One of the ways we ensure the highest quality stonework to our customers is to
incorporate sustainable materials and techniques into all of our projects. There
are several ways to incorporate sustainability into stonework.
The first step is
through careful material selection. The use of natural local stone types, of
which there are many, is typically a more sustainable choice than the use of
manufactured cultured stone products. Stone harvested within one hundred miles
Western North Carolina and East Tennessee has a lower embodied energy than
cultured stone or stone from outside of this region. This means that the overall
amount of energy that is consumed to place the stone into your project is much
less than stone that travels farther. Another way to reduce embodied energy is
to use non quarried local stone.
Cleaners
Finishes and Stone Treatments
- EarthPaint - Locally produced environmentally friendly masonry sealer
We use Stone Coat Masonry Hardener from Earthpaint. It is Durable, Natural, Breathable,and has Zero VOC
(volatile organic compounds).
This product can be used on Stucco, Concrete, Cement, Clay plaster, and Earthen
plaster. Click here to learn more about this product.
Linseed Oil is “nature’s own preserver” – the finest known to mankind. Not only does Linseed Oil preserve,
but it also waterproofs. Linseed Oil also makes an attractive and decorative finish.
Work Methods
Many sustainable stone work options are site dependant. Using stone sand or soil
from the building site can be an option depending upon availability. Another
site dependant sustainability measure is using water sourced from on site ponds
or creeks thus reducing reliance on well or city water in our stone work.
When
opportunity arises we use recycled stone or brick in our projects to reduce
landfill waste and create new structures from the old.