Exterior decoration of a garden house. The best way to sheathe the outside of a house: materials for sheathing

External wall cladding is one of the final stages of building a frame house. And here the choice of material is of great importance: the microclimate in the premises, the mechanical strength of the walls, and the reliability of protection from moisture and cold depend on it. In addition, the cladding serves as the basis for finishing materials, and in some cases acts as a finishing coating and is responsible for the aesthetic appearance of the building.

The cladding gives the building frame a certain rigidity and takes on part of the load. This means that one of the main criteria is the mechanical strength of the material in bending and compression, and the absence of shrinkage during operation. The walls must retain their original shape for years, regardless of environmental conditions. In addition, the cladding must be resistant to moisture, sudden temperature changes, and the effects of microorganisms.

Next, you need to pay attention to the ease of installation of the material and its flexibility during processing. If you plan to sheathe it yourself, this aspect is of great importance, because it determines how much effort and time the work will require. The material should be easy to cut and drill, but at the same time maintain density in cuts, not crumble, not crack. And, of course, it must be durable so that you don’t have to change the skin every 10-15 years.

Material selection

There are several types of materials that more or less meet these requirements: moisture-resistant plywood, fiberboard, OSB, edged boards, fiberboard. They have similar characteristics and are widely used in frame construction. To make a choice, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the main properties and features of each of them.

Oriented Strand Boards (OSB)

OSB panels are rightfully one of the most popular materials when arranging frame structures. They consist of layers of laminated wood chips and chips, with the fibers in the outer layers arranged longitudinally and transversely in the inside. Synthetic resins and wax are used to hold the chips together, giving the finished boards water-repellent properties.

Standard production involves the production of these slabs in several categories:

• OSB-1 is intended exclusively for interior decoration of dry rooms with reduced mechanical loads;
• OSB-2 is used when installing load-bearing structures in rooms with low humidity;
• OSB-3 is a moisture-resistant board of increased rigidity used for the installation of load-bearing structures indoors and outdoors.

In terms of the quality-functionality-price ratio, OSB-3 is the most optimal, and this material is widely used in private construction for wall cladding, the manufacture of load-bearing partitions, and reusable formwork when pouring concrete structures. The slabs lend themselves well to grinding, cutting, drilling, and hold nails tightly even at a distance of 6 mm from the edge. Such cladding can simultaneously serve as a decorative covering for walls; you just need to treat it with waterproof varnish or paint it.

Advantages of OSB:

• the dense structure prevents delamination and splitting of the material during processing and during operation;
• the plates have elasticity and high strength, excellent resistance to vibrations, compression loads, and various deformations;
• the material is resistant to weathering and temperature changes;
• OSB is resistant to microorganisms; insects and rodents do not like it.

Flaws:

• very low vapor permeability;
• flammability;
• content of toxic compounds (phenol and formaldehyde).

Main characteristics

Prices for OSB (oriented strand boards)

OSB (oriented strand board)

Cement particle boards (CSP)

This material is a compressed mass of M500 cement and wood shavings (usually softwood). A standard slab has three layers: the outer ones are made of small chips, the inner one is made of large ones. In addition to the main components, the composition contains hydration additives, the mass fraction of which does not exceed 3%. DSP is characterized by resistance to moisture, high strength, and long service life. The slabs are widely used in private and industrial construction, for indoor and outdoor work.

When covering a frame, such slabs serve as an excellent basis for cladding, decorative plaster, and painting, since they form a perfectly flat and smooth surface. The material can withstand 50 cycles of complete freezing and thawing without losing its characteristics; subsequently, the strength of the slabs decreases by about 10%. Among wood-based panel materials, DSP is a leader in terms of environmental and technical indicators.

Advantages:

• very low hygroscopicity;
• resistance to mold and other microorganisms;
• DSP are not damaged by insects and rodents;
• the material does not emit toxic substances;
• low thermal conductivity;
• Fire safety.

Flaws:

• mechanical processing of plates requires significant effort;
• DSP is heavy compared to other materials;
• When cutting and drilling slabs, a lot of fine dust is generated, so you need to work in a respirator;
• high price.

