Sadly, most newly constructed homes are never finished properly where stone veneer or brick meet vertical or angled trim, like cornerboards. Building inspectors aren't typically looking for these issues prior to issuing a certificate of inspection. At HandyANDY, we see these issues coming up repeatedly during inspections for a resale. Here, we have a 3-year-old where the finish & sealing issue was identified during an inspection for resale.
Current building standards call for a 3/8" gap between stone or brick and the vertical trim piece. Part of the gap is then filled at the back with foam backer rod before being caulked over with an elastromeric sealant. Obviously, this is easy to do during the new construction process but very difficult and expensive to correct if it is addressed after the home is completed.
On this house, we are dealing with a stacked stone veneer where the stones were only adhered from the back of each piece. There is almost not mortar between the stones and some mortar at the edges of vertical pieces. Around the upper windows, we will have to cut through the mortar & stone to provide the 3/8" gap. We will use specialty bits to router out around the window edges. We will do the same thing around the corner boards and exposed vertical trim. The top edges of the stacked stone and angle edges at the gable will also be sealed with clear elastromeric sealant.
HandyANDY had been repairing metro Atlanta homes for over 25 years now. We handle all sorts of issues from wood rot, siding repairs and deck repairs, to water intrusion, drainage issues and bath remodels. We do just about everything except for heating and cooling issues. We are a one-stop shop for all things home repair! You can reach us at 770-912-2829 and look for our new HandyANDY-OnDEMAND service for all the little things you need done around the home!