Facade decoration of a private house: an overview of modern materials
Making the front side of the building is one of the most important stages of construction. It is the appearance of the building that allows to determine its style, the financial wealth of the owner, therefore, it is necessary to approach the choice of materials for decorating the facade of a private house. Indeed, in addition to the decorative function, cladding plays an important role. It protects the walls from precipitation, sunlight, provides additional heat and sound insulation, contributes to the formation of a healthy microclimate inside the building.
All facade systems are divided into two main categories: non-ventilated, ventilated. The first of these do not imply a ventilation gap between the cladding and the wall. Finishing material is fixed with glue mixture, mortar, plaster. The second structure is also called mounted. There is a space between the decoration and the building for air circulation.
The construction market offers a huge number of different materials that can be used for facing the front side of a residential building. The choice of the appropriate substance directly depends on what the building itself is built from. However, all building materials must meet certain requirements, namely:
Attractive appearance. This criterion plays a fundamental role.
Cost. Do not save on outdoor decoration, otherwise it will not last long.
Durability. Good coverage adorns a country house for more than 10 years, without requiring replacement every 3-4 years.
Strength. The lining is required to withstand all the loads exerted on the building, including possible mechanical damage.
Biological resistance. The coating must be inert to the formation and spread of fungi and mold.
Environmental friendliness. The ability not to harm both the surrounding nature and living people.
Resistance to precipitation. Building materials should not be washed out, weathered under the influence of air currents, destroyed and change their color from sunlight.
Moisture resistance.It is not permissible for the coating to absorb and leak moisture.
Vapor permeability. According to the laws of construction, it grows from internal materials to external walls.
Fire resistance. Ideally, you should choose non-combustible raw materials.
Frost resistance. The ability to withstand temperature changes without loss of basic operational characteristics.
Ease of care. The surface should be easily cleaned of dirt.
Resistance to efflorescence. If moisture gets on the surface, the appearance of mineral salts is unacceptable, which not only spoil the appearance, but also create a serious load.
Resistance to aggressive environments.
Materials for decorating the facade of the house
The choice of the most suitable coating depends on many factors. Firstly, the design and elements used for interior and exterior decoration should harmoniously complement each other. Secondly, the created building style, its exterior must comply with the general space of the site, be combined with other existing buildings on it. Thirdly, it is necessary to take into account the features of the structure itself, which affects the type of facade.
Depending on the substances used for cladding, all facades can be divided into two main groups: wet, dry. The first are created with the obligatory use of building mixtures, they ensure the integrity of the structure. The second involves the fastening of finishing materials with bolts, dowels, other fasteners. This type of finish is much simpler, installation can be carried out at any time of the year.
The list of finishing materials for cladding private houses is very long. For work, you can use both traditional raw materials and modern. The first include brick, plaster, stone. The second - block house, siding, various panels, etc. For clarity, we dwell in more detail on the main building materials, we learn about their advantages and disadvantages.
Facade plaster: types and their features
Plaster, as a facing material for house facades, has been used since ancient times. This is an inexpensive, environmentally friendly coating with which you can create an attractive, original exterior of the structure. The process of applying it is quite simple, but for high-quality performance of work, experience is required. After all, in case of violation of the technology, the plastered layer can crack, peel off.
The construction market offers many new materials for decorating facades, but the plastering of walls does not lose relevance. Therefore, manufacturers are constantly developing their production, creating new mixtures. There are several varieties of plaster mortars, which differ from each other in different characteristics. The main of these parameters is composition.
Depending on the components used in the manufacture, the following types of decorative plaster can be distinguished: mineral, acrylic, silicone, silicate. Each of these options has its own operational properties. To determine the choice of a specific type, it is necessary to consider the features of all mixtures, note their strengths and weaknesses.
Mineral plaster
Because of its composition, the building mixture is also called cement. As a binder, high-quality Portland cement is used, as well as lime. In addition, in the solution there is always a filler represented by one of the following substances: quartz, marble, mica, clay, ceramics, glass. Equally important is the size of the additive fractions. For outdoor work, medium- (fraction - 1.5-3 mm), large-scale (3.5-4 mm), rough-textured (up to 5 mm and more) types of plaster are used.
