The decorative facing stone appeared on the Russian market relatively recently, about 20 years ago. During this time, he managed to take his niche and become popular among owners of private houses, designers and major developers. We decided to find out - why.
The popularity of artificial stone is explained primarily by wide decorative possibilities at a relatively low price - if you compare it with natural stone or clinker brick. On average, the difference in price of 1.5 - 2 times. According to technical indicators, this is a frost-resistant facing material that can withstand the harsh winter and sharp temperature differences. It is not susceptible to burning, is environmentally safe and quite durable.
How to choose a high-quality facing stone and what to pay attention to when buying? For the answers we turned to experts.
- First of all, pay attention to the facial surface of the stone. High-quality products are distinguished by the detailed texture, it must be carefully scratched without drills. In addition to aesthetic function, the neat texture means that high-quality silicone forms have been used in production, transmitting all the nuances of the natural analogue.
- There should be no through holes on the products, it significantly reduces the strength and is a marriage.
- Check the stone slice and make sure that the element is shrinking not only on the surface, but also throughout the volume. It is important that in the case of chola or scratching the color of the masonry remained smooth.
- If the external signs of high-quality stone can be defined by eye, then you need to check the technical information directly from the manufacturer. Request certificates of conformity and results of expert opinion. If you choose a decorative stone for facing the facade, first of all, pay attention to such key indicators like frost resistance and moisture resistance. A high-quality decorative stone has an indicator of frost resistance F1300 and the W20 water resistance brand.
The owner of the country house Vladislav shared a story with us about how it made his cottage with an artificial stone.
"I purchased my home in 2012. Specially chose the object, which stood on the foundation for more than 3 years, but did not have an external or interior decoration. The appearance of a fairly gray and faceless box, but designed quite sound and rationally.
To improve the appearance of the house and add functional zones, I made sketches of a balcony, terraces and verandas, which were finally finalized by the architect. It turned out a certain averaged version of the European home in the neoclassical style.
The company facade, the contractor for the design and device of facades, suggested using an artificial stone as a facing material. It was the company's products. White Hills. With which they have long worked and guaranteed that their stone on the market is one of the best. Subsequently, I was convinced more than once.
The first year of repair
For walls and pipes, I chose an artificial stone that simulates a brick, for the base - a large stone; For the sideways and the site before the garage - paving slabs.
The second year of repair
I used the artificial stone of White Hills as decorative elements for fence made of ancient brick. Their grouting for seams with a tinting was very successful to the old solution of lime (while the quality of the seams turned out to be an order of magnitude better than the original lime).
Third year repair
The device of tracks, stairs and retaining walls throughout the section from paving slabs and paving stone with borders of the same manufacturer. Of course, careful preparation was carried out in front of the track device - the gravine-sand pillow rod and the reinforcement of a small metal grid.
When the question arose on the entrance to the cellar, the question of the choice of material and the company was no longer stood.
I never regretted that I used an artificial facing stone for my project, choosing a quality manufacturer. It is important that in addition to the main products, it was possible to purchase all the accompanying materials at once: glue, primer, tinting, hydrophobic impregnations, etc. By the way, the installers themselves confirmed that the mixtures and adhesives of the production of WHITE HILLS have no analogues on the market.
A wide range of artificial stone allows you to exercise fantasy fully and at the same time the color solution is the maximum variable. You can choose any shade based on your preferences and architect plan.
The material is very complicated when processing, which makes it easier for installers. It has a fortress. For 3 years of operation, no mounted element has signs of corrosion or deformation. "
Several tips from Vladislav:
- Pay special attention to the preparation of the foundation. In many cases, it is the poorly prepared basis (poor soil, irregularities) that can lead to marriage or not reasonable consumption of an expensive adhesive solution.
- Consider the range of WHITE HILLS as a basic designer. Many products can be applied otherwise and very original.
- Go to The site of the company And get acquainted with the product catalog, photo gallery and the cost of goods.
- Do not be lazy to go to the showroom and see the shade of the stone personally. Pictures on the Internet may not give the correct presentation.
- Order products in advance. In the summer, in the season, the period for the expectation of products may exceed 3-4 weeks. Dry mixes and adhesives are always in stock.
- For installation, take only experienced workers.