Is it really made by Artisans?
Each stone is very unique in that it is crafted by a Stone Artisan: Every product is specifically accented by this Artisanal Crafter, each color is hand deployed specifically at full depth in unique Artisanal process that has never been replicated by automated processes. Every stone is unique and a full bodied colour application is considered far superior to a surface colour application synonymous with automated production and job elimination strategies.
Is Artisa Stone too heavy for my wall?
Our stone consistently meets and exceeds the requirements of a sub 15 lb per square parameters as outlined by the ICBO-ICC AC51 criteria. Further to this:
-Screw on product:
Artiza Stone is suitable for installation on exterior walls to a height of 30 feet. Above 30 feet we will need to seek structural advisement for the specific application. For installation on unsupported interior walls and exterior cantilevered faces, please seek structural advisement.
-Adhered Product:
When assessing adhered veneers, ensure to allow for the weight of the mortar bed in the context of assessing the installs compliance with the 15lb standard in both international and national building codes. Normal application of adhered products will easily meet these standards. For installation on unsupported interior walls and exterior cantilevered faces, please seek structural advisement.
Can i use an impact driver to install it?
We don't recommend using an impact driver as it can encourage an installer to unconsciously and significantly over tighten screws. The use of a conventional cordless driver is recommended as it allows installers, especially new installers, to develop a feel for the proper 'seating' of screws in the panel without 'over driving'. Over driving in any application or any material can degrade any substrate, weaken the connection, cause 'pull through' and specifically in cementeous applications; cause unnecessary cracking.
Is cementeous stone difficult to cut?
Difficult? No. Dusty? Yes. Silverwood is cut with conventional masonry diamond blades available at most hardware stores. Blades can be installed on angle grinders, chop saws, or cut-off saws. Care must be take when wet-cutting to avoid the cut paste from ADHERING to the surface of the stone. Wet cutting with re-circulated water is strongly discouraged. Always use appropriate dust, eye, and ear protection when cutting.
Do i need to seal it?
We don't manufacture products that 'need' to be sealed. An installer may option to use a sealer or stain for a number of interesting and compelling cosmetic reasons and this is obviously at the risk and discretion of the owner. Use of sealants or stains is at the discretion and risk of the owner.
Will it hold up to harsh coastal climates?
While consideration should always be made for uniquely harsh environments, Artiza Stone was designed with harsh commercial applications in mind with the uniquely harsh conditions of Atlantic Canada as the backdrop for development. The overlapping nature of the application is just water management planning. The product was designed to withstand weather associated with considerable temperature variation with a high compressive strength and features a unique depth of color that should ensure that if a shovel happens to chip the product; the coloured stone portion uniquely, approximately 1cm deep.
Do I need to install a rain screen product before installing Stone on my exterior?
Yes, per national building codes, there must be a 10mm space behind stone. We stock and distribute a product called Mortairvent (TM) by Advanced Building Products which we enthusiastically recommend. There are a number of variants but users should be careful their water mitigation plan or product variants are compliant with local and national building codes. There is a video of the Mortairvent in our installation videos.
Do I need to install a rain screen product before installing stone in an interior application?
Provided that water mitigation is not a factor and not using a rain screen is compliant with local building codes, there is likely no reason to use a rain screen product.
Why do you guarantee your product for life against product defects and workmanship?
With high quality concrete it is very easy to confidently say it will perform as quality concrete does. Concrete, especially high quality concrete, is extremely predictable and this is a well planned application with a water shedding lap function engineered right in that is crafted with documented high quality materials and high strength concrete. We can guarantee our quality and workmanship and we would ask that end users respect the installation process and local building codes in it's application to give end users the superior experience we hope we can be a part of delivering.
What is Artisa Stone made of?
We keep it simple: High strength Concrete.
how do i clean the stone after it is installed?A dry brush and shop vac is RECOMMENDED for removing dust from cut product. Wetting the stone during cleaning may create a paste that is difficult to remove.
Can Artisa Stone be installed over styrofoam?
Yes.
-Applications with foam under 1":
We must first say that any application should respect local building codes but it is commonly used over 1" Styrofoam with longer screws. Always tell the planner, installer and/or distributor if you intend to installer over thin foam so they can order longer and appropriate stainless steel screws for the application.
-Applications with foam over 1":
This of course should respect all local building codes but it is likely fair to comment that installers would likely first install appropriate plywood over the Styrofoam/strapping. The exterior would be wrapped with building wrap compliant with local building codes before the stone application.
Your local distributor / installer would be able to help you with local compliance and the specifics of their application strategy.
Your Panels are a specific length, how do I cut one?
While we encourage you to consult the manuals and videos, the simple answer is that the stone can simply be cut to length is a similar manner to any stone or cementeous product. Most installers use a diamond blade grinder and a person cutting would match the stone pattern.
Do I need to use flashing above your product and or ledge pieces for exterior applications?
Yes, always flash in accordance with building code and local conditions. Flashing is an integral part of building science and any installer should have a good flashing plan for over the stone or ledges for the specific application.
Is it OK to use cementeous stone around a fireplace?
Yes. Artiza Stone is crafted from conventional concrete and is concrete is considered a non-combustible. Conventional clearances outlined by building code and fireplace manufactures should always be used and respected.
