Efflorescence in Stone
Posted on May 27, 2008
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Efflorescence is a white, powdery, crystalline deposit found on the surface of stone. Efflorescence is caused by moisture seeping through the stone panels mixed with the natural salts in the stone. When the salt/water mixture evaporates from the surface of the stone panel, it leaves salt deposits on the surface of the stone. With StonePly thin, lightweight stone panels, efflorescence is not common because the stone is attached to an aluminum backing. The aluminum backing does not allow water to pass through it, therefore water cannot reach the back of the stone panel.
Efflorescence typically can be removed by brushing it off, spraying it with water, or allowing the rain to wash it away. Efflorescence is usually temporary because once all the salts have been raised to the surface, there is nothing left to cause the problem. In some cases, efflorescence is persistent and the stone must be treated with a water repealing sealant.
For more information on efflorescence and StonePly please visit our efflorescence page.
StonePly Panel Benefits
Posted on May 15, 2008
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What are the benefits of using StonePly natural stone panels vs. full slab stone?
Lower Weight
StonePly natural stone panels only weigh about 3.5 pounds per square foot. StonePly thin stone panels weigh 80 percent less than thick stone panels making them superior to thick, heavy stone panels.
Higher Strength
Faster Installation
Because StonePly is a thin stone panel attached to a strong, but lightweight aluminum backing they are easier to install. In most cases, StonePly light weight stone panels install with minimal effort. Also, since the stone panel cladding system requires no mortar, installation can proceed in almost any type of weather.
Impact Resistant
StonePly Backing Options
Posted on May 13, 2008
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2. StonePly ACM is a thin aluminum composite material that is laminated to the back of a natural thin stone panel. StonePly ACM is easy to install by adhering the composite panels to the surface using structural silicone. This backing substrate is good for interior applications and furniture. StonePly ACM is only ¼” thick. The thicker the StonePly ACM is, the more flexural strength the entire panel unit will have.
3. StonePly Translucent is made of glass or polycarbonate and is laminated to stones that are translucent. This allows translucent stones such as onyx and marble to be back lit. These composite translucent panels are great for light coves, lighted columns, windows, and bar tops. StonePly Translucent varies in thickness depending on the thickness and size of the stone panels its being laminated to.
Advantages to Using the StonePly Stone Panel Cladding System
Posted on April 29, 2008
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What are the advantages to using the StonePly® stone panel cladding system?
StonePly® offers a lightweight, durable solution to heavy, thick stone panels. The thin stone panels adhered to honeycomb or aluminum composite material backing allows them to be stronger and lighter than a typical thick stone panel. Installation will be faster and easier because of the stone panels light weight design. Thin stone panels adhered to an aluminum backing weigh about 3.5 pounds per square foot.
Because of the ability of StonePly® to flex without breaking, is ideally suited for use in seismic zones. Unlike rigid stone panels, StonePly® can accept a considerable amount of bending forces and vibration without cracking or breaking.
StonePly®, unlike solid stone, stands up the large missile impact test. With an impact resistance that is up to 60x greater than 1.5″ granites, it holds up to flying debris and protects the building that it is cladding. This makes thin stone panels a great alternative to thick stone panels in areas prone to hurricanes and tropical storms.
StonePly Aluminum Honeycomb Reinforced Stone Panel Construction
Posted on March 20, 2008
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How come StonePly aluminum honeycomb reinforced stone panels are so much stronger than un-reinforced stone slabs?
StonePly honeycomb reinforced stone panels have high impact strength, torsion and bending rigidity because of the aluminum honeycomb structure. The aluminum honeycomb core acts similar to an I-beam. The facings of honeycomb panels, aluminum on the backside and stone and aluminum on the front side, are similar to flanges of an I-beam, and the honeycomb core corresponds to the web. Unlike the I-beam however, the aluminum honeycomb core of the StonePly panel gives continuous support to the face. This structure is what gives many modern aircraft their performance capabilities. Aircraft with aluminum honeycomb cores endure relative wind speed changes of zero to 1,000 mph, intense vibrations, and temperature changes of +120 degrees to -30 below. No standard construction material could handle these stresses.
The chart below demonstrates the dramatic increase in strength the aluminum honeycomb core thickness provides without contributing appreciably to the weight.
About the strength:
- StonePly panels have passed the large missile impact test that shatters solid granite slabs
- StonePly has 60 X the impact strength of solid granite slabs
- StonePly attaches the stone to the aluminum honeycomb with aviation epoxies that provide a tested bond strength of over 43,000 lbs per sq. ft.
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