Installation Guide

FOR INTERIOR PROJECTS
What you’ll need:
• AirStone Interior Adhesive (*unless adhering to wood, see below)
• Putty knife
• Hacksaw
INTERIORS: Smear an adequate amount of adhesive along the
entire back of the stone (think icing a cupcake, not buttering toast).
Approved interior substrates include drywall, brick, tile, stone, stucco,
cement board, concrete block, metal. If substrate is painted, paint
must be in good condition (peeling, chipping paint will need to be
scraped/sanded and cleaned). *Note regarding wood: Use a
polyurethane construction adhesive when adhering AirStone to
wood. Wood will move when exposed to water or to fluctuating
humidity, so use discretion as to its suitability as an interior substrate.
What you’ll need:
• A premium polyurethane construction adhesive. A polymer
modified mortar (ANSI A118.4) may also be used (requires
mixing)
• Cartridge gun
• Hacksaw
EXTERIORS:
I. For adhering AirStone directly to the exterior of a home or
commercial structure
AirStone can be adhered directly to the following substrates: existing
exposed brick walls, existing exposed concrete or concrete block
walls and foundations, existing exposed stucco walls, existing
exposed tile walls. Do not adhere AirStone to wood, wood panels,
cement board panels or any sheathing which is hung from the frame
of the home or commercial structure. This is because the structure
may move or settle over time. NOTE: AirStone may always be
installed using traditional, industry-accepted methods of installation
for conventional artificial stone.
II. For an exterior project that is detached from the home
For outdoor projects such as mailboxes, outdoor kitchens, etc.,
AirStone may be adhered directly to any of the approved substrates
listed above, in addition to exterior grade cement backer board.
Wood is not recommended as an exterior substrate.
For all exterior installations: Use a polyurethane construction
adhesive. Apply an adequate amount of adhesive to the back of the
stone (in regions with above average freeze/thaw cycles, more
adhesive is necessary). NOTE: leave a ½” gap between the ground
(soil, pavement, steps, deck, etc.) and the bottom row of AirStone to
prevent cracking in case of ground swell/settlement.
Helpful hints
– Alternate piece sizes to break up the vertical seams
– Minimize seams by snugly fitting together the pieces.
– When hanging artwork, etc., proper anchoring to the supporting
wall is necessary. Use a drill, not a hammer and nail.
– Prior to installation, mix contents of different boxes to assure color
consistency.
– Backsplashes: Just like natural stone, grease will stain
AirStone. For areas directly exposed to cooking splatter, a high-
quality sealant designed for porous stone or concrete may be
used, however, we cannot guarantee the effectiveness of various
sealants.
For video installation tips, visit airstone.com
FOR EXTERIOR PROJECTS
Preparation
– Wipe off any dust from the back of the stone before applying
the adhesive.
– The wall surface must be flat, smooth, clean, free of dust, dirt, grease,
oil, loose paint/wallpaper or foreign matter.
– Only apply to a substrate that is and always will be rigid (i.e., water or
moisture will not cause it to move).
– Read and follow the adhesive instructions regarding temperature
limitations and cure times.
General Installation
(read and follow specific directions for Interior/Exterior projects first)
– Start at the bottom and work horizontally. For fireplaces, it may be
advisable to begin above the fireplace opening, then work down from
there. Make sure the first row is level, for it will be the foundation for
all the other rows.
– The first (bottom) row may need mechanical support until fully cured,
depending on humidity and other factors.
– Press stone firmly and evenly to the wall, allowing adhesive to
compress.
– Wipe any adhesive off the face of the stone before it dries.
– AirStone is not intended for any horizontal surface including counter
tops, hearths, ceilings, or any surface receiving foot/auto traffic.
Cutting
– Use a common hacksaw.
– Start sawing on the face of the stone, not the back side.
– A new hacksaw blade improves cutting speed and quality.
– Be sure that the back of the stone is free of saw dust.
Clean-Up
– AirStone Interior Adhesive: warm water
– Polyurethane Construction Adhesive: mineral spirits
AirStone has a “Class A” fire rating and is safe to use around
typical fireplaces.
IMPORTANT
1
st
rule of thumb: If the substrate might move due to expansion,
contraction, settlement or lack of rigidity, then the substrate is not an
approved backing for AirStone.
2
nd
rule of thumb: If the wall is exposed to moisture – even if it is an
interior wall – use a polyurethane construction adhesive.
3
rd
rule of thumb: Water will penetrate between the seams of the
AirStones, so when installing outdoors or in areas exposed to water,
either install on an existing outdoor surface that is weatherproof, take
measures to keep the interior of the substrate dry, or otherwise take steps
to avoid the accumulation of moisture. Always install according to
applicable building codes.
AirStone has been shown to adhere to the listed approved substrates if
properly installed. All possible substrates can not be listed. Substrate
conditions, temperature, hu
midity, dust and many other factors affect
adhesion, and AirStone’s manufacturer, distributors and retailers shall not be
liable if AirStone does not adhere to a specific substrate. The adhesive
product used (other than AirStone Interior Adhesive when used strictly in
accordance with directions), the substrate, the method of adhesion, and the
adherence to a specific substrate shall be the sole decision, and responsibility,
of the customer. AirStone is not responsible for stones that dislodge from the
substrate.
NOTE: If you are installing corners or finished ends, specific
instructions will be included in this carton, on a separate sheet.
If cutting is necessary, use a hacksaw and provide for adequate ventilation,
dust suppression, or controls to keep airborne silica levels below the
PEL (Permissible Exposure Limits).