Installation Instructions
INSTALLATION OF MANUFACTURED STONE VENEER
JOINTLESS OR DRYSTACK
The back of each manufactured stone veneer should be entirely buttered with mortar to a nominal
thickness of ½”. Cover the entire back of the manufactured stone veneer, not just the perimeter.
Buttered manufactured stone veneer should be rmly worked onto the scratch coat and slid slightly back
and forth to set the manufactured stone veneer. Achieve mortar squeeze out in a volume which results in
a full setting bed which covers the scratch coat completely.
With the proper mortar mix, moisture content and scratch coat preparation, the installer will feel
the mortar start to grab within a few seconds of the setting movement process. At this point, no
further movement of the manufactured stone veneer should be made as bonding will be broken. If the
manufactured stone veneer is inadvertently moved after initial set has begun, it should be removed, mortar
scraped off the back of the manufactured stone veneer and scratch coat, and then reinstalled following the
application process.
In some manufactured stone veneer installation conditions, a bond enhancing modier or bonding agent
may be used. It must comply with the requirements of ASTM C 1384.
INTERIOR APPLICATIONS
Interior applications in dry, protected areas, for manufactured stone veneer are similar to exterior
applications with the following alternatives:
• Two layers of WRB are not necessary behind the lath and scratch coat. A single layer of WRB may
protect moisture sensitive materials during manufactured stone veneer installation, but is not required.
• Cement backer board complying with ASTM C 1325 may be substituted for other substrates (e.g.
wall board or plywood), WRB, lath and scratch coat. The cement backer board should be installed
per the manufacturer’s instructions. Latex-Portland cement mortars complying with ANSI 118.4 may
be used for installation of manufactured stone veneer to cement backer board. Follow the mortar
manufacturer’s instructions.
Additional conditions for interior applications include clearances at transitions of the manufactured stone
veneer to other materials or surfaces such as oors or ceilings should allow for potential differential
movement, but the criteria in the clearances section are not necessary. Flashings, weep screeds, and casing
beads are not necessary.
COLD WEATHER APPLICATIONS
Manufactured stone veneer applications should be protected from temperatures below freezing
(32°F). The installation area should be heated to keep the temperature at 32°F and rising.
HOT WEATHER APPLICATIONS
If the environmental conditions during installation exceed 90°F (32°C) additional water may be needed on
the scratch coated surfaces and the backs of the manufactured stone veneer being applied.
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Disclaimer: This installation guide follows published MVMA and IAPMO specications.
Check your state building guidelines and codes for additional installation information.