NCP Industries ADORN Stone Shadowledge Series Flat - Northern Gray

This recycled concrete siding weighs 17.3 pounds per square foot and installs with screws instead of mortar — a combination that makes it both a structural commitment and a labor-saver. The Class A fire rating earns serious consideration for Montana’s wildfire interface zones, while the CO2-absorbing CaptureCrete technology might actually generate carbon credits for commercial projects.

At 52 pounds per box covering just 3 square feet, you’re not hauling this up a ladder casually. But the mortarless installation system transforms what’s traditionally a two-person mortar job into straightforward screw-and-go work.

Installation System and Structural Requirements

The #10 x 2.5 inch exterior wood screws handle the entire installation — no mortar mixing, no starter strips, no specialty clips. You need minimum 7/16” OSB or plywood sheathing over wood or metal studs, plus two layers of code-approved weather-resistive barrier. That’s it for substrate prep.

Cut panels with a grinder or circular saw equipped with a diamond blade. The screw-on system means you’re drilling and fastening rather than spreading mortar and setting stones. Stagger the panels to hide seams — basic siding principles apply here despite the concrete construction.

Specification	Value
Panel dimensions	23.5” × 6” × 1.75”
Weight per sq ft	17.3 lbs
Box weight	52 lbs
Coverage per box	3 square feet
Fasteners required	#10 × 2.5” exterior wood screws (min 3/8” head)
Substrate minimum	7/16” OSB or plywood
WRB requirement	Two layers code-approved

The weight demands respect. At 17.3 pounds per square foot, you’re adding serious load to the structure. A 100-square-foot wall section adds over 1,700 pounds — verify your framing and foundation can handle it before starting.

Fire Performance and Environmental Impact

The Class A fire rating (ASTM E84 compliant) puts this siding in the same category as fiber cement for wildfire resistance. Made from recycled concrete material, it won’t ignite from embers or radiant heat like wood or vinyl.

The CaptureCrete CO2-absorbing concrete technology sets this apart from standard masonry veneers. LEED point eligibility and carbon credit program qualification turn what’s typically just cladding into a potential revenue stream for commercial projects tracking environmental impact.

The lifetime limited warranty covers manufacturing defects but excludes installation labor. Standard for the industry, but worth noting given the weight and permanent nature of the installation.

The Bottom Line

This isn’t grab-and-go siding. The combination of serious weight and mortarless installation creates an unusual profile — heavy enough to require structural planning but simple enough for single-person installation once you’re set up.

Eliminating mortar mess while achieving legitimate stone veneer appearance makes sense for contractors tired of mixing buckets and cleaning tools. The fire rating handles Montana’s wildfire interface requirements. The CO2 absorption technology might matter more for commercial projects chasing LEED points than residential builds.

Skip it if you’re looking for lightweight cladding or working on structures without verified load capacity. Clean with water and mild soap, avoid power washing — maintenance stays simple despite the concrete construction.

FAQ

How much does ADORN Shadowledge really weigh compared to other siding?

At 17.3 pounds per square foot, it’s roughly triple the weight of fiber cement (5-6 lbs/sq ft) and over ten times heavier than vinyl (1.5 lbs/sq ft). Each box weighs 52 pounds and covers just 3 square feet. Plan your staging and lifting accordingly.

Does the mortarless installation actually save time?

The screw-on system eliminates mortar mixing, starter strips, and specialized accessories. You’re trading mortar work for drilling and fastening. The panels are 23.5 inches wide, covering more area per piece than typical manufactured stone. Time savings are real if your crew can handle the weight efficiently.

What makes this suitable for Montana’s wildfire zones?

The Class A fire rating (ASTM E84 compliant) combined with recycled concrete material construction means it won’t ignite from ember exposure. Unlike wood or vinyl siding that can serve as fuel, this concrete veneer acts as a fire barrier for the structure.

Can existing walls support this weight?

Depends entirely on your framing and foundation. At 17.3 pounds per square foot, you need engineering verification for retrofit applications. New construction can be designed for the load, but existing structures might need reinforcement. The minimum 7/16” OSB substrate requirement is just the beginning — the entire load path matters.