MEI SERVES THE TWIN CITIES AND SURROUNDING AREAS
Robbinsdale
St. Michael
Albertville
Hanover
Otsego
Medina
Minnetonka
Edina
Wayzata
Chanhassen
Monticello
Eden Prairie
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Artificial stone veneer, manufactured stone veneer, faux stone veneer, cultured stone veneer; many different names are used when referring to this material, and they are all accurate. Each calls out to the stones’ most prominent attribute, being meticulously man-made. Manufactured stone has been on the market for more than 50 years, but very few manufacturers have perfected the color palate, structure, and versatility as well as ProVia.
Manufactured stone can bring a one-of-a-kind appeal to any architectural style, including:
Our durable, unique, and carefully colored stone veneer is manufactured by ProVia. The quality of this stone veneer is truly top tier and unmatched by any other stone manufacturer. Each stone is cast out of a light weight, shale aggregate and poured cement making it 2.5 times stronger than typical manufactured stone. The light weight aggregate makes for a lighter finished product. That, along with the standard flat surface on the back, makes for easy installation.
Natural stone is mined straight from a quarry and can be quite dense. If not perfectly sawed on the back, natural stone veneer is difficult to install, and if too heavy, requires the use of a foundation to hold its weight.
A lighter, more versatile manufactured stone will not need a foundation, making it easier to replace or repair in the future. Additionally, these stone products are voluntarily third-party tested and certified through the IAPMO product certification agency and meet or exceed ASTM, IBC and IRC standards.
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Stone profiles vary in size and shape, and coloring can give each stone a different look. For a more dramatic edge there are:
These profiles give more of a defined finish to your project.
For a more rugged masonry look with squares, rectangles, and other irregular shapes, there are:
For a cobblestone feel, we offer two very unique shaped stones.
To learn more about the various types of stone that MEI offers, visit our incredible showroom in the Twin Cities area.
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Grout or mortar adhere stone to the exterior surface of your home and can be seen between each stone. Grout choice can depend on:
The color of the grout, the depth of the mortar joint and the spacing of your stones can make the exact same profile and color of stone look completely different. A stone veneer with a mixture of light grays and whites will really pop against intense, black mortar joints, whereas the same coloring of stone with white mortar joints will brighten up, appearing calmer and more neutral.
Visit our showroom to see the effect grout and mortar color can have on your stone project.
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Robbinsdale
St. Michael
Albertville
Hanover
Otsego
Medina
Minnetonka
Edina
Wayzata
Chanhassen
Monticello
Eden Prairie
Stone thickness will vary with each profile, but all are considered to be a thin veneer and will range between 3/4” and 2 1/5” in total thickness.
Like most home exterior products, cultured stone veneer will weather after time spent exposed to the elements. Similar to that of natural stone, colors will lose a bit of their contrast over the years. To preserve the coloring, sealing the stone with a masonry sealer can be very helpful.
Cleaning your exterior stone can be done with a soft bristle brush and a solution of granulated soap and water. Rinse immediately after with fresh water. Because it is lightweight and made with a shale aggregate, it is not recommended to use a wire brush, power-washer, sandblaster or any acid or acid-based products to clean your stone.
Efflorescence is a white/yellow powder that sometimes forms on the surface of veneer products. It is the result of free lime in the cement dissolving into the mixing water. Efflorescence should be cleaned immediately from the surface by scrubbing with a soft bristle brush and clean water. Rinse immediately and allow to dry; repeat the process if it is still visible.