We spoke with Jim Taylor of HMK, one of the stone installers on the Atlantis project, about the StonePly stone panel installation process. Jim has worked on several stone cladding jobs throughout the Caribbean, Florida, and the Southeast. Here is some of what he had to say. “We really like the StonePly Z clip system and how easy and fast it was. It was probably ten times faster than solid slabs. And you don’t have to deal with the weight. That’s the killer on slab work. StonePly is so much cleaner, faster, and safer.”

How do StonePly Panels Compare to Similar Products?

Taylor definitely preferred StonePly over a similar product he had used before. Here is what he had to say:

“We used a different stone panel product before with a honeycomb and fiberglass back on it, but you couldn’t just attach a screw to it. You had to order it with the T nuts already installed. That’s a big problem when field modifications are needed. With the other product, if you wanted to install the anchors in the field, you had to lay everything out, mark the backs of the panels exactly where you wanted your anchors, drill your holes, clean the holes, make sure they were dry, mix the epoxy, set these little T nuts, and then wait for everything to dry overnight. And then if they were even a tiny bit off, the epoxy didn’t set, or it rained, you had to do it all again. It was messy and slow. With StonePly I can just screw a Z clip or tab anywhere on the back of the panel. I get a positive, secure connection in seconds. It’s so much faster and easier to adjust to any variations in the field or in the plans”.

Taylor summed up his experience with StonePly natural stone panels in the following quote: “We never could have done this job on time with slab cladding, and we never could have met the hurricane attachment requirements with ordinary slabs. I would definitely use StonePly again.”

Jim Taylor’s company specializes in completing stone cladding projects in Florida and the Caribbean. He can be reached at HMK, Nassau, Bahamas.

For More StonePly Information

To find out why our lightweight stone panels could be the right choice for your next project, visit the StonePly website. We’ve compiled information about StonePly natural stone panel testing results and stone panel specifications, as well as images of some of our gorgeous natural stone options. You will quickly see why our stone panels are an excellent option when you need elegant, lightweight stone cladding that will resist failure and stand up to even the harshest elements and climates. Our representatives are available to speak with you by phone at 903-454-4630, or you can fill out the contact form on our site. We can provide personalized estimates at no charge, and initial consultations are always free.

The post Installing Stone Exterior Cladding Faster, Safer, and More Securely: A Case Study appeared first on Stone Panel Information.

The concealed screw attachment method for StonePly panels

Cladding panels by StonePly make it easy to add the cool beauty of granite, marble, onyx, travertine, and practically any other type of natural stone to elevator interiors, building facades, floors, and more.

Panels can be installed using a number of attachment methods. All are relatively straightforward compared to the labor intensive approaches used with heavy stone slabs, which typically involve applying mortar and/or grout.

The Concealed Screw Attachment Method

In the concealed screw attachment method, there are numerous metal plates extending from the backs of the natural stone panels. These plates are long enough to enter the joints, and are affixed to the substrate with No. 8 screws. Backer rod and sealant are then used to conceal any screws in the joint areas. The result is a strong, lightweight, shatter-resistant system that has the appearance of thicker and heavier slab stone.

StonePly: Simplified Installation For Natural Stone Panels of All Sizes

The concealed screw method of installing StonePly panels has a number of practical benefits:

• Requires fairly basic tools and supplies
• Is simplified because of the low weights of StonePly panels
• Can be completed by glaziers, mill workers, stone setters, and other construction and carpentry professionals
• Can be completed in the field at any time of the year and in any weather

Other Installation Methods For StonePly Panels

Tab mounted StonePly may not be the best choice for some applications. Other installation and attachment approaches that are possible with our natural stone cladding panels are:

• The Z clip system
• Use of an adhesive to bond panels directly to the substrate
• Channel installation for translucent natural stone panels

Benefits of StonePly Panels

Aside from making installation relatively simple and fast, StonePly natural stone cladding panels:

• Can be fabricated using practically any type of natural stone in an array of colors and patterns
• Can be enhanced with standard and custom finishes, including polished, honed, and grooved
• Have excellent impact resistance and high flexural strength
• Will not shatter like natural stone slabs

For More StonePly Information

The StonePly website has numerous technical bulletins, CAD details, and specifications explaining the benefits of our cladding systems and how they can help you exceed the expectations of your clients. To make sure all your questions are answered before you make a final decision to work with our team of designers and production professionals, we offer no-charge initial consultations and customized estimates. Get in touch with us any time by calling 903-454-4630 or filling out the form on our contact page.

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