Adding GenStone faux stone to the exterior of a steel building is a great way to enhance aesthetics, improve insulation R-value, and modernize the look and feel of virtually any steel building.
Capital Steel Industries is passionate about providing value to those looking to build or expand using high-quality, steel-framed buildings that last. We manage a broad network of contractors and material suppliers that synergize to provide a complete steel building solution for our clients. Part of this solution often involves the use of exterior siding as a component part of an overall steel building project.
In this article, we’re detailing the steps that are normally taken to prepare a steel building for faux stone installation, including the steps that are typically taken from the design phase all the way through to ongoing maintenance.
Let’s get started.
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Choosing the Right GenStone Faux Stone Panels
20 years ago, if you wanted to use faux stone as an exterior siding option, you might have had a half-dozen or so options to choose from.
Today, GenStone offers more than 30 different style and color theme choices ranging from natural-looking stacked stone to Chicago-style faux brick.
One of the first steps in the design process is choosing the right GenStone faux stone or faux brick paneling, a decision that can be made easier by contacting GenStone directly and working with their design experts.
Measurements and Ordering
Another part of the design process involves determining how many panels will be needed for installation. This can be done by performing a basic mathematical calculation.
- To find the square footage of the exterior wall to be treated, measure the length and height of each wall in feet you plan to install GenStone on.
- Next, multiply the length by the height to determine the total square footage. If you are covering multiple walls, add the square footage of each wall together to find the total square footage.
- Lastly, you divide the square footage of your install area by the coverage area of the panel.
GenStone faux stone panels measure 3.2 square feet in area. GenStone faux brick panels measure 3.61 square feet.
After this calculation has been completed, all that’s left is to place the order for your GenStone panels and have them delivered to the job site.
Surface Preparation & Installation
To prepare for GenStone installation, clean and dry all exterior wall surfaces. Then, install furring strip boards wherever the GenStone faux stone or faux brick panels will be placed.
The furring strips will be used to anchor the panels.
Next, apply construction adhesive along the furring strips and begin installing the faux stone or faux brick by starting with corners, first. Corner panels are 90-degree panels that are offset-designed to recreate a randomized look.
After corner panel installation, caulk along the shiplap edge of each panel, ensuring that you level and adjust panels as you go. Attach each panel with non-corrosive deck screws, and cover screw holes with color-matched caulking (also available from GenStone).
Repeat this process for each panel until you reach the end of each exterior wall. Because GenStone siding material is composed using high-density polyurethane foam, each panel can be cut to size using regular hand tools (hand saw, band saw, etc.).
Cut panels to size as you approach openings like windows and doors. Then, finish the panel runs with return panels, or simply cut each edge panel and use color-matched caulking to seal the ends.
Lastly, finish top sections with ledgers and trim. It’s that easy!
Most GenStone siding projects can be completed in hours or days, not weeks. And, no stone-cutting tools are needed.
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GenStone Faux Stone and Faux Brick Maintenance
After installation, you’ll want to seal the faux stone or faux brick surfaces using water-based concrete sealant. This is widely available at most home improvement stores including Lowe’s and Home Depot.
After the surface has been sealed, it will be well-protected against UV exposure and the elements. After inclement weather, simply use water and a mild detergent to wash surfaces.
Any areas of chipping or other damage can be easily touched up using color-matched paint, just specify the color code and use Sherwin-Williams exterior, latex-based paints.
All GenStone siding material is backed by an industry-leading, 25-year limited warranty. And, the team at GenStone is always available to assist in any phase of the installation process, from design to aftercare.
Learn more about the use of high-quality GenStone materials by visiting the GenStone website or contacting Capital Steel Industries for more information.
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