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Reference:  Solinski, J. P., “Thin Stone Veneer/Study and Remediation,” Dimension Stone Cladding:  Design, Construction, Evaluation, and Repair,  ASTM STP 1394, K. R. Hoigard, Ed., American Society for Testing and Materials, West Conshohocken, PA, 2000.

Abstract:  Thin stone veneer panels have been used in exterior wall cladding systems for many years.  The advent of computerized engineering has enabled designers to devise systems that are structurally sound, lightweight, and cost effective.  Unfortunately, even with all the engineering evaluation, component detailing, and testing, stone cladding has been installed improperly on many buildings despite sound theoretical analysis.  Condition surveys and maintenance reviews have detected installation deficiencies within thin stone veneer systems that have cost building owners millions of dollars to remedy.  Two case studies involving stone veneer systems are presented, outlining the problems found and the solutions used in remediation.

Keywords:  stone veneer, exterior wall, travertine, granite, cladding, condition survey, defects, liner blocks, solutions, expanding polyurethane foam, remediation
 

Introduction: 

Thin stone veneer facades (1.91 cm to 6.35 cm) have grown in popularity in building construction since the early 1960s.  Technological advances in structural design, stone fabrication, adhesives, and fastenings allow the designer and engineer to specify thinner, lighter stone panel systems.  However, as panels get thinner, installation quality control and adherence to details becomes more and more critical.  It becomes the responsibility of the installer to follow the proper methodology and use the appropriate materials designed and engineered for the project.  Sometimes field modifications exist in order to address unforeseen conditions and should not be assumed to be adequate, unless properly engineered or tested.  Two buildings, erected in the 1980s, are profiled as case histories within this paper, one with a travertine cladding and one with a granite cladding.  Both buildings underwent extensive renovations to correct the installation defects. 

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