A budget option for the exterior of the house. House cladding outside: materials and technologies
How to transform the "face" of your own home and make it unforgettable? The theme of decorating the facade is inexhaustible ...
The variety of finishing options is dictated not only by the need to decorate the wall structures, but also to protect the wall material from external environmental influences.
Ordinary brick, cinder block, aerated concrete, foam and gypsum blocks have either low decorative qualities or poor resistance to any atmospheric precipitation, wind and temperature extremes. Even such a material as silicate brick, which has an attractive and reliable appearance, is inferior to its facing counterpart in most indicators.
This is a kind of lining, the front surface of which imitates a rounded log. Economical and environmentally friendly material.
Finishing with a block house or imitation of a bar is best done on a double wooden crate. The first is for laying insulation, the second is for creating a ventilated gap and installing the cladding. Ventilation is needed not only for mineral wool, but also for wood. In addition, each panel must be treated from the inside (to protect it from rot and insects) and also from the outside (to protect it from precipitation).
It is used for wall decoration with low vapor permeability. Insulation plates (polystyrene, extruded polystyrene foam) are fixed with an adhesive solution and fixed with dowels.
A reinforcing fiberglass mesh is mounted on top and thrown into it with a solution (this is necessary in order to avoid cracks at the joints of the insulation plates). The top layer is rubbed, and after it dries, facade plaster is laid on it, which is then primed and painted with paints for outdoor use.
Siding
Literally from English "siding" - "outer siding". One of the leading materials used in housing construction.
Installation of siding is extremely simple and installation usually takes place at a high pace of work.
A supporting frame (lathing) is required, which can be arranged, for example, from a metal profile or a wooden bar. Foam plastic with a thickness of at least 20-40 mm is used as a heater.
The use of such insulation as mineral wool, due to its ability to absorb atmospheric moisture, requires the creation of an air gap.
Siding types:
Vinyl
Gives the building a finished, aesthetic look. Inexpensive, durable and elastic material. Before using, we advise you to weigh the pros and cons based on incl. for environmental and fire reasons.
It is also advisable to inquire about the performance characteristics of the products of the selected manufacturer before purchasing. Cases of swelling, warping, cracking, increased fragility in winter, and uneven spotting in summer have been reported.
The author of this article has worked with the Polish siding brand ROYAL and Tecos (jointly Belgium-Russia). For two years, the panels on the south side were burned out, which is generally uncritical. There are no complaints about the mechanical characteristics.
Steel
The increased cost relative to vinyl and the need for additional costs for anti-corrosion treatment make it somewhat difficult to use metal siding for finishing private buildings.
However, some owners still opt for a more solid "metal" version. Steel siding complies with fire safety requirements and can be used incl. for finishing fire hazardous facilities.
A time-tested finishing material (first used in Europe over 100 years ago). Durable, fireproof, not afraid of moisture and biological corrosion.
More recently, it was in the shadow of its vinyl counterpart, but the domestic consumer could not pass by the material on the traditionally favorite cement base.
On some Internet sites, you can still find outdated information today. that fiber cement siding is not in demand in the field of private construction and is hazardous to health. The fact is that earlier in production, asbestos was used, which can really threaten health. Today this component is excluded from the technological cycle and its function is performed by harmless cellulose.
Cement siding looks impeccable, in addition, it can be painted after installation, which allows the owner of a country house to use unlimited color options.
Some manufacturers give a guarantee for this type of product for up to 50 years!
Wooden, in common people "Canadian" siding
Not afraid of Russian frosts and looks amazing!
Eco-friendly, aesthetic and dear to the heart material, perhaps not in need of introduction. Unfortunately, this excellent coating retains all the imperfections of wood and therefore the service life is not its strongest point. It is relatively expensive, less flexible and therefore requires increased accuracy during installation and maintenance during operation.
Facade thermal insulation panels (Thermopanels)
A relatively young, but trustworthy method of insulation and decorative finishing of the facade is widely used both in the countries of the European Union and in Russia in accordance with the new, more stringent norms of SNiP No. 23.02.2003 "Thermal protection of buildings".
It is a lightweight but durable panel made on the basis of polystyrene, extruded polystyrene foam or polyurethane foam that provides excellent heat capacity. The technology provides for the creation of a single monolithic layer that has the effect of a thermos. (keeps cool in summer and warm in winter).
Anchoring to any surface is permissible: concrete, wood, gas and foam concrete blocks, brick, glass magnesite sheet, etc.
Ceramic tiles (porcelain stoneware)
Artificial finishing material with excellent performance characteristics.
Due to its high performance characteristics, from a tile intended for flooring, it has turned into a universal finishing material widely used for wall decoration of architectural structures. It is ideal for cladding ventilated facades ( more about the technology at the end of this article) .
Facade plaster
To this day, this traditional solution enjoys well-deserved popularity.
The abundance of modern technologies brings a pleasant variety to the choice of the owner of a country house, puzzled by the high-quality relief of wall surfaces. The main limitation is the relative laboriousness of applying plaster and the need for skilled labor.
An attempt at mechanization here was not crowned with success, because the "old-fashioned" method of work did not undergo significant changes.
The strongest and most affordable plaster. Over time, the hardness of the coating only increases.
This plaster has a high pH reagent and is resistant to biological corrosion. A small selection of colors from the manufacturer is not an obstacle to using a wide range of colors. White plaster is applied, followed by painting with silicate facade paint.
Disadvantages: low elasticity, low adhesion to the substrate. Price: the most budgetary option. Durability: about 30 years old. Frost resistance: 75 cycles.