The composition of the mixture without fail contains various additives that increase its resistance to ultraviolet radiation. The main advantage of mineral solutions is high strength. Among the other advantages can be distinguished:
simple application technology;
good vapor permeability, condensation does not appear on the surface of the walls;
the coating is not afraid of precipitation;
resistant to temperature extremes;
can be applied to almost any surface;
it is an environmentally friendly material;
non-combustible substance;
has a low cost;
the surface is easy to care for and clean;
does not crumble over time;
has a long service life;
allows you to create a uniform coating;
fungi and mold do not start in the lining.
The disadvantages include:
low elasticity, can be applied only after complete shrinkage of the building;
does not tolerate vibration;
when preparing the solution, it is necessary to strictly follow the recipe, otherwise high performance will be lost, the abrasion of the applied layer will increase several times;
the mixture dries quickly, so it should be kneaded in small portions;
Store in a dry place.
Due to the small selection of color schemes, you can give the necessary shade with the help of additional coloring. Painting can only be done after the applied layer has completely dried (after 2 days).
Acrylic plaster
The composition of the solution includes about ten different components, the main one is acrylic resin. It is a ready-to-use water-dispersion mixture, does not require kneading. This type is devoid of the main disadvantage of mineral plaster - it is flexible, therefore, even after the building shrinks, no cracks appear on the walls. This is an ideal choice for those who want to save on decoration and facade insulation.
Mixtures can be used to work immediately after purchase. If necessary, you can additionally tint, add special antiseptics that prevent the development of fungus and mold. To increase water resistance add water repellents.Some manufacturers use special additives to improve performance. For example, titanium dioxide increases resistance to environmental influences. The main advantages of this type include:
long term of operation, not less than 15 years;
good vapor permeability;
plastic;
moisture resistance;
frost resistance;
high impact resistance, resistance to mechanical stress;
environmental Safety;
easy to clean;
reasonable price and economical spending.
Disadvantages:
combustibility, can not be used with some types of insulation, as an example, mineral wool;
dries quickly, you need to work with the solution quickly;
low electrostaticity, due to the zero electric potential, dust and fine dirt stick to the surface.
Silicate Plaster
This type of plaster, as well as acrylic mortars, is sold ready-made. The main component is liquid glass. The composition of the mixture includes: an aqueous dispersion of potassium and sodium silicates, a mineral filler (marble chips, quartz, small stones, etc.), modifiers, pigments to give a certain color. This is one of the best materials for decorating facades, but is quite expensive.
There are various varieties of silicate mixtures, but they all differ from each other only by fillers that are almost unchanged. Apply the solution preferably on concrete, brick, cinder block walls. The time of complete crystallization reaches 14 days. Mix silicate plaster with other types of finishing materials is strictly prohibited. Coating has many advantages:
elasticity, not afraid of building shrinkage, no cracks appear on the surface;
ease of cleaning; when dirt appears, it is easily washed off with water;
high vapor permeability;
ecological cleanliness;
odorless;
waterproof, the substance can be applied to porous and loose walls;
differs in durability;
has good adhesion.
Disadvantages:
a small selection of colors;
before applying to the wall, it must be pre-treated with a primer;
burns out in the sun, especially dark colors;
the composition quickly sets in 3 hours;
high price.
Silicone plaster
The composition of the plaster includes the following components: silicone emulsified resins, mineral fillers, functional additives, to improve performance. Depending on the base, the following varieties of this substance are distinguished: silicate-silicone (potassium water glass is added), acrylic-silicone (acrylic polymers), siloxane (thermoplastic silicone).
Solutions made using silicone emulsions can be applied to almost any surface, except metal. Like the previous counterparts, the mixture is sold ready-made, so to start work, just open the container. Many characteristics are identical to silicate compositions, but this type of plaster is much more elastic, adhesive properties are higher. Also among the main advantages are:
strength, coating practically does not give in to mechanical influences;
resistance to ultraviolet radiation;
hydrophobicity;
fire resistance;
resistance to aggressive environments and chemicals;
not afraid of temperature changes;
inhibits the development of microorganisms;
wide selection of various shades;
easy to clean with water;
the coating passes air;
long service life of 25 years.
The only disadvantage of the mixture can be called high cost, but the long-term operation of the material completely covers it. Also, the disadvantages of this substance include the complexity of dismantling.
