrity would not be compromised.

Brick veneers are a great alternative to plain wooden walls as they can be used to create impressive exteriors and stunning feature walls for the interior of your home or office.

Benefits

One distinct advantage of thin brick veneers is that they can be installed after a building is completed. When compared to solid brick, thin brick veneers offer better insulation due to the methods used in construction. Thin brick veneers are also easy to install and more affordable. During installation, small openings are created to allow for proper drainage. These openings, called weep holes, ensure that moisture does not get trapped between the veneers and the exterior walls.

Drawbacks

As with all products, there are drawbacks to consider when working with thin brick veneers. One considerable disadvantage to thin brick veneers is that weep holes may become clogged over time. Additionally, thin brick veneers may not be able to withstand natural occurrences such as earthquakes or extremely high winds.

Are you searching for a thin brick veneer supplier in Surrey?

The use of masonry veneers in Surrey has seen a spike in recent years because of their versatility and aesthetic value.

If you are searching for a thin brick supplier in Surrey, contact us at Pacific Stone. At Pacific Stone, we have been a leading importer of masonry products for nearly 15 years. We are proud to be a distributor of the Royal Thin Brick, MetroBrick® and Summit Brick collections which include, high-quality, affordable, sustainable and easy-to-install brick veneers.

Call us today or visit our sales and design centre where you will find a quiet and accommodating place to plan your next project with helpful staff that can offer advice and estimate costs.

Solid Masonry vs Brick Veneer

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Brick homes are timeless. They are some of the most attractive and sought after properties in real estate. Bricks are durable, low maintenance, strong, and more weather- and fire-resistant than other building materials. They can help to block out noise, are less susceptible to pests, and can increase the value of your property.

But are all brick houses made equal?

Solid Masonry

Solid masonry, also known as solid brick or double brick construction, consists of two layers of brick walls, or an inner wall of cinder or concrete blocks and an outer layer of brick. This double-wall is the skeleton and support of the structure. Each layer of block or brick construction is known as a wythe. Header bricks are installed every six rows to increase the strength and stability of the wall and to ensure the two wythes stay together. Header bricks lay perpendicular across the two layers forming a bridge. On the outside facing of the wall, header bricks blend and look like regular bricks, only shorter.

Brick Veneer

On the other hand, brick veneer construction, as the name suggests, is an overlay or facing of bricks. Unlike solid masonry that consists of two wythes, brick veneer installation only has one. The inner wall is made from other building materials, such as wood and steel, which are more cost-efficient. This wood and steel frame acts as the structural foundation and bears the weight of the construction. Once this is in place, an outer wythe is installed adjacent to the structure’s exterior, creating the appearance of a brick wall. This wall is decorative and has no load-bearing responsibilities.

Spot the Difference

Given both have an exterior facing of brick, how do you tell the difference between the two?

Brick Veneer:

  • Brick veneers have to weep holes to prevent moisture from being trapped between the inner and exterior walls. After the construction of the foundation, waterproof materials are used to line the inner facing, and the brick wall is installed a few inches away. Weep holes allow air to circulate and any moisture within that space to drain out, preventing water damage. Weep holes are typically finger-sized holes drilled every 32 inches along the foundation walls and above doors and windows.
  • With brick veneers, there are no header brick patterns.

Solid Masonry:

  • The header bricks used in most solid masonry construction are identified as a row of shorter bricks in the facing of the wall. This is usually seen every sixth row of the brick pattern.
  • To protect windows and doors from the weight of the bricks, horizontal support beams, known as lintels, are sometimes installed. Another support structure typically seen are masonry arches. These are parallel to the wall and usually consist of two rows of bricks in an arch.
  • The door jams and windowsills of solid masonry constructions are usually very deep. Windows and doors will be set back almost one brick length, due to the structure having two wythes.

