Difference Between Wet and Dry Installation of Natural Stone Cladding
Are you planning the installation of natural stone cladding inside or outside of your house? Great choice! If you’ve already picked the type of finish you prefer, then now you should decide between the two various methods of its installation. What is the difference between wet and dry stone cladding? Let’s find out!
Wet or dry cladding installation?
Natural stone cladding is a wonderful choice - both inside and outside the building - and it comes with many advantages. It’s known for its high durability, resistance to extreme weather conditions, and ease of use. Also, it ages very gracefully and will look just as elegant in dozens of years. However, the ultimate effect will also depend on the way of fixing it to the wall. Learn more about wet and dry stone cladding differences and make your choice.
Wet stone cladding installation method
Wet stone cladding installation is the first available method you can choose. Thanks to the ease of its use, even for inexperienced people, it seems like the most popular way of fixing the stone cladding. It is important to remember that this method doesn't require any onsite drilling and, as a result, removes any chance of cracks appearing on the wall. It is also a much cheaper option than the dry stone cladding. This method, however, doesn’t leave room for later expansion of the stone, which can lead to its buckling. It also requires the presence of an intact bond between the wall and the stone - if the mortar or adhesive is compromised, it may cause the stone to fall off in the future.
Dry stone cladding installation method
The second available option is dry stone cladding. This method is a little bit more pricey because it requires the use of embedded metal anchors. However, thanks to this particular reinforcement, each piece of cladding is secured, and it will stay in the exact place for years to come. In contrast to wet stone cladding, this option enables the contraction and expansion of the stone as well, which can occur during changing weather conditions. It is also important to remember that, because of the need for drilling, this method is recommended for stones that are thicker and won’t crack during this process. If the type of stone isn’t thick enough, some cracks may appear on the substrate and ruin its appearance. As we can see, this way of installation is much more complicated than wet stone cladding and requires help from professionals who are skilled at it. The whole process needs to be done carefully and with great attention to detail, as it may result in wasting a lot of material and increasing the overall cost of cladding. That’s why if you choose this method of stone cladding installation, you should rather hire an experienced crew than do this task all by yourself. Now you know the main wet and dry stone cladding differences. Which method will you choose during the installation of your stone cladding?
And if you need to know more about this topic, be sure to visit our blog on a regular basis! For example, from the last article you can find out how to remove stone cladding from the wall. Stay tuned!
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