1. Installation Conditions

Installation of the system with screws and plugs does not require any particular temperature conditions. However, the pressurised polyurethane products, ie PU foam and adhesive must be used at temperatures between +5°C and 35°C.

2. Substrate Preparation

Inspect the substrate to identify if any surfaces are out of plumb:

• A section <= 10mm out of plumb on a length of 2m is considered negligible.
• A section of 10mm-40mm out of plumb on a length of 2m must be corrected with packers or shims.
• Small convex areas must be thoroughly scoured & small concave areas must be levelled by applying a coating, e.g. render, or additional insulation layers.

3. Starter Rail

The starter rail is not a load-bearing support for the system. It is used to act as a starting level so great care must be taken when fixing, as all future levels will be determined by it. It also acts to protect the system from damage by either direct or indirect UV rays and rodent attack.

The datum is determined and the rail is fixed at 600mm centres using 6mm fixings. If the cladding starts below ground level it is not necessary to use a starter rail.

4. First Bel-Stone Panel

Firstly, a bead of PU foam must be applied on the starter rail where it abuts the substrate & also prior to application of the first course of panels, to effectively seal the system at the base (prevents water being drawn up & behind the system). The first panel is positioned on the starter rail, in accordance with setting out drawings (usually to suit window openings). Drill through the panel into the substrate using the pre-located fixing positions. Use the recommended type and number of fixings in accordance with the substrate and site conditions.

5. Corner Elements

Corners are typically formed on site and may need to be cut to suit the buildings dimensions. Corners are formed either by mitring 2 panels so that the vertical joint is at the leading edge or by abutting panels so that the vertical joint is inside the reveal or return.

Continue to fix panels and corners per row and continue up the building.

6. Foaming Chamber

This procedure is one of the unique features of Bel-Stone. As the system is used to maintain a watertight façade it is imperative that the foam is applied correctly, using the pistol, cutter and plugs supplied as part of the system.

In addition to sealing the system, the chamber allows foam to escape to the back of the system, which acts as an additional adhesive fixing and packer.

7. Pointing

The system must be pointed to conceal all fixings and element abutments. Due to the extremely low water absorption of the stone we recommend finishing the joint with an external mastic sealant.