Each stone is very unique in that it is crafted by a Stone Artisan: Every product is specifically accented by this Artisanal Crafter, each color is hand deployed specifically at full depth in unique Artisanal process that has never been replicated by automated processes. Every stone is unique and a full bodied colour application is considered far superior to a surface colour application synonymous with automated production and job elimination strategies.
Is Artisa Stone too heavy for my wall?
Our stone consistently meets and exceeds the requirements of a sub 15 lb per square parameters as outlined by the ICBO-ICC AC51 criteria. Further to this:
-Screw on product:
Artiza Stone is suitable for installation on exterior walls to a height of 30 feet. Above 30 feet we will need to seek structural advisement for the specific application. For installation on unsupported interior walls and exterior cantilevered faces, please seek structural advisement.
-Adhered Product:
When assessing adhered veneers, ensure to allow for the weight of the mortar bed in the context of assessing the installs compliance with the 15lb standard in both international and national building codes. Normal application of adhered products will easily meet these standards. For installation on unsupported interior walls and exterior cantilevered faces, please seek structural advisement.
Can i use an impact driver to install it?
We don't recommend using an impact driver as it can encourage an installer to unconsciously and significantly over tighten screws. The use of a conventional cordless driver is recommended as it allows installers, especially new installers, to develop a feel for the proper 'seating' of screws in the panel without 'over driving'. Over driving in any application or any material can degrade any substrate, weaken the connection, cause 'pull through' and specifically in cementeous applications; cause unnecessary cracking.
Is cementeous stone difficult to cut?
Difficult? No. Dusty? Yes. Silverwood is cut with conventional masonry diamond blades available at most hardware stores. Blades can be installed on angle grinders, chop saws, or cut-off saws. Care must be take when wet-cutting to avoid the cut paste from ADHERING to the surface of the stone. Wet cutting with re-circulated water is strongly discouraged. Always use appropriate dust, eye, and ear protection when cutting.
Do i need to seal it?
We don't manufacture products that 'need' to be sealed. An installer may option to use a sealer or stain for a number of interesting and compelling cosmetic reasons and this is obviously at the risk and discretion of the owner. Use of sealants or stains is at the discretion and risk of the owner.
Will it hold up to harsh coastal climates?
While consideration should always be made for uniquely harsh environments, Artiza Stone was designed with harsh commercial applications in mind with the uniquely harsh conditions of Atlantic Canada as the backdrop for development. The overlapping nature of the application is just water management planning. The product was designed to withstand weather associated with considerable temperature variation with a high compressive strength and features a unique depth of color that should ensure that if a shovel happens to chip the product; the coloured stone portion uniquely, approximately 1cm deep.
Do I need to install a rain screen product before installing Stone on my exterior?
Yes, per national building codes, there must be a 10mm space behind stone. We stock and distribute a product called Mortairvent (TM) by Advanced Building Products which we enthusiastically recommend. There are a number of variants but users should be careful their water mitigation plan or product variants are compliant with local and national building codes. There is a video of the Mortairvent in our installation videos.
Do I need to install a rain screen product before installing stone in an interior application?
Provided that water mitigation is not a factor and not using a rain screen is compliant with local building codes, there is likely no reason to use a rain screen product.
Why do you guarantee your product for life against product defects and workmanship?
With high quality concrete it is very easy to confidently say it will perform as quality concrete does. Concrete, especially high quality concrete, is extremely predictable and this is a well planned application with a water shedding lap function engineered right in that is crafted with documented high quality materials and high strength concrete. We can guarantee our quality and workmanship and we would ask that end users respect the installation process and local building codes in it's application to give end users the superior experience we hope we can be a part of delivering.
What is Artisa Stone made of?
We keep it simple: High strength Concrete.
how do i clean the stone after it is installed?A dry brush and shop vac is RECOMMENDED for removing dust from cut product. Wetting the stone during cleaning may create a paste that is difficult to remove.
Can Artisa Stone be installed over styrofoam?
Yes.
-Applications with foam under 1":
We must first say that any application should respect local building codes but it is commonly used over 1" Styrofoam with longer screws. Always tell the planner, installer and/or distributor if you intend to installer over thin foam so they can order longer and appropriate stainless steel screws for the application.
-Applications with foam over 1":
This of course should respect all local building codes but it is likely fair to comment that installers would likely first install appropriate plywood over the Styrofoam/strapping. The exterior would be wrapped with building wrap compliant with local building codes before the stone application.
Your local distributor / installer would be able to help you with local compliance and the specifics of their application strategy.
Your Panels are a specific length, how do I cut one?
While we encourage you to consult the manuals and videos, the simple answer is that the stone can simply be cut to length is a similar manner to any stone or cementeous product. Most installers use a diamond blade grinder and a person cutting would match the stone pattern.
Do I need to use flashing above your product and or ledge pieces for exterior applications?
Yes, always flash in accordance with building code and local conditions. Flashing is an integral part of building science and any installer should have a good flashing plan for over the stone or ledges for the specific application.
Is it OK to use cementeous stone around a fireplace?
Yes. Artiza Stone is crafted from conventional concrete and is concrete is considered a non-combustible. Conventional clearances outlined by building code and fireplace manufactures should always be used and respected.