Facing brick: advantages and disadvantages
Front (facing) brick is a traditional material used to decorate the facade.In appearance, it looks like ordinary building briquettes, but has a decorative bias. Strength is the main advantage over other types of cladding. It allows you to create a powerful fence around the house that can withstand almost any mechanical stress, precipitation, temperature extremes.
The front faces of briquettes can have a smooth or embossed surface. Cladding material is available in various color variations. Depending on the raw materials used for the production, ceramic, clinker, hyperpressed, silicate options can be distinguished. Each of the listed species is characterized by certain properties, has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Another important feature of the material is hollowness. For cladding, the presence of voids is important, this allows you to reduce the total weight of the masonry, reduce the pressure on the supporting structures, helps to maintain heat. Therefore, solid models are practically not used in the work, with the exception of hyper-pressed brick, which, by definition, the method of manufacture, cannot be hollow.
Clinker
In the production of clinker, “lean” clay is used, which contains an increased amount of quartz sand. To improve the properties, volcanic basalt, which is essentially natural glass, can be added to the composition. The firing temperature is 1900 °, bringing the clay closer to the melt point. This treatment makes the brick durable, when tapped, it rings (clinker in translation - ringing).
Advantages:
resistance to mechanical damage;
poor moisture absorption;
low porosity, in addition to water resistance, this indicator prevents the appearance of moss on the front surface;
long service life (more than 100 years);
resistance to hostile environment.
Disadvantages:
high specific gravity;
low vapor permeability;
high density, which leads to large heat losses;
complex styling process;
high price.
Ceramic
Red brick is made from burnt clay. This is the cheapest type of cladding compared to other analogues. The production technology is quite simple: the clay mined in the quarry is crushed, loosened, and if necessary, sand is added to it. The resulting mixture is formed into briquettes, dried, and then fired in an oven at a temperature of 1100-1300 °. To achieve a decorative effect, the material can be painted, textured, have a pattern.
Advantages:
strength;
frost resistance;
ecological cleanliness;
durability;
fire resistance;
good soundproof qualities;
a wide variety of sizes and textures;
low cost.
Disadvantages:
possible formation of efflorescence;
fragility, vulnerability to mechanical stress;
hygroscopicity;
a small selection of colors, from light ocher to dark brown;
On sale you can find low-quality products.
Overpressed
Building material is characterized by high strength and the correct geometry, in fact, it is an artificial stone. For the production of bricks, cement, limestone, and industrial waste are used (ash from power plants, a product from processing mining and processing industrial enterprises, slags from boiler houses and furnaces, etc.). The main difference from previous analogues is the absence of firing.
Benefits:
resistance to aggressive environments;
durable
in strength significantly exceeds silicate and ceramic products;
has the correct geometric shape, perfectly smooth surface of the faces;
environmentally friendly raw materials;
allows you to make verified, even masonry.
Disadvantages:
heavy weight, puts a serious load on the foundation, therefore it is rarely used for wall decoration, mainly for decorating the basement;
before laying, briquettes must be dried;
has a high thermal conductivity;
may lose its color over time;
high price.
Silicate brick
Silicate brick is a briquette of the correct form, made of quartz sand and lime in a ratio of 9: 1. Additionally, additives and colorants may be present in the mixture. To give strength, the material is heat treated in special autoclaves. The main disadvantage of the material is its poor resistance to water, it easily absorbs moisture, therefore it is rarely used for facing, it requires additional surface treatment.
Advantages:
high strength and density;
regular geometric shape;
wide selection of colors;
the cleanest in terms of toxicology;
good sound insulation;
efflorescence does not appear on the surface;
relatively low cost.
Disadvantages:
fear of moisture (water absorption of more than 15%);
heavy weight;
low thermal insulation;
low frost resistance.
Variety of facade siding
A new generation product has been widely used on the market recently. Facing siding can be of different sizes and include various components in its composition. It is used as a finishing material for cladding facades outside buildings. The material is popular for its ease of processing and easy installation. No special equipment is required for installation. There are several types of street cladding, each with a different coating and service life.
Vinyl
Such siding panels are made of PVC. To improve the characteristics of the material add special additives. Demand for such material is much higher than for other panel models. This is due to the following positive properties:
Durability. Service life 15-50 years;
Lack of electrical conductivity;
Resistance to corrosion processes;
The ability to withstand very low and high temperatures. The material is not deformed at indicators from - 50 to + 50 ° C;
Light weight and flexibility during processing, which greatly simplifies installation work;
High level of decor.
