If your question is not answered below, then please contact us and we would be happy to help with your enquiry.
01 - Why choose Viridian Stone?
Believability. The Distinct manufacturing process, handcrafted molds and use of natural colour palettes used to
create Viridian Stone capture all the nuances of real quarried natural stone. The warmth and richness of Stone
creates unique spaces of permanence, romance and beauty; inside and out.
02 - What is the difference between Viridian Stone and natural stone?
Viridian Stone is Manufactured - cast in molds taken from real stone which makes it lighter than natural stone.
Installing Natural stone requires wall ties and foundations which increase installation costs and difficulty.
Viridian Stone is lighter weight, designed to adhere easily to a variety of structurally sound surfaces and is
capable of applications that would normally be very difficult and costly to achieve with natural stone.
03 - What are the benefits of using a manufactured stone?
Manufactured stone is approximately 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of natural stone installed. Its light weight properties
eliminate the need for wall ties or footings. Manufactured stone has a 2% (approximately) waste factor versus 20%
or more for natural stone.
04 - Where can I install Viridian Stone?
Viridian Stone can be applied to any structurally sound surface with the proper preparation. It fits nearly any
building plan — large or small, interior or exterior, new residential or commercial projects, extensions or
renovation projects.
05 - Can I install Viridian Stone myself?
Competent installers, with experience installing stone and other products, find Viridian Stone easy to install.
In general, however, installation does require some prior knowledge and a rudimentary understanding. You can
download a step-by-step Installation Guide from our website or for further guidance feel free to contact us.
06 - Should I worry about any repetition in either the stone profiles or the installation?
No. Viridian Stone is cast from thousands of molds. Non-repeating textures can be expected for each stone profile.
In addition, colors are hand applied by a trained colour expert helping to ensure no two stones are exactly the
same.
07 - What does Viridian Stone weigh?
Approximately 15kg per square metre. Viridian Stone qualifies as an adhered veneer because it weighs less than
1/2kg per 30 sqare cm.
08 - Will Viridian Stone fade?
The base color is blended throughout and permanent mineral oxide pigments are applied and absorbed by the stone
when it is cast. Consequently, the color becomes an integral part of the stone. There are no noticeable changes
in the color after years of weathering.
09 - How important is a good stone installation?
As with any building material the beauty of that product is greatly enhanced by how well it is installed.
With Stone, careful consideration regarding the type of profile and color selected, the actual installed
stone “pattern”, and the type of grout technique used, are all very important factors. It is
always best to create a mock up board with the desired aesthetic appeal prior to installation on your project.
What type of coverage can be expected?
On average approximately 10 square metres per day. More if an experienced installer. This varies depending on
the stone type used. Irregular shapes and varying stone sizes can provide less coverage but unlikely to be less
than 8 square metres in a day.
11 - Where can I buy Stone?
Viridian Stone is sold throughout the UK. Visit www.viridianstone.com and select “Contact” for your
nearest consultant.
12 - Where can I find knowledgeable installers?
Viridian Stone can recommend fitters that are familiar with Stone products and installation techniques.
13 - Is Viridian Stone combustible?
No. Viridian Stone’s listing by Underwriters Laboratories shows zero fuel contributed and zero smoke
developed. It can be installed as a façade to fireplaces and behind stoves. It is recommended you
keep the product at least 45cm away from any direct flame.
14 - Does Viridian Stone meet building regulation requirements?
Viridain Stone complies with all applicable Building Code requirements. A copy of the Technical Data Sheet is
available.
15 - Can I install Viridian Stone near water?
Viridian Stone requires the same flashing and water proofing as stucco. It is not recommended for use below the
water line, or below foundation level. A high quality penetrating breathable sealer that is either silane or
siloxane based is recommended in areas where the stone may be subject to frequent water run off.
Note: A sealer may affect the stone color and may create sheen. Always test a small inconspicuous area beforehand.
16 - Where can I learn more about Stone?
Visit www.viridianstone.com or telephone for more information
17 - How thick are the stones?
35mm to 75mm depending on texture.
18 - How thick from the substrate to surface of the stone?
There will be roughly an additional 10-12mm of mortar thickness behind the stone. For example, if your
stone profile is 50mm thick, you can expect the total thickness from the substrate to the face of the stone
to be around 60mm thick.
19 - What is the R-value of Stone?
0.473 at 33mm thick.
20 - Use of manufactured stone on overhead horizontal surfaces.
Horizontal overhead applications are not supported by current evaluation reports or building codes.
Please verify your installation with your building official and consult with an engineer for specific
design issues on your project. There are grout and mortar manufacturers that will support their products
use in these installations. Our product warranty would still cover our stone products for manufacturing
defects.
21 - What is the installed weight?
The installed weight will vary depending on mortar used, grout method and profile chosen. If a specific weight
is needed for a project, we recommend having an engineer evaluate the system.
22 - How many square meters will a bag of mortar cover when applying stone?
A 25Kg bag covers approximately 1 square meter plus pointing.
23 - How do you clean the stone?
