When it comes to exterior cladding options for a home, there are an almost limitless array of options to choose from. Materials range from masonry and metal to wood and vinyl siding. If you’re trying to make the right choice, then the more you know about stone veneers, the more you’ll understand why many of Canada’s top architects choose them to give their prestige projects the ultimate curb appeal
For a homeowner, it can be hard to know which materials would be best suited for their project. Here are some of the reasons why stone veneers are such a popular choice for the pros.
For one, when it comes to durability, you’d be hard-pressed to find a longer-lasting building material than stone. It truly is a material for the ages.
Stone cladding also offers a timeless look. While trends in material choice may come and go, stone finishes are always in vogue. And that durability means they won’t start to look weathered and worn a few years after installation.
Shouldice Stone veneers are also manufactured with a built-in water repelling agent that inhibits water absorption and efflorescence (that chalky white substance you see on damp concrete) for life. They won’t flake or deteriorate over time, even if installed at or below grade.
Stone veneers are also fireproof, making them the perfect choice for building in regions where forest fires are a concern or in tightly packed urban areas.
Endless options
With both traditional and contemporary designs increasingly using a mix-and-match approach to exterior cladding, stone veneers are the ideal base to build a home’s curb appeal around. A traditional home might feature stone veneer paired with wooden siding in complementary tones. More modern designs, on the other hand, might incorporate multiple materials in the façade, including stone veneer, metal or wood siding and large windows
Whichever direction the design takes, stone veneers are available in a variety of colours, textures and patterns that can be used to create contemporary clean lines or more traditional ornate exteriors. They also tie in nicely to various landscaping materials, such as slate walkways.
There’s also the option to mix-and-match different sized pieces to create a more engaging look than, say, the repetitive pattern you get with standard sized bricks. Shouldice Stone’s Shale Stone lineup, for example, comes in three different heights (3.5”, 7.5” and 11.5”), each available in a variety of lengths ranging from 5.5” to 18”.
The veneer manufacturing process also makes it possible to create accessory pieces that seamlessly tie into the façade. A good example is Shouldice’s accessories which enable architects to design buildings that really pop. They can be used as window or door surrounds to highlight those features. Other options include keystones over a doorway, corner stones, window sills and even stenciled stones with a customized house number and address.
The environmentally friendly choice
Today’s best architects always have sustainability top-of-mind – and if you’re building a new home you likely do too. So, choosing products that help achieve sustainability and energy efficiency goals are valuable.
The entire life cycle of a product, from resource extraction to dealing with manufacturing waste is an important consideration. One of the big appeals of using Shouldice Designer Stone products is that all of the key ingredients including concrete, sand and limestone are sourced within minutes of the company’s manufacturing facility in Shallow Lake, Ont. And virtually all the manufacturing waste is recycled back into the production process.
Furthermore, because stone has high thermal resistance, it acts like a natural insulation. As a result, your home will not feel as cold in winter or hot in summer as it would with many other exterior cladding products. You’ll lower your heating and cooling bills while also reducing your home’s carbon footprint.
Finally, stone veneer’s long life and minimal maintenance also mean you won’t have to resurface your home’s exterior or use harsh chemicals to clean and then repaint it every few years. In fact, Shouldice Designer Stone is so confident in product durability, they come with a lifetime warranty.
With so many positive attributes, it’s no wonder architects choose stone veneers such as Shouldice Stone for their projects. And as a homeowner, we’re sure you will too.
