If you have brick on the outside of your home, you realize that it is a very sturdy and dependable material. That being said, there are times when a change is desired and if you want to change to stone, can you put it over exterior brick?
Both a natural stone and an artificial stone veneer can be put over exterior brick. Before you do so, you will have to prepare the brick by either adding a scratch coat or otherwise preparing the brick underneath. It’s a great way to update the home and add some beauty.
It is important to make the determination of whether you want natural stone or if you’re looking for an imitation stone. Imitation stone is made of Portland cement and various other aggregates that would make it look like natural stone.
These days, it is difficult to tell the difference between what is real stone that has been quarried from the earth and artificial stone that is made in a mold. In fact, there are benefits to using an artificial stone veneer that include the price, weight, and ease of installation.
Can You Put Stone Over Exterior Brick? (How To)
If you are planning on putting stone over the existing brick outside of your home, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, moisture is potentially a problem and it needs to be addressed before you begin the work.
Unfortunately, this is a step that is skipped by many homeowners and it has resulted in disaster. It may not show up right away, but it can be a real problem.
In addition, you should always consider safety when you are working with stone or artificial stone. In either case, you are probably working with silica and if you cut the material, the silica is airborne.
When you breathe silica into your lungs, it never comes out again. It can even eventually lead to serious problems such as silicosis or cancer.
Other matters of safety also need to be considered, such as wearing gloves, safety glasses, long-sleeve shirts, and proper footwear. You might even find that wearing a safety shield over your safety glasses provides that extra layer of protection that keeps you safe.
There is no doubt that stone veneer, whether it is natural or not is beautiful and adds durability to the home. When you consider all of the different colors and types of stone veneer that are available, it can sometimes even be difficult to choose the one that is right for you.
You also benefit from the additional insulation that is provided. Undoubtedly, brick has insulating properties but adding a layer of stone veneer to the home can provide a higher level of insulation that saves you money on your energy bills.
Finally, there are times when the stone is going to increase the value of your home. This is especially true if you are putting it over a brick wall that is deteriorating or has seen better days.
Those are some of the positive factors of installing stone over exterior brick. Let’s take a look at some of the possible problems and then go through the steps of how to get the job done.
Should You Put Stone Over Exterior Brick?
There are always possibilities for issues when you’re doing any type of DIY project around the home. Some are more than others, and that includes when you put stone over exterior brick. What problems should you be watching for?
Moisture – One of the biggest issues associated with putting stone cladding on a brick wall is a problem with moisture. That moisture can run down the wall on the outside behind the stone or it can come up from the bottom in some cases.
Any type of moisture problem is going to be a serious issue for the home. It can quickly deteriorate the home to the point where it is not livable.
You need to put the proper items in place so that moisture does not get behind the stone. In addition, it may be necessary to consider how to allow moisture to run out if it does get behind it. The last thing you want is for the moisture to be stuck behind the cladding.
Sealant – Another issue that is often overlooked is the need to seal the stone veneer and to keep it sealed. If you don’t seal the veneer properly, you could end up with cracked or broken areas.
The sealant also helps the stone to maintain its color. This is especially important when you’re dealing with a stained artificial stone, as it will just end up looking more like concrete than anything else.
Windows and Doors – It may be possible that leaks occur around the windows and doorways after the stone veneer has been installed. This is partially due to a gap that is in place and if it isn’t filled in properly, it can allow water to get behind and leak into those entrance areas.
Price – It is important to consider the price and the other options that may be available. Stone veneer tends to be expensive but you can save some money by going with an artificial stone.
If you are trying to dress up the house to sell it, stone can certainly do the job but it may not be the most economical choice. Make sure you are able to get back what you put into it.
Installation – If you are planning on installing stone veneer over brick yourself, you might find it one of the more difficult jobs you have ever done. If you are up to the challenge, however, there is a lot of satisfaction in it.
These are a few of the things to watch out for when installing stone over exterior brick. If you decide to move forward with the process, consider the following to make it a success.
What Tools Do You Need To Put Stone Over Exterior Brick?
There are a number of tools you will need to put stone over exterior brick. It is best if you gather these in advance so you don’t have anything to hold up the project.
Pressure Washer
Buckets
Rags
Drill and Mixing Paddle
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Drill Bits
Screwdriver
Rubber Mallet
Wet Saw
Angle Grinder
Level
Measuring Tapes
Tin Snips
Safety Glasses
N95 Respirator
Gloves
If you are like most people, you probably have a favorite tool that you use on almost every project. Make sure you have it with you because there will undoubtedly be the opportunity to use it when installing stone over exterior brick.
What Preparations Do You Need To Put Stone Over Exterior Brick?
You need to prepare things properly so you can put the stone over the exterior brick and have the project work out well. Here are a few things to get ready in advance.
Calculate – Measure the area that is going to be covered and calculate how much stone you will need. It is best if you purchase about 10% more than the exact amount you need in case of any problems.
Clean and Dry – Use a pressure washer to clean the brick thoroughly. A pressure washer will remove much of the dirt and grime that has stuck to the brick over the years.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on December 16, 2022.
Don’t put the stone over the brick until you give it a few days to dry. Brick does soak in the water a little, so it will take longer to dry than what may be apparent from the outside.
Repairs – If there is any damage to the brick, it has to be repaired before any stone is put over it. The brick will continue to deteriorate underneath the stone and it will not give the solid surface necessary to keep the stone in place.
Scratch Coat – It is important to put a scratch coat over the brick so the stone will have something solid to stick to. This is especially important if the exterior brick has been painted.
A scratch coat is essentially a coat of plaster that is applied and then ‘scratched’ with a notched trowel. It provides a rough surface that allows the stone to stick for the long term.
How To Put Stone Over Exterior Brick
Now that everything has been prepared, here are a few things to keep in mind so the project can be completed properly.
1. Butter – Put the plaster on the back of the stone or veneer and put it in place. It is best to start in a corner and finished the corners first. This allows you to work outward.
After you put the piece in place, use a rubber mallet or the butt end of a hammer handle to tap the stone into place gently. Don’t worry about being overly perfect at this point, you just want to get things in place so that it has more of a natural look.
2. Stagger – If you are using stone panels as a veneer or if you are using manufactured pieces of artificial stone, it is possible to have a noticeable pattern. You need to stagger things so that the panels or stones don’t line up in a straight line.
There’s nothing wrong with getting creative at this point. It is just a matter of putting the pieces in place and continuing to do so to fill in any gaps that show up.
3. Seal – After the mud has dried thoroughly and the stones are solidly in place, you should seal the outside of the stone. This helps to preserve the color and keeps water from soaking into them.
You can put stone over exterior brick if you prepare the brick in advance. This typically means cleaning the brick with a pressure washer and allowing it to dry and then applying a scratch coat to the surface.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on December 16, 2022.