Home and business owners from all walks of life absolutely love the look of natural stone.
Not everyone has the means to afford working with full stone, nor is it always practical. It’s for this reason that so many people turn to thin stone veneers.
Made from either natural or manufactured stone (depending on the manufacturer), thin stone veneers make it simple for property owners to upgrade the appearances of their structures and landscapes in a way that is fast, effective and affordable.
The end product is a stunning work of art that centers around beautiful stones that work to please the senses. But how long can you expect the thin stone veneer to actually last? Will it continue to look stunning in the decades ahead, or will it fall short of your expectations when faced with the tests of time?
This post will cover the life expectancy of thin stone veneer and proper care and maintenance for an extended life.
Life Expectancy of Natural and Manufactured Thin Stone Veneer
Depending on what works best for your property and budget, you might select a natural or man-made veneer. Here’s what you can expect in terms of longevity:
- Natural Thin Stone Veneer – Stone has been one of the most reliable materials since the dawn of man. It only goes to follow, then, that you can count on natural thin stone veneers to last for a long time. When properly installed, sealed, maintained and cared for, you’ll find that your stone materials will endure for generations.
- Manufactured Thin Stone Veneer – Manmade, faux thin stone veneers are also reliable and, when the correct installation and maintenance procedures are followed it can last.
Maintenance for Thin Stone Veneer
The expected lifespan of your veneer is contingent upon how well the stone is cared for. The more TLC and regular maintenance that the veneer is subjected to, the longer it will last and the more you will be able to count on the fact that it will continue to look and function beautifully throughout the years.
Here are a few tips for taking good care of your veneer:
- Washing and Cleaning – It’s very important that you make cleaning your thin stone veneers a part of your regular spring cleaning regimen – and you may want to put in a little elbow grease during the fall season as well. Annual or semi-annual cleaning can help to keep your veneers looking and performing their very best. All you’ll need is a simple solution of very mild detergent and water. Brush over the surface of the stone with a soft bristle brush in order to remove dirt and debris.
- Sealing – Although there’s no requirement for sealing natural stone veneers,A good sealant will offer a higher degree of protection and can also make it a lot simpler to maintain the stone. Talk to your supplier about the right sealant for your type of veneer.
- Removing Efflorescence – Efflorescence occurs with a natural thin stone veneer. Efflorescence most frequently occurs as the result of moisture migrating through masonry substrate. The water then evaporates and deposits dissolve which can create an unsightly film on the surface of the veneer that detracts from the natural beauty of the stone. Although it will go away over time, many people want to get rid of the film right away. A soft bristle brush should be used to rub away the efflorescence before the veneer is rinsed with plain water. If that does not work try using an efflorescence remover from mason supply store.
- Repairing Chips/Damages – It is possible that, with the passage of time, your thin stone veneer will experience some minder chips, cracks, scrapes or other damages. Depending on the style of veneer and the extent of the damage, you may find that the chips aren’t all that noticeable to the naked eye and decide that no repairs need to be made.
Choosing Quality Veneer
Of course, you can’t expect your thin stone veneer to last very long unless you know how to determine whether it is of the highest quality. Here are a few things to look for in the best thin stone veneers:
- Trusted Brand – The most important thing you can do before installing a thin stone veneer is to ensure that you’re selecting materials from a trusted manufacturer. There are numerous companies out there that will sell you what they claim to be high quality veneers, but it’s important that you do a little research rather than taking everything that a sales person tells you at face value.
- Avoid Knockoffs – You may actually find that there are some thin stone veneer suppliers which don’t actually sell products made by the brand that you have researched and come to trust. Although it may look like they carry the same products, it’s important to look closely to ensure that you’re getting what you paid for. Don’t be fooled by cheap knockoffs. Always look for a supplier that is an authorized dealer of the manufacturer so that you can enjoy the peace of mind that you’ll be buying the highest quality veneers possible.
Interested in learning more about choosing and caring for thin stone veneers? The experts at Braen Supply are happy to address all of your questions and concerns and will assist you with the process of planning your next project.
We work with many leading thin stone veneer manufacturers to ensure that you are able to find the right fit for your needs. Our veneers are priced competitively and can be picked up or bulk delivered to locations throughout NJ, NY, PA and CT.
