How to remove stone cladding from the wall?

Basics of stone cladding removal

Stone is known as an extremely popular decorative element, which is often chosen by homeowners across the world. It’s very versatile, and it can be used both inside the interiors as well as on the exterior of the buildings. As we all know, it is a very durable material that can withstand exposure to various external factors. External cladding was highly common in the UK in the 1970s and 1980s and many buildings from that time still have stone or pebble finish, which may not be in style anymore. So it’s no surprise that many people are wondering how easy is it to remove stone cladding and whether it can be done by someone inexperienced in that matter.

How to assess the level of difficulty?

So how to remove stone cladding? Of course, everything depends on the way it was installed, to begin with. If you’re not sure which method was used, then you should check before you start any removal. One way of verifying that is by tapping on the wall - if you hear a hollow sound, it means that there is a space between the wall and the cladding. This is good news because the cladding probably will be much easier to dismantle. But if there is no hollow sound, then the exterior is directly attached to the brick wall, and its removal may damage the surface. 

Best methods of stone cladding removal

Usually, stone cladding consists of pieces of stone which were prepared in a tile-like manner or smaller rocks. If you found out that cladding was cemented directly to the brick wall, the only way of removing it is by chipping it away. For that task, you can use a chisel, pry bar, hammer, or power hammer chisel. You want to target the grout joint that links the stones or if not used, the space between the two stones. You need to use leverage and loosen the individual stones so they can be separated from the cement mortar. Be extra careful around the windows or other vulnerable parts of the house. Of course, you should also be ready for the necessity of the additional work such as re-pointing and finishing on the brick wall.

Trust the professionals

If you’re not sure whether you’re up to the task, then the best bet will be calling an experienced professional or a company that specializes in stone cladding removal. This will be the most reasonable decision, especially if you think that there will be a need for brick repair work. The help of a specialist will allow you to minimize the damage and save as much of the original brickwork as possible.