Patent Abstract:
A wall system for improved water drainage, and diminished probability of occurrence of mold, mildew and rot formation behind cladding attached to the wall system. The wall system is generally material agnostic, and may be used as an interface between a structural-wall sheathing (including house wraps, gage-metal framing, and felt), and exterior-façade materials, including, but not necessarily limited to: faux masonry, faux stone, mortar, stucco, and other aesthetic or exterior-façade materials. The following disclosure is also directed to systems and methods of attaching faux stone to a wall.

Full Description:
REFERENCE TO NON-PROVISIONAL PRIOR APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of prior U.S. application Ser. No. 14/321,489 filed Jul. 1, 2015, which is fully incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The following disclosure is directed to a wall system for receiving cladding. The wall system offers improved water drainage, and diminished probability of occurrence of mold, mildew and rot formation behind the cladding. The wall system is also inexpensive, and simple to install and use. In addition, the wall system is generally material agnostic, and may be used as an interface between a structural wall (including sheathing, house wraps, gauge-metal framing, and felt), and exterior-façade materials, including, but not necessarily limited to: faux masonry, faux stone, stone, brick, mortar, stucco, and other aesthetic or exterior-façade materials. 
     The following disclosure is also directed to systems and methods of attaching faux or natural stone, and other artificial or natural aesthetic-façade materials to a wall. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Most building codes in the United States require that a water-resistive barrier or non-water-absorbing layer or designed-drainage space be installed before application of a hard-coat stucco or faux stone or other veneer. 
     Nevertheless, many veneers adhered to the exterior wall (i.e., sheathing, house wraps, metal framing, and felt) still trap moisture behind the veneer. This can lead to damage and rot to the interior structure of a building, and mold issues. In addition, many of these systems often attract wood-destroying insects such as termites, and carpenter ants. 
     In particular, the advent of faux-stone veneer in recent years, has led to the finding that many of these wall systems were either improperly installed, or had improper water drainage or vapor-permeable barriers between the faux stone, and sheathing or housing wraps. 
     Consequently, many houses and buildings that use or used faux stone, will experience moisture and insect problems that result in 100% removal of the faux stone, and major structural repairs. 
     On the other hand, the advantage of not requiring a stone mason to install stone veneer to the side of a building is appealing to the construction industry. Further, because faux stone does not require mortar for their attachment means to a wall, there are less weather and seasonal restrictions to installations. So, faux-stone veneer is desirable to the consumer and building industry, because it is generally less expensive and quicker to install than natural stone. But attaching simulated stone to the sides of walls requires careful attention to water and mold, and requires expertise. 
     Thus, there remains a need for a simplified wall system for attaching cladding of all types, including faux stone. Such a wall system should offer water drainage, and diminished probability of occurrence of mold, mildew and rot formation behind the cladding. 
     In addition, there is a need for simplified method and system of attaching individual faux stones to a wall, requiring less time, expertise, and material to install. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following disclosure is directed to a wall system for receiving cladding. The wall system offers improved water drainage, and diminished probability of occurrence of mold, mildew and rot formation behind the cladding. The wall system is also inexpensive, and simple to install and use. In addition, the wall system is generally material agnostic, and may be used as an interface between a structural-wall sheathing (including house wraps, gage-metal framing, and felt), and exterior-façade materials, including, but not necessarily limited to: faux masonry, faux stone, mortar, stucco, and other aesthetic or exterior-façade materials. 
     In one aspect, wall system includes a structural-separation-plane panel, a matrix, and a plurality of spacers. The panel is generally planar, and includes a back surface, and front surface. The front surface may be substantially flat and planar. Alternatively, the front surface may include one or more patterns and shapes. 
     In one aspect, matrix is a nylon mesh. That is, the matrix includes a mesh of interwoven-nylon strands. The matrix is embedded into the front surface of the panel when the panel is in a liquefied state (such as a mold). But as appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, the matrix may be coupled to the panel by other means such as glue, staples, tacks, or other coupling means. As a whole, the matrix is permeable to both air and water. 
     The spacers are bumps that protrude from the back surface of the panel. That is, the spacers extend from the back surface of the panel, and form channels for drainage of water when the panel is secured to the wall. That is, spacers are sandwiched between the back surface, and an exterior-most portion of the wall of a building, thereby forming channels for drainage of water. The channels provide open drainage space for water, and do not catch or contain water. 