Pros and cons of brick veneers

Pros:

  • Brick veneers can be installed at any time after construction and can be changed if desired.
  • Brick veneers offer a more cost-effective way to get the look and feel of solid brick. The veneers are easier to install, minimizing labour and material costs.
  • Weep holes allow wind to fill air cavities between the inner construction and the outer wythe.
  • This helps to keep moisture out. The space between the layers also facilitates the option to add insulation if needed.

Cons:

  • With only a single layer of brick, brick veneer constructions are not as durable as solid masonry. They are susceptible to termites, fires and decay.
  • If not installed properly, brick veneers are susceptible to water damage.

Pros and cons of solid masonry

Pros:

  • Solid masonry is long-lasting. However, material and labour costs per square foot can be high when compared to brick veneer installations.
  • Solid masonry is resilient and near impervious to decay, pests, termites, and fires.

Cons:

  • Because bricks form the foundation and walls of the building, the installation of solid masonry can only be done in the initial stages of construction.
  • Since the walls are solid brick, they cannot be packed with insulation, which may result in higher utility costs. This also makes them less ideal for climates with extreme winters.

Brick veneers in Surrey

The choice between solid masonry and brick veneers is a matter of personal preference as both options have benefits and drawbacks.

If you prefer brick veneer installations, finding the right brick veneer supplier is key to the integrity of your next construction project. If you are searching for a brick veneer supplier in Surrey, contact us at Pacific Stone.

Pacific Stone is a premier brick supplier carrying the Royal Thin Brick, MetroBrick® and Summit Brick collections– lines of beautiful, affordable, sustainable, and easy to install brick veneers. Visit our website and browse our collections or contact us today.

Home Improvement with Thin Brick Veneers

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Regardless of your personal style, thin brick veneers can provide decorating versatility as well as add texture, beauty and character to your home.

Thin brick veneers are lightweight manufactured bricks that resemble traditional bricks but are very slim and lightweight. As a result, they are easy to install on any type of wall, including façades, fireplaces, chimneys, backsplashes, and even ceilings, to accentuate any home design theme.

They are an excellent option to decorate both exterior and interior walls as well as free-standing landscaping walls, allowing you to greatly alter and improve your home as desired.

Thin brick veneers are especially suitable for homeowners who want to get the look of full brick, whether modern or rustic, but are on a tight budget. You are able to choose from a variety of styles, textures, colours and cuts, to bring your space to life, whether your desire is to create a focal point or provide a backdrop to complement or contrast the building’s other design elements.

Overview of thin brick veneer installations

Although they were first developed in the 1950s as a way to reface existing construction, thin brick veneers have become increasingly popular in existing exterior and interior applications in home improvement due to their natural sourcing, insulating properties, longevity, and sustainability.

Being a quarter to a third the size of full bricks, they are easier to carry and require less raw materials, thereby providing a more environmentally friendly option for you the homeowner. For example, they can eliminate the brick ledge, heavy footers, lintels, and headers required to support the installation of solid masonry and provide you with more conditioned square footage to use or sell.

If you are thinking about saving time, thin brick veneers are also easier and faster to install when compared to traditional brick structures. Traditional bricks form a part of the building’s structural support system and are built as free-standing walls tied back to a supporting structural wall, while thin brick veneer installations do not have the same requirements and so require less time on the job.

Due to thin brick veneers having the ability to reflect sound waves and absorb energy, it also provides excellent support for noise reduction.

Low maintenance

Thin brick veneers are relatively low-maintenance, thanks to their durability and colour retention. They are also able to lower the impact of damage, wear and tear and heat, as unlike other types of veneers, they do not fade, melt, or dent. They also have increased thermal performance when added to existing walls as they store and release heat at a slower rate, and so require less insulation than non-brick walls.

Generally, thin brick veneers will add the classic beauty of full brick to your home without the weight, mass and cost of concrete. It is perfect for you if you are seeking to upgrade and increase the value of your space by making it simple but beautiful.

Since thin brick veneers are meant for the long-term replacement of other siding materials such as tile, vinyl siding, wood or aluminum, and are relatively easy to install, it is evident why they are becoming a popular choice for homeowners.

