If you are looking for more information on faux stone then, you’ve come to the right place.
Introduction
Faux Stone
Only for half the price of a traditional stone, installed faux stone costs from $20 to $50 per square foot. For builders who wish to present an exterior that exudes a conventional and upscale appearance, faux stone is the preferred choice. This is also preferred by many homeowners as they save on a lot of home repair costs.
Physical Appearance of Faux Stone
With less color variations than the real stone, these stones can also be created in colors that fit a specific color scheme. A very fine aggregate and very high density of iron oxide pigments in faux stone helps to create a proper texture and appearance.
Installing Faux Stone
Chardonnay Streamstone
The basic difference between a faux stone and a real stone is that a faux stone can also be added after the house is built. It does not require a great deal of skill to install faux stones and one always has the option of using the less experienced crew and saving some bucks. Faux stone is far lighter than a real stone, which makes it easier and quicker to install.
Installing faux stone is not a difficult job at all, provided the area covered with siding is small and the homeowner has experience with masons and laborers.
• Preparation
Wall Made Of Faux Stones
The most challenging part in the process of installing faux stone is preparing the exterior surface. Firstly, asphalt paper or a house wrap vapor barrier has to be attached to the exterior casing, and then wire lath over the barrier has to be installed and then apply a rough coat of cement to cover the board.
• Applying the Stone
The faux stone is applied using cement spread over both the walls and then it is applied on the back of the stone. The stone is then pressed into place and kept in the same position for 10 seconds. This process has to be applied in this same manner to the entire stone exterior; the only thing to be taken care of is the careful measurement of spaces for mortar joints.
• Finishing Touches
The mortar should be piped into the cracks between the stones using a tool that has resemblance with a cake-decorating bag. One can always buff stones with a smooth rag to make sure that none of the mortar clouds the exterior surface.
Advantages
Fireplace
Apart from being cost effective, faux stone has a great aesthetic value. It beautifies the exteriors and enhances the look of your house. Faux stone is very light in weight, which is its greatest advantage; the transportation of this stone is easy. Highly skilled professionals are not required to place the stones and even the low skilled crew can install it.
Disadvantages
Irrespective of a number of advantages, faux stones also have some disadvantages. Many architects prefer real stone for its appearance and authenticity.
• Authenticity
Architects prefer real stones because faux stones undermine the material integrity of a stone. Architects argue that faux stone should only be used when it is apt to the viewer of the building that the material is only a replication of stone.
• Appearance
Faux stone mimics the real stone. Faux stone comes in many colors because a high quality faux stone will use iron oxide pigments to produce color. But, some argue that it cannot match the appearance of a real stone.
Mesa Flinstone
Buying Faux Stone
If you always wanted your house to have the appearance of a stone, you can get it now with faux stone without high material cost. However the age and condition of the home should be carefully considered. While newer home may benefit from applying faux stone, the worth of the older home on the contrary can diminish.
