To better understand the causes of stone facade detachment in buildings and methods to prevent this issue, more research and information are required.
A building’s facade is important because it offers an opportunity to highlight the design. Many buildings have standard designs that meet structural regulations but lack quality and standards.
Nowadays, in addition to a building's interior beauty, the exterior facade plays a significant role in energy efficiency and aesthetics. A standard building should have an ideal exterior and interior design simultaneously. With new innovations in materials, ideas, and design, a building’s facade can create many opportunities. Despite the variety in facade designs, using different materials and the best type of ceramic for building facades, stone or materials might still fall or deteriorate.
In fact, a building facade is one of the key and beautiful aspects of modern construction and requires special attention in choosing the right equipment for its construction. One of the coverings used in building facades is stone and ceramic, which are practical and durable and can be suitable options for your building facade. However, failing to consider proper installation methods may be one of the causes of ceramic facade detachment.
In this article, we will explore the common and frequent reasons behind stone detachment from building facades.
What causes stone detachment from a building facade?
Ceramic or stone facade detachment is a challenge that many builders face and seek to resolve. After designing a building’s facade in the most beautiful way possible, it is important to focus on its durability. Having a flawless and resistant facade leads to a satisfying end to a building’s construction, and by investigating the causes of stone detachment, this goal can be achieved.
Here are some common reasons for porcelain ceramic or stone facade detachment:
- Earthquake
- Improper sand
- Poor-quality cement
- Building settlement
- Wind and storms
- Failure to anchor the stone (scooping)
- Water penetration behind the stone
- Stone expansion and contraction
- Incorrect joint sealing
- Use of substandard stones
- Stone installation on unsuitable surfaces
- Excessive use of protruding designs
- Incorrect material mixing for mortar
- Failure to clean stone dust after cutting
- Use of dry cement during stone installation
- Non-standard work within the building
- Failure to use metal angles in necessary places
- Choosing an improper installation method
Earthquake
An earthquake exerts horizontal dynamic forces, causing vibrations and structural displacement. These vibrations and shifts can lead to stone facade detachment.
Dynamic forces from earthquakes create significant stress on the building’s structure, which can amplify weaknesses and cracks in facade stones, causing them to crumble.
Failing to adhere to earthquake engineering standards during construction can have irreversible consequences.
Improper sand in mortar
The small stones used to make mortar are called sand. Their mixture with water and cement enhances the bonding and quality of the mortar. In civil engineering, sand refers to grains larger than 0.075 mm and smaller than 4.75 mm.
Based on this scale, sand is available in fine, medium, and coarse grades. Sea and river sands are well-known for their suitability in construction.
Natural sands contain some clay, which can have both advantages and disadvantages for mortar. Clay in sand makes mortar easier to work with, and up to 4% of it is generally acceptable. However, adding more than this amount reduces mortar adhesion and strength.
Washed sand is typically used, and it creates a high bonding quality, making it the best option for mortar production. With this, less cement is needed for mortar bonding.
Use of substandard cement
Cement is the main binding material used in construction, available in powder form with various colors and quality grades. Its structure varies, leading to different uses. After mixing with water, cement hardens and becomes resistant to moisture. Cement is essential in building construction.
Stronger cement types are often used in facades. Different types of cement are chosen based on specific conditions and needs, ensuring the necessary strength for the job.
For facade work, Portland cement types 1 and 2 are commonly used. However, the choice depends on regional conditions and weather. For example, Portland cement type 2 is not recommended in environments with high chloride or sulfate content, nor in cold weather.
Building settlement
Building settlement, caused by soil compression and subsurface pressure, is an undeniable factor that leads to facade stone detachment. Settlement affects the structure and positioning of building elements.
Settlement causes structural weaknesses, changes in location, soil compaction, and dynamic changes, all of which can contribute to stone detachment. Following construction standards and using high-quality materials can help prevent these issues.
Wind and storms
Strong winds can cause facade stones, especially those on building edges, to detach.
Failure to anchor the stone (scooping) Scooping secures facade stones to the building. This process involves using metal, rust-resistant tools to attach the stone to the wall, often using wires connected to reinforcing bars. Scooping prevents stone detachment during earthquakes or other stresses.
Water penetration behind the stone
Water seeping behind the stone can freeze in cold weather, expanding and causing the stone to crack and fall.
Stone expansion and contraction
Frequent temperature changes from hot to cold and vice versa can cause stone expansion and contraction, leading to facade stone detachment. This is especially common during seasonal transitions.
Incorrect joint sealing
Incorrect joint sealing between stones or ceramics can allow water to penetrate, weakening the facade and causing stone detachment. It’s important to inspect joints periodically to ensure they remain intact.
Use of substandard stones
The stone selected for a facade must be free from cracks and porosity. Exterior facades are exposed to environmental damage, and the stone should be resistant to rainwater and dust infiltration.
Improper stone installation on unsuitable surfaces
Building professionals know that mortar adheres poorly to some surfaces, such as metal or plastic. To address this, wire mesh is placed on these surfaces to improve mortar adhesion.
Excessive use of protruding designs
Excessive use of protruding stone designs increases the risk of stone detachment, especially when not installed according to technical standards.
Incorrect material mixing for mortar
For mortar, the mixture typically includes cement, sand, water, and sometimes fibers or additives. An incorrect balance of these components reduces the strength and adhesion of the mortar.
Failure to clean stone dust after cutting
Cleaning off stone dust after cutting is essential to ensure proper adhesion between the stone and the mortar.
Use of dry cement
Some workers use dry cement behind the stone to reduce costs and speed up the process. However, this weakens the mortar and reduces adhesion, increasing the risk of stone detachment.
Non-standard work within the building
Non-standard work, such as improper drilling for curtain installation, can damage the facade stone.
Failure to use metal angles in necessary places
In buildings with overhangs or setbacks, metal angles are needed to bear some of the facade’s weight.
Choosing an improper installation method Selecting the wrong installation method not only affects the appearance and lifespan of the building but can also lead to safety hazards.
Conclusion
Preventing stone facade detachment is a major challenge for builders, facade workers, and property owners. The first step is to identify the causes and follow the relevant construction rules and standards. By adhering to these practices, buildings can maintain their facade’s strength and aesthetics.