Despite the advantages, when choosing this option finishes should take into account some disadvantages. Foam products have low resistance to ultraviolet, their top layer quickly burns out, which affects the external perception of the whole composition. When laying, it is necessary to leave compensation gaps, especially in the corners, so that when heated, the panels can expand freely without deformation. The minuses also include the toxicity of PVC.
Wooden
An expensive, but the most attractive type of facade siding. In order for such panels to serve for a long time and look attractive, they are treated with special impregnations before installation. Glued wooden board is highly environmentally friendly. It is absolutely safe for human health and the environment. The coating provides excellent vapor exchange, increases the energy efficiency of the structure.
Metal
For the manufacture of such siding, sheets of metal that have been rolled and stamped are taken. The obtained parts are treated on both sides with a decorative polymer and protective coating. For the decoration of facades, the following types of products are used:
Aluminum metal siding. Details from corrugated board are lightweight, highly decorative. They are durable, do not harm the environment;
Galvanized steel. The front material of galvanized sheet is coated with protective compounds, which makes it resistant to external factors.
Cement
Finishing elements can be fiber-cement (concrete) or asbestos-cement. In the first case, the material consists of sand, cement and cellulose fiber. Due to this composition, the weight of the finished parts on the fachwerk is reduced and their reinforcement is increased. The coating has the following characteristics:
Resistance to temperature differences;
Durability;
Resistance to burning and decay;
Convenient detail size.
Asbestos-cement elements are not particularly common, as they can have a negative effect on human health. But modern manufacturing techniques can partially reduce the detrimental effect.
Natural and artificial stone
Natural stone, such as sandstone, is often used for cladding facades. It varies in origin, appearance, strength, weight. Such decoration will make the building outwardly attractive and extend its service life as much as possible. The main advantages of this option include:
Practicality. The material does not deteriorate and does not change the appearance over time, reliably protects the internal elements of the structure;
A large assortment. You can buy minerals with a variety of colors and textures. Manufacturers produce plates, strips, sheets of any size;
Attractive appearance. Such cladding will highlight any building against the general background of buildings, even if the decoration is only partially done;
Profitability. Natural elements can be replaced with synthetic ones. They are difficult to distinguish from the original, and by some characteristics even surpass it.
Facade porcelain tile
The high cost of such elements is justified by its improved characteristics. It does not support combustion, therefore it is often used to create barriers. Subject to all operating conditions, its service life reaches 50 years. Thanks to the excellent technological characteristics of porcelain stoneware, the tile is easy to process, quickly assembled.
Installation can be done with your own hands only if you have certain skills with the material. Poor execution can lead to large financial expenses and become a threat to people's lives.
Pros and Cons of Sandwich Panels
For cladding of facades, the main and facing sandwich panels are used.They are a plastic or mineral insulation, located between two metal sheets. The inner side of the vulture element is left smooth or corrugated, and the outer one is decorated with wood, stone, and plaster. The main advantages of this type of finish include the following factors:
Light weight;
Cellular structure;
Environmental safety;
Possibility of installation at any time of the year and in any weather;
Resistance to fluctuations in humidity and temperature;
Affordable price.
Among the disadvantages, a high probability of mechanical damage can be noted. Also at the junctions of the elements, bridges of cold can form over time. Avoid negative effects during operation, if you strictly follow the installation rules.
Ventilated facades
Thanks to the special device, the materials have extremely positive qualities. They help maintain optimal humidity of the wall structure in the room, protect the external surfaces from sunlight and precipitation. They also perfectly hide defects and cracks in the walls.
Facing can be represented by a variety of materials. Each version of the filling and facade will provide reliable protection and a modern beautiful appearance. It is better to design the walls taking into account the peculiarities of the region where the structure is located.
Positive qualities of ventilated facades will be realized only if the elements themselves are made of high-quality materials and competent installation is carried out. The recommendations of the manufacturer, the thickness of the filling, the level of permeability, frost resistance and other indicators should be taken into account.
Front cartridges
The main feature of such products is a square, rectangular shape. More often they are made of a certain metal or alloys. The edges of the elements are bent inward, which makes them similar to boxes. For fastening, they have special holes and bends in the upper part. Fasten metal parts to the wall using self-tapping screws or rivets.
