What is the Method Statement for Stone Cladding Works?
The method statement for stone cladding is a written document that outlines the procedures, equipment, and tools necessary for the installation of stone cladding on a building.
Table of Contents
The following equipment and tools will be provided in sufficient quantities to accommodate the skilled fixers:
- Leveling Instruments
- Masonry Tools
- Brushes
- Rubber Mallets
- Spirit Levels
- Adjustable Wrenches
- Open Wrenches
- Stone Steel Holders
- Spatulas
- Aluminum Straight Edge
- Measurement Tapes
- Stone Cutting Machine/Power Saw
- Plumb Line and Plastic Strings
- Steel Hammers
- Masking Tapes
- Other necessary items as required.
Procedure for Installing Stone Cladding
All materials will be handled with utmost care and stored in a manner that protects them from breakage, staining, and other damages.
Stone units will be stored vertically, ensuring they are not in contact with the earth’s surface.
Proper separation between adjacent units will be maintained using wood strips or wedges.
Mock-up
Mock-ups will be prepared at the size and location specified by the consultant.
These mock-ups will serve as a representation of the final work, showcasing stone color, pattern, aesthetic qualities, and workmanship.
Upon approval, the mock-ups will set the standard for variations in colors, textures, and workmanship.
The mock-ups will be assembled to replicate final conditions, incorporating all joint/connection and corner details, as well as the use of required accessories and equipment within the scope of Stone Cladding Works.
The sample panel shall remain unaltered throughout the entire installation period and an additional month.
Execution of Stone Cladding Work
The stone cladding works will be carried out in accordance with the approved drawings. The cladding will be attached to the building structure using the specified anchoring system, as detailed in the approved shop drawings and manufacturer’s recommendations.
All necessary components recommended by the manufacturer will be included to provide rigid support and align the cladding precisely as shown in the approved drawings. The stone units used in the cladding must be dense, sound, and without any defects that could compromise the strength or durability of the finished work.
When applicable, mastic compounds approved or recommended by the stone manufacturer will be used.
The setting out and control of horizontal and vertical lines for the marble and granite stone cladding will be a collaborative effort involving both the contractor and subcontractor working closely together.
A surveyor will provide the main reference point and level based on the approved shop drawings, and these reference points will be checked and verified at each location during the installation process.
Setting out of the Cladding Work
The setting out of the cladding work will be guided by a framework of reference points established on adjacent walls and columns, as indicated in the shop drawing for reference.
Regular inspections will be conducted to ensure that the setting out and fixing of the stone cladding adhere to the established parameters, with particular attention given to maintaining precise horizontal and vertical lines.
Plumb Lines
Plumb lines will be provided at corners and other necessary locations and will be kept in place throughout the installation, with regular checks to ensure accuracy. If any deviations from plumb are found due to irregularities in the concrete structure, the surveyor will adjust the main reference points and level accordingly.
The installation procedure for wall cladding requires skilled mechanics/fitters experienced in the specific requirements of the project. Field cutting of the cladding will be done on-site by skilled stone fitters, using power saws as needed, ensuring that exposed edges are cut straight and accurate.
Before commencing work in any area, the surface should be clean and free from contamination. The concrete wall must be straight enough to receive the stone cladding.
Application of damp proof paint or air vapor barrier should be done with approved materials as specified in the project specifications, shop drawings, and manufacturer’s recommendations. Additionally, approved rock wool material will be applied according to the project specifications and manufacturer’s recommendations.
The stone cladding will be thoroughly cleaned using a fiber brush and clear water, or as recommended by the manufacturer. Stone anchors, supports, fasteners, and other attachments will be securely installed as shown on the approved shop drawings and manufacturer’s recommendations to hold the stone work in place.
The installation will maintain specific tolerances to ensure accurate alignment.
Before installing stone cladding adjacent to aluminum cladding & glazed curtain wall, it is essential to conduct a survey and leveling procedure on various levels.
Uniformity and homogeneity are required for sills, window boards, or shelves within each room, and they must be cut from a single stone.
Prior to installation, stones should be carefully laid out so that matching materials can be selected for each part.
Finally, a sealer will be applied as part of the installation process.
Variation from plumb: The stone cladding for lines and surfaces of columns, walls, and corners shall not exceed 6.4mm over a span of 3.05 m, 9.5mm in a story height of up to 6.1m, or 12.7mm in a height of 12.2m or more. External corners, expansion joints, and other prominent lines should not exceed a variation of 6.4mm in any story up to a maximum height of 6.1m, or 12.7mm in a height of 12.2m or more.
Variation from level: For exposed sills, parapets, horizontal joints, and other prominent lines, the variation from the indicated grades should not exceed 12.7mm in any story up to a maximum height of 6.1m, or 19.1mm in a height of 12.2m or more.
Deflection in each cladding panel due to gravity loads, wind loads, and thermal movement, either acting alone or in combination, shall be limited to the following maximum values:
- 1.6mm measured in the plane of the wall.
- 1/360 of the panel clear span, with a maximum deflection of 20mm, measured perpendicular to the wall.
When cladding is supported on clips or continuous angles, setting buttons, shims, or sheets of resilient material shall be used to maintain the joint width as indicated in the drawings and as recommended by the manufacturer.
The setting buttons should be of adequate size, in sufficient quantity, and of the same thickness as the indicated joint width to ensure uniform joints in accordance with the approved drawings and manufacturer’s recommendations.
Cavities between the back of the stone cladding and the face of the substrate wall, as shown in the approved drawings, project specifications, or manufacturer’s recommendations, shall be kept open and not filled with mortar or grout.
Joint sealant and backer rods shall be installed as shown on the drawings, following the printed directions of the approved sealant manufacturer.
Joints up to 900 mm from Finished Floor Level (FFL) at the external face shall be grouted, while those above this level shall remain open, as detailed in the shop drawings/specifications.
During construction, all works in progress shall be protected by a suitable impervious film or fabric securely held in place or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Installation of Structural Steel for Stone Cladding
A prefabricated steel structure will be installed at the specified elevation to support and fix the external stone cladding. The installation of this steel structure will be carried out according to the approved shop drawing.
Cleaning and Patch Up
Upon completion, each area will be thoroughly cleaned to remove any bonding material, traces of dirt, mortar stains, or other defacement from the stone work.
tag: Method Statement for Stone Cladding Works