After choosing a RockFlex flexible stone color and texture, the logical question is: how is it installed correctly, especially on high walls or facades?
Although the material is lightweight and flexible, it is still a cladding system that depends entirely on:
– Substrate preparation.
– The type of adhesive.
– The application technique.
– The correct handling of joints and seams.
In this article, we will delve into the practical aspects so that, as an architect, builder, or end client, you know what questions to ask and what to demand on-site.
SUBSTRATE PREPARATION
The base must be:
– Firm: without loose parts or detached plaster.
– Dry: excessive moisture can affect the adhesives and finish.
– Clean: free of dust, grease, loose paint, or contaminants.
In many cases, it will be:
– Concrete, plastered block, or lightweight system panels suitable for coatings.
If the wall presents:
– Active structural cracks.
– Unresolved dampness from seepage,
these problems must be corrected before considering the coating.
ADHESIVE SELECTION
Not all adhesives are suitable for every application. The selection should consider:
– Type of substrate:
– Traditional cementitious materials.
– Lightweight panels or special substrates.
– Application area:
– Interior or exterior.
– Height and exposure to rain.
A responsible supplier should recommend:
– Cementitious, polyurethane, or other systems, as appropriate.
– Layer thicknesses.
– Working and curing times.
The general rule: follow the system's technical recommendations; do not improvise with any available adhesive.
CUTTING AND HANDLING THE SLABS
RockFlex allows:
– Cutting with appropriate tools to achieve custom-sized pieces.
– Adapting to joints, corners, and gaps.
Best practices:
– Plan the layout before cutting to:
– Avoid excessively small pieces in highly visible areas.
– Maintain visual continuity in veining and patterns.
– Test dry layouts in complex areas before applying adhesive.
TREATMENT OF JOINTS AND JOINTS
Joints between slabs are a critical point in any cladding.
Common options:
– Nearly imperceptible joints:
– Taking advantage of the stone's pattern to camouflage the joint.
– Pronounced joints:
– When a deliberate modular rhythm is desired.
In both cases, it is important to:
– Correctly align the pieces.
– Finish the edges to avoid raised edges.
– Use, when necessary, sealants or systems compatible with the material for sealing or adjustment.
At great heights, the human eye is more forgiving of minor variations than at eye level, but maintaining the pattern's logic is still crucial.
APPLICATION AT HEIGHTS AND SAFETY
On facades and high walls:
– Work must be done using scaffolding or safe access equipment.
– It is advisable to install in an orderly fashion, section by section, checking adhesion progressively.
– It is recommended that personnel have specific experience with this type of coating.
This is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also of:
– Safety on site.
– Confidence that the system will not detach over time.
SEALING AND SURFACE PROTECTION
Depending on where RockFlex is applied and the intended use of the wall, you can:
– Apply sealants that:
– Facilitate cleaning.
– Protect against stains.
– Adjust the gloss or matte finish according to the design intent.
– In highly exposed outdoor areas, coordinate the selection of sealants with the manufacturer to ensure compatibility.
QUALITY CONTROL ON SITE
During and after installation, it is advisable to check:
– Alignment of pieces.
– Continuity and logic of joints.
– Gently tap to detect detachments or areas with poor adhesion.
– Finishing touches on corners, edges of openings, and junctions with other materials.
WHEN IT MAKES SENSE TO WORK WITH INSTAGREEN
Installing RockFlex flexible stone is not a job to be improvised. It makes sense to have specialized support when:
– The project includes visible facades, lobbies, or feature walls.
– RockFlex is to be combined with other materials such as WPC, interior panels, or foliage.
– A solution is sought that will not only look good on opening day but also for years to come.
InstaGreen assists with the specification, detailed design, and execution of flexible stone projects in Costa Rica.
