Gravity Always Wins
Using granite for exterior wall cladding creates a monument of strength. However, granite is heavy—approx 50-60kg per square meter for 20mm thickness. If installed incorrectly, slabs can detach and fall, causing fatal accidents.
Method 1: Wet Fixing (The Traditional Way)
Slabs are adhered to the wall using cement mortar or tile adhesive.
The Risk: Over time, thermal expansion (sun/heat) causes the stone to expand at a different rate than the concrete wall. This shear force breaks the bond. Water enters the crack, freezes, expands, and pushes the slab off.
Limit: Never wet fix above 3 meters (10 feet) height.
Method 2: Mechanical Fixing (Dry Cladding)
This is the engineering standard for commercial buildings and high-end homes.
The Tech: We drill holes into the back or sides of the granite slab (pin holes or undercut anchors). Stainless steel clamps/brackets are bolted to the wall and hold the stone.
The Benefit: The stone hangs on steel. It is not glued. This allows for an air gap (Ventilated Facade) and allows the stone to move/vibrate without detaching. For dense stones like Tan Brown on a multi-story building, this is the only safe option.