     The spacers may include different shapes, and dimensions. In one example, each spacer is approximately ⅛ of an inch thick measured from the back surface of the separation panel extending to a back surface of each spacer. Further, each spacer is molded into, or a part of the back surface of the panel. 
     Various other examples of wall systems (and constituent parts, shapes, and sizes) for attaching materials are described in the Detailed Description below, and are illustrated in the drawings. 
     The following disclosure is also directed to systems and methods of attaching faux stone and natural or other man-made materials to a wall. 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below. This summary is not necessarily intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it necessarily intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     Reference herein to “example,” “embodiments” or similar formulations means that a particular feature, structure, operation or characteristic described in connection with the example, is included in at least one implementation in this description. Thus, the appearance of such phrases or formulations herein are not necessarily all referring to the same example. Further, various particular features, structures, operations, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in or more examples. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
         FIG. 1  is a profile view of a wall-panel system for attachment to a wall of a building in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective-front view of the system of  FIG. 1 , and specifically a front face of a panel of the system in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 3A  shows a top view a back side of a panel, and an example shape for each spacer in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 3B  shows a perspective view of a backside of a panel depicted in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4  is a profile view of another example of a wall-panel system for attachment to a wall of a building in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 5A  is a profile view of another example of a wall-panel system for attachment to a wall of a building in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the wire mesh depicted in  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6  is a profile view of another example of a wall-panel system for attachment to a wall  102  of a building in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  shows a top view of one example of a pattern for a roughed version of a front surface of a panel for wall system in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 8A  is a profile view of another example of a wall-panel system for attachment to a wall of a building in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 8B  shows a perspective view of the system depicted in  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 9  is a profile view of another example of a wall-panel system for attachment to a wall of a building in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a profile view of another example of a wall-panel system for attachment to a wall of a building in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the system depicted in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of another example system illustrating a back surface of a panel of the system with buttons attached thereto in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of another example of a system having a fabric panel in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  shows a side view of the system depicted in  FIG. 13  with spacers in the form of buttons as depicted in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
         FIG. 15  shows an example system for attaching faux stone to a wall in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  shows another example system for attaching faux stone to a wall in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, and 17E  show profile views of example pins used to secure faux stones thereon. 
         FIG. 18  shows a top view of a faux stone manufactured in accordance with this disclosure. 
         FIGS. 19-20  show profile views of other example systems for attaching faux stone to a wall. 
         FIG. 21  shows two example configurations for interconnecting panels. 
         FIG. 22  shows a profile-focused view of a panel with faux stone pre-attached thereto. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a profile view of a wall-panel system  100  for attachment to a wall  102  of a building. System  100  includes a structural-separation-plane panel  104 , a matrix  106 , and a plurality of spacers  108 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , wall  102  is typically a non-aesthetic-structural portion of a building, such as a house. In one example, wall  102  is plywood commonly used in home construction. However, wall  102  may be made of any suitable material used in the building industry. In addition, on an attached to wall  102  from the interior is any suitable support system  105  for supporting wall  102  in a vertical position. On the exterior portion of wall  102  is typically an outer material  101  such as sheathing, house wrap, felt or other suitable materials. These materials are not required, but are typically used in the building industry for variety of reasons, including meeting code requirements. 
     Panel  104  is generally planar, and includes a back surface  110 , and front surface  112 . In one example, panel  104  is fiberglass. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, after having the benefit of this disclosure, panel  104  may be constructed of other light-weight materials such as polymeric materials, as will be discussed in other examples below. 
     In one example, panel  104  is approximately 1/16 of an inch thick measured from back surface  110  to front surface  112 , but as will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, panel  104  may be other suitable thicknesses greater or smaller than 1/16 of an inch, such as, but not necessarily limited to: 1, 3/32, ¼ or ⅛ of an inch thick. Front surface  112  is may be substantially flat and planar. Alternatively, as will be described below, front surface  112  may include one or more patterns and shapes. 
     In one example, matrix  106  is a nylon mesh. That is, matrix  106  includes a mesh of interwoven-nylon strands  114 . However, matrix  106  may include other suitable waterproof materials, such as but not limited to plastic, polyethylene, or polyester. In one example, matrix  106  is about 3/16 inch to ¼ inch thick, but may include other suitable thickness (greater or less than the aforementioned thicknesses). 
     In one aspect, matrix  106  is the nylon mesh portion of drainage mats, such as Driwall™ Rainscreen 075-1 mats from Keene company, Mayfiled Heights, Ohio, USA. Alternatively, mesh may also include fused and entangled filaments manufactured by Enka, or Benjamin Obdyke and others. 