Does not require kneading and eliminates dosage errors. The choice of color is unlimited - the mixture is tinted.
Acrylic plaster goes on sale as a ready-to-use mixture on a water-dispersion basis. Elastic, durable, has high resistance to aggressive environmental influences. Disadvantages: low vapor permeability.
It is undesirable to use on facades with wadded insulation. Price: relatively inexpensive (compared to silicone and silicate plasters), but more expensive than mineral plasters. Durability: 50 years. Frost resistance: fifty cycles.
Suitable for all types of mineral substrates. It is electrostatically neutral - does not attract dust and dirt.
Strong and durable coating. It is made on the basis of liquid glass, which provides high vapor permeability (higher than that of mineral and acrylic glass) and resistance to biological corrosion.
Disadvantages: Small selection of colors. Price: Above the average price category. Durability: 60 years.
If the budget allows, then this is the most preferred option. Includes all previously stated material benefits.
It is made on the basis of a modified silicone resin, with the addition of an organic acrylate binder, mineral fillers and pigments.
Disadvantages: used in combination with a silicone primer, very expensive. Price: The most expensive plaster. Durability: 60 years. Frost resistance: 60 cycles. Among facade paints, by analogy with plasters, there are Acrylic, Silicate and Silicone paints.
Not the most popular, but noteworthy option.
Ceramic facing bricks have many advantages, including high mechanical strength, resistance to water, wind, ultraviolet light and temperature extremes. Unfortunately, it also has disadvantages, such as, for example, low thermal insulation, rather large weight and high price, it is because of them that it has recently surrendered its positions in the market of finishing facade materials.
In order for the thickness of the brick wall to meet the requirements of SNiP in terms of protection against heat loss, it must be 80 to 90 cm thick. And this is both expensive and requires a more powerful foundation. Although for a low-rise building, such a wall has excessive strength.
You can use well masonry when a gap is created between the ordinary brick and the facing brick, which is filled with a heat insulator. This technique allows you to reduce the total wall thickness by 1.5 times. But the use of warm facade systems reduces this figure by half.
Looks like the real thing, but weighs 1.5 times less.
This type of finish has an amazing decorative surface due to its similarity to its natural counterpart. However, it weighs one and a half times less and is more adapted to finishing work, since any collection already contains additional elements for facing window and door openings, corners and joints, which greatly simplifies installation.
Artificial stone is easy to process, durable, environmentally friendly (which is important recently), easily mounted on any base.
The only thing such a finish is afraid of is moisture. Therefore, in places where the influence of natural moisture is high, the surface lined with artificial stone must be treated with hydrophobic solutions.
Suspended ventilated facade
The most common method for walls with high vapor permeability.
The idea is to form a supporting frame providing a gap for air circulation between the insulation and the cladding. Mineral wool is used as insulation.
A system of brackets made of a metal profile is installed on the wall, the height of which should ensure the placement of heat-insulating material, a protective vapor-permeable membrane and a gap of the required width.
Mineral wool mats are strengthened with glue and (or) plastic umbrella dowels, a membrane is placed on top that prevents the material from collapsing, but at the same time allows water vapor to erode.
Metal profiles are installed on the brackets, which serve as the basis for the installation of the cladding. Any sheet or lath material can be used as cladding, from corrugated board to composite panels or porcelain stoneware.
The use of each of them has its own characteristics in terms of the method of fastening, the step and the material of the lathing. For example, composite panels should only be fastened to aluminum profiles. Finishing the facade will not only strengthen the outer walls of the house and prolong its life, but also decorate the site, creating a unique aura of attractiveness and bewitching the eyes of passers-by.
The facade of any building is its architectural dress, the outer shell. And the first impression that will develop about the whole house depends on what it will be like. Of course, the chosen method of decorating the exterior of a private household reflects taste preferences, favorite color palette and even the lifestyle of the owners. But, when planning the appearance of the facade of the house, it is important to remember not only the external attractiveness of finishing materials, but also the functional component. The finish must be moisture-proof and corrosion-resistant, withstand frost and withstand active sunlight, insulate the building and be non-toxic, and not harm the health of homeowners and the environment.
When choosing a style for the exterior of a building, it is important to take into account several components: the peculiarities of the climate and the surrounding nature, the territorial specifics of the location of the house, the appearance of neighboring buildings and your desire to merge with a common stop, or vice versa, to stand out from the general mass of private houses.
When deciding on the style of the facade, you need to remember that design is a flight of imagination and canons are alien to it, therefore, most of the houses decorated today have a mixture of at least two stylistic directions, and sometimes more, in their designs and finishing methods.
Country style in the design of the facades of private houses
The peculiarities of national culture, art and territorial location are reflected in the methods of construction and decoration of architectural structures in different countries. Cosmopolitanism in architecture and not only has led to the fact that there are no restrictions on the use of certain elements of the national style outside the state. It is not difficult to find a house made in German or French style in Russia.
For example, this modern private house harmoniously combines the presence of classic, Central European and German fachwerk style. This is indicated not only by the structure of the building, but also by the way of decoration. To give the finished building a half-timbered style, it is enough to use dark wooden beams in the surface finishing, placed on a light background. This type of surface treatment is quite economical and fast in execution, but you need to be prepared for the fact that the beams will need to be changed every 15-17 years.
The country style is characterized by the use of natural materials - stone and wood. Even if the stone is artificial, and thanks to modern technologies, it is almost impossible to distinguish it from natural externally. This style of facade design will be very useful for houses located outside the city, near forests or mountains.
