A custom stone veneer is a great way to add a little style to your home. It can make your house look like it was built entirely from stone but at a fraction of the cost of natural stone. To save a little money, homeowners with a do it yourself frame of mind have attempted to install their own custom stone veneer. As long as you’re careful, it is possible but you have to be sure and take extra precautions around your windows. If they are not sealed properly then you can leave yourself open to leaks and future water damage.

Before you get started on the steps below, you need to gather a few materials. For this project you will need:

• Metal weep screed
• Metal cap flashing
• Silicone Adhesive

Step 1: On the plywood boards that form the outside of the house, known as the sheathing, you will find flashing tape installed. Squeeze out a beaded line of silicone adhesive in a zigzag pattern across that tape.

Step 2: Take your metal cap flashing and press it solidly against the flashing tape with the bottom edge against the top edge of the window.

Step 3: Now you will need to nail a metal weep screed into place over the top of the metal cap flashing. This will help to divert water away and act as a moisture guard.

Step 4: Starting at the bottom of the wall, begin installing the veneer and work your way up. When you get to the last piece of veneer, you have to measure the distance between it and the edge of the window and mark a line onto the back of the veneer.

Step 5: Cut along the line that you marked using an electric grinder but only cut about halfway through the veneer.

Step 6: Now place the veneer face down on a worktable with the line you cut running along the edge of the table.

Step 7: Using a hammer, gently tap on the part of the veneer sticking out past the table to break it along the line and remove excess material.

Step 8: Spread water over the back of the veneer piece to keep it from absorbing water from the mortar. If you don’t, it will cause the mortar to crack.

Step 9: Apply a half inch of mortar to the back of the piece and onto the wall where it will be placed. Then press the piece firmly into position.

Step 10: Repeat these steps as needed for the remaining windows.