     Matrix  106  is fastened to front surface  112  of panel  104 . In one example, matrix  106  is embedded into front surface  112  of panel  104 , when panel  104  is formed. But as appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, matrix  106  may be coupled to panel  104  by mechanical means such as glue, staples, tacks, or other coupling means. As a whole, matrix  106  is permeable to both air and water. 
       FIG. 2  shows a perspective-front view of system  100 , and specifically a front face of panel  104 . As depicted in  FIG. 2 , there are gaps  202  between strands  114  comprising matrix  106 , thereby revealing front surface  112  of panel  104 . Thus, although strands  114  are generally not permeable to water or air, matrix  106  as a whole is a breathable and vapor-permeable layer. Cladding such as faux stone (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) may attached directly to panel  104  with matrix  106  serving as breathable membrane sandwiched between panel  104  and cladding. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , spacers  108  are bumps that protrude from back surface  110  of panel  104 . That is, spacers  108  extend from back surface  110  of panel  104 , and form channels  116  for drainage of water when panel  104  is secured to wall  102 . That is, spacers  108  are sandwiched between the back surface  110  and an exterior-most portion of wall  102  of a building, thereby forming channels  116 . 
     Spacers  108  may include different shapes, and dimensions. For instance, in one example, each spacer  108  is approximately ⅛ of an inch thick measured from back surface  110  of panel  104  to a back surface  118  of each spacer  108 . Further, each spacer  108  is simply molded into back surface  110  of panel  104 . That is, each spacer  108  is formed when molding panel  104 . Alternatively, one or more spacers  108  may be attached to panel  104 , and may not necessarily be an integral part of panel  104 . For instance, it may be desirable to attach spacers after the panel  104  is formed from a molding process (if a molding process is used). 
       FIG. 3A  shows a top view a backside of panel  104 . In particular,  FIG. 3A  depicts one example shape for each spacer  108 . That is, each spacer  108  in  FIG. 3A  is an oblong-oval-shaped bump (similar to the shape of almond). Vertical and horizontal spacers  108  crisscross each other at approximately 45 degree angles forming a pattern. As shown, multiple channels  116  are formed so as to permit drainage and evaporation of water between wall  102  and back surface  110  of panel  104 . Each spacer  108  is approximately one inch in length, and one-to-two inches apart from each other depending on the orientation of the spacer. 
     However, each spacer  108  may come be of in different sizes and shapes, and distances apart from each other, so as not to catch or retain water as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For instance, spacers  108  may be circular, triangular, square, rectangular, star shaped or other suitable shapes as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, after having the benefit of this disclosure. The water-drainage cavity (i.e. plane) formed on the backside of the separation panel from spacers—or other means such as mesh—is usually between about ⅛ of an inch and about three inches. 
     In addition, the ratio between spacers and no spacers may vary. So, the shape, depth and size of each spacer may vary, and ratio of spacers to no spacers may vary. Still further, spacers  108  may not crisscross at an angle. Instead, each spacer may be aligned in rows and columns, with each spacer in alignment with the other. 
     In addition, channels  116  may be formed by other means, such as by ribs, grooves, or other shaped protrusions formed on either back surface  110  of panel  104  or on a major surface of wall  102  (including sheathing, house wrap, felt, etc.). 
       FIG. 3B  shows a perspective view of a backside  110  of panel  104  with spacers  108  and channels  116 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , panel  104  may be installed against outer material  101  of (i.e., sheathing, house wrap, felt, plywood, etc.) wall  102  by any mechanical fastening means accepted in the industry, and in accordance with national and local ordinances. 
     In one example, a liquid applied waterproofing air barrier or DuPont&#39;s Tyvek® felt may be applied to wall  102  before fastening panel  104  to wall  102 . Panel  104  may be nailed or screwed into plywood at different intervals. In one example, the fasteners  122  are inserted in the middle of each spacer  108 . As would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, fasteners  122  may include nails, screws, staples or other fastening means (such as adhesives in the alternative). 
     Veneer, such as faux stones  120 , may be fastened to a front face  124  of system  100  by structural (such as screws, nails or other fastening means) or chemical means (such as glue, adhesive, or mortar). Front face  124  faces away from wall  102 . In addition, stucco (in lieu of veneer), and mortar may be adhered directly to matrix  106 . 
