Guidance Notes

These are intended to be of general use. For project specific information please contact Stancliffe Stone Company direct.

Colour Variation

As a natural product, stone may vary significantly in colour and texture within a given range. Descriptions and images depicted here concerning the colour of products are approximate only, and it is strongly recommended that customers request physical samples of stone available from any range before placing orders.

Use and Fixing

The Stancliffe Architectural Masonry Range is designed to be built like brick with a 10 mm joint system. Sandstone blocks may be used in the same way as brick, block or concrete. The same considerations apply in the use of wall ties, movement joints, catnic type lintels, wall and roof restraints, maximum height and length of walls etc., as in any other type of wall or panel.

Mortar

1 part cement: 1 part lime: 8 to 9 parts sand generally but for specific advice refer to BS 5628pt3:2005 Mortar joints should be struck off as the work proceeds, and great care must be taken to avoid smearing faces with excess mortar. Bucket handle, weathered or vee joints are recommended.

Quality

All stone is processed at our own sites. Individual components are cut to ± 5 mm on length and depth and ± 5 mm on height, except for cills which are ± 3mm on all dimensions except length. Walling stone is of random length and ± 5 mm on course height. Otherwise dimensions are as described in BSEN 771-6:2005. All orders are shrink-wrapped, supplied on pallets and quality checked at all stages.

Properties

All physical properties are measured in accordance with the test methods and requirements of BSEN 771-6 2005.
All our sandstones are made up predominately of silica and have no appreciable clay content. Their strength ratings, weathering qualities and finished appearance put them at the top of the quality list of British sandstones. A list of reference buildings over the past 100 years and more is available on request.

Manual Handling

Manual Handling Guidelines should be adopted at all times. Stancliffe Stone Company will provide weight information for all units upon request. (Ref: The Manual Handling Regulations 1992 SI 1999/3242)

British standards

BS 5628-3:2005 Code of practice for use of masonry.
BS 5642-1/2:1978/1983 Cills and copings. Specification for window sills of precast concrete, cast stone, clayware, slate and natural stone.
BSEN771/6:2005 Specification for masonry units –Part 6 natural Stone Masonry Units.
For further British Standards relevant to the use of natural stone in construction please refer to The Book of Stone (2006) from Stancliffe Stone Company.