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Design Dilemma Pools & Spas Exterior

HELP! How do I fix Stone Veneer panels mistake by Contractor?

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

Our contractor installed Realstones Berkshire Buff estate stone panels on our retaining wall of our pool. His guys only put mortar on the stone side without full coverage and now you can see clear through to the cinder block wall. In some spots you can even see orange spray paint marks that were made on the wall for markings for the waterfall. He told me - "that's the way the stone came, on mesh panels". I just watched the video and it shows the guy putting mortar on the wall and full coverage on the back of the stone panel also. This would have covered the cinder block wall behind the stone and given th appearance of the natural stack stone that we desired.

Anyways - what is the best way to fix it? Have him remove all the stone (probably not salvageable?) and reapply new panels with mortar on the wall and the stone? Or is there another way he can fix it without starting over. (He has been a contractor up until now and in business for 30+ years - I think he is a little behind the times on new products and didn't ask me ahead of time when the product wasn't being installed correctly and there were problems.)

If the only way to fix is to remove and start over- then I will negotiate that with him. He seems to think we need to grout but I don't think that will work and also, maybe it would change the appearance of the stack stone look I was going for?

The photo is a close up of install - showing the orange paint through the crack in the application. The stone is set on a metal mesh backing - panels are 8"x18".

Website:

https://www.realstonesystems.com/samples/sample-wsp-bkbes-6x6/

Please help! Thank you!

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Comments (5)

PRO
Mystic Pools, LLC
4 years ago
The cinder block wall should of had a "scratch coat" applied prior to setting the stones. A pre-mixed mortar designed specifically for veneer stone must be used. This same mortar is to be used on the stone backing itself.

The scratch coat once applied, should be run over with a large notched tile trowel to produce grooves which allow the wall stone to have a better bond.

We prefer using the individual natural stones rather than a panel system. It's like a giant puzzle. We just completed a pool project with a 32" raised wall section 40' long. I can post a photo when I'm able.

I can see the appeal with a panel system to speed the installation, but I can venture there are a few doubles of the same panels and the wall begins to look artificial. Just my opinion.
atozkids
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you! That's what I figured as well from reading online - they needed to do a scratch coat and that part was missed. Is there any way to fix now or do they just need to redo the whole wall? I actually like how it turned out as a whole, it's just when I saw it close up I noticed the error. Should I have them redo it with a scratch coat? Or can they fill in gaps with mortar?
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Thanks live_wire_oak. I will definitely educate myself about industry standards before signing anything for our next project. This job was supposed to be a real no-brainer, and not particularly expensive, so I wasn't as careful as I would have been/will be with, say, our big downstairs project. I regret that, obviously. Still, would things like even grout color need to be stipulated? Aren't there things that are taken for granted? I mean, if we didn't have "grout color shall be uniform" written down, it couldn't be called a mistake? And what if correcting a mistake would be a huge deal, like ripping out the tub and redoing all the tile? I can see the logic of why that's the only recourse a client has (assuming, it seems, we had language in the contract that could prove installing the tub on an imperceptible to the eye but very perceptible to the water slant is a mistake), but, still, it sucks when you just want the thing finished - and, most importantly, have lost confidence in the builder. I mean, at this point, I don't want him - or his subs - to do any more work on the thing.* Lol - kind of. *I'm now working independently with the cabinetmaker who's going to do some of the final stuff the contractor was supposed to do, so that's nice:)
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Hi Patricia and thank you for your comment. However, I did not post on the same subject. My other question is separate as I indicated in this post. If you'd like to check out the other post I welcome your feedback on that grout issue as well. And, as I said, we've been happy with our contractors work overall. That's why discovering this mistake and his lack of communication about it surprised us so much. 90% of the job is done and done well, so I'm not too concerned about that. I know he'll come for his last check, and I expect that he will fix it per what we request. I am seeking advice on exactly what to ask him to do from those with tiling/tile-fixing experience. Replace the whole tile on each piece that is chipped/or has the accidental hole? Or, is there an acceptable enamel-type fix anyone would recommend? I am the painter on this project and 2 of these tiles are next to the ceiling. I'm worried about damage to the new drywall, ceiling, and time I don't have to paint again as hubby and I are working full time during this closure. So, rather than flippant calls for shame, why not thoughtful ones about what to ask my contractor to do?
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Why not raise the outlet to be up by the new switch location. Replace the BEP3 (3" base end panel) with a B9 or B12.....extend it down. Run your tile across and down to the floor/baseboard. If you don't like that idea, then put the outlet back between the window. What is the switch for? Drill an airswitch in to the countertop. You can use an airswitch for lots of things....not just a disposer. Another solution: Do an angled plugmold between the windows. Are you putting a wall cabinet back there? They will do one with a switch too. Or put the outlet and switch back....split it with him. I think he should eat it....but for $250...keep the peace.
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PRO
PPF.
4 years ago
Have you contacted the manufacturer? They would be the best source of info.
atozkids thanked PPF.
atozkids
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you! I contacted Realstones. They are extremely helpful. The rep thinks we may be able to salvage the job by adding "Sica" in between the cracks. The rep wants to stop by my house and see the issue and even offered to talk to my contractor.
PRO
Mystic Pools, LLC
4 years ago
Sika is is a construction sealant. There are different grades for different applications. I'm not sure putting a sealant in the joints will have an appealing result.

It is very nice the rep offered to visit the site. Tells me they care about their product and how it's installed by contractors.

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