Using facade cassettes, you can easily change the appearance of a building, create a ventilated finish, and improve the exterior. They are also often used as a budget option when carrying out reconstruction work, according to the previous photo.
Facade thermal panels
Modern material has many interesting properties. Externally, thermal panels resemble brickwork. They consist of several layers. This is usually a base, a filling for thermal insulation and a decorative coating. The special characteristics of a dense, durable material allow it to be used in regions with constantly negative temperatures.
Due to its low weight and great mercy, the products are easy to install. Individual elements are easy to raise, cut. Due to the lock joints, parts are easily assembled and joined. The use of thermal panels allows you to reliably protect the walls from freezing, moisture, mold.
Glass panels
The benefits of this finish depend on the type of material chosen. First of all, all glass elements protect the facades from ultraviolet radiation and other harmful external influences. With a sufficient level of strength, they look fragile and weightless. Such panels are able to withstand any load according to their category. It can be impact resistance, protection against hacking, and even there are bulletproof elements.
Among the shortcomings, it is possible to note the complexity of installation, design and difficulties in performing calculations of the design of the glazing of the interior. Also a minus is the high price of the elements themselves and the installation of the frame structure.
What materials and how to combine
Combined can be considered one-story or two-story houses that have a design composed of several building materials. Each type of element can occupy a different proportion. Most often, the following combination options are used:
The combination of several textures of soft wood;
Decorative masonry along with any interpretation of logs;
A combination in a smooth or textured format of stone and wood;
Alternate laying of stone and brick;
The combined use of foam block, aerated concrete and timber in the attic.
What to look for when choosing a material
Before choosing a finishing material, first of all, you need to understand its characteristics. Is there a need for insulation and sound insulation of a standard structure or a chalet. Also important is the weight of the individual elements and the overall structure. If this indicator is large, special attention should be paid to the foundation. For buildings made of wood, finishing materials with a high fire safety rating are suitable.
Stylistic and color design
The facade is the hallmark of any home, so you need to choose its color scheme with great responsibility. To sheathe walls, it is necessary to use only high-quality material, so that it remains bright for the longest and does not fade over time. When choosing a color, professional designers recommend that you follow some rules. The cottage must necessarily fit into the surrounding landscape. Also, do not stand out too far from the background of neighboring buildings.
For wooden houses, pastel colors are suitable. If the building is old, then it is better to leave the color, originally conceived by the architect on the project. A house resembling a castle can be sheathed with materials in the color of natural stone or laid out with brick. A preliminary detailed drawing should be made.
Price and quality
When choosing a material for facade decoration, attention is paid not only to its practicality and durability, but also to the consistency of price and quality. Facing must comply with all standards of aesthetics and reliability. But you should not buy the most expensive elements for work, without the full conviction that such a decision will be justified.
Not every family can afford to choose any decoration option and install it inexpensively. Many owners of private homes select elements to the detriment of visual beauty and even functionality. To carry out the installation of the most budget option cheaply, you must first determine the main aspects of the choice.
Conclusion
Facade decoration is becoming increasingly popular. The relative availability of materials, their huge variety, increases the demand for such types of work. Having correctly selected the type of parts, their color and texture, you can make your permanent or country house truly unique and original. It will always look beautiful and practical.
Making the front side of the building is one of the most important stages of construction. It is the appearance of the building that allows to determine its style, the financial wealth of the owner, therefore, it is necessary to approach the choice of materials for decorating the facade of a private house. Indeed, in addition to the decorative function, cladding plays an important role. It protects the walls from precipitation, sunlight, provides additional heat and sound insulation, contributes to the formation of a healthy microclimate inside the building.
Content
Facade requirements
All facade systems are divided into two main categories: non-ventilated, ventilated. The first of these do not imply a ventilation gap between the cladding and the wall. Finishing material is fixed with glue mixture, mortar, plaster. The second structure is also called mounted. There is a space between the decoration and the building for air circulation.
The construction market offers a huge number of different materials that can be used for facing the front side of a residential building. The choice of the appropriate substance directly depends on what the building itself is built from. However, all building materials must meet certain requirements, namely:
Materials for decorating the facade of the house
The choice of the most suitable coating depends on many factors. Firstly, the design and elements used for interior and exterior decoration should harmoniously complement each other. Secondly, the created building style, its exterior must comply with the general space of the site, be combined with other existing buildings on it. Thirdly, it is necessary to take into account the features of the structure itself, which affects the type of facade.