       FIG. 4  is a profile view of another example of a wall-panel system  400  for attachment to a wall  102  of a building. System  400  includes the same panel  104 , matrix  106  (shown in  FIG. 4  as  106 ( 1 )) embedded in front surface  112  of panel  104 , as depicted in  FIG. 1 . Panel  104  also includes a second matrix  106 ( 2 ) attached to back surface  110  of panel  104 . That is, matrix  106 ( 2 ) is also embedded into back surface  110  of panel  104 , when panel  104  is formed. But as appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, matrix  106 ( 2 ) may be coupled to panel  104  by mechanical means such as glue, staples, tacks, or other coupling means. 
     Veneer, such as faux stones  120  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ), may be fastened to panel  104  of system  400  by fastening means such as mortar, glue, adhesive, screws, nails, a combination of the foregoing, or other fastening means. In addition, stucco (in lieu of veneer), and mortar may be adhered directly to matrix  106 ( 1 ). 
       FIG. 5A  is a profile view of another example of a wall-panel system  500  for attachment to a wall  102  of a building. System  500  includes the same panel  104 , and spacers  108  as depicted in  FIG. 1 . However, in lieu of a hairy mesh (nylon mesh) for matrix  106 , a fiberglass-wire mesh  506  is embedded into front surface  112  of panel  104 . Mesh  506  may be of various thickness such as ⅛ th  or ¼ inch thick. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art after having the benefit of this disclosure, mesh  506  may also be of different thickness, and comprised of other materials including plastic, nylon, or other suitable materials. 
     Veneer, such as faux stones  120 , may be fastened to panel  104  of system  500  by fastening means such as mortar, glue, adhesive, screws, nails, a combination of the foregoing, or other fastening means. In addition, stucco (in lieu of veneer), and mortar may be adhered directly to mesh  506 . 
       FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the wire mesh  506  depicted in  FIG. 5A . 
       FIG. 6  is a profile view of another example of a wall-panel system  600  for attachment to a wall  102  of a building. In this example, panel  104  includes a roughed-up front surface  112  in lieu of a matrix or mesh. That is, surface  112  includes a rough or irregular-hatched pattern that is molded into the surface  112 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a top view of one example of a pattern for a roughed version of front surface  112  of panel  104  according to the example system  600 . Veneer, such as faux stones  120  (e.g.,  FIG. 1 ), may be fastened to panel  104  of system  600  by fastening means such as mortar, glue, adhesive, screws, nails, a combination of the foregoing, or other fastening means. In addition, stucco (in lieu of veneer), and mortar may be adhered directly to surface  112 . 
       FIG. 8A  is a profile view of another example of a wall-panel system  800  for attachment to a wall  102  of a building. In the example of  FIG. 8 , panel  104  is made of fabric, such as nylon or a related blend. Fabric panel  104  may be about ⅛ of an inch thick, but may have greater or less thickness as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. Here, matrix  106 ( 1 ) and matrix  106 ( 2 ) may be tied into, fastened, or sewn into panel  104 . In this example, if matrix  106 ( 2 ) is used on back surface  110  of panel  104 , spacers  108  may be omitted. Veneer, such as faux stones  120 , may be fastened to panel  104  of system  800  by fastening means such as mortar, glue, adhesive, screws, nails, a combination of the foregoing, or other fastening means. In addition, stucco (in lieu of veneer), and mortar may be adhered directly to matrix  106 ( 1 ). 
       FIG. 8B  shows a perspective view of the system depicted in  FIG. 8A . 
       FIG. 9  is a profile view of another example of a wall-panel system  900  for attachment to a wall  102  of a building. In the example of  FIG. 9 , panel  104  is again made of a fabric like as described with reference to  FIG. 8 . However, only a matrix  106 ( 2 ) is tied to, fastened, or sewn into back surface  110  of panel  104 . Spacers  108  may be omitted or included. 