If you prefer brick veneer installations, finding the right brick veneer supplier is key to the integrity of your next construction project. If you are searching for a brick veneer supplier in Surrey, contact us at Pacific Stone.

Pacific Art Stone is a premier brick supplier carrying the Royal Thin Brick, MetroBrick® and Summit Brick collections– lines of beautiful, affordable, sustainable, and easy to install brick veneers. Visit our website and browse our collections or contact us today.

Choosing Stone for Your Home’s Exterior

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Stone facades add a prestigious look to your home and go a far way in enhancing its value, regardless of the architectural style. Even limited application of stone can make a huge difference, but siding the entire house with stone is even more majestic. However, the issue of the cost usually influences homeowners’ decision-making where stone accents are concerned.

Among the first major decisions, you must make regarding stone siding is whether to use natural quarried stone or manufactured stone veneer. Nevertheless, unless you are a pro, it might be somewhat difficult for you to tell the difference on sight. Let us look at some of the characteristics of the two options:

Natural stone vs. manufactured stone veneer

Natural stones are 100 percent pure, hard, compact rocks quarried directly from the earth and can be carved to the desired shape, such as blocks for building, sheets for walls, or tiles for flooring.

Natural stone is revered globally as a premier building material due not only to the fact that it is durable, stable, and colourfast but also because it reflects unique character and stateliness.

A manufactured stone veneer, on the other hand, is an engineered stone that is manufactured to look like natural stone. In fact, quality manufactured stone veneer can look so genuine that you may mistake it for the real thing.

Manufactured stone veneer is a slurry of cement, aggregates, and other materials that are finished with pigments to get the desired look. It is less costly than natural stone, though, as a result of, among other things, availability and lighter shipping weight.

Individual pieces vs. panels

If you intend to cover large swaths of your home exterior in stone, panels will be especially helpful. Because they have staggered, interlocking side edges, this helps in achieving a natural look. If your preference is dry-stack applications with less visible or obscured grout, panels are still ideal.

On the flip side, if you prefer a rougher and more rustic look with visible grout, laying individual stones would be a better option. With individual stones, you can freely decide what joint width, style, and colours you wish to use.

In addition, the possibilities for the final look are endless as it matters not the type of stone you like since, with this choice, there is everything from flat-faced, modern ledgestone to smooth, rounded rocks extracted from rivers.

Here are several other factors to take into consideration when choosing your stone:

Decide on your style

Choosing your stone comes down to personal preference, even though architecture often plays a huge role. But once you figure out your style, it will be a lot easier to decide. Bear in mind that you should choose a stone facade that matches the style of your home. Doing so will ensure the stone highlights your home’s design rather than compete against it.

That said, you first have to visualize the general look you want, from shapes to profiles, lines and colours. It is also important to decide whether you are going for simplicity, blending in or matching your surroundings or for something that is more intricate.

Select the right colour combination

Before choosing your stone, it is recommended that you select a colour palette, which takes into account the other colours on your home exterior.

At times, it is difficult to find a perfect match for the various types of exterior finishes, so it is better to select complementary colours to achieve a design that is in harmony with the rest of the building.

Ensure the roof complements the stone

Whether you are constructing a new home or updating an existing one, it is wise to take the colour of the roof into account at the outset. You do not want to have a situation where the roof clashes with your new stone facade after spending copious amounts of time poring over colours, patterns, finishes, and textures to create what you deem to be your perfect stone design.

Are you searching for a stone supplier in Surrey?

If you are ready to get started with a natural stone or manufactured stone construction project and you are searching for a stone supplier in Surrey for your exterior, contact us at Pacific Stone.

For nearly 15 years, Pacific Stone has been a trusted importer of masonry stone with an unwavering reputation for high-quality products and outstanding customer service. At our store, you will find a range of natural and manufactured stone veneers to choose from, and if you have questions about what type of stone will work best for your home, our friendly team is there to help you make an informed choice.