SUMNER™ Product Partner

At SUMNER, we collaborate with other companies to elevate New Zealand's adhered masonry industry by creating better-performing and more attractive masonry cladding.

SUMNER Adhered Masonry Veneer (SAMV) offers a code-compliant system featuring pre-cladding and adhesives for professionally installing thin brick slips, stone veneers, and tile cladding. While other board and tile adhesives are available on the market, they often fall short of the performance standards required for adhered masonry. Most lack a hybrid mechanical and adhesive fixing system, and only SAMV can demonstrate 20 years of successful installations throughout New Zealand.

We invite other companies to partner with SAMV for their projects and enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that their adhered masonry will remain secure and visually appealing for years to come.

Can I use SUMNER's system for other adhered masonry?

Yes, if its thickness is less than 60mm and it is flat on the back for maximum adhesion.

We encourage designers to specify SUMNER Adhered Masonry Veneer (SAMV) for their projects. Our compliance documents are free to download and ready for use, and our technical staff is dedicated to helping you navigate the ever-changing compliance landscape.

Events like the leaky building syndrome and the Christchurch earthquakes have underscored the importance of robust design in New Zealand. As the adhered masonry industry is still relatively young, we aim to assist companies in gaining specifications through our nationally recognized appraisal system.

Why SUMNER is the Right Choice.

With SUMNER, you can trust in our extensive expertise and the success of your project. Our system , designed for simplicity , offers reliability, competitive pricing, and easy availability, giving you the confidence you need in your project's success.

When selecting a system for adhered masonry, it is crucial to consider its long-term performance. Decision-makers should ask themselves these three essential questions:

Under the New Zealand Building Code, even thin masonry is classified as Medium or Heavy Weight. Sales reps might suggest an adhesive is suitable, but they rarely provide warranties or legal guarantees. Decision-makers should prioritize who they are purchasing from:

• Avoid small operators or new companies that may not be available to resolve problems if they arise.
• Avoid adhesives and backing boards with different branding. These are not systems, just building products designed for various applications. Purchasing building individual components will leave you open to suppliers denying suitability or responsibility when failures happen.
• Choose a system that has proven reliability over time. SUMNER is the only adhered masonry veneer system in New Zealand with over 20 years of successful installations.

How Do I start using SUMNER?

In 2024, SUMNER® saw an increase in system inquiries due to significant changes in the market, including the closure of PBS Ltd. and the discontinuation of its prominent fibre cement sheet product.

To specify a project, have your designer nominate SUMNER Adhered Masonry Veneer (SAMV) in the architectural details. For example, if you are using a manufactured stone like "Cultured Stone," advise your client or architect to specify:

Also, be sure to include our Appraisal when applying for building consent.

Each year, SUMNER is involved in hundreds of projects across the country. We frequently partner with companies that previously saw SUMNER as a competitor. This perception has changed, as illustrated by the following two examples.

1. Example 1.
2. A private developer contacted us this year about a project we weren't involved with. She had faced brick slip failure on fourteen Auckland houses because the building company didn't specify a system and used a mismatched brand of backing board and adhesive. To make matters worse, the installers substituted products on-site without permission to cut costs. Thankfully, the building company has admitted liability and will cover the refitment costs. The developer is now looking to SUMNER, a dependable company, to provide the system for refitment.

 

3. Example 2.
4. The second client is a Chinese schist veneer importer and supplier. When their appraisal expired, they chose to use SUMNER's system for pricing and compliance reasons. Their initial SUMNER specification helped them secure 200 houses over the next two years, and now SUMNER is their preferred choice for all future work.

 

5. Example 3.
6. In 2014, we were approached by a schist quarry near Queenstown. Previously, they had been involved in quarrying and distributing solid stone billets for traditional stonework. As they expanded into the veneer industry, they required a reliable system for installing thin stonework. After comprehensive discussions, they decided to specify SUMNER for their projects. Within three months, SUMNER had helped them secure a specification for an upcoming project requiring over 1,000 m² of stone veneer.

These are both real life examples of how SUMNER's system has helped other stone suppliers. We know that most projects are not this large, but no matter the size of your company or project we are excited about the growth of stone veneers in New Zealand and are happy discuss how our system can assist you and your projects. Why not call us today.

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