Depending on the substances used for cladding, all facades can be divided into two main groups: wet, dry. The first are created with the obligatory use of building mixtures, they ensure the integrity of the structure. The second involves the fastening of finishing materials with bolts, dowels, other fasteners. This type of finish is much simpler, installation can be carried out at any time of the year.
The list of finishing materials for cladding private houses is very long. For work, you can use both traditional raw materials and modern. The first include brick, plaster, stone. The second - block house, siding, various panels, etc. For clarity, we dwell in more detail on the main building materials, we learn about their advantages and disadvantages.
Facade plaster: types and their features
Plaster, as a facing material for house facades, has been used since ancient times. This is an inexpensive, environmentally friendly coating with which you can create an attractive, original exterior of the structure. The process of applying it is quite simple, but for high-quality performance of work, experience is required. After all, in case of violation of the technology, the plastered layer can crack, peel off.
The construction market offers many new materials for decorating facades, but the plastering of walls does not lose relevance. Therefore, manufacturers are constantly developing their production, creating new mixtures. There are several varieties of plaster mortars, which differ from each other in different characteristics. The main of these parameters is composition.
Depending on the components used in the manufacture, the following types of decorative plaster can be distinguished: mineral, acrylic, silicone, silicate. Each of these options has its own operational properties. To determine the choice of a specific type, it is necessary to consider the features of all mixtures, note their strengths and weaknesses.
Mineral plaster
Because of its composition, the building mixture is also called cement. As a binder, high-quality Portland cement is used, as well as lime. In addition, in the solution there is always a filler represented by one of the following substances: quartz, marble, mica, clay, ceramics, glass. Equally important is the size of the additive fractions. For outdoor work, medium- (fraction - 1.5-3 mm), large-scale (3.5-4 mm), rough-textured (up to 5 mm and more) types of plaster are used.
The composition of the mixture without fail contains various additives that increase its resistance to ultraviolet radiation. The main advantage of mineral solutions is high strength. Among the other advantages can be distinguished:
The disadvantages include:
Acrylic plaster
The composition of the solution includes about ten different components, the main one is acrylic resin. It is a ready-to-use water-dispersion mixture, does not require kneading. This type is devoid of the main disadvantage of mineral plaster - it is flexible, therefore, even after the building shrinks, no cracks appear on the walls. This is an ideal choice for those who want to save on decoration and facade insulation.
Mixtures can be used to work immediately after purchase. If necessary, you can additionally tint, add special antiseptics that prevent the development of fungus and mold. To increase water resistance add water repellents.Some manufacturers use special additives to improve performance. For example, titanium dioxide increases resistance to environmental influences. The main advantages of this type include:
Disadvantages:
Silicate Plaster
This type of plaster, as well as acrylic mortars, is sold ready-made. The main component is liquid glass. The composition of the mixture includes: an aqueous dispersion of potassium and sodium silicates, a mineral filler (marble chips, quartz, small stones, etc.), modifiers, pigments to give a certain color. This is one of the best materials for decorating facades, but is quite expensive.
There are various varieties of silicate mixtures, but they all differ from each other only by fillers that are almost unchanged. Apply the solution preferably on concrete, brick, cinder block walls. The time of complete crystallization reaches 14 days. Mix silicate plaster with other types of finishing materials is strictly prohibited. Coating has many advantages:
Disadvantages:
Silicone plaster
The composition of the plaster includes the following components: silicone emulsified resins, mineral fillers, functional additives, to improve performance. Depending on the base, the following varieties of this substance are distinguished: silicate-silicone (potassium water glass is added), acrylic-silicone (acrylic polymers), siloxane (thermoplastic silicone).
Solutions made using silicone emulsions can be applied to almost any surface, except metal. Like the previous counterparts, the mixture is sold ready-made, so to start work, just open the container. Many characteristics are identical to silicate compositions, but this type of plaster is much more elastic, adhesive properties are higher. Also among the main advantages are:
The only disadvantage of the mixture can be called high cost, but the long-term operation of the material completely covers it. Also, the disadvantages of this substance include the complexity of dismantling.
Facing brick: advantages and disadvantages
Front (facing) brick is a traditional material used to decorate the facade.In appearance, it looks like ordinary building briquettes, but has a decorative bias. Strength is the main advantage over other types of cladding. It allows you to create a powerful fence around the house that can withstand almost any mechanical stress, precipitation, temperature extremes.
