Fast-track installation of large-format stone and tile on vertical surface
Engineered metal anchoring systems offer a high degree of performance for securing large-format stone to these wall claddings. Now, engineered high-performance epoxy adhesives provide similar levels of performance and an ease of installation that can increase productivity by 30 to 50%. Epoxies have long been known for their high-performance adhesion properties. Long used by the automotive and construction industries, epoxy adhesives have proven their advantages over mechanical systems. While some mechanical systems rely on a base course of anchored stone to carry the weight of all stones above it, chemically anchored stones are each individually bonded with high-performance epoxy adhesive, thus providing a high degree of security.
In addition to speed of installation, epoxy adhesives provide other important advantages over mechanical anchoring systems. Thinner, lighter weight modules can be used because no kerfs or cuts in the stone are required for fixing. This reduces dead load to the structure as well as the cost of the cladding. Also, mechanical anchor fixing results in damage to a percentage of stone and tile, which does not occur with "chemical anchoring" via epoxy systems. In summary, there is a lower installed cost advantage with epoxy adhesives due to greater productivity, thinner modules required and less waste.