Stone Veneer Inspection
What is Stone Veneer?
Manufactured stone veneer is a lightweight building material that is adhered on an interior or exterior wall wood frame as a decorative covering.
They make it from mixed concrete and a variety of pigments. To create the look and feel of real stone, they pour the concrete into molds. Because it is porous and lightweight, it is easy to handle and cut. Which provides a cost-effective option for new constructions or building updates.
Because of the manufacturing process, it provides a wide range of consistent shapes, finishes, and styles that can be included in a variety of building designs.
Why Do I need a Home Inspector?
A home inspection can ensure the exterior cladding of your home, such as stucco, is dry. Improper installation of the masonry veneer or improper flashing leads to structural damage and many other issues. Older buildings with improper installation are more likely to develop moisture intrusion.
Because of the quick rise in popularity of this material. Many contractors would build homes and not properly secure the veneer to the outer walls. Which results in water seepage and cracking of the material.
While methods have improved over the years. Issues can still result from improper installation. Stone veneer installations need to include drainage planes, kickout flashings at the top of the stone cap, and weep screed at the bottom.
Even if the veneer has these features, there could still be issues with the installation.
Which is why working with it is important to keep the veneer clean by washing it every two to three months. Conducting annual inspections is recommended to ensure there are no underlying, non-visual issues within the stucco or masonry veneer.
Avoid Moisture Intrusion and other Issues
So, how can we help to prevent water damage?
Cliff Kapson Consulting features stone veneer inspection services that ensure the structural integrity of your walls and verify that the masonry veneer is installed properly. Manufactured stone veneer is good at keeping water out, but sometimes issues develop through cracks and gaps.
When the water has no exit, it develops into mold and can damage the walls, windows, frames, and other parts of the structure.
When you work with us, you can determine the status of your veneer and get ahead of any issues. To learn more about our stone veneer inspections, please call 888-304-3437. There, one of our knowledgeable representatives can provide more information about our services. If you would prefer to send us a message instead, please fill out the form found on this page, and we will contact you soon.
Our Inspection Protocol
Level I SV Inspection
Inspections begin with visual observations to determine the status of the exterior surface. They include, but are not limited to:
- Visual evidence of efflorescence, mold, mildew, or other staining on the surface of the masonry veneer
- Visible cracking through the stone, stucco, masonry veneer, or joints
- Physical damage or other visual irregularities
- Visual inspection for compliance with manufacturer and/or standard installation details
- Proper termination at grade on roof areas
- Presence of proper weep screed, ropes, or vents
- Properly integrated flashing
- Presence of kickout flashing, door and window flashing, and proper slope flashing
- Installation of proper backer rod and sealant around windows, doors and all other stone terminations
We document all visual observations with photographs and accompany them with a narrative report that we provide to the client after the inspection.
Level II SV Inspection
This inspection level begins with the same observational procedures but includes more in-depth, and intrusive testing.
To properly detect moisture levels, meters like the Tramex Wet Wall Detector, a surface scanner. Which is commonly used to detect moisture behind EIFS, is not sufficient.
Therefore, to gather proper moisture readings, testing must be done with the use of a penetrating probe meter. The inspector takes readings at their discretion but performs them in all areas with potential water intrusion based on the visual inspection.
Moisture probing comprises drilling two holes through an appropriate mortar joint with a ¼” masonry bit and the holes will be approximately 1” apart. The reader’s insulated probes are inserted into the holes until contact is made with the underlying sub-sheathing. We then record the moisture readings based on the appropriate moisture scale.
Our sealing process involves using an approved sealant that conforms to stone veneer industry standards for all holes. We attempt to match the color of the caulk used with the color of the mortar joint.
Compiling the Data Collected by our Inspector
After we complete the inspection, we evaluate all the data and transpose it into moisture damage assessments. Which provides a detailed evaluation of any problems observed as related to the overall performance of the stone veneer system.
When combined, our inspection protocols provide a complete, accurate determination of the condition of the stone veneer system. Anything less will not provide a reliable, accurate condition of the SV system.
Our report includes details like:
- Narrative report with problem description and solution recommendations
- Photo log
- Elevation photo(s), with moisture readings
- Inspection details
- Moisture readings
- Details about understanding moisture readings
- Inspector/Reviewer CV
- Glossary
We pride ourselves on providing the most comprehensive inspections and reports available anywhere, especially for surfaces like stucco and masonry veneer. Our clients benefit from having all the information and support they need when pursuing all options.
Schedule your Stone Veneer Inspection Today!
Work with us to determine the overall status of your cladding with our stone veneer inspection services!
For more information, please call 888-304-3437 and speak with one of our team members. They can discuss our capabilities in more detail and can answer questions you may have. You can also send us a message by filling out the form found on this page, and we will contact you soon.
Cliff Kapson Consulting offers services anywhere in the United States!