Like wood, stone was also traditionally used by Bulgarians not only indoors but also for exterior tiling. We recommend using gneiss from Ivailovgrad which is the most suitable material to choose because of its beauty and durability.
Stone strength
Bulgarians have used natural stone for tiling as their preferred choice for centuries. It is strong and very resistant to changes in external conditions and extreme temperatures. Although it is not associated with warmth, it keeps homes warm in winter and cool in summer. Both shades of gneiss by ValMarg Stone have these qualities. Both the golden beige and silver gray gneiss slabs are very good options as attractive colors for the tiling.
In addition, in comparison to many materials commonly used for interiors and exteriors such as marble, gneiss has much better qualities, especially when it comes to exterior tiling.
Types of gneiss
Gneiss for tiling can be in the form of unshaped polygonal slabs with an irregular shape. It is more difficult to arrange because the slabs should be picked in such a way as to fit. Polygonal gneiss slabs are up to 2 cm thick when offered for tiling.
In addition to being more difficult to arrange compared to slabs with a regular shape, applying adhesive to polygonal slabs is also more difficult again due to their irregular shape.
Formed slabs from tiling stone – cut gneiss are with a regular shape. But to achieve this, a lot of material is wasted. This increases the price of these slabs for exterior tiling. But it is easier to arrange them and apply adhesive.
Specifics of exterior tiling
Before you start to tile with gneiss, install thermal insulation. This is a requirement as per standards. Extruded polystyrene is the most suitable thermal insulating material.
If you tile a part of the wall, an important rule is to use thinner thermal insulation because once you install gneiss tiles afterwards, the layer can be made of the same thickness as the rest of the wall.
Then the wall should be plastered. Grooves are formed to which the gneiss slabs will be later glued.
To firmly attach the stone tiling which is very heavy, a metal mesh is placed which is galvanized. Dowels are used to attach the mesh over the plaster.
Applying adhesive to fix gneiss slabs
First apply the adhesive. When applying it over the mesh, fill the grooves carefully to keep the stone slabs in place. Applying the adhesive takes time, especially if the gneiss slabs are polygonal. It is important that the shapes fit and the joints are even.
If you use gneiss cuttings, this will make your job easier. They are smaller in size and arranging them is easier.
The effect of gneiss stone tiling
Gneiss tiling makes people travel back in time when natural stone was highly regarded in construction not only for its strength but also for its natural beauty. In addition to a home-like feel, the use of Ivailovgrad stone makes the look of the exterior tiling unique. It naturally connects with nature, especially if the tiled building is in a location outside the city or in close proximity to green areas.
Even an exterior tiling on a part of a wall gives the building a stylish look. This is a solution if you do not have enough time to tile the whole house, which can take time, or your budget does not allow tiling the whole building.