Specifications

Fiberboard (Fiberboard)

The material is sheets of compressed shavings, usually coniferous. During the pressing process, the raw materials are highly heated, which makes it possible to achieve maximum density without the use of adhesives. Thanks to this, fiberboard is an environmentally friendly material, and therefore suitable for both outdoor use and finishing of residential premises. The shavings contain natural resin, which acts as an antiseptic and protects the slabs from mold.

In terms of strength, fiberboard is noticeably inferior to natural lining and OSB, but it surpasses them in heat and sound insulation properties.

Windproof board "Beltermo"

Now on the construction market, fiberboards are represented by insulating boards of several well-known brands, the most popular of which are Beltermo and Izoplat. For cladding a frame house, slabs with a thickness of at least 25 mm are used; thinner sheets are used indoors.

Advantages:

• light weight;
• low thermal conductivity;
• ease of installation;
• the material does not delaminate or crumble;
• high vapor permeability;
• resistance to moisture and microorganisms;
• absence of harmful substances in the composition.

Flaws:

• high price;
• a long stay without decorative finishing causes slight deformation of the sheets;
• The outer lining of fiberboard requires spacer jibs in the frame or rigid inner lining.

Specifications

Prices for fibreboards (fibreboards)

Fiberboard (Fiberboard)

Gypsum fiber sheets (GVL)

GVL consists of pressed gypsum reinforced with cellulose fibers. Due to its high strength, the material is suitable for creating load-bearing surfaces, therefore it is widely used in frame construction. It differs from plasterboard in its greater density, uniformity, and absence of a cardboard shell. In terms of frost resistance, sound insulation properties, as well as resistance to moisture and combustion, gypsum fiber boards are also several times higher than gypsum boards.

GVL installation is carried out using frame and frameless methods. For external wall cladding, the first option is used, where the sheets are fastened to the load-bearing posts using self-tapping screws. The material is easy to cut and drill, and, despite its heavy weight, is quite convenient to install. This cladding serves as an excellent basis for finishing with tiles and decorative plaster.

Advantages:

• low hygroscopicity;
• vapor permeability;
• absence of toxic compounds;
• fire safety;
• high heat and sound insulation properties.

Flaws:

• lack of ductility and fragility when bending the sheet;
• heavy weight.

Specifications

Plywood

Plywood is made by gluing together thin sheets of veneer from various types of wood (most often coniferous and birch). The sheets are laid perpendicular to each other relative to the location of the fibers, which helps to increase the mechanical strength of the material and increases resistance to deformation. For the outer cladding of frame walls, plywood with increased moisture resistance is used, which is marked FSF. The thickness of the sheets should be from 9-10 mm; thinner material will not provide the required rigidity to the frame.

The grade of plywood is not particularly important for sheathing, and you can use the cheapest unsanded 4/4 grade boards.

From the outside, all defects will be hidden under the curtain wall, so there is no point in overpaying. If the cladding technology is followed, the plywood covering will serve for years without losing its qualities.

Advantages:

• high bending and compressive strength;
• moisture resistance;
• wear resistance;
• ease of processing and installation;
• frost resistance.

Flaws:

• flammability;
• content of formaldehyde resins;
• tendency to chipping.

Specifications

Plywood prices

Edged board

Using edged boards for sheathing is the most economical option. Wood is an environmentally friendly material, affordable, and easy to install. Boards can be filled not only horizontally, but also at an angle of 45-60 degrees. To save material, boards can be fastened in increments of up to 30 cm, although more often the sheathing is made continuous. This design perfectly strengthens the frame and is a ready-made base for a ventilated façade.

In order for the cladding to be reliable, boards should be chosen with a thickness of at least 25 mm; they can be tongue-and-groove for greater joint density. You cannot use raw lumber: during the drying process, the wood will begin to warp, and deformations of the finishing coating may appear.

Advantages:

• wood does not emit harmful substances and has excellent vapor permeability;
• boards are easy to process;
• the work does not require large financial costs.

Flaws:

• flammability of the material;
• wood is susceptible to damage by insects and microorganisms;
• Fitting and fastening elements takes a lot of time.

