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Keeping it Clean: Lifecycle Maintenance for Manufactured Stone Veneer

Words: Jeff Tew
Photos: Cultured Stone


One of the many benefits of manufactured stone veneer is that it’s a robust, durable product that requires little maintenance over the course of its life span. In fact, its irregularity in shape and color helps hide minor dirt and dust. But like any building material, particularly on the exterior, exposure to pollutants like road dust, lawn mowing, and soil splash, as well as human spills, will make some occasional cleaning necessary.

When needed, manufactured stone is easy to clean with everyday products and tools. First and foremost, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning during and after installation. They will specify what should and should not be used on their materials.

Here are a few other things to keep in mind to keep manufactured stone veneer looking its best all year long.

Cleaning During Installation
A beautiful product starts with tidy installation. Follow these strategies to ensure a beautiful finish:

  • Clean as you go with conventional mortars. Multiple times throughout the day, as the mortar becomes thumbprint hard, completed work should be broomed or brushed to remove loose mortar. This will allow you to clean the face of the stone before the mortar has a chance to set up and stain. Do not use acid-based products. The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association also cautions against using a wet brush or sponge to clean mortar during installation, as this will cause staining that is difficult, and maybe impossible, to remove.

  • Use caution when choosing modified mortars. While modified mortars provide exceptional bond characteristics, they are harder to clean. Modified mortar on the face of stone is tenacious, and it can smear and permanently stain the stone. The best strategy is to keep modified mortar off the face of the stone. Keep a bucket of clean water and a sponge nearby to immediately remove any modified mortar from the face of the stone. Brush methods are typically not successful on modified mortars. Contact the mortar manufacturer for assistance on how to clean their product. Consider working from the top down, covering previous work to protect it. Using a protective coating on the stone prior to installation may make it easier to clean a modified mortar. If you choose this strategy, it’s important to keep the coating off the bondable surface (the back of the stone).

  • Cover loose soil. In most new construction projects, the stone installation will terminate near uncovered soil until the landscaping is completed. As a result, roof run-off and rain may cause the soil to splash onto the stone. Save yourself clean-up time by spreading straw or cardboard over the soil to minimize splashing. If landscaping is present, protect it from mortar droppings and cleaning detergents.

  • Consider a protective treatment. While not required, sealing the manufactured stone after installation can help make it easier to clean if it gets dirty, and it’s an extra service you can offer to clients. Be sure to check with the MSV manufacturer for which sealer they recommend. Typically, this will be a silane- or a siloxane-based protective treatment. Applying the wrong sealant can lead to spalling and compromise the concrete material. Note that a sealer may affect the stone color and may create a gloss or matte finish, so always test a small area beforehand.
 

Cleaning Over Time
If manufactured stone veneer gets dirty from debris, it’s best to clean it off sooner rather than later. Prolonged exposure to debris can cause discoloration.

Again, follow manufacturer instructions, but here are general tips to keep in mind:

  • Use the right tools and cleaners: Do not power wash MSV, which can have a negative impact on the color and integrity of the stone. Often, debris and light dirt can simply be rinsed with water. To clean dirt or other particles, first try a simple soft-bristle brush. If necessary, use a solution of mild detergent with water and scrub the surface with a soft-bristle brush. Rinse with clean water to remove any cleaning solution that might remain on the surface. Never use wire brushes, acidic cleaners, power washers, bleach, paint remover, or any other type of concrete cleaner not intended for manufactured stone, as they can damage the surface.

  • Manage efflorescence: When efflorescence occurs, as it does with many masonry products, it is usually the result of moisture migration through the masonry substrate. Once the moisture is on the masonry surface, it evaporates, depositing dissolved salts in the form of efflorescence. If efflorescence is found on the stone, allow the wall system to dry thoroughly, then scrub with a soft-bristle brush and clean water, and then rinse thoroughly. Do not use a wire brush or power washer. For more difficult efflorescence problems, scrub thoroughly with a solution of 1 part white household vinegar to 5 parts water, then rinse thoroughly. (Caution: Using a stronger vinegar solution will remove the color.) If the efflorescence reoccurs, this is an indication that the contributor of the salt has not exhausted its salt, and/or you may need to address the source of water through good water management.

  • Avoid the need to clean: Homeowners and property managers can help eliminate some cleaning needs by keeping pollutants away in the first place. For example, missing or damaged gutters will allow water to splash up dirt and organic growth. In outdoor living spaces or gathering areas, avoid leaving wine and other stain-prone liquids in places where they may spill or splash onto stones. If this does occur, clean the area immediately using the techniques mentioned above. In addition, do not apply or splash chemicals like de-icers and pool chemicals.

  • Manage cracking: On the rare chance that cracking occurs due to settling, contact your manufacturer for recommendations of companies that can help with this more technical repair.


A Beautiful, Long-Lasting Finish
Manufactured stone veneer is known for its durability and low maintenance, providing a lasting aesthetic with minimal upkeep. With occasional cleaning when necessary, it’s easy to keep MSV looking its best for the life of the product.

 
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As the Director of Technical and Training for Westlake Royal Building Products, Jeff Tew is an invaluable thought leader and resource for trade professionals. With more than 25 years of career experience in manufactured stone veneer, he works with masons, builders, architects, and others in the construction industry to help design and build beautiful projects. Learn more about Westlake Royal Building Products at www.westlakeroyalbuildingproducts.com.



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