Flexible stone for the facade: what is it, how they do installation

A novel material that is becoming more and more popular in modern architecture is flexible stone for facades. Versatile and simple to install, flexible stone is an alternative to traditional heavy and rigid stone cladding. It is appropriate for a variety of architectural styles because it combines the practical advantages of natural stone with its aesthetic appeal.

Flexible stone is made from real stone, like quartzite or slate, and is sliced into thin sheets without losing its original look and feel. Because of their durability and light weight, these sheets are simpler to handle and transport during installation. It is frequently difficult for traditional stone to conform to curved surfaces and irregular shapes, but the material’s flexibility makes this possible.

Flexible stone installation entails a number of procedures intended to guarantee effectiveness and quality. To start, the substrate, or the current facade, is cleaned and smoothed out. Applying adhesive designed specifically for flexible stone evenly results in a strong bond without significantly increasing the structure’s weight.

The flexible stone sheets are carefully positioned and pressed onto the surface as soon as the adhesive is ready, ensuring correct alignment and minimizing gaps. Installers follow a methodical process to create a seamless appearance, paying close attention to edges and corners to keep the facade looking consistent. This methodical approach strengthens the installation’s durability and improves its aesthetic appeal.

Architects and homeowners can enhance the external appearance of buildings with the versatility of flexible stone. Because of its versatility and the inherent beauty of stone, it is a popular option for both new construction and remodeling projects. New materials, such as flexible stone, offer creative freedom in architectural design while also supporting sustainable building practices as technology develops.

The concept of flexible stone

You must first comprehend what a flexible stone for a facade is.

The natural material’s texture is transferred to the artificial basis in this instance. Sedimentary rocks serve as the foundation for the top layer. To put it simply, this is sandstone.

Some people mistake these flexible stone panels for plastic. Actually, what we’re discussing is the application of glass chloride to a thin slice of sandstone. Fiberglass is what gives the panel its desired flexibility and acts as its foundation. We can state that the grid holds the thin layer of stone in place.

Advantages and disadvantages

Installing these kinds of facade panels has grown in popularity recently. Positive reviews are given to a flexible stone, whose production is established at numerous businesses in Russia and abroad.

You can see a number of strengths and weaknesses here.

Maybe I should start with the benefits. Variations in flexible facade stone

• lack of harmful effects on the human body;
• natural safe composition;
• simplicity of installation;
• impact resistance;
• resistance to wear;
• resistance to moisture and temperature differences;
• low water permeability;
• high level of resistance to fire;
• small weight;
• lack of need for special care;
• flexibility;
• adaptation to facades of different configurations;
• long service life.

The material is incredibly versatile and can occasionally help you realize extremely intricate design concepts.

However, what about the drawbacks? Maybe this is all there is to it for m2. When comparing natural stone and flexible stone in manufacturer catalogs, you will find that they are nearly equal in terms of value.

But once more. Flexible materials offer a lot more benefits. Given that not every home can support natural stone, this is an excellent option for light facades.

An article on "Flexible stone for the facade: what is it, how they do installation" on the website "All about the facades of the house" could have the following as its primary thesis statement: "Flexible stone for facades offers a revolutionary alternative to traditional materials, combining the timeless elegance of natural stone with unparalleled flexibility in design and installation." This novel material can be applied seamlessly to curved surfaces and intricate architectural details because it is made of thin layers of real stone bonded to a flexible backing. Knowing how this material is installed demonstrates both its adaptability and its potential to improve the appearance and functionality of contemporary building facades.

Proposed assortment

There are two primary options available to customers when selecting flexible stone. This is a tile or canvas.

Every canvas has a standard size of its own. It measures 120 by 260 cm. Additionally, the sizes of the tiles vary amongst the manufacturers. Building off of a specific company’s catalogs is already preferable.

Additionally, there is a thickness standard. The accepted norm for a flexible canvas is 2.5 mm in thickness. It is 1 mm in tiles.

Where MDF is the basis, there is still material. However, in this case, the dimensions are 250 x 100 mm, and the thickness is already 6 mm.

You can give the material the most varied appearance because a variety of dyes are used during the production process.