To clean dirt or other particles from the stone, first try a simple soft bristle brush. If necessary,
use a granulated mild type detergent mixed with water or a solution of no more than 1 part white household
vinegar to 5 parts water. Rinse well with clean water to remove any cleaning solution that might remain
on the stone. Never use power washers, bleach, paint remover or any other type of concrete cleaner.
24 - How do you clean efflorescence?
When efflorescence occurs, as it does with many masonry products, it is the usually the result of moisture
migration through the masonry substrate. Once the moisture is on the masonry surface it evaporates, depositing
dissolved salts in the form of efflorescence. Efflorescence will disappear naturally over time as long as the
source of the moisture is controlled or eliminated.
Efflorescence may be removed with a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 5 parts water. Scrub using a soft bristle brush and vinegar/water solution. Rinse well with clean water.
25 - Can I seal the stone?
It is not required to seal the Stone. If you choose to use a sealer for added protection, use only a silane
or siloxane based penetrating breathable sealer. Note: A sealer may affect the stone color and or may create
sheen. Always test a small area beforehand.
26 - Protection against graffiti?
In many areas, stone is considered a protection against graffiti. The color blends and uneven textures
of our stones are not the best canvas for graffiti “artists”. However, if you should choose
to use an anti-graffiti coating, please speak directly to the manufacturer of the product that you have
specified or that your contractor has submitted for your approval. There are urethane and wax based
sealers that we have found can damage the stone or causes it to “yellow”, others may
encourage additional efflorescence on the stones surface. No type of coating should be applied until
the stone has been on the wall for at least 28 days.
27 - What happens if the stone is damaged?
Small chips can be repaired using our Color Touch-up Kits and easy to follow instructions. These are
available by contacting us at enquiry@viridianstone.com
28 - Does Stone require control joints?
Expansion or control joints installed to limit the effect of differential movement of supports must
be specified by the architect, designer or stone manufacturer, in that order. Consideration must also be
given to movement caused by temperature change, shrinkage, creep and deflection.
29 - How do I install Viridian Stone when there is an expansion joint?
Treat each section as a “separate” installation. Do not span expansions or control
joints with the stone.
30 - What does Viridian Stone recommend about flashing around windows and doors?
To maintain the weather-resistance of the exterior wall on which the stone products are installed,
rigid, corrosion-resistant flashing, and a means of drainage shall be installed at all penetrations
and terminations of the stone facing. Flashing type and locations shall be in accordance with the
requirements of the applicable code.
31 - Does the Stone need a ledge detail at the bottom for structural support, or can it hang freely without
a support ledge?
No footings or support ledges are needed. Our product is an adhered facing and is supported on the wall by
the bond of the mortar to the stone and scratch coat.
32 - What kind of weather resistive barrier can I use?
The weather resistive barrier shall be equivalent to ASTM D 226, Type 1 No. 15 non-perforated asphalt-saturated
felt or UBC Standard 14-1 Kraft waterproof building paper.
33 - Rain screen systems
Viridian Stone does not require the use of a rain screen system. If you choose to use one of these systems,
the manufacturers limited warranty still covers our product for manufacturing defect as long as it is approved
by a licensed architect or engineer. However, if there are problems or damage that occurs as a result of the
rain screen system, this will not be covered by the warranty.
34 - What is the fire rating of your stone?
Our products have been tested for fire hazard and show no flame spread or smoke developed. Since our product
is non-combustible, there is no fire rating.
35 - Can we install your stone around a fireplace?
Viridian Stone may be applied around a fireplace following our standard installation guide. The stone has to
be a minimum of 45cm away from open flame.
36 - Hot weather installations
Installing Stone products in 100+ oF temperatures should follow our regular installation procedures. In addition,
we recommend wetting the scratch-coat and the stones before installing to prevent rapid dehydration of the mortar.
Be sure to keep the mortar temperature under 120 oF (49oC). If the scratch-coat and stones are dry when applied,
the mortar may not cure properly and the stone may fall off. Refer to the hot weather construction provisions
of ACI 530.1/ASCE 6/TMS 602, Article 1.8 D for additional information.
37 - How does your stone handle freeze thaw cycles?
Our stone products are tested for freeze-thaw durability. As with any installation, making sure to incorporate
good building practices that include proper flashing and water diversion techniques will help ensure a successful
installation.
38 - Applications over 30 feet
Viridian Stone facings can be installed onto any structurally sound surface. For all stone applications
up to 30 feet in height, we recommend following our Installation Instructions. There is a 9 Mtr height limit
for installations over wood-frame construction, unless special construction is designed that accommodates for
differential movement and is approved by a building regulations official. For installations over non wood-framed
sheathing (e.g. steel studs, concrete wall, etc…), there’s no specified height limitation, but it
is still recommended to consult with a building regulations official for any project exceeding 9 meters in height.
We recommend checking with your local building regulations to determine if there are any additional requirements
for installing adhered facings.
39 - How can I find out more about Viridian Stone?
Contact customer services at Viridian Stone on 0845 291 3211 or email enquiry@viridianstone.com
Relevant information
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