The front faces of briquettes can have a smooth or embossed surface. Cladding material is available in various color variations. Depending on the raw materials used for the production, ceramic, clinker, hyperpressed, silicate options can be distinguished. Each of the listed species is characterized by certain properties, has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Another important feature of the material is hollowness. For cladding, the presence of voids is important, this allows you to reduce the total weight of the masonry, reduce the pressure on the supporting structures, helps to maintain heat. Therefore, solid models are practically not used in the work, with the exception of hyper-pressed brick, which, by definition, the method of manufacture, cannot be hollow.
Clinker
In the production of clinker, “lean” clay is used, which contains an increased amount of quartz sand. To improve the properties, volcanic basalt, which is essentially natural glass, can be added to the composition. The firing temperature is 1900 °, bringing the clay closer to the melt point. This treatment makes the brick durable, when tapped, it rings (clinker in translation - ringing).
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Ceramic
Red brick is made from burnt clay. This is the cheapest type of cladding compared to other analogues. The production technology is quite simple: the clay mined in the quarry is crushed, loosened, and if necessary, sand is added to it. The resulting mixture is formed into briquettes, dried, and then fired in an oven at a temperature of 1100-1300 °. To achieve a decorative effect, the material can be painted, textured, have a pattern.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Overpressed
Building material is characterized by high strength and the correct geometry, in fact, it is an artificial stone. For the production of bricks, cement, limestone, and industrial waste are used (ash from power plants, a product from processing mining and processing industrial enterprises, slags from boiler houses and furnaces, etc.). The main difference from previous analogues is the absence of firing.
Benefits:
Disadvantages:
Silicate brick
Silicate brick is a briquette of the correct form, made of quartz sand and lime in a ratio of 9: 1. Additionally, additives and colorants may be present in the mixture. To give strength, the material is heat treated in special autoclaves. The main disadvantage of the material is its poor resistance to water, it easily absorbs moisture, therefore it is rarely used for facing, it requires additional surface treatment.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Variety of facade siding
A new generation product has been widely used on the market recently. Facing siding can be of different sizes and include various components in its composition. It is used as a finishing material for cladding facades outside buildings. The material is popular for its ease of processing and easy installation. No special equipment is required for installation. There are several types of street cladding, each with a different coating and service life.
Vinyl
Such siding panels are made of PVC. To improve the characteristics of the material add special additives. Demand for such material is much higher than for other panel models. This is due to the following positive properties:
Despite the advantages, when choosing this option finishes should take into account some disadvantages. Foam products have low resistance to ultraviolet, their top layer quickly burns out, which affects the external perception of the whole composition. When laying, it is necessary to leave compensation gaps, especially in the corners, so that when heated, the panels can expand freely without deformation. The minuses also include the toxicity of PVC.
Wooden
An expensive, but the most attractive type of facade siding. In order for such panels to serve for a long time and look attractive, they are treated with special impregnations before installation. Glued wooden board is highly environmentally friendly. It is absolutely safe for human health and the environment. The coating provides excellent vapor exchange, increases the energy efficiency of the structure.
Metal
For the manufacture of such siding, sheets of metal that have been rolled and stamped are taken. The obtained parts are treated on both sides with a decorative polymer and protective coating. For the decoration of facades, the following types of products are used:
Cement
Finishing elements can be fiber-cement (concrete) or asbestos-cement. In the first case, the material consists of sand, cement and cellulose fiber. Due to this composition, the weight of the finished parts on the fachwerk is reduced and their reinforcement is increased. The coating has the following characteristics:
Asbestos-cement elements are not particularly common, as they can have a negative effect on human health. But modern manufacturing techniques can partially reduce the detrimental effect.
Natural and artificial stone
Natural stone, such as sandstone, is often used for cladding facades. It varies in origin, appearance, strength, weight. Such decoration will make the building outwardly attractive and extend its service life as much as possible. The main advantages of this option include:
Facade porcelain tile
The high cost of such elements is justified by its improved characteristics. It does not support combustion, therefore it is often used to create barriers. Subject to all operating conditions, its service life reaches 50 years. Thanks to the excellent technological characteristics of porcelain stoneware, the tile is easy to process, quickly assembled.
