Detailing for Durability: The 2026 Guide to High-Performance Stone Veneer Transitions Words: Jeff TewPhotos:Westlake Royal Building ProductsSome of the most expensive failures involving manufactured stone veneer installations don’t come from the stone at all, but rather from the material transitions and flashing around it. Transitions are weak points in the overall cladding where water can find its way in due to differential movement and material expansion and contraction. Missing or rushed flashing or soft joints can undo an otherwise solid installation. As contractors look toward 2026 with tighter codes, higher performance expectations, and more complex wall assemblies, transition detailing is becoming one of the most important contributors to long-term success.Manufactured stone veneer systems, whether traditional profiles or next-generation products from manufacturers like Westlake Royal Building Products, perform exceptionally well when the transitions are handled with precision. The following areas represent the critical points where good detailing protects the craft, the structure, and the installer’s reputation.Pictured: Casa Blanca RoughCut® from Eldorado Stone© Westlake Royal Building ProductsWindows & Doors: Precision That Protects the EnvelopeOpenings remain the most common location for moisture problems. Their complexity demands a disciplined approach.Strong detailing includes:Head flashing (drip cap) incorporated with the primary WRB to direct water outFlashing tape that is properly tied into the primary WRB A soft joint gap (typically about 3/8”) per code and product manufacturer - Soft joint gap filled with backer rod and a quality sealantA rainscreen or drainage mat, where required, behind the veneer for incidental moistureThe use of quality materials and meticulously following the details in these areas is crucial to a successful project.Corners: The Structural and Visual Anchor PointsCorners undergo force from multiple directions within a wall system all while influencing the visual rhythm of the entire installation.Reliable corner work focuses on:Lath fully wrapping around corners per installation instructionsSelecting larger corners for the lower part of the wall to enhance the look of a natural building stone wall Installing corners so that each outside 90-degree edge is plumbKeeping both sides of a corner level for linear stonesProperly installed corners don't just look better, they contribute to the overall impact of the installation.Pictured: Cypress Ridge Orchard from Eldorado Stone© Westlake Royal Building ProductsVertical and Horizontal Terminations: Small Gaps, Major ImpactProperly handling the details at trim, siding, grade, rooflines and other vertical or horizontal terminations determines how well moisture is handled and how the MSV incorporates with adjacent materials.Here are a few ways to ensure high performance:Proper detailing at the bottom termination allows necessary drainage and prevents moisture wicking and freeze-thaw issues Properly installed vertical soft joint flashing, backer rod, and quality sealant can reduce or eliminate the following: - Damage to either cladding due to dissimilar movement - Gaps are opening in the grout joint - Bulk water intrusion between the dissimilar materialsThese details are subtle, often measured in millimeters, but they carry disproportionate influence on system longevity.Movement Joints: Designing for What the Building Will Do NextAll assemblies shift. Temperature changes, substrate variations, and building settlement create stresses that should be managed. In many cases, the MSV system should not be installed over the movement joints to prevent cracking. Effective planning includes:Locating joints at changes in wall height Joints in tilt-up concrete panelsChanges in wall thicknessA wall that’s allowed to move is a wall that lasts.Pictured: Meseta Fieldledge® from Eldorado Stone© Westlake Royal Building ProductsWhy Transition Detailing Drives Real-World PerformanceAcross the industry, transition-related issues consistently rank among the top causes of callbacks. Even experienced crews can be undermined by a poorly detailed opening or a missing piece of flashing. Attention to transitions improves:Moisture managementStructural stabilityAesthetic continuityResistance to seasonal movementLong-term reliability across climatesWhether the veneer is natural or manufactured, traditional or contemporary, these detailing principles remain the foundation of a durable assembly.What High-Performance Detailing Looks Like Going Into 2026As standards evolve and drainage expectations rise, the projects performing best today share common traits:Integrated flashing and WRB strategiesWhen required, utilizing a rainscreen or drainage plane behind the veneerAdherence to proper clearances at all transitionsDeliberate spacing and soft joint material at dissimilar materialsProperly installed and reviewed mockups to standardize expectationsAlignment with ASTM requirements and manufacturer guidanceThe installations holding up best aren’t just well-executed; they’re well-detailed.Pictured: Casa Blanca RoughCut® from Eldorado Stone© Westlake Royal Building ProductsWhere Craftsmanship Proves ItselfManufactured stone veneer seldom fails in the middle of a wall. It fails at the places where the system changes direction or connects to something else. When transition points receive the same attention as the visible field, the result is an assembly that sheds water more effectively, resists movement, and stands up to long-term performance expectations.It’s at these intersections that craftsmanship shows itself, and where durable, reliable installations earn their reputation.About: Technical Talks