Prices for edged boards

Exterior cladding technology

Installation of slabs on a finished frame is carried out using the same technology, regardless of the type of material. Simultaneously with the sheathing, vapor barrier and wall insulation are carried out, and finishing can be done immediately upon completion of construction or after some time. Let's look at the installation technology using the example of covering a frame with OSB boards.

Sheathing can be done in two ways - with and without lathing. In the first case, the vapor barrier layer is located between the frame and the OSB, in the second - on top of the sheathing. The option with lathing is used in cases where OSB acts as the basis for plastering, painting or tiling; the second method is used, as a rule, when installing a ventilated facade. Otherwise there are no significant differences.

Step 1. Start covering from the very corner. The first sheet of OSB is applied to the frame posts so that the bottom edge completely covers the bottom trim of the house. Be sure to check the horizontal level. It is also recommended to install the slab itself horizontally rather than vertically - this provides the structure with greater rigidity. To fasten the material, galvanized self-tapping screws with a length of at least 50 mm are used. It is necessary to retreat about 10 mm from the edge of the OSB, the fastening step along the perimeter of the sheet is 15 cm, in the center - 30 cm.

Advice. To firmly fix the slabs, the length of the hardware must exceed the thickness of the OSB by at least 2.5 times. If the self-tapping screw enters the frame beam less than 30 mm, under the influence of loads the sheathing will begin to tear away from the supporting base.

Step 2. The next plate is installed next to the first, leaving a gap of 2-3 mm for thermal expansion. In the same way, set the horizontal level and screw the casing to the frame guides. The joints of the plates must be in the middle of the rack, only in this case the fastening will be as reliable as possible. Fix the remaining slabs in a circle, leaving open areas for doorways.

Step 3. The second row of sheathing must be installed with ligation of vertical seams. The same gap of 2-3 mm is maintained between the lower and upper plates. When sheathing openings, you should use whole sheets, not scraps - the fewer joints, the more airtight the sheathing. Cutouts in the sheets are made with a jigsaw or a circular saw, having previously made markings accurate to the millimeter. The edges of the cuts after installing the slab should perfectly coincide with the lines of the openings.

Step 4. The top plates are installed so as to completely cover the top trim. If the house has two floors, the interfloor piping should be closed in the middle of the slab - under no circumstances should OSB be joined on this line.

Gallery 1. An example of the construction of a one-story frame house finished with OSB boards

Gallery 2. Sheathing a two-story frame house with OSB boards. Example

Step 5. After completing the installation, a windproof membrane is attached over the casing. Its sheets are stretched horizontally and fixed with staplers to the OSB. At the joints, the film is overlapped and taped. The material should not be pulled too tight, but there should be no sagging.

Step 6. Next, the sheathing slats are stuffed for finishing in increments of 50-60 cm. The slats must first be treated with a protective compound and dried. After this, you can begin installing siding, lining or other decorative covering for the house.

On a note! If you plan to paint the facade from OSB, then the membrane, accordingly, is installed only on the inside of the house.

With this method of cladding, the insulation is placed on the inside of the walls in the cells of the frame and covered with a vapor barrier film. Slabs for interior decoration, for example, plasterboard or the same OSB, are sewn on top of the vapor barrier.

Video - How to sheathe the outside of a frame house

The choice of material and technology for finishing the facade of the house should be done at the design stage. The modern market offers a lot of different materials, so arranging a facade in accordance with a certain budget or design idea is not difficult. When choosing a material for finishing the facade of a private house, you should take into account two of the most important factors. Firstly, the house must be in harmony with the surrounding area, look aesthetically pleasing and in accordance with the tastes of the owner. Secondly, the facade material should become protection for the house, playing the role of additional insulation and sound insulation, as well as protecting supporting structures from moisture, sunlight and other negative influences. Not every finishing material will cope with the tasks, so we will focus on the best options.

Types of facade structures

Among other things, when choosing a facade material, it is necessary to take into account what the building is built from; the principle of organizing the facade decoration may depend on this. For example, for wooden houses it is recommended to install a ventilated façade.