As you know, the Provence style is part of the country style, which has French roots. Unlike "pure" country, which is dominated by warm shades, Provence gravitates towards colder and brighter colors. And white can be called the favorite of this style.
Completely finishing a house in the Provence style can be quite difficult for economic reasons. It may take a lot of funds to decorate all walls with stone, even artificial ones. Therefore, in the design of the facades of private houses, designers often resort to mixing modern finishing materials, such as sandwich panels or siding, leaving only the basement of the building for facing with expensive stone.
The warm shades of the stone cladding of the building look incredibly harmonious against the backdrop of wildlife, perfectly fitting into the local landscape.
Sometimes the country style is combined in design with the high-tech direction, despite the almost diametrical principles of both styles. Modern technologies, simplicity and rigor, minimalism and clarity of lines, meet with the smoothness and warmth of natural materials.
French country has always been characterized by snow-white windows, divided into several sections and the use of light colors for the decoration of the gables of the building and small balconies.
In modern houses, it is often difficult to determine whether the appearance of a building belongs to a particular style, perhaps this is due to the fact that at the design stage rarely anyone thinks about stylistic directions, and the question of choice arises already at the stage of finishing the facade surfaces.
Chalet style as a way of organizing the facades of buildings is very common in the West, especially in France and the Alps. Initially, it arose as a housing option for shepherds living at the foot of the mountains. Currently, the style has undergone many changes and acquired the status of a chic option for arranging the facade of a private home. The use of wood and stone for surface finishing takes style to a different level of financial costs. This style is more suitable for suburban seclusion, meeting a chalet-style house in the urban jungle will be a rarity.
This country style has oriental roots. The structure of the roof and the simplicity of the overall decoration indicate oriental motives, which are also reflected in the landscaping of the private courtyard.
And this private house is closest to modern in its style. A bit shocking style, for those who are not afraid to be in the spotlight. Flight of imagination, freedom of thought, absence of restrictions - this is the credo of this style.
Minimalism and industrialization are the main features of modern private houses
If we talk about private households located within the city or not far from it, then recently there has been a tendency for the industrialization of the exterior of buildings. The minimalist style, which combines elements of the high-tech trend, has become more and more popular among homeowners and designers.
As a rule, minimalist houses are simple in terms of geometry and facade decoration. Clear forms, simplicity and laconicism are the main concepts of modern buildings.
Even the use of natural materials, or their artificial counterparts, for decorating private houses in the case of a minimalist design does not allow us for a second to doubt the general style of home ownership.
At first glance, it is difficult to determine whether this is a residential or industrial building, often only the size and landscape design of a private courtyard indicate the presence of homeowners.
Often houses in a minimalist style have large windows and panoramic ensembles. In general, space, or rather its abundance, is the main criterion for minimalism not only in the exterior, but also in the interior arrangement of such houses. Nothing superfluous and complete freedom.
For this private house with a strict geometric shape, a completely lax finishing option was chosen. The top floor seems to be wrapped in snow-white lace. A prime example of how minimalism doesn't have to be boring.
Minimalist homes are often decorated with light colors. This is due to the fact that large areas of undiluted surfaces of modern buildings would be hard enough to look in a dark palette of colors.
And this house of rich and vibrant colors has an incredibly festive look, despite the simplicity of geometric shapes.
Smaller houses are often full of contrasts in terms of color spectrum choices. The use of the slatted method of finishing vertical surfaces is also often found in modern private buildings.
The modern assortment of materials for finishing the facades of private houses is so huge that only professionals can freely navigate in this variety. It is difficult for a simple layman to understand the names and compositions, it is even more difficult to choose a high-quality finish for a specific wall material, to take into account all the nuances associated with insulation and ventilation.
Therefore, more and more often, facade work is trusted only by professional builders. But you can figure it out on your own, thereby saving a considerable amount of money.
This article will consider the most popular materials for facade decoration, it will also talk about the most modern materials that have appeared on the construction market in recent years.
What is the ideal facade
Not all materials are suitable for exterior decoration of the house. After all, the outer facing layer takes on all the loads: the influence of weather conditions, temperature changes, the scorching sun, wind, pressure from the support structures and much more.
In order to adequately withstand all of the above factors, the external finish must have a number of special qualities:
- The facade should be beautiful, because it is the face of a private house. The appearance of the finish must be in harmony with the surrounding area and the structure of the building.
- The decoration must be durable, because it simply must last at least 15-20 years in order to be replaced in the process of the next major overhaul of the house.
- Weather conditions such as frost, intense heat, rain, snow and wind are not dangerous for high-quality facades. The wall covering should not crack, flake off, lose its visual appeal, fade, etc.
- It is desirable that the material of the facade covering has the ability to "breathe", that is, it is breathable. If the selected finish does not have this quality, it will be necessary to arrange ventilation of the facade, and this is additional costs and time.
- A good facade plays the role of insulation, it retains heat without letting it out of the walls of the house. Modern finishing materials, as a rule, meet such thermal engineering requirements.
- In no case, the facade finish should not burn or release toxic substances during the melting process - the safety of the residents of the house depends on this.
- The finishing material must be free from microorganisms, fungi or insects. After all, it is mold, beetles and other troubles that become the root cause of the appearance of microcracks, and subsequently the complete destruction of the facade.
Attention! Since almost every house has the ability, over time, to shrink, slightly change its geometry, the facade finish must be tear-resistant, that is, a little plastic. As a result, such a facade will compensate for small cracks or subsidence of the walls.
What are the facades
Facade structures and their type depend on the material from which the house is built, on the climate in the region, on the wishes of the owner.
All types of facades, in accordance with the installation method, are usually divided into two large groups:
- "Wet" facade - one that is mounted using special building mixtures (adhesive or cement compositions, etc.)
- Dry facades are attached to the house using mechanical devices such as fasteners, special systems and accessories.
Important! The "wet" type finish is one-piece, without gaps and cold bridges. But such facades can be mounted only at positive temperatures and in dry weather. The advantage of a "dry" facade is independence from external conditions, but such a finish will never be as solid as a "wet" type facade.
For those materials that do not allow air to pass through, that is, they do not know how to "breathe", ventilation is necessary. If you do not provide for the ventilation of the facades, in the end, the walls will become wet, condensation will accumulate on the insulation, which will lead to rotting of the material and the loss of its insulating properties.
Depending on whether there is a gap between the finish and the wall of the house, the facades are divided into:
- ventilated - when there is an air gap between the wall and the exterior;
- unventilated attached directly to the wall or to the insulation.
Advice! The type of façade structure is very important. It is necessary to decide on its option at the design stage, even before purchasing the facing material.
Facade plasters
One of the most ancient methods of exterior decoration is wall plastering. Modern facade plaster has a lot of useful properties, protects walls well from external factors and decorates any building.
There are many advantages to facade plaster:
- rapid improvement in the appearance of a private house;
- the ability to paint the plaster in any shade;
- moisture resistance;
- resistance to ultraviolet radiation;
- the ability to withstand frost and heat;
- good thermal insulation qualities;
- vapor permeability, that is, the ability to "breathe";
- ease of installation and low cost.
Attention! Plaster will not protect walls from impacts and other mechanical damage. This finish is quite fragile and must be treated with care.
Mineral facade plaster
The most popular finish is mineral plaster. Such material provides the facade with sufficient attractiveness, since it has a very large assortment of colors and textures.
The facade made of mineral plaster does not fade in the sun, microorganisms do not grow in it, which means that the walls will not be covered with mold. It is very easy to install mineral plaster on the walls of a house; installation can be performed both on bare walls and on a layer of insulation.
The mineral composition is responsible for the non-combustibility of the finish, so this type of facade is a good solution for houses that were insulated with flammable materials.
The main disadvantage of mineral plaster for facades is considered its low elasticity - cracks and chips quickly appear on the walls. This finish will last from 10 to 18 years.
Advice! Do not use a mineral façade on the walls of newly built houses - the building must go through a shrinkage process.
Acrylic facade plaster
This type of facade decoration is very elastic, therefore, most likely, cracks on the walls of the house will never form. Another plus of acrylic finish is durability, because it will last at least 20 years.
This material is moisture resistant, not afraid of frost and temperature extremes, does not fade in the sun. The cost of acrylic plaster is slightly higher than mineral plaster. The main disadvantage of such a facade is called its flammability, therefore, it is impossible to use plaster together with mineral wool, for example.
Attention! Acrylic facades very strongly attract dust, which easily clogs into the pores of the finish. It will be difficult to clean these walls, so it is not recommended to use the finish in regions with high levels of air pollution.
Silicate plaster
The most durable type of facade plasters is silicate finishing. It is made on the basis of potash glass; such a facade will serve for a very long time - at least 30 years.
This finishing material has many advantages:
- it does not burn;
- does not attract dust;
- stretches well;
- easy to clean;
- does not deteriorate under the influence of moisture, temperature and ultraviolet radiation;
- perfectly retains heat.
Important! There are also disadvantages of silicate plaster for facades: it is very expensive, hardens quickly (therefore, it is not possible to apply the material to the walls on your own), it is mounted only on a special primer.
Silicone plaster for the facade of a private house
The most expensive, but also the most durable option for finishing external walls with plaster. Silicone material does not burn, is easy to apply, absolutely does not absorb dirt, can be mounted on any kind of insulation, has a long service life.
The silicone finish is applicable in all climates and in the most polluted cities.
Stone decoration
Stone walls are the most durable and decorative solution of all existing ones. The cost of natural stone is very high, so this finish is often combined with other types or replaced with artificial stone.
Decorative (artificial) stone costs an order of magnitude cheaper, and weighs much less, which is important for facade decoration. The advantages of stone walls are obvious:
- the facade is very durable, almost never needs repair;
- the high aesthetics of this option for finishing the facade of the house is beyond doubt, the stone fits perfectly into any style;
- the material is environmentally friendly;
- the stone does not deteriorate from moisture, sun and cold;
- the walls of the house are very resistant to mechanical damage and wind load.
Artificial stone is able to imitate any natural rocks (from slate and sandstone to marble and granite), has a wide palette, and is practically not inferior in quality to natural ones. But the cost of artificial stone finishing will still be very high.
Important! You can mount a stone facade on any surface; there are options for its use on ventilated structures.
Brick cladding
For the decoration of facades, not a simple building brick is used, but its decorative types. Each type of facade brick has its own pros and cons, but all materials from this group share common qualities:
- excellent appearance;
- a lot of textures and colors;
- different shapes and sizes;
- good resistance to negative manifestations of the external environment.
Depending on the type of raw material, there are several main types of facade bricks:
Attention! Any brick must be able to lay. Due to improper installation, the facades are not very attractive in appearance, and they collapse quickly enough. Therefore, it is recommended to involve professionals.
Porcelain stoneware facades
Porcelain stoneware based on quartz sand and clay is very durable, but also quite heavy. For facades, porcelain stoneware tiles are usually used, the thickness of which ranges from 12 to 16 mm.
