Block D – Natural stone systems

Trends

There are more advanced anchoring systems to improve strength and longevity.

Related Components (including, but not limited to)

Masonry units, air barriers, insulation, flashing, vertical/horizontal reinforcing, movement joints, soft joints, grout, fastening and anchoring systems, mortars, adhesives, bonding agents, epoxies and resins, rigid insulation, stickclips, caulking, parging, compressive backer rod, weep holes, vents, air ventilation accessories, draining systems, lateral support system, lintel supports, lintel reinforcement, sills and soffits, water repellents, waterproofing products, cleaning agents, shelf angles, fire stops, wedges, batter boards.

Tools and Equipment

See Appendix A.

Task 12 Builds natural stone walls.

Context

Stone walls may be load-bearing or non-load-bearing. Examples include veneers, multi-wythe, garden walls and retaining walls. Stones may be natural, quarried, or produced in a stone-cutting and finishing facility. Size, shape and type of stone vary greatly; therefore, correct selection and preparation are critical to maintain integrity of the wall.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 classifications, types and properties of natural stone
• K 2 types of mortars
• K 3 mortar consistencies according to stone
• K 4 types of bonds and patterns
• K 5 bedding planes
• K 6 anchoring systems
• K 7 flashing materials and procedures
• K 8 supporting backup wall
• K 9 rigging and hoisting
• K 10 caulking, epoxies and other bonding agents
• K 11 cleaning materials and procedures for natural stone
• K 12 types of wall systems such as veneers, multi-wythe, garden walls and retaining walls
• K 13 components of building envelope
• K 14 installation procedures for building envelope
• K 15 damp curing requirements

Sub-task D-12.01 Prepares natural stone.

Key Competencies

• D-12.01.01 cull stones that are either defective or otherwise undesirable to prevent failures or to enhance aesthetics of the finished assembly
• D-12.01.02 remove debris to prevent bonding failures or to enhance aesthetics of the finished assembly
• D-12.01.03 resize units using methods such as cutting, grinding, dressing and pitching to suit design and to ensure proper fit
• D-12.01.04 dress unit surfaces to suit design and for aesthetic purposes
• D-12.01.05 determine anchoring system according to job specifications
• D-12.01.06 determine style and pattern for stone and joint finish according to specifications

Sub-task D-12.02 Lays natural stone.

Key Competencies

• D-12.02.01 select colour, strength and consistency of mortar, according to specifications
• D-12.02.02 apply sufficient mortar bed to support stone
• D-12.02.03 set stone on mortar bed to required degree of alignment and plumb using tools such as levels and tape measures
• D-12.02.04 use temporary supports such as wedges or bracing to maintain joint size and alignment
• D-12.02.05 follow established bonding and pattern practices
• D-12.02.06 tool joints according to specifications to maintain integrity of assembly or for aesthetic purposes

Sub-task D-12.03 Damp cures walls.

Key Competencies

• D-12.03.01 mist completed assembly at required intervals according to specifications to ensure adequate curing
• D-12.03.02 apply and secure moist burlap or plastic according to specifications and weather conditions to ensure adequate curing

Task 13 Installs natural stone cladding.

Context

Bricklayers apply stone cladding by mechanically fastening stone to a structural backup wall. Stone used for cladding is typically large and pre-finished in a stone-cutting and finishing facility. Stone cladding is not load-bearing and has an aesthetic and a protective function.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 sizes and types of stone cladding such as granite, marble and limestone
• K 2 supporting backup wall
• K 3 rigging and hoisting
• K 4 stone properties such as mass, density and porosity
• K 5 anchoring systems
• K 6 caulking, epoxies and other bonding agents
• K 7 cleaning materials and procedures for natural stone
• K 8 type of wall system
• K 9 components of building envelope
• K 10 installation procedures for building envelope
• K 11 flashing materials and installation procedures

Sub-task D-13.01 Prepares substrate for cladding.

Key Competencies

• D-13.01.01 recognize deficiencies in backup to determine necessary repairs or potential incompatibility with design
• D-13.01.02 remove debris by brushing, scraping or grinding to create a continuous smooth surface
• D-13.01.03 fill voids in masonry or concrete backup by trowelling or grouting to create a continuously smooth surface
• D-13.01.04 apply air or waterproof membrane and insulation according to job specifications
• D-13.01.05 set horizontal and vertical grid lines to ensure positioning of anchors according to specifications and drawings
• D-13.01.06 install anchoring system on substrate as specified

Sub-task D-13.02 Prepares natural stone for cladding.

Key Competencies

• D-13.02.01 inspect stone for presence of stains, defects or debris to prevent failures or to enhance aesthetics of the finished panel
• D-13.02.02 resize units by cutting, grinding and chiselling to suit design
• D-13.02.03 reface granite surface using a torch to achieve rough finish
• D-13.02.04 drill holes for dowels or kerf to accommodate anchors
• D-13.02.05 prefabricate sections by joining units and adhering them with products such as epoxies to satisfy requirements

Sub-task D-13.03 Installs natural stones.

Key Competencies

• D-13.03.01 set units on anchors manually or using rigging and hoisting equipment for support
• D-13.03.02 align and temporarily stabilize units with shims using vertical and horizontal string lines as reference
• D-13.03.03 adjust anchoring system to secure units, correct potential incompatibility with design and ensure aesthetically pleasing final alignment
• D-13.03.04 finish joints according to specifications