Man-Made Stone
Man-made stone is a popular, durable, low-maintenance exterior finish. The type and color of stone for your home is listed on your Design Studio selection sheets. With minimal care, your stone exterior will maintain its beauty for years.
How It Works
Man-made stone (also called manufactured stone or stone veneer) is a concrete-based product molded to look like natural stone. It's applied over a weather barrier and attached with mortar.
Key features:
- Mortar joints - Hold stones in place
- Weep holes - Small openings at the base for moisture drainage
- Weather barrier - Behind the stone for moisture protection
Routine Maintenance
| Task | Frequency | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Visual inspection for cracks | Annually | 10 minutes |
| Check weep holes are clear | Annually | 5 minutes |
| Clean as needed | As needed | Varies |
| Check mortar joints | After several years | 15 minutes |
General Care
Man-made stone requires minimal maintenance:
- Inspect periodically for cracks or loose mortar
- Clean as needed with water and mild soap
- Keep weep holes clear of debris and landscaping materials
- Monitor for efflorescence - clean if desired, but it's not harmful
- Check mortar joints after several years for tuck-pointing needs
Cleaning
For general cleaning:
- Use water and mild soap
- Avoid pressure washing at close range
- Rinse thoroughly
- Allow to dry naturally
Troubleshooting
White Powdery Substance (Efflorescence)
The white, powdery substance that sometimes appears on stone surfaces is called efflorescence.
What to know:
- Efflorescence is cosmetic and is not a defect
- It's a natural occurrence from minerals in the stone
- In some cases, it can be removed with soap and water
- It may reappear periodically
Cleaning efflorescence:
- Try water and mild soap first
- For stubborn deposits, use efflorescence cleaner from hardware store
- Follow product instructions carefully
- Rinse thoroughly
Cracks in Stone or Mortar
- Small hairline cracks - Monitor but typically not concerning
- Cracks over 3/16" - May warrant repair
- Loose mortar - May need tuck-pointing
Weep Holes Blocked
If weep holes are blocked:
- Clear debris carefully
- Ensure landscaping materials aren't covering them
- Check that mulch or soil isn't too high
What to Avoid
You may notice small holes in the mortar along the lower row of stone. These are weep holes that allow moisture to escape from behind the stone.
- Do not fill these weep holes
- Do not allow landscaping materials to cover them
Blocking weep holes can lead to moisture damage behind the stone.
- Don't use harsh chemicals - Can damage stone surface
- Don't pressure wash too close - Can damage mortar joints
- Don't ignore loose stones - Can lead to water intrusion
- Don't pile mulch or soil against stone - Traps moisture and blocks weep holes
Understanding Tuck-Pointing
After several years, the stone may require tuck-pointing (repairing the mortar between stones).
When needed:
- When mortar becomes loose or crumbles
- When gaps appear between stones
- When water intrusion becomes a concern
Process:
- Remove damaged mortar
- Apply new mortar to joints
- Tool joints to match existing
- Allow to cure properly
This is typically a job for a professional mason.
Related Topics
Warranty Coverage: See Man-Made Stone Standards for coverage periods and exclusions.