Installation Manual

Table of Contents

Overview

These installation guidelines are recommendations only. All adhesives should be tested prior to any installation including consideration of moisture and temperature in the planned environment. If the application is outdoors, consideration to thermal expansion needs to be taken into account. Since these are veneers they must expand and contract with the substrate or delamination may occur. All adhesives should be tested by the installer before final installation.

Fiberglass Backer Installation Guidelines

Applicable for: Slate, Quartzite, Marble, Limestone, Sandstone and Concrete

Fiberglass backed stone veneers can be used the same way thin laminate type products are used. It will bend to a minimum radius depending on the stone color or type before cracking. With the assistance of heat smaller radii can be achieved. Testing should always be done prior to any installation.

Substrate Preparation

Prior to application it is best to clean, brush, and degrease any surface of dust or oils.

Layout & Patterns

Preparation of the area to be covered and the layout of the veneers is the same as for natural stone or tile. Time spent preparing the work area will pay off immensely. A preliminary dry fit of the veneers allows for arrangements and orientation of individual sheets, patterns, textures, and colors before final placement. It is recommended that each sheet be dry fit exactly where it will be placed on horizontal or vertical surfaces. Numbering the sheets to track relocation before cutting and trimming is recommended and will save time.

Cutting

Cutting fiberglass backed veneers can be done with standard woodworking equipment, such as a table saw with a carbide blade. Long nosed tinsnips, wet saws and metal shears can also be used. For CNC, a router bit for composite material is suggested.

Mitering

Fiberglass back stone veneers can be mitered to your desired angle on a table saw. Mitering can also be done easily by hand with block sander. Only a few passes are needed.

Tiling, Grouting & Jointing

Our stone veneers can also be used to create a tiled effect by leaving a grout joint between cut pieces. Sheets may also be butt jointed for a minimal seam look. Due to the thin nature of the veneers a narrower grout joint will produce better results. Tests show the use of water based epoxy grouts, premixed acrylic grouts, or sanded grouts work best. These grouts are available in several colors to match the desired decor. Always apply masking tape on the edges on all sides prior to grouting. Carefully clean the epoxy grout with a sponge as it can become embedded in the surface of the veneer, thereby marring the appearance. If desired a deeper grout joint can be achieved by removing material just under the grout joint area. For exterior applications we recommend having a grout joint between the sheets.

Hand Rollers and Pressing

A hand roller is recommended to remove air between stone veneer sheet and substrate. To properly roll out trapped air start in the middle of a sheet while firmly rolling out towards the edge. Do not press too hard while rolling as this may cause too much adhesive to push out. Proper back-filling and good rolling techniques will result in a solid hard surface. Do not use non-catalyzing (water vapor type) cure adhesives where the substrate is a moisture barrier. Non-catalyzing adhesive will not cure properly if applied between non-porous materials. Vacuum and cold pressing can be done with a foam sheet between the platen and the veneer surface.

Re-sealing

Fiberglass backed veneers will arrive pre-sealed. Interior applications should not require resealing. For exterior applications and wet area applications it is recommended to reseal the product after 7 years.

ProtectGuard® MG and Akemi Stone Impregnation are recommended.

Translucent Acrylic Backer Installation Guidelines

Applicable for: Slate/Quartzite

Acrylic backed stone veneers can be used the same way thin laminate type products are used. It will bend to a minimum radius depending on the stone color or type before cracking. With the assistance of heat smaller radii can be achieved. Testing should always be done prior to any installation.

Substrate Preparation

Prior to application it is best to clean, brush, and degrease any surface of dust or oils.

Layout & Patterns

Preparation of the area to be covered and the layout of the veneers is the same as for natural stone or tile. Time spent preparing the work area will pay off immensely. A preliminary dry fit of the veneers allows for arrangements and orientation of individual sheets, patterns, textures, and colors before final placement.

Cutting

Cutting acrylic backed veneers can be done with standard woodworking equipment, such as a table saw with a carbide blade. Long nosed tin snips, wet saws and metal shears can also be used. For CNC, a router bit for composite material is suggested.

Re-sealing

Translucent backed veneers will arrive pre-sealed. Interior applications should not require resealing. For exterior applications and wet area applications it is recommended to reseal the product after 7 years.

Flexible Fabric Backer Installation Guidelines

Applicable for: Slate/Quartzite, Marble

Fabric backed stone veneers can be used the same way thin laminate type products are used. It will bend to a minimum radius depending on the stone color or type before cracking. With the assistance of heat smaller radii can be achieved. Testing should always be done prior to any installation. Fabric backed veneers are for interior dry applications only.

Cutting

Cutting straight lines and curves is best done using long nosed tin snips, scissors or a utility knife. ECO-S-TILE can also be cut using a CO2 or Fiber laser.

Re-sealing

Fabric backed veneers will arrive pre-sealed. Interior applications should not require resealing. If re-sealing is desired ProtectGuard® MG and Akemi Stone Impregnation are recommended.

Recommended Adhesives

For Fiberglass Backed Veneers (Exterior or Interior)

For Translucent Acrylic Backed Veneers (Exterior or Interior)

For Flexible Fabric Backed Veneers (Interior Only)

Adhesive Recommendations Disclaimer

The adhesive products listed are recommendations based on general compatibility testing and industry experience. However, Casadenza makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, and assumes no liability regarding the performance or suitability of these adhesives for specific applications.

Important Notes:

  1. Testing Required: Always conduct a small-scale test in an inconspicuous area before full application to ensure compatibility with your specific substrate and environmental conditions.
  2. Manufacturer Instructions: Follow all adhesive manufacturer guidelines for proper surface preparation, application methods, curing times, and safety precautions.
  3. Environmental Factors: Consider temperature, humidity, and exposure conditions when selecting an adhesive. Performance may vary based on these factors.
  4. Professional Installation: For best results, we recommend professional installation by qualified contractors familiar with stone veneer applications.
  5. Surface Preparation: Proper surface preparation is crucial for optimal adhesion. Surfaces must be clean, dry, structurally sound, and free from contaminants.
  6. Product Changes: Adhesive manufacturers may modify their formulations without notice. Verify current product specifications before use.
  7. Regional Availability: Listed products may not be available in all regions. Consult local suppliers for equivalent alternatives.
  8. Warranty Considerations: Use of non-recommended adhesives may void product warranty

The above recommendations are provided as a service to our customers. Casadenza does not manufacture or sell these adhesives and makes no representation or guarantee regarding their performance. The final selection and use of any adhesive product is the sole responsibility of the installer or end user.