This finish is very beautiful, textured, looks good on any walls. The material does not absorb moisture at all, therefore it does not collapse and does not change color. But the tiles are very expensive, so they are rarely used.
Important! Installation of porcelain stoneware cannot be carried out on cement mortars, since the tiles are hygroscopic. For work, you will need special adhesive mixtures or a metal frame.
Facade siding
Decorative siding is one of the most popular cladding materials. It is inexpensive, with excellent decorative qualities and easy installation. In addition, siding facades are very durable (up to 50 years) and retain heat well. Siding is often used to decorate very old houses - the structure is instantly transformed.
There are several types of outdoor siding:
Attention! Façade material such as siding is usually installed in a ventilated manner, since it does not allow air to pass through.
The newest materials for facade finishing
You need to familiarize yourself with the less popular, but no less quality, types of facade decoration for private houses. There are few such options:
The decoration of the facades of houses with modern materials, the photo of which is presented in this article, has one general tendency: the main purpose of the cladding today is to decorate the house.
Nowadays, the owners of private residential buildings have access to unique technologies for creating high-quality facades, which allows not only to give the building an attractive look, but to provide its walls with reliable protection from wear and tear for many years. Let's talk about how today it may look like and what is the difference between the decoration of the facades of houses with modern materials, photos and advice from experienced specialists.
The construction and subsequent decoration of the facade of one-story residential buildings today can be performed with a variety of materials for external work. They have unique properties, individual service life, unique aesthetics, relevance of use, level of demanding care. The technologies for using each of them in practice also differ from each other, which is important to consider when selecting a specific material.
Decorative plaster
Decorative plaster is very often used to decorate the external walls of private buildings today. These unique mixtures provide a person with the opportunity to realize the most non-standard design fantasies, to give the house an interesting, original look. Decorative facade plaster is distinguished by a wide selection of color shades, textures, methods of application to the base.
Today, on the shelves of hardware stores, you can find several types of decorative plaster mix, with which you can create a unique project of the facade of the house:
- mineral;
- silicate;
- acrylic;
- silicone.
Mineral 
Silicate 
Silicone Different types of decorative plaster mix demonstrate different properties: the level of sound and thermal insulation capacity, resistance to negative factors: fire, precipitation, ultraviolet study, and so on. Therefore, the owner of the building has the opportunity to choose the most suitable option for the conditions of the specific area where the house is located.
Installation of plaster is characterized by certain specifics, depending on the type of the selected mixture, as well as the nature of the base. The stages of work are as follows: preparation of the base, its priming, installation of beacons, spraying the first layer of the mixture, installation of a reinforcing mesh, organization of the second layer of the mixture, grouting and giving the base a specific texture, painting the facade.
Especially popular today is the bark beetle facade, which is distinguished by its unique aesthetics, originality, and non-standard appearance. Externally, the facade takes on the appearance of a surface that is eaten away by a bark beetle. The specifics of working with a bark beetle is quite simple: the effect is achieved through the use of a trowel, as well as the choice of a specific direction in the process of mashing dried material. The project of finishing a residential building with a bark beetle is presented in the photo below: its high aesthetics, brevity and originality are difficult not to appreciate.
Clinker bricks and tiles
Clinker bricks and tiles show extraordinary strength and resistance to negative environmental factors. Modern home decoration with clinker will not be cheap, but such options can provide the outer walls of the building with reliable protection for many decades. The project of finishing the facade of a private cottage with clinker is shown in the photo below.
Clinker bricks and tiles are created using a unique technology using environmentally friendly raw materials, therefore, such finishing materials in no way harm human health or the environment.
Today, the construction and finishing works of the private sector outside the big cities are actively carried out using clinker, the design styles of which can be varied. Such facades are able to mimic the aesthetics that other types of materials have. For example, they are made of the same shape and color as brick, natural stone and the like.
Therefore, with its help, the structure can be given a varied look and high aesthetics, successfully fitting the curtain facade into the surrounding landscape. It is worth noting the easy installation of this material, which can be handled even by a person without much experience in performing construction work.
Clinker brick 
Tile Porcelain stoneware
In previous years, such finishing materials were used for facing horizontal and vertical planes on the first floor of houses: basements, steps, door and window openings. Today, garages, swimming pools, facades of private houses are decorated with it.
This is a very durable finish. The moisture resistance and strength of porcelain stoneware, its resistance to a sharp change in temperature, and aesthetic qualities are very high. The color possibilities of porcelain stoneware are very wide: such materials provide the buyer with a wide choice of shades, there are also various styles in which they can be applied. The project of the facade of a country house made of porcelain stoneware is presented in finished form in the photo below.
Today, the most popular options for such cladding for private buildings are as follows:
- structured - the project of a facade with such a cladding is distinguished by the most presentable appearance, since the material is able to imitate any texture. For example, wood, stone, leather or fabric;
- processed varieties: glazed, polished, satin and matte tiles.
Installation of porcelain stoneware on the facade of the dwelling is carried out in the following sequence of operations:
- leveling the surface of the base, eliminating stains, cracks, chips on it, priming the facade;
- covering the base with an adhesive;
- numbering of porcelain stoneware slabs, their sequential installation on the wall;
- mashing of end connections and joining of groove-comb type connections.
Facade cassette is a panel made of durable metal, inside of which a filler with specific properties is placed. Cladding of this kind is often rectangular in shape and is made from aluminum, steel, and so on.
In order for the curtain facade to acquire high resistance to various destructive influences, its surface is coated with zinc, special polymer compounds, and polyesters.
In order to understand how a house looks like with a similar cladding, pay attention to the photo below. Installation of metal cassettes from the outside of the walls is carried out by means of substructure elements. The project for performing operations is simple. But first, the walls are thoroughly cleaned of the previous finish, and they are leveled only if there is a significant deviation from the vertical. If the surface of the outer wall is free from defects, it is not necessary to level it. The design styles of this finish are very diverse.
The hinged facade with metal cassettes allows, if desired, to fill the space between the walls and the cladding with heat-insulating plates, fixing them with disc dowels. Therefore, buildings finished with metal cassettes and insulation material can become warm, cozy and durable.
Siding
The project of finishing the outer wall of country houses with siding has become popular in the domestic market quite recently. This trend is explained by the many positive parameters of the material: low cost, excellent durability and a large selection of color shades.
Thanks to the wide variety of colors, shapes, textures of siding, homeowners can give them the most unimaginable design with unique properties. It is difficult to find two buildings that are exactly the same in appearance, which would have been trimmed with siding.
Installation of siding for external walls of buildings is not complicated by difficulties, since the material is easily installed, and the project provides for the completion of work in a short time. You can apply this finish for walls made of various building materials, timber, bricks. Finishing the facade of a wooden house with siding looks absolutely unsurpassed, laconic and attractive, which is confirmed by the photo below.
Natural and artificial stone
Natural stone of various shapes has long been used to organize the facades of buildings for various purposes. Construction today uses it very widely, because the material has unique properties: high durability, resistance to mechanical stress, high humidity, sunlight and other factors that affect the walls of the house in a destructive way. To be convinced of the high aesthetics of residential buildings with natural stone cladding, take a look at the photo below. It is actively used by many styles in the design of facades.
The main disadvantages of a facade project using such a material for external wall decoration are its high cost, as well as the significant weight of the cladding. Therefore, natural stone has limitations in its scope. The technology does not imply its use for finishing a frame house with thin walls.
An equally good option for organizing the facade of a residential building is finishing with artificial stone of various shapes. The project can be varied, as shown in the photo below. Natural materials are much more expensive than artificial stone, but, as practice shows, its performance parameters are no less high.
Panels
Such options for organizing the facades of residential buildings are distinguished by high operational parameters and a unique appearance. With the help of such material, you can give a private house a high aesthetics, an expensive appearance, which is confirmed by the photo presented to the attention of the reader below. A curtain facade of this kind is mounted quite quickly and easily: the technology of work is simple and can be carried out even by a person without experience in such matters.
| Species diversity | pros | Minuses |
| Polymer coated metal | Long service life, resistance to ultraviolet light, temperature drops | Low thermal insulation properties |
| Wood fiber panels | Naturalness, environmental friendliness, light weight | High flammability and tendency to swell from moisture |
| Vinyl | Practical, light weight | Brittleness at low temperatures |
| Thermal panels | Light weight, high frost resistance | Toxicity of components |
| Sandwich panels | Light weight, wear resistant | Fragility if handled carelessly |
| Fiber cement facade systems | Self-cleaning ability, high frost resistance, durability, strength | Low impact resistance, high water absorption |
| Stone and porcelain stoneware | High frost resistance | High cost, substantial weight |
| Glass panes | Resistant to wear and tear, original aesthetics | Complex installation, high cost |
That is, the design of such cladding is very diverse, which expands the decorating styles in which it is relevant.
Wooden 
Fiber cement 
Sandwich panels 
Metallic 
Glass panes 
Thermal panels
The wet method of facade finishing has gained respect among owners of private houses due to the minimum number of cold bridges, characteristic of alternative methods of cladding. But this is not the main plus of the wet facade. It is also worth noting the fact that such a finish contributes to the removal of the dew point outside the boundaries of the dwelling. Therefore, the problem of condensation is eliminated when there is a large difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures.
Installation of a facade on a wet type requires certain skills from a person. It implies the following operations: preparation of the base, installation of profiles, thermal insulation, reinforcement of the base, organization of the layer of plaster mixture, giving the layer of plaster mixture an actual texture (for example, using a trowel if finishing with bark beetle is used), painting of dried plaster mixture. In this case, it is very important to select the type of plaster mixture for the outer layer, since the finish must be distinguished by high vapor permeability and resistance to wear.
Note that a wet facade can be created using other materials for the outer layer: siding, facade panels, and so on. The photo below shows the façade with a wet finish.
Which is better to choose
If the construction of a house is carried out by hand, its owner must choose the materials for creating the facades. Which cladding from the ones described above is the best fit in a particular case depends on many factors. Namely:
- the type of building material from which the structure was erected;
- climatic conditions, characteristic areas where the house is located;
- the size of the budget for the purchase of cladding and the performance of cladding works;
- the complexity of the installation of a particular facade;
- taste preferences of the owner of the cottage.
The photo below shows images of the most popular facades for residential buildings today.
Video
How to make the facade of your home attractive and original.
Photos of examples of facades decorated with modern materials
A selection of photographs with options for the design of facades with modern materials.
When facing the facade of a house, what material is better to solve can be quite problematic. The choice of material will dictate the design of the building and the acceptability of prices for materials for the facades. The modern market of finishing materials offers a wide range. You can preview the photo, get advice, the better these or those options.
The facade of the house is his calling card, the way other people see him. It is important that the owner's preferences fit into the overall picture of the street, because often the unsightly appearance of the house can seriously spoil the relationship with the neighbors.
Why is facade cladding necessary?
In addition to the decorative function and creating an aesthetically pleasing appearance, the facade cladding plays a protective role for the walls, preventing the negative impact of natural and other factors on the supporting structures:
- precipitation;
- exposure to temperature changes;
- the formation of condensation;
- spores, the development of fungi and mold on the surface and in the thickness of the walls;
- exposure to UV rays.
A well-tiled house will not be subject to destructive factors and the owner will save himself from additional expenses for repair and restoration work. We can say that by investing in a good facade of the house, you can very profitably invest in your comfortable living.
Types of cladding of facades of houses
All types of cladding of facades of houses used in the decoration of external walls are divided into 4 types of decorative and protective materials:
- plaster (finishing and decorative);
- stone (natural and artificial);
- siding (wood, plastic, metal, metal-plastic);
- materials based on expanded polystyrene.
To decide which material is better for facing the facade of the house, you need to analyze the positive and negative qualities of each separately.
Wood 
Siding 
Stone Plaster is a very popular facing material. In addition to the aesthetically pleasing appearance, the walls are protected from moisture and at the same time they remain breathable. Silicone, silicate, mineral, acrylic substances can act as binders.
The plaster itself is limited in the range of colors and textures, but this is fully compensated by the ability to paint the facade. This technique is often used when deciding on an original design. We also offer 2 types of texture: rustic or rough. Plaster as a finishing material will last about 7-10 years. However, although manufacturers are improving the material, plastered walls are susceptible to mechanical damage.
To decorate the walls of the house will have to spend not only energy, but also time. For clarity: 200m 2 walls require 8 weeks for finishing. In addition, this material implies a wet application method, before which the surface must be primed. Facade cladding in this way will depend on the weather, temperature conditions outside.
Plaster imposes restrictions on some heat insulators. Acrylic plaster denies the use of mineral wool, as it has a low vapor permeability. Mineral plaster is only compatible with aerated concrete.
Brick
There are ceramic and clinker facing bricks. The products are based on clay - a natural raw material, which is processed within the framework of repeatedly tested technological processes.
The ceramic look has long established itself as a high-quality, durable and visually attractive material for the facade of buildings. It is beneficial to decorate external walls with bricks, because the material is characterized by a low degree of moisture absorption, excellent sound insulation, and can withstand low temperatures, which is important in the Russian climate. The brick is compatible with all types of thermal insulation materials that can be laid in the space between the walls formed during the cladding.
Clinker bricks are also suitable for cladding the exterior walls of a house. They have excellent physical characteristics, in addition, the features of the production technology make it possible to obtain a material without characteristic voids.
So that a design based on the appearance of the masonry does not lose its aesthetic qualities, care must be taken to avoid efflorescence. The reason for this defect may be a poorly prepared solution. The brick façade is guaranteed to survive 150 freeze and thaw cycles. Such finishing is planned during the construction phase, since the brick implies laying on the main foundation. If the cladding is done later, additional strengthening of the base is necessary.
Tile
Exterior walls can also be tiled with facade tiles. This option is not afraid of exposure to moisture. The material is strong, durable and reliable in its performance characteristics. Laying the tiles requires skill and good preparation of the substrate. It is necessary to maintain a straight seam, which is almost impossible to achieve without experience. In addition, until the material is laid, it is quite fragile and, if handled carelessly, is fraught with the formation of chips and scratches. Tiles are cheaper than bricks and this is their indisputable advantage.
Choosing a tile requires careful selection. Good looks and quality must be combined with high performance. This is the case when expensive does not mean quality. The tiles can be extremely difficult to maintain in the future. There are options involved in facade insulation. Walls faced in this way do not need additional insulation, which will really save money.
Porcelain stoneware
Porcelain stoneware slabs have reliably established themselves as a material capable of participating in the most stylish and daring design decisions and at the same time not requiring significant labor costs. The aesthetic appearance of the facade is combined with the excellent protective properties of the facing material against adverse environmental influences.
This facing material can significantly save time and money. The initially high cost of porcelain stoneware in the future will avoid additional costs for repairs and maintenance work on the facade of the building. It turns out to be a profitable investment of money.
It is a reliable and long-term protection of walls from destruction. According to its characteristics, porcelain stoneware is one of the most durable types of material for facade cladding. In addition, the technology for mounting plates is quite simple and does not require special skills. The material is resistant to temperature extremes, high humidity and aggressive chemicals. Such a facade will serve for many years without the need for repair and maintenance.
Porcelain stoneware provides great opportunities for the implementation of design solutions. A wide range of colors and textures practically does not differ in price, which allows you to experiment freely.
This decorative and protective material helps to improve the indoor microclimate. The walls become thicker, the thermal insulation improves, which means that heating costs are much lower.
Porcelain stoneware has only two drawbacks:
- significant weight of the plates themselves;
- if the installation is carried out by a contractor, then the cost of services will be quite high.
Siding
There are 2 types of siding - vinyl and basement. The positive aspects of this material include safety, ease of installation and easy maintenance. A certain disadvantage of this type of facade decoration is called a deliberately artificial look, which is not liked by everyone.
Despite the fact that manufacturers declare an operational life of up to half a century, in practice this is far from the case. The materials from which the siding is made are quite susceptible to the effects of environmental factors. Exposure to low temperatures provokes deformation of the siding, and hot sunlight causes burnout and an untidy appearance of the building. Nevertheless, siding remains a highly demanded method of facade decoration due to its relatively low cost.
Facade panels
A large number of builders and those who have used this material to renovate their home agree that facade panels are a simple and reliable cladding option for the facade. It appeared relatively recently, replacing the lining. Facade panels are used both as an independent material and as components of a ventilated facade system.