Installation can be done with your own hands only if you have certain skills with the material. Poor execution can lead to large financial expenses and become a threat to people's lives.
Pros and Cons of Sandwich Panels
For cladding of facades, the main and facing sandwich panels are used.They are a plastic or mineral insulation, located between two metal sheets. The inner side of the vulture element is left smooth or corrugated, and the outer one is decorated with wood, stone, and plaster. The main advantages of this type of finish include the following factors:
Among the disadvantages, a high probability of mechanical damage can be noted. Also at the junctions of the elements, bridges of cold can form over time. Avoid negative effects during operation, if you strictly follow the installation rules.
Ventilated facades
Thanks to the special device, the materials have extremely positive qualities. They help maintain optimal humidity of the wall structure in the room, protect the external surfaces from sunlight and precipitation. They also perfectly hide defects and cracks in the walls.
Facing can be represented by a variety of materials. Each version of the filling and facade will provide reliable protection and a modern beautiful appearance. It is better to design the walls taking into account the peculiarities of the region where the structure is located.
Front cartridges
The main feature of such products is a square, rectangular shape. More often they are made of a certain metal or alloys. The edges of the elements are bent inward, which makes them similar to boxes. For fastening, they have special holes and bends in the upper part. Fasten metal parts to the wall using self-tapping screws or rivets.
Using facade cassettes, you can easily change the appearance of a building, create a ventilated finish, and improve the exterior. They are also often used as a budget option when carrying out reconstruction work, according to the previous photo.
Facade thermal panels
Modern material has many interesting properties. Externally, thermal panels resemble brickwork. They consist of several layers. This is usually a base, a filling for thermal insulation and a decorative coating. The special characteristics of a dense, durable material allow it to be used in regions with constantly negative temperatures.
Due to its low weight and great mercy, the products are easy to install. Individual elements are easy to raise, cut. Due to the lock joints, parts are easily assembled and joined. The use of thermal panels allows you to reliably protect the walls from freezing, moisture, mold.
Glass panels
The benefits of this finish depend on the type of material chosen. First of all, all glass elements protect the facades from ultraviolet radiation and other harmful external influences. With a sufficient level of strength, they look fragile and weightless. Such panels are able to withstand any load according to their category. It can be impact resistance, protection against hacking, and even there are bulletproof elements.
Among the shortcomings, it is possible to note the complexity of installation, design and difficulties in performing calculations of the design of the glazing of the interior. Also a minus is the high price of the elements themselves and the installation of the frame structure.
What materials and how to combine
Combined can be considered one-story or two-story houses that have a design composed of several building materials. Each type of element can occupy a different proportion. Most often, the following combination options are used:
What to look for when choosing a material
Before choosing a finishing material, first of all, you need to understand its characteristics. Is there a need for insulation and sound insulation of a standard structure or a chalet. Also important is the weight of the individual elements and the overall structure. If this indicator is large, special attention should be paid to the foundation. For buildings made of wood, finishing materials with a high fire safety rating are suitable.
Stylistic and color design
The facade is the hallmark of any home, so you need to choose its color scheme with great responsibility. To sheathe walls, it is necessary to use only high-quality material, so that it remains bright for the longest and does not fade over time. When choosing a color, professional designers recommend that you follow some rules. The cottage must necessarily fit into the surrounding landscape. Also, do not stand out too far from the background of neighboring buildings.
For wooden houses, pastel colors are suitable. If the building is old, then it is better to leave the color, originally conceived by the architect on the project. A house resembling a castle can be sheathed with materials in the color of natural stone or laid out with brick. A preliminary detailed drawing should be made.
Price and quality
When choosing a material for facade decoration, attention is paid not only to its practicality and durability, but also to the consistency of price and quality. Facing must comply with all standards of aesthetics and reliability. But you should not buy the most expensive elements for work, without the full conviction that such a decision will be justified.
Not every family can afford to choose any decoration option and install it inexpensively. Many owners of private homes select elements to the detriment of visual beauty and even functionality. To carry out the installation of the most budget option cheaply, you must first determine the main aspects of the choice.
Conclusion
Facade decoration is becoming increasingly popular. The relative availability of materials, their huge variety, increases the demand for such types of work. Having correctly selected the type of parts, their color and texture, you can make your permanent or country house truly unique and original. It will always look beautiful and practical.