It is customary to divide facades into the following types:

Depending on whether there is a gap between the outer wall of the house and the finishing material, facades are divided into:

• ventilated;
• unventilated.

Ventilated facade

Ventilated facades assume the presence of a ventilation gap between the façade material and the wall or, if used. The gap is necessary for free air circulation and removal of excess moisture that condenses or leaves the house through the walls. The floor wall material remains completely protected from all atmospheric influences. It is better to equip such a façade when the walls breathe. involves installing finishing material directly to the wall. Sometimes facades are classified simply as ventilated and “wet”, although this is not entirely correct.

Now we can move on to the materials that are widely used in finishing the facade of a private house.

No. 1. Plaster for facade finishing

No. 3. Facing brick

One of the most popular materials for facade finishing has always been and is. It is clear that for these purposes, not an ordinary construction one is used, but a special decorative one, which is called.

Ceramic brick

Ceramic brick, made from clay by firing it, is well known to each of us. Its facing variety amazes with a wide variety of colors and textures, but this is not the only advantage of the material.

Advantages:

• durability;
• environmental friendliness;
• good sound and heat insulation characteristics;
• resistance to temperature changes, sunlight, fire;
• relative cheapness.

Flaws:

Hyperpressed brick

This material is obtained by using shell rock and some special additives using the semi-dry pressing method. Outwardly, it resembles ceramic brick, but in many respects it is ahead of it.

Advantages:

• durability and strength;
• good geometry;
• frost resistance;
• a large assortment;
• ease of processing.

The water absorption of such bricks is at an average level - about 5-6%, and the obvious disadvantages of the material include high thermal conductivity, the ability to change color over time and heavy weight, which affects transportation.

Sand-lime brick

Facing sand-lime bricks are made from a cement-sand mixture using the autoclaving method; special additives can be used. Due to the ease of production and low cost of raw materials, sand-lime brick is considered one of the most affordable materials among other types of bricks.

Advantages:

• high strength;
• precise geometry;
• environmental friendliness;
• good soundproofing qualities;
• low price.

Flaws:

No. 4. Porcelain tiles for facade

Advantages:

• durability;
• the widest range. You can find tiles of any size, color and texture, as well as those imitating stone, brick and other materials;
• resistance to negative environmental factors;
• fire resistance;
• relatively light weight.

The tiles can be installed either using the “wet” method or by installing a ventilated façade.

No. 6. Concrete facade tiles

The material is produced on the basis of cement, quartz sand, filler and additives.

Advantages:

• durability and moisture resistance;
• strength and rigidity;
• big choice;
• relatively low price.

Flaws:

No. 7. Decorative siding

Siding is one of the most inexpensive, easy to use and modern materials for the facade of the house. It has excellent decorative qualities, is sold in a wide range, boasts decent durability (up to 50 years), and excellent sound and heat insulation qualities. Siding can be used to cover any surface and even improve a long-built house.

Main types of decorative siding:

• vinyl;
• wood;
• metal;
• cement.

Vinyl siding

Made from polyvinyl chloride, it can imitate stone, brick, wood and other natural materials. – one of the most popular materials for facade cladding, used most often in domestic private construction.

Advantages:

Resistance to mechanical damage is often considered an advantage, but a strong blow can damage the integrity of the material. Among shortcomings a large coefficient of linear expansion, which must be taken into account during installation, low thermal insulation qualities and the difficulty of replacing a damaged element in case of repair.

It is worth highlighting basement siding. It is completely identical to vinyl, but differs in increased thickness: 3.5 mm versus 0.7-1.2 for conventional PVC siding. Due to this, the resistance to mechanical damage increases, which makes the material one of the best in terms of price and quality ratio for.

Wood siding

Metal siding

Made from aluminum or steel, which are coated with a layer of primer and polymer coating. in private construction it is rarely used due to its high price. Better suited for cladding a house steel sheets with a zinc protective layer and polymer or powder coating.

Advantages:

• strength;
• durability (up to 50 years);
• resistance to temperature changes;
• non-flammability;
• resistance to any weather conditions;
• high aesthetics;
• relative ease of installation.

In addition, metal siding is resistant to corrosion due to protective coatings, but if such a coating is damaