Enhancing the Stone
Durability and Severe Weather
As the strength of stone on aluminum panels varies by manufacturer, it is important to verify the testing that a manufacturer has completed and the projects they have completed. Some manufacturers’ panels have been tested for large missile impact, freeze-thaw cycles, and high-wind events. An example of real-world testing includes the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, where the stone on aluminum honeycomb panels have been through several hurricanes, some of which were Category 5, without damage.
![Pictured here is the Cove at Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas.](https://mcgrawimages.buildingmedia.com/CE/CE_images/2017/january/Jan-Stonply-18.jpg)
Stone veneer on aluminum honeycomb panels can be used in either a rainscreen or barrier-type wall system. The aluminum layer makes the panels impervious to water or air infiltration. Pictured here is the Cove at Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas.
Performance and Testing Methods
The following tables show typical testing methods.
![Table 1: Sample Testing Information](https://mcgrawimages.buildingmedia.com/CE/CE_images/2017/january/Jan-Stonply-19.jpg)
![Table 2: Sample Panel Weight and Thickness](https://mcgrawimages.buildingmedia.com/CE/CE_images/2017/january/Jan-Stonply-20.jpg)
![Table 3: Sample Panel Performance](https://mcgrawimages.buildingmedia.com/CE/CE_images/2017/january/Jan-Stonply-21.jpg)
![Table 4: Sample Wind Load/Span Capacity](https://mcgrawimages.buildingmedia.com/CE/CE_images/2017/january/Jan-Stonply-22.jpg)
![Table 5: Sample Fastener Capacity to Honeycomb](https://mcgrawimages.buildingmedia.com/CE/CE_images/2017/january/Jan-Stonply-23.jpg)
![Table 6: Sample Fire Testing](https://mcgrawimages.buildingmedia.com/CE/CE_images/2017/january/Jan-Stonply-24.jpg)