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Why Sintered Stone Slabs Are Exceptional for Exterior Wall Cladding and Facades
Seamless Installation of Large Formats with Reduced Joint Visibility
When slabs are increased in dimension and reach 3,200mm by 1,600mm, the potential for continuous surface coverage for cladding simplistically increases with minimal joint visibility. Gravity design principles mean that the developed edge pieces of slabs will be cut to less than 1mm in an opening. Such a clean edge exposes no edge surfaces to the elements for long periods. The near zero collection of joints will eliminate long-term maintenance as a means to keep the cladding free from organic and inorganic materials which can be disfiguring to the surface of the façade.
Proof of Performance in Severe Exterior Environments: UV Stability and Resistance to Thermal Cycling (ASTM C1525 and C666)
Through rigorous and independent testing, slabs of sintered stone have been proven to retain performance in severe exterior environments. Testing shows that slabs sill retain 99% of their color after being subjected to UV light for 4,000 hours (equivalent to 25 years of surface exposure) and spall during testing of (ASTM C666) freeze thaw cycling of 300 cycles at -20 and 50 degrees celcius which is above the performance of natural stone which is expected to fail after 150 cycles. Thermally and UV light exposed in environments with extreme temperature and humidity, sintered stone remains intact with no micro crack formation and the façade will not warp, break, or flake.
Unmatched Durability: Weather, Fire, and Freeze-Thaw Resistance
Non-Porous structure ensures Zero Water Absorption and Freeze-Thaw Resistance
Sintered stone achieves near-zero porosity (≤0.02%) through high-pressure compaction and firing above 1200°C. This high temperature forms a fully vitrified, non-absorbent matrix. Unlike porous natural stone or cements, it cannot absorb water. Thus, the main cause of internal ice expansion (ice) and the Freeze-Thaw cycle's destructive expansion is eliminated. The independent validation of the ASTM C666 confirms performance across 300 Freeze-Thaw cycles with no evidence of cracking, scaling, or loss of Flexural Strength. This stone is an unrivaled, viable option for northern, alpine, and coastal climates.
Class A1 Non-Combustibility and Real-World Fire Safety in High-Rise Facades
The slabs produced are certified to EN 13501-1 Class A1, which is the highest grade in Europe for non-combustibility. These slabs are non-combustible, contribute no fuel, do not emit toxic fumes, and remain intact at temperatures beyond 1000°C. In high-rise applications, where the outer layer of the facade is combustible, the joints provide a passive layer of safety that is also absent in combustible metal composites, HPL panels, or wood-based claddings. Real-world fire tests, which comply with ASTM E119 and EN 1363-1, show that these slabs maintain their integrity even after a prolonged and severe fire. This is part of the comprehensive fire-resistive envelope strategies that leading high-rise projects specify.
Unleash your creativity with our Sintered Stone
Complete control is how we define the design freedom of Sintered Stone slabs. Each batch is made from digitally produced color pallets, eliminating the dreaded inconsistency of quarried stone. Complicated weaving graining of fine metals? No problem. Complex patterns of nature’s raw balance of form and function can now be replicated with the utmost fidelity, durability, and even tactile quality, all thanks to groundbreaking engraving and inking techniques. Cut down on the number of seams with large, precision slabs. Maximally engineer your slabs to feature built in drainage channels, ergonomic handles, or even tensioning pocket systems. Over 200 finishes and 25 + standard options are available. Why limit your designs?
Lifecycle Value: Low Maintenance and Long-Term Cost Efficiency
TCO Comparison: 50-Year Service Life vs. Natural Stone, Ceramic, and Metal Cladding
Sintered stone slabs maximize lifecycle value through exceptional durability and near-zero operational upkeep. After undergoing a series of accelerated aging and freeze-thaw tests, their predicted 50-year service life demonstrates a total cost of ownership (TCO) that is 20–30% less than the traditional cladding alternatives. Contributing factors include the following:
No sealing or re-finishing: Non-porous, UV-stable surfaces negate the $15–$25/sf sealing every 5 years required for natural stone;
No grout repair or corrosion mitigation: Sintered stone doesn’t suffer from regular joint remediation or surface refurbishment, in contrast to the ceramic panels, which fail due to grout failure, or the aluminum composite/metal panels, which suffer galvanic corrosion and coating failure;
Extended service life: Validated durability claims extend beyond 50 years, showing functional and aesthetic performance (which is superior to ceramic, which requires complete replacement every 20 years, and metal cladding, which requires replacement every 30 years).
Given this exceptional durability and cost, it is clear that sintered stone is the ideal choice for high-performance architectural envelopes.
FAQs
What is sintered stone, and how is it made?
Sintered stone is a high-performance material derived from combining raw materials, compact them under high pressure, and firing them at temperatures exceeding 1200°C. This creates a strong, fully dense, and non-porous surface.
Why are sintered stone slabs ideal for exterior cladding?
Large-format, fully dense UV stable, and freeze-thaw resistant sintered stone slabs are the ideal cladding material, providing lasting durability and virtually no maintenance.
How does sintered stone compare to natural stone in extreme weather conditions?
Natural stones cannot handle extreme weather conditions, while sintered stones can withstand extreme climates, UV degradation, and freeze-thaw cycles while maintaining their color and structural integrity.
Is sintered stone fire-safe for high-rise buildings?
Sintered stone is a great option for fire-protective building envelopes because it's a Class A1 non-combustible material and doesn't change shape at over 1000°C.
What are the cost benefits of using sintered stone?
Sintered stone has a 50-year lifespan and doesn't require maintenance, leading to cost savings since there is no need to pay for sealing or repairing the grout.