Facade panels are based on both natural and synthetic materials. Glass, PVC, metal, aluminum, copper, wood and timber, even porcelain stoneware. The parameters can vary greatly. There are large and small options. The range of panels includes narrow profiles, sandwich panels, polymer panels, profiled sheets.
Positive aspects of facade panels:
- resistant to temperature extremes, high humidity, any precipitation. The facade is reliably protected from any influences;
- high resistance to corrosion and UV rays. Contribute to maintaining a comfortable microclimate in the house at high temperatures outside;
- installation is carried out regardless of the season, and no alignment or other preparation of the walls is required. Fastening is carried out mechanically, directly to an external wall, or to a previously installed supporting structure. It is possible to use construction screws, staples or nails. Laying takes place according to the principle of a puzzle;
- both horizontal and vertical laying is possible. Can be used in the design of cornices and decorative elements of the building;
- convenient for reconstruction works, renovation of old buildings;
- fireproof - do not burn, do not smoke.
With all the variety of advantages, facade panels have their disadvantages:
- there are still limitations for use in harsh climates;
- if necessary, installation by contractors, the work will cost a round sum.
Stone
In terms of strength, natural stone is many times superior to most finishing materials. Such a facade will perfectly cope with climatic changes, is practical, durable and beautiful.
The advantages of using a stone are the following qualities of the material:
- natural color palette, unique texture;
- environmental friendliness due to natural origin;
- resistant to moisture, perfectly insulates heat and sound;
- the use of natural stone is a sign of the high status of homeowners;
- self-assembly is possible.
Natural stone is classified according to the types of facing format:
- tiles "Euro-2" - the most popular for facing external walls. Has parameters 600x300x20 mm;
- wild stone - presented in the form of the so-called "plastushki". Has an irregular shape, the corners are neatly processed;
- slabs - a solid block of stone is taken as a basis for manufacturing. Most expensive type;
- die - material scraps are used for manufacturing. Aesthetically pleasing, but more expensive than tiling. Parameters 300x30x20 mm;
- "Moscow fur coat" - the material, as well as the cost of its installation, are the most expensive in terms of price. A distinctive feature is that the dimensions are respected while maintaining the torn effect of the base.
This type of facing materials is valuable because it allows you to quickly modify any facade or interior interior design. With renovation work, you can completely change the appearance of the building, while abandoning time-consuming, expensive methods. In addition, cassette facades are used when installing ventilated facades.
Ventilated facade cassettes of metal and composite types are complete structures. They have curved edges, through which the modules are connected into a single coating. Such a facade is resistant to changes in weather conditions and mechanical damage, durable, tough.
The release form may vary. Most often these are long stripes or rectangular parts. Operating parameters are modified taking into account the technological need and design solutions.
The first to conquer the construction market were galvanized steel facade cassettes. They were often supplemented with a polymer coating. Aesthetically pleasing models, robust and resistant to corrosion. This type of finishing materials provides a wide range of colors. However, there was a significant drawback: the small thickness with a large surface area led to the formation of a deflection, the so-called "lens effect". Therefore, small dimensions prevail in steel products. They are widespread in the decoration of small architectural forms.
Aluminum facade cassettes are a later version. Their service life is superior to the steel version, and they are considerably lighter. This makes it possible to significantly reduce the load both on the structure and on the fastening system in the case of a ventilated facade. This quality allows them to be used on dilapidated buildings. The cladding material is durable, resistant to climatic conditions, completely fireproof. The most versatile facade cassettes using composite are produced with 2 layers of aluminum, between which a filler is placed - mineral or polymer. The increase in thickness contributes to the fact that deflections are no longer formed, even if the size of the slab is quite significant. The protective polymer-decorative layer makes the products aesthetically pleasing. They are used in all categories of structures.
Block house
House block is considered a type of already known lining. Outwardly, this finish resembles rounded logs. It is a natural, environmentally friendly material. Its disadvantages include high cost, fire hazard and relatively short service life. In addition, the surface of the material may have processing defects - knots, cracks, even wormholes.
When purchasing a block house for decoration, you need to make sure that it is kept in dry conditions. Otherwise, decay processes may begin. In addition, a wooden facade must be additionally treated with special compounds in order to protect it from adverse climatic influences. The cost of a block of house varies depending on the type of wood used.
Wood
In this segment, the choice is very wide. First, you need to understand what kind of cladding is required: facade board, block house, wooden siding or lining. All of these materials are freely sold in construction markets.
The palm is at the lining. Panels made of processed boards have a “tongue-and-groove” system, which makes installation simple and does not require special skills. In addition, the lining has a very affordable price compared to other types of material. This material is quite lightweight, it does not overload the building structure. The lining has long established itself well in the decoration of external walls, it does not lose its relevance.
Imitation timber is one of the modern materials used for cladding. At the end of the installation, the wall looks like it is made of a wooden beam. The material is similar to clapboard, but also has distinctive characteristics:
- installation is carried out horizontally;
- mainly used for finishing brick buildings, requires additional insulation of the structure. Laying the insulating layer requires the installation of the lathing;
- connection of panels according to the tenon-groove principle.
Which material is better
Everyone chooses materials for cladding, based on the needs, design project and wallet capabilities. For convenience, positive and negative characteristics can be presented in the form of a table.
| Name of finishing material | pros | Minuses |
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| Brick |
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| Tile |
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| Porcelain stoneware |
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| Siding |
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| Facade panels |
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| Stone |
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| Block house |
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| Wood |
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The key to a good result is a competent, meaningful choice and approach to work. In this case, regardless of the material, the facade of the house will become the pride of the owners, the envy of the neighbors.