A stone veneer, or decorative stone siding, is not so much more than a superficial coat of natural stone or brick. According to RenoCompare, stone veneer offers easy installation, durability, and insulation, and requires little maintenance. However, little maintenance does not mean no maintenance is needed. This article will discuss tips to properly maintain your decorative stone. Perform Regular Inspections The simplest way to maintain your stone siding is to inspect it every couple of months. You don't need a microscope or specialized tools. Walk the perimeter of your house and look for any scratches or chips. Check for loose stones and signs of invading pests. While you don't need to worry about carpenter ants or termites invading your stone veneer, mason (or mortar) bees can actually drill into your decorative stone and make nests. If you spot small holes in the mortar or see bees concentrated by a part of your exterior, you may have a problem. Make sure to check the exterior after heavy storms, too. Stone veneers are incredibly tough, but it's always best to catch issues early on before a lot of damage is done. It may sound like a lot, but you can schedule one Saturday every six months to inspect your siding along with your roof, windows, gutters, and other parts of the exterior. Alternatively, you can call an exterior contractor to do it for you. Their knowledge will help them spot even the smallest of problems, and they will help you form a plan to repair any issues. Perform "Repointing" Repointing, or tuckpointing, is the process of removing damaged mortar joints in your decorative stone siding. Essentially, you use vinyl-infused mortar to fill in any cracks you see. You can certainly handle this task on your own with the right tools. You will need the patch mortar and grout color to match your existing mortar and PPE (gloves, protective eyewear, etc.). After applying the mortar, wait for it to dry overnight and check it over in the morning. Repeat as necessary. Again, if you do not enjoy DIY tasks and have no inclination to start, there are always professionals you can call who can help. Repointing is a relatively straightforward procedure, so you can get a reasonable price for it. Avoid Chemicals, Wire Brushes, and Pressure Washers If you need to clean the exterior, avoid using cleaners with harsh chemicals in them. They may etch and deteriorate the stone after repeated use. Warm water, vinegar, and dish soap are the best options for cleaning. Avoid using wire brushes, too. Sponges and soft-bristled brushes will work best. Avoid pressure washers that will quickly erode the stone and damage the mortar underneath. Decorative stone siding is a great option for homes and businesses. They offer a classic and beautiful look along with durability. Maintenance can be performed every six months to help it last as long as possible. If you're looking for stone veneer experts to help with installation, maintenance, or repairs, contact the pros at Stone Creek Midwest today!

With a wide range of products in the market, choosing the right building material for your exterior project is vital. The quality of your project is significantly dependent on the building materials, which generally determine the overall strength, longevity, and appearance of your home. While the available choices may promise all these attributes, stone should with no doubt be the ultimate choice for your next exterior project. Regardless of the stone siding you choose, whether natural stone siding or manufactured stone and faux stone siding, it will last for decades. With proper maintenance and repairs, natural stones can last for over a century, according to Home Guide. Alternatively, manufactured stone guarantees 20 to 70 years under normal conditions depending on the product. Read on to learn why you can never go wrong with stone as the choice for your outdoor stone fireplaces or any other exterior project. Stone Is Durable Having been used for over a thousand years to construct not only simple homes and iconic buildings, stone has undoubtedly withstood the test of time. What particularly makes them ideal for exterior projects is the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, resist rot, and prevent pests. Natural Stone Is a Sustainable Choice Since stone is a product of nature, it requires no additional material to manufacture, making it a sustainable choice. The only energy required is for cutting, finishing, and transportation of the final product. Also, its durability and ability to last for a long time reduce waste and the need for a new product. Comparing this to other materials, it most definitely leaves the least carbon footprint. Also, it poses no danger to you and your family members since it doesn't emit any harmful chemicals. Stone Offers Versatility and Uniqueness Having gone through various geological processes for millions of years, stone comes in different variations that cannot truly be replicated. Therefore, you have a chance to customize your outdoor stone fireplaces according to your desired style, color, and design. Stone Is Easy to Maintain Stone, once installed by an expert, requires only regular sweeping and washing with a garden hose to maintain its sophistication. This is unlike other building materials, which need constant painting, cleaning, and sealing to maintain the desired appearance. Stone Enhances Your Home Curb Appeal Using stone for your exterior projects not only adds a significant value to your home, which pays in the long run if you ever decide to sell, but it also improves its curb appeal. By giving your outdoors a simple yet sophisticated look with stone, you're making a timeless investment. Stone is the right choice for your next exterior project. Whether you're thinking about outdoor stone fireplaces or simply adding a stone facade to your home, we can help! Contact us to order stones or for inquiries.