Installation & Fitting

1. Estimating Materials
Multiply height X width of the area to be covered, subtracting openings such as doors, windows. This is the total surface area for which you will need stone.To estimate corner stones, measure the linear meterage of external corners to be covered including any doorways and/or windows that will have corners.
Note it is advisable to order some extra to allow for cutting and trimming.
To determine the quantity of mortar needed, allow one bag per square meter of flat stone. Multiply the linear meterage of corners by 0.3 to give you additional bags required for corner stones. Note additional mortar may be required subject to stone type and quantity.

2. Laying Out The Stone

The stones come in 2 types, the big box pallet and cartons. It is good practice to mix stones from different boxes. This crates a balance between different colours, shapes, thickness and textures.
Apply 50mm X 50mm batten to use as a horizontal level.
Pointed stone installation.
Mortar joints are better off narrow but should be consisitent.
Fill large gaps with small stones. Evaluate your work as you go along.
Cut and trim the stones if you need particular size stones to fill the gaps.

3. Fitting Stones & Grouting Joints

Use a pointing gun to fill joints, overfill the joints to avoid pitting
Raking out
When mortar is firm to touch, (thumbprint dry) it is ready to be raked out. Drying time will vary due to weather conditions.
It is important not to rake out joints until the mortar is powder dry to avoid staining the edge of the stones.
Brushing off
Compress and rake out the rxcess mortar for a clean look. Don't rake too deep, check your previous work as a reference for consistency and constant width joint.
If mortar accidentally gets on the stone when applying do not rub off, wait until the mortar has set and then brush off.

4. Trimming

For best fit, stones can be cut or shaped using a hatchet, wide mouth nippers or a mason's trowel edge. Straight lines can be cut with a water saw or grinder.
Cut edge should be turned down when below eye level and up when above eye level to ensure that they cannot be seen.
Final touches
When the mortar is set and is dry use a wooden or metal striking tool to rake out the excess mortar to the desired depth.
Then use a soft dry brush to brush off excess mortar.
Loose mortar and mortar spots should never be allowed to set overnight.
Do not use a wet brush as this may cause staining.

5. Finishing off

When the mortar is set and is dry use a wooden or metal striking tool to rake out the excess mortar to the desired depth.
Then use a soft dry brush to brush off excess mortar.
Loose mortar and mortar spots should never be allowed to set overnight.
Do not use a wet brush as this may cause staining.

6. Good Practices

It is important to divert water run off from the stone surfaces by gutters and flashing as this may cause staining. Retaining walls should be waterproofed at the fill side and incorporate provisions for adequate drainage.
Fit cornerstones first and work from corners inward
Corner pieces have long and short legs which which should be placed alternatively.
If the application is being done n very hot/ dry climate spray the wall surface and the stones with water.
When using brick it is important to keep the work level.
Chalk marks should be marked every 100mm to 200mm, it is also important to stagger the joint lines both verically and horizontally.
Building code requirements vary from country to country.
Check with your local authorities for building control regulations.
Reas your instruction leaflet before you commence work.
The preferred method of installation is not to cover the surface with mortar but to apply it to the stone. Ensure complete cover between mortar bed and the stone.
To clean dirt or other particles from the stone use a granulated type detergent mixed with water and a soft bristle brush. To clean the efflorescence right away, scrub surface with a soft bristle brush and a solution of 1 part white household vinegar and 5 parts water.
We recommend that after a period of time when the stone has cleaned off naturally that you seal the product using a Silane or Siloxane based sealers. It should be tested in an inconspicuous area as sealers can darken the stone.

7. Special Instructions

DO NOT Use acid or acid based products as this will damage the stone
DO NOT Use a wire brush as this will damage the stone face
DO NOT Use a high pressure power washer
DO NOT Let loose mortar dry overnight
DO NOT Use a wet brush as this may leave permanent staining.
DO NOT Sandblast
DO NOT Use corner stones or flat stones in exterior horizontal planes or to cap walls in high freeze thaw areas
DO NOT Use Fernhill Stone below water level as in swimming pools
DO NOT Use chlorine or other chemicals as they may discolour product and other masonry materials.

Typical Installations in Sequence:

	Sheathing		Rigid foam insulation		Mortar applied directly to untreated masonry or concrete
	Weather-resistant barrier		Weather-resistant barrier		Fernhill Stone
	Galvanised metal lath		Metal lath		Mortar joint
	Mortar setting bed		Scratch coat
	Fernhill Stone		Mortar Setting bed
	Mortar joint		Fernhill Stone
			Mortar joint

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