       FIG. 10  is a profile view of another example of a wall-panel system  1000  for attachment to wall  102  of a building. In the example of  FIG. 10 , panel  104  is again made of a fabric as describe above. A matrix  106 ( 1 ) is attached to front surface  112  of fabric panel  104  by adhesive, a mechanical fastener, or a combination of attachment means. On back surface  110  of panel  104 , spacers  108  in the form of buttons  1008  are fastened to panel  104 . Buttons  1008  protrude from back surface  110 , and form channels for drainage of water. Buttons  1008  may also serve as a location for mechanically securing panel  104  to a wall of a structure, such as a building. In one example, buttons  1008  are plastic. Buttons  1008  may also be comprised of other materials, such as fiber glass, polymer, rubber, a composite, or various other related materials or combinations thereof. Buttons  1008  may be glued, sewn, or attached by any suitable fastening mechanism. Buttons  1008  may also be of various sizes and thickness, such as 1 inch in diameter, and ⅛ inch thick. In addition, the panel may be fastened to wall  102  by inserting nails or screws (or other fastening means) through buttons  1008 , which act as spacers  108 . 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of example system  1000  depicted in  FIG. 10 . Buttons  1008 , matrix  106 ( 1 ), and panel  104  are also depicted in this view. 
       FIG. 12  is a top view of example  1000  showing back surface  110  of panel  104  with buttons attached thereto. The shapes, patterns, spacing, and density of buttons  1008  used may vary depending on the application, and environment in which the veneer is being installed. 
       FIG. 13  is a top-perspective view of another example system  1300  having a fabric panel  104 . In the example  FIG. 13 , front surface  112  of panel  104  includes a predetermined pattern of diamond-shaped pockets  1302 . Edges  1304  outline each pocket  1302  are approximately a ¼ of an inch above front surface  112  of panel  104 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a side view of system  1300  with spacers  108  in the form of buttons  1008  as depicted in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . As appreciated by those skilled in the art after having the benefit of this disclosures, buttons  1008  may also be other types of spacers  108  fastened to panel  104 . For instance, spacers  108  may be of any suitable dimension, and shape. And may include any water impervious or waterproof material, such as in the form of a grommet, washer, bushing, strip, band, ring, and other suitable configurations as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure 
       FIG. 15  shows an example system  1500  for attaching faux stone  1502  to a wall. System  1500  may include any of the example systems described above such as systems  100  through  1300 . As used herein, “faux stone” refers to manufactured stone, bricks, or other faux veneer. For instance, in one example, the faux stone is made in accordance with materials (or similar or equivalent materials) described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,959,991 and 7,198,833 to West, which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth in this disclosure. In another example, the faux stone is manufactured by Evolve Stone, LLC, and is generally resilient allowing nails to be driven into the stone without chipping or flaking. The stone is also light. For instance, an Evolve Stone LLC&#39;s faux stone that is 12 inches×12 inches in height and width, and 1 inch thick weighs about 2.7 lbs. Of course, heavier faux veneer may be used. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , each stone  1502  is simply fastened directly through a panel  104  comprising system  1500 , and into wall  102 . That is, a fastener  1504 , such as a nail, pin, screw, stud or similar fasteners may be driven through each stone  1502 , and into wall  102 . Fastener  1504  may also be driven through each stone  1502 , and into panel  104  and not directly to wall  102 . 
     In addition, a bonding material  1506 , such as cement, mortar and/or glue, may be applied to matrix  106  of system  1500  before each stone  1502  is attached. Next, each stone  1502  may be fastened to wall  102  using a fastener  1504 , thereby holding the stone  1502  in place while bonding material  1506  cures. The fastener  1504  may remain in place after curing, for additional strength. If the fastener  1504  is thin enough, and of similar colors to stone, it cannot generally be seen by a casual observer. For instance, if stainless steel-pin nails are used (slightly countersunk into each stone  1502 ) then a casual observer should not perceive that the stones are secured to a wall by nails. 
       FIG. 16  shows another example system  1600  for attaching faux stone  1502  ( FIG. 15 ) to a wall  102 . Here, pins  1602  may extend from panel  104  (such as a fiberglass panel shown in  FIG. 1 ). Pins  1602  may be made of one or more different materials such as wood, stainless steel, plastic, and fiberglass. The length of pins  1602  may be of a suitable length to receive securely affix stone  1502  to one or more pins by applying pressure to the opposite side  1604  of stone  1502 . That is, an installer will apply force (push or hammer) stone  1502  toward wall  102 , thereby impaling (or embedding) an exposed length of pins  1602  into stone  1502 . It is usually desirable have a pin length that does not exceed the thickness of stone  1502 . In one example, pins  1602  are between ⅛ of an inch to 1 inch long. Gauge or thickness of pins  1602  may vary between 10 and 20. The lengths of pins  1602  (and widths) may also be staggered, with shorter and longer pins dispersed throughout front face  124  system  1600 . Of course, as appreciated by those skilled in the art after having the benefit of this disclosure, other suitable pin lengths and widths may be selected depending on the size of stones  1502 . In addition, pins may be spaced apart every ¼ or ½ inch or greater (or lesser) from each other along front face  124  of system  1600 . 
