Substrate preparation (by intended use)
Façades
Exterior vertical cladding
Vertical cladding needs different preparation. In all vertical cladding, adhesion to the substrate is essential, since tiles are subject to gravity and can come loose. That’s why high-adhesion mortars are used, and surfaces are made as rough as possible. For the same reason, thinner tiles or panels are used.
- Fences, plinths, columns – clad with natural stone tiles directly on the substrate. There are several substrate types:
river-stone substrate – compacted with a mortar that binds the stones together. Tiles are then laid.
concrete substrate – clad directly on the surface.
- Façades – usually clad with decorative stone (heavier). In this case, cladding is done:
Directly on masonry (the same as with regular natural stone tiles)
On masonry with an insulating material layered over it (polystyrene). A wire mesh and specific adhesives are used.
- Slate-clad roofs – cladding is done in two ways:
fixed with adhesive
fixed with nails
Tiles are installed directly onto roof sheathing, which is first laid and fixed to the roof frame.
