Terra Ledge Installation Procedures

INSTALLATION

Project Conditions

Verify that grounds, anchors, plugs, recess frames, electrical work, and mechanical work behind the stone have been installed prior to stone installation.

On exterior applications, flashing type and location should be in accordance with requirements of building codes. The absence of flashing, cant strips, gutters and downspouts may result in diversion of water run-off onto finished surface areas. Masonry subjected to these conditions may develop staining and combined with environmental conditions may eventually cause surface damage. The application of Terra Ledge Stone is not recommended under these conditions.

Maintain materials and surrounding air temperature to a minimum of 40° F (4° c) prior to, during, and for 48 hours after completion of work. Do not use antifreeze compounds to lower the freezing point of mortar. No construction activity should take place on opposite side of wall during installation and for 48 hours after completion of work.

Protect materials from rain, moisture, and freezing temperatures prior to, during, and for 48 hours after completion of work.

If stone is being applied in hot or dry weather, each piece should be moistened with water to prevent excessive absorption of moisture from the mortar. Scratch coat substrate surface area should also be dampened.

Materials

Mortar consisting of Portland cement ASTM C150, Type 1 or masonry cement Type N ASTMC9
Masonry sand
or
Type N or Type S pre-mix (eliminates the need for sand)

Grout Bag
            Metal Lath*
            Gloves
            Joint Tool
            Fasteners for metal lath (depending on application surface--see Applications below)
            Soft Brush
          Masonry sealer of breather type (non-film forming) optional

*Install self-furring corrosion-resistant diamond-type 27" wide, 96" long/18 gauge wire mesh horizontally across wall with pockets turning up to hold mortar. Keep lath flat against the wall, securing to avoid bulges. All exterior frame construction should be covered with a weather-resistant barrier such as Type 15 felt building paper complying with ASTM D226, Type 1 with overlaps of 2 inches (51 mm), horizontal and 6 inches (152mm) vertical

Applications

1. Concrete or Masonry Surfaces – Apply metal lath to surfaces using concrete anchors that penetrate a minimum of 1 inch. Apply 6" apart making sure lath is flat against wall with no bulges.

2. Existing Wood Frame Construction – First cover with galvanized metal lath (paper-backed for exterior applications) horizontally across wall. Use 1 ¾ galvanized roofing nails penetrating studs 1". Nails should be driven 6" apart, 6" on centers both horizontally and vertically, making sure there are no bulges. Alternatively, construction staples may be used using the same parameters.

3. Metal Stud Construction – Metal lath with 15 lb. felt paper is secured to the studs with No. 8 self-tapping metal screws spaced 6" on centers, penetrating at least ¼".Make sure lath is flat against wall with no bulges.

Installation

Apply metal lath according to substrate (as noted in Applications). Apply “scratch coat” using the premix masonry. Add water and blend to a creamy, paste-like mixture. Apply mortar to the back of the stone ½"-thick into a pyramid shape leaving the center hollow and press it onto the wall. Move back and forth into final position. Do not move stone once it has bonded into place. If outside corners are included in your project, they should be installed first. Mix large stones with small stones, creating uniform mortar joints.. To fill the joints, use a grout bag half full of a creamy mortar premix. Twist the large end of the bag and insert small end in the joint area between stones. Apply firm, even pressure and the grout will flow from the bag into the joint. Do not allow mortar to set up on face of stone.

When grout begins to become firm, use a joint tool or wooden stick such as a shim to level the grout in the joints, filling all holes. Finally, smooth out joints with soft brush.

Sealing is recommended, and can be accomplished with a breather (non-film forming) type. Successful results have been obtained using Prosoco Products. (Customer Care # is 1-800-255-4255) Follow manufacturer's instructions.