Instructions / Assembly

Table Of Contents
9
Avoid cutting panels to a width less than 18 inches. This will help ensure at least one fastener can penetrate
a stud. See Section 8 for fastening panels less than 18 inches in length.
When selecting stones to cut, keep in mind where the cut will be facing and what the cut end will butt
against. Consider how the seam will look from all directions. Avoid corners, focal points, and facing high
traffic sightlines for the cut end. It is recommended to choose a panel where the cut edge thickness will be
about the same as or less than the thickness of the adjacent panel/material.
Cutting Panels, Corners and Sills
Straight and angle cuts
Warning: Do not cut more than one panel at a time.
Use a segmented (dry) or turbo (dry or wet) diamond circular saw blade for cutting Silvermine panels,
corners & sills.
Mark the stone panel where it will be cut.
Place panel face up on the saw table.
Using circular saw to cut panels, the blade should pass though the panel slowly, to avoid cracking.
Dust from cutting will leave a chalky appearance if not removed.
If using a wet saw, change the recirculating water in the wet saw frequently to help keep the panels clean.
Clean cut edges of panels by dipping or rinsing them in a 5-gallon bucket of clean water after cutting.
Tips for cutting sills:
o For shorter openings where only two sills are required, center field cut the sills so that both pieces are
equal length.
o For longer openings where three or more sill pieces are required, field cut where sill pieces join so the
cut ends are not visible. Plan your cut lengths to optimize aesthetics (personal taste).
o Make cuts and install sills so field cuts adjoin and factory finish is at either end.
Electric Hand Grinder - for trimming and notching around obstructions
A hand grinder with OSHA approved guard and a diamond wheel or masonry abrasive wheel for grinding may
be required to complete certain cuts
Cutting Holes
Use a drill with a masonry bit or a masonry hole saw or a grinder with a masonry blade to cut holes.
Cutting the Integrated Metal Flashing
Use a utility knife to score and break the metal flashing. Tin snips can also be used.
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9) INSTALLING INITIAL COURSES:
An initial course of stone panels is any course without a course of stone panels below it (e.g., the bottom of a
wall or above a door or window). See - - Fig. B-2 Initial Course Over Foundation Wall Base and Fig. B-3
Initial Course Over Water Table Trim for detailed initial course guidelines in addition to below.
Using A Leveling Board
A water table trim board or other level material below the initial course will allow you to skip this step.
Determine the starting point for the installation. The bottom of the initial course must be a minimum of 4"
above bare ground and 2" above paved surfaces when installing an exterior application.