Alpine Stone veneer Installation Overview
Alpine Stone veneer and the Alpine Stone Installation System is a BEAL appraised cladding system, and is a product of New Zealand.
Alpine Stone is made from lightweight aggregates, Portland cement and iron oxide pigments that are cast to mimic different styles of stone.
The weight of the laid stone is generally between 50 and 70kg/m2 (dependent on stone style chosen).
Alpine Stone veneer is most commonly laid on to a vented and drained fibre cement substrate, over conventional timber or light steel framing, with studs at not more than 400 mm centers.
The substrate gets sealed with a proprietary moisture resistant sealant. Proprietary stainless steel ties are used as a mechanical fixing between the timber/steel framing and the mortar/stone veneer.
Alpine Stone veneer and its installation system can be used on residential and commercial buildings where domestic construction techniques are used.
Alpine Stone can also be used as a direct fix to Concrete Panels, Block, Brick and Alpine Stone Poly Columns.
Alpine Stone Weight: Approx. 50kg/m2 (Dependant on stone style)
Thickness: Modular Stone approx.. 40-55mm. Individual stone pieces approx. 30–70mm
Thermal Combustion: Zero flame spread, zero fuel contributed and zero smoke developed
SCOPE OF USE
No substitutions are permitted for Alpine Stones Installation System. Alpine Stones Installation System has been appraised as an external wall cladding system for buildings within the following scope:
- the scope limitations of NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1, Paragraph 1.1; and,
- constructed with timber framing complying with the NZBC; and,
- with a risk score of 0-20, calculated in accordance with NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1, Table 2; and,
- situated in NZS 3604 Wind Zones up to, and including, Extra High.
Alpine Stones Installation System has also been appraised for weather tightness and structural wind loading when used as an external wall cladding for buildings within the following scope:
- the scope limitations of NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1, Paragraph 1.1 with regard to floor area and building height; and
- constructed with timber complying with the NZBC; and,
- situated in specific design wind pressures up to a maximum design differential ultimate limit state (ULS) of 2.5 kPa.
Alpine Stones Installation System must only be installed on vertical surfaces (except for sills which must have a minimum 10º slope and be waterproofed in accordance with the Technical Manual).
SUBSTRATES
FIBRE CEMENT BOARD
The most common installation is over a fibre cement board substrate. We use and recommend BGC Stonesheet 7.5mm and 9mm sheets or 9mm Sumner board. Refer to the manufacturers specifications for all sheet cutting, layout and fixing requirements
BUILDER REQUIREMENTS
The builder is to supply and install the fibre cement board, all relevant watertight flashing’s, sealant between the sheet joints and sealing around joinery.
When installed in an exterior application or where council requires, installation of Alpine Stone veneer and accessories supplied by Alpine Stone approved installers must be carried out only by those approved by Alpine Stone.
Alpine Stone mechanical “Stone Tie” Spacing
BUILDING PROCESS
OTHER SUBSTRATES
Concrete Panels, Brick, Block and AAC.
Where no cavity is already in place Alpine Stone veneer is only a direct fix option for landscape projects, interior or other areas where weather tightness is not an issue.
For the exterior of buildings the cavity system needs to be used. Alpine Stone is working on a direct fix option utilising a robust membrane. We are trialing/testing some options and will update the website once a suitable option has passed the testing phase. Please contact us if you have any questions.
The surface must be totally free of oil, grease, paint, curing compounds, sealers, mould release agents, dust or other loose contaminating materials. If any of these materials are present the surface must be cleaned back to the original surface by sandblasting, water blasting, acid etching or wire brushing.
Prior to stone application the surface must be waterproofed using a penetrating sealer and water-proofing slurry which is brushed or rolled on. Please refer our Technical and Installation Manual.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Building designers are responsible for all components of the building and substrate design, to comply with NZBC, and for the incorporation of the Alpine Stone Installation System into their design, in accordance with the instructions of Alpine Stone Technical Manual.
Builders are responsible for the supply and installation of the fibre cement, all relevant watertight flashings and render tape, sealant between the sheet joints and sealing around joinery. All workmanship and installation of the substrate is to comply with Alpine Stone Technical Manual and the NZBC.
Where Council compliance is required or deemed to be required, Installation of the stone veneer must be carried out only by Alpine Stone approved installers
Building owners are responsible for the maintenance of all areas of the Alpine Stone System in accordance with the Warranty details and the Technical Manual.
Every 6 months the stone surface should be cleaned from dirt and grime and organic growth. To clean dirt or other particles from the stone, use a mild detergent mixed with water and a soft bristle brush.
If efflorescence occurs, it is usually caused by moisture migration through the masonry substrate when the stone is saturated. Once the moisture is on the masonry surface, it evaporates, depositing the dissolved salts in the form of efflorescence. The efflorescence will disappear gradually with time. To clean the efflorescence right away, scrub the surface with a soft bristle brush and a solution of 1 part white household vinegar mixed with 5 parts water. Wash down with clean water afterwards.