Technical and operational characteristics

A flexible stone will have specific properties and parameters if it is made in compliance with current standards.

Among the principal ones, it is important to emphasize the following:

• Weight 1 square meter of material is no more than 4 kilograms;
• Tiles and canvases should withstand temperature changes from -45 to 650 degrees Celsius;
• visually imitate the completely natural structure of the stone;
• the material is not subject to combustion;
• For the production of the external (decorative) side, only natural materials are used;
• withstands more than 100 freezing cycles;
• vapor permeability is 0.005 units;
• The binder element is polymer dispersion, and its share is about 8%.

All of this is described in the applicable standard. Specifically, GOST 3044-94.

As a result, the seller won’t needless demand quality certifications. This will ensure that you purchase high-quality finishing materials for facades.

Application area

Although we are discussing materials for facades, a flexible stone can be used for both interior and exterior design.

Furthermore, the distribution of it in interior work proved to be highly problematic.

Due to the characteristics of the products, they feel fantastic in hot and humid environments.

We can list the following uses for a flexible stone:

• facades;
• internal walls;
• decoration of arches;
• columns;
• doorways;
• window openings;
• Balconies.

When you wish to create a visual resemblance to brick or stone masonry, it is actively used.

The fact that the flexible stone in question won’t place an extra load on the facade is by far its greatest benefit.

Because of the properties of flexible stone, he can complete furnace and fireplace cladding.

Yes, it is preferable to install a layer of supplemental insulation if the temperature in that area rises above 600–650 degrees Celsius.

This is a fantastic substitute for real stone for the house’s facade. Because of its features, I believe the material will take off quickly in the market. However, many people are still treating it cautiously because it is still in its infancy.

However, don’t let fear stop you. particularly if these are goods manufactured in compliance with all guidelines and specifications. He is strong, organic, and breathtakingly gorgeous. Furthermore, special problems shouldn’t be installed.

Nuances of installation

Let’s talk about the most significant now, I believe. specifically, how the installation is carried out.

Actually, there are three stages to the entire process:

• At the first stage, the preparation of the surface itself is carried out;
• Then the material is mounted using special glue;
• In conclusion, the coating is processed.

The first step in the preparation process entails cleaning the walls to get rid of any old coatings and oil stains. Because the material is thin, wall alignment will also be necessary. And in certain circumstances, this might prove to be an issue.

When it comes to fastening, an external work colorless solution is utilized. It is provided as a dry mixture, which you have to prepare yourself following the directions.

Every time, installation starts on the building’s upper left side.

There are a few guidelines that should be followed when gluing:

• a gear spatula with teeth is required no more than 2 mm;
• glue is applied to the prepared dry wall;
• A canvas or tile is applied on top of the glue;
• Installation is possible a junction of the VSTOK, or an overlap;
• the material is pressed with a roller to remove air bubbles.

If the facade is finished externally—that is, covered in canvases—a specific primer needs to be applied after facing. Reducing the external impact factor on the material is necessary.

With its innovative approach to external design, flexible stone for facades combines the classic beauty of natural stone with contemporary flexibility and simplicity of installation. This material is lightweight and versatile, with the authentic texture and appearance of traditional stone, thanks to its blend of natural stone and polymers.

Compared to conventional stone cladding, flexible stone installation is a simple process. Using common cutting tools, the material is cut to size before adhesive is applied straight to the wall surface. The material’s flexibility enables it to adapt to wall irregularities and ensure a seamless finish. It is a desirable alternative for both residential and commercial projects because of its flexibility, which also lowers labor costs and installation times.

Durability is one of the main benefits of flexible stone. Because it is made to resist different kinds of weather, UV rays, and temperature changes, it requires little upkeep to retain its aesthetic appeal over time. Because of its durability, it is a sustainable option for long-lasting facade solutions sought after by environmentally conscious builders and homeowners.

Beyond its utilitarian advantages, flexible stone expands the possibilities for architectural design. It offers versatility in achieving various styles—from rustic to contemporary—by enabling the creation of intricate designs and textures that mimic traditional masonry. Its lightweight design also lessens structural load, making integration into new builds and renovations simpler.

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