       FIGS. 17A-E  show profile views of example pins  1602 ( 1 ),  1602 ( 2 ),  1602 ( 3 ),  1602 ( 4 ), and  1602 ( 5 ), respectively, used to skewer and secure stones thereon. Pin  1602 ( 1 ) ( FIG. 17A ) is a straight pin. Each pin  1602  is generally perpendicular to wall  102 , and parallel to the ground. Pin  1602 ( 2 ) ( FIG. 17B ) includes a single barb at the distal end of the pin. Pin  1602 ( 3 ) ( FIG. 17C ) includes a double-bar at the distal end of the pin. Pin  1602 ( 4 ) ( FIG. 17D ) includes a screw/thread pattern. Pin  1602 ( 5 ) ( FIG. 17E ) includes a squiggly pattern. Pins  1602 ( 2 ) through  1602 ( 5 ) generally have a greater ability to lock each stone onto wall  102  than pin  1602 ( 1 ). Pins  1602  are illustrative fasteners, and are limited as to the shape and form of the possible fasteners that may be used to attach stones thereto. 
     In addition, pins  1602  may have pre-adhesive materials applied to them before each stone  104  is affixed thereto. After each stone  1502  is slid onto one or more pins  1602 , the stones become affixed thereto, pins  1602  are hidden from view. Because each stone is securely attached individually, and held in place by pins  1602  and possibly glue and mortar too, stones  1502  should not fall or become dislodged from wall  102 , even if mortar or glue becomes ineffective over time. 
       FIG. 18  shows a top view of a faux stone  1502  manufactured in accordance with this disclosure. As depicted in  FIG. 18 , stone  1502  includes an abrasive side  1802  that is generally planar for better mechanical attachment to systems  100  through  1600 , and the better mechanical attachment of glue or mortar. The mortar may have plasticizers, or other modifiers added thereto as appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
       FIG. 19  shows a profile view of another example system  1900  for attaching faux stone  1502  to a wall. System  1900  includes a wire lath  1902  used with conventional brick and stucco. A felt  1904  (such as 15 lb. and 30 lb) may be used in between lath  1902  and wall  102 . CDX, plywood OSB or other exterior materials may also be used as an intermediary between wall  102 , and lath  1902 . Fasteners  1906  may be used to hold each stone  1502  in lieu of pins. Example fasteners  1906  include any suitable mechanical tie back including brick-tie backs. Mortar may be applied directly to lath  1902 . 
       FIG. 20  shows a profile view of another example system  2000  for attaching faux stone  1502  to a wall  102 . Here modular panels  2002  containing pre-attached faux stone  1502  are attached to wall  102 . Panels  2002  may be used in combination with systems  100 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  8000 ,  900 ,  1000 , and  1300  described above. Panels  2002  may also incorporate any of the features described with reference to these systems, or other suitable features as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this disclosure. Each panel  2002  may be of any suitable size. For instance, panels may be one foot by one foot, or 4′×8′, 8′×16′, or other suitable dimensions greater or smaller than the aforementioned sizes. 
     At distal edges  2004 (A),  2004 (B) of each panel  2002  there may be a mechanical interconnect system  2006  to fasten panels  2002  to each other. For instance,  FIG. 21  shows two example interlocking shape systems  2102  and  2104  for interconnecting panels  2002 . Other suitable shapes and interlocking shape system may be used including Lego® style interlocking systems, peg and hole systems, and other suitable systems as would be appreciate by one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this disclosure. In addition, panels  2002  may have flanges at each distal end or not. And flanges may be non-interlocking configurations. 
       FIG. 22  shows a profile-focused view  2200  of a panel  2002  with faux stone  1502  pre-attached thereto. As shown, gaps  2202  may be included between stone to permit mortar to be placed between gaps  2202  to permit a builder to customize the cosmetic look and feel of the mortar, such the color therefor. Of course, mortar may or may not come pre-installed as part of panel  2002 . Furthermore, each stone  1502  may be plugged into a panel via pins (as described earlier) or other fastening means. This permits customization of stone look, and allows an installer to break up of shapes and patterns of faux stone, and enhance/customize the cosmetic appearance of each panel. 
     Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terms are employed, they are used and are to be interpreted in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purpose of limitation. For example, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as being “on” another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or intervening layers may also be present. 
     Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4