If you are a fan of the visual appeal of natural stone, then you must try out TKL’s stone-veneered precast panels. They are economical, long-lasting, and resemble natural stone. However, compared to natural stone, these precast panels, which feature a thin, light material, are easier to handle and install.
As with any purchase, make sure you know what you are buying. It’s your money on the line; so, get as much value for money as possible. Luckily, you have come to the right place. Here is all you need to know about TKL’s stone veneered precast panels.
We cover all Bases
Colour control of stone veneered precast panels takes place at the stone fabricator’s plant. To ensure uniformity, we recommend determining the preferred stone colour of the entire building, not just for individual panels. Our team of engineers and designers will stop at nothing to make sure the erection and manufacturing sequences are strictly adhered to. We will also provide you with stone quantity requirements. We even cover the off-chance that some of the stones will be damaged in transit by supplying about five percent extra stone.
We Recommend the Right Stone Sizes
Stone veneers meant for precast facing are usually thinner than those designed for conventionally set stone. We use stone strength to determine the maximum size. For instance, granite veneers are typically 32mm thick and not larger than 2.8 square meters. On the other hand, limestone veneers are usually 50mm-thick and not larger than 1.4 square meters.
Since a plus tolerance can cause problems on precast panels, we recommend a tolerance of +0 – 3mm for the length and width. This is critical when aligning stone joints of two panels, especially when there are significant stone pieces on each.
Suitability of Stone Depends on Locality
The strength of natural stone depends on the extent of cohesion, size, cleavage of crystals, and rift. It also involves the properties of natural cementing materials and types of crystals. Whatever the case, stone properties vary with locality.
To determine the durability of stone, test existing installations built with a similar type of stone. The resilience of natural stone is affected by a combination of factors. Among these is the degree of cohesiveness, cleavage of crystals, rift, size, and the nature of natural cementing elements present. The crystal type is another critical consideration.
Stone characteristics vary depending on where it is quarried. Sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, such as limestone and marble, exhibit different strengths. This is especially so when placed parallel (or perpendicular) to their initial bedding planes.
Current testing of existing installations should provide information about a particular stone’s endurance. This should include warping tendency, reactivity to weathering pressures, resistance to chemical contaminants, and corrosion resistance.
Avoid Bonding and Secure the Veneers with Flexible Mechanical Anchors
TKL details all precast components for the veneer fabricator to add features, sizes, and anchor holes designated for each stone piece. To minimize cracking, bowing and staining; and to accommodate the different qualities of stone and precast concrete backing, do not use bonding between the concrete backup and the stone veneer.
To make sure the concrete and the veneer do not bond, so as to allow independent movement, we recommend a 3mm to 6mm polyethylene foam pad, a closed-cell, or a 6-mil polyethylene sheet. Compressible foam bond breakers are a popular choice as they promote the free movement of stones with irregular surfaces, either between the stone pieces of a panel or individual pieces. Always secure the veneers with flexible mechanical anchors.
Consider Brick Faced Precast Panels for Clay-like Visual Appeal
If you want the combined benefits of the visual appeal of clay and the structural advantages of architectural precast, consider using the increasingly popular brick-faced precast panels. One option is to use brick facings as accents. You can also use them to cover the entire precast panels’ surface. Consider integrating corbels, radii, and arches with varied bonding patterns into precast panels.
Compared to the traditional masonry construction, the combination of brick and precast concrete has significant advantages. TKL’s brick-faced precast panels are self-supporting, allowing them to be easily affixed to a building’s framework. The beauty with this is that you don’t need a block back-up, metal studs, or structural steel lintels to support a field-laid brick veneer. The precast panels provide an outside air barrier without the need for extra sealing or membranes. You only need two-stage seals between panels to complete the assembly.
TKL’s brick-faced precast panels are excellent for most construction projects. The stone veneered precast panels are great if you want your structure to look beautiful, elegant and sturdy. Contract us for your next project, and let us bring your ideas to life.