Installation guides

Exterior façades are built using classic technology or with an air gap (to equalize water-vapor pressure between the outdoor environment and the façade). Exterior façade cladding using classic technology.

Extra care should be given to choosing adhesives compatible with outdoor conditions. High-adhesion (C2), flexible (S1), low-slip (T), extended-drying-time (E) adhesives are recommended. The tools and equipment used are similar to those for indoor vertical cladding. Application conditions call for a temperature between +5°C and +25°C (occasionally extending to +30°C), and dry weather. Avoid cladding in rain or wind. Tiles or panels used for cladding are coated with adhesive on 100% of the back, using a notched trowel for larger tiles to create grooves. Adhesive is also applied to the wall with a notched trowel, with grooves running perpendicular to those on the tile. This improves adhesion. For small tiles, adhesive is applied with a spatula, with no need for grooves to boost adhesion. Installation can be done with or without joints.

Ventilated façades (with air gaps) are designed and built in line with Regulation NP 135-2013. Cladding with large natural stone tiles uses dry-installation technology (no adhesives), with tiles fixed to the supporting wall using anchors (clips fitted into edge slots for tiles over 220 mm thick). They’re also often fixed to metal frames, which are themselves attached to the supporting wall. The air gap is generally 40-50 mm thick. The following installation types are used:

• Shingle style – with overlapping tiles. This is also the installation method used for slate roofs.

• Flat style – with tiles placed side by side, used to create large surfaces on the same plane. In this system, natural stone is mounted on a metal frame.