Laval, QC – MAPEI Corporation, a global leader in construction materials, proudly introduces our new Manufactured Stone Veneer Systems (MSVS) product line. This comprehensive suite of products is designed to revolutionize the installation of manufactured stone veneer (MSV), natural stone veneer and thin-brick siding. With MAPEI’s proven quality and innovation, this system offers unmatched reliability for residential and commercial applications, indoors or out.
A complete system for flawless installations
The MSVS product line includes premium mortars that meet ANSI A118.4 and A118.15 standards, delivering superior performance in all climates – from humid Southern states to freeze/thaw-prone northern Canada. These mortars eliminate efflorescence, ensuring a flawless finish with no callbacks. Additionally, MAPEI’s mortars align with the company’s commitment to sustainability, which involves protecting the climate through offset CO2 emissions.
Complementing the mortars, MAPEI’s water-resistive barriers (WRBs) provide robust protection against moisture intrusion. Mapelastic® WP, a vapor retarder, is ideal for non-climatized spaces, such as stand-alone columns and retaining walls. Mapelastic WRB, a vapor-permeable solution, suits projects requiring vapor flow. Both products can be easily applied to flat or curved surfaces, creating a seamless protective barrier without reinforcement mesh.
The system also includes flashing tapes, sealants and care products, ensuring that installations remain beautiful for years. All products are supported by MAPEI’s premium system warranty, offering peace of mind to contractors and clients alike.
Expert insights
“MAPEI’s new Manufactured Stone Veneer Systems represents our commitment to providing contractors with high-performance, user-friendly solutions,” said Sonya Moste, Product Manager at MAPEI. “The MSVS line is engineered to simplify compliance with changing building codes while enhancing installation efficiency and quality. With these products, contractors can build faster, better and more sustainably.”
Navigating new building codes with confidence
As Moste stated, the manufactured stone veneer industry is evolving. Updates to the 2022 TMS (The Masonry Society) codes have redefined setting-bed mortar requirements, impacting residential and commercial projects. MAPEI’s MSVS mortars make compliance simple. Under the new codes:
- Mortars must meet ANSI A118.4 or A118.15 for specific applications, such as MSV units over 1 square foot (0.09 m2) or commercial walls exceeding 10 feet (3.05 m) in height.
- Direct bonding to cement board, concrete masonry units (CMUs) and concrete substrates is now possible, eliminating the need for reinforcing mesh.
- Installations can extend up to 60 feet (18.3 m) above grade.
- MAPEI’s MSVS solutions simplify adherence to these new standards, empowering contractors with cutting-edge materials.
Sustainability and climate impact
As part of MAPEI’s Zero Impact initiative, MSVS products participate in a program that is designed to offset CO2 emissions. MAPEI calculates emissions through a certified Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and offsets them by investing in forest conservation projects. “Since 2012, MAPEI has offset over 80,000 tons [81 283 752 kg] of CO2, reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility,” Moste explained.
Boosting ROI with manufactured stone veneer
“According to Zonda Media’s 2024 Cost vs. Value report, manufactured stone veneer installations deliver an impressive 153% ROI nationwide, with some regions reaching as high as 220%. As one of the most profitable home-improvement projects, MSV installations enhance curb appeal and significantly increase property value,” Moste added.
Luigi Di Geso, President and CEO of MAPEI North America, concurs with Moste. “We are proud to launch the MSVS product line as a continuation of our leadership in the construction industry,” Di Geso said. “This system not only meets the evolving needs of our customers but also reflects our dedication to sustainability and innovation. By offering premium products that deliver exceptional performance, we empower our clients to create projects that stand the test of time.”
For more information about MAPEI’s new MSVS line of products, please visit, https://www.mapei.com/ca/en-ca/products-and-solutions/lines/manufactured-stone-veneer-systems
About MAPEI
Founded in 1937 in Milan, MAPEI is now one of the world’s leading manufacturers of chemical products for the building industry and has contributed to the construction of some of the most important architectural and infrastructure works worldwide. With 96 subsidiaries operating in 57 countries and 93 manufacturing plants in 35 nations, MAPEI Group employs about 12,500 staff worldwide. The foundations for the success of the company are specialization, internationalization, research & development, and sustainability.
Headquartered in Deerfield Beach (Florida), MAPEI North America consists of the subsidiaries MAPEI Corporation (for the USA), MAPEI Inc. (for Canada) and MAPEI Caribe (for Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands), whose 28 facilities collectively have a workforce of about 1,800 employees. MAPEI facilities have been certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 quality standards. An environmentally conscious manufacturer that reinvests 5% of its revenue into R&D, MAPEI offers training for architects, contractors, installers and distributors through the MAPEI Technical Institute. For more about MAPEI, visit www.mapei.com or call 1-800-42-MAPEI (1-800-426-2734).
