Stone That Speaks, The Stratton Stone Blog

      One of the best things about manufactured stone veneer is how little it asks of you. There's no sealing schedule, no repointing every decade, no special treatments. But a little occasional care keeps it looking freshly installed for decades. Here's the whole routine.

Rinse it once or twice a year. A garden hose with a spray nozzle is all you need. Work top to bottom to wash away dust, pollen, and cobwebs. In Georgia, spring pollen season is the natural time for the first rinse.

Spot-clean with mild soap. For dirt that won't rinse away, mix a little dish soap in warm water and scrub gently with a soft-bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly. Skip wire brushes and abrasive pads — they can scratch the surface texture.

Say no to pressure washers. This is the big one. High-pressure water can erode mortar joints and damage the stone's face. If you must use one, keep it on the lowest setting, use a wide fan tip, and stay several feet back. Honestly, the hose does the job fine.

Avoid harsh chemicals. Acid-based cleaners, bleach at full strength, and de-icing salts can discolor stone and break down mortar. For mildew in shady spots, a very diluted vinegar solution or a stone-safe cleaner is the better path.

Check your water flow. Most stone problems aren't stone problems — they're water problems. Keep gutters clear and downspouts pointed away so runoff isn't constantly streaming over one section of veneer.

Inspect annually. Walk the perimeter once a year and look for cracked mortar joints or loose pieces. Caught early, these are quick, inexpensive fixes.



That's it — that's the entire list. Stratton Stone is engineered and tested for lasting color, so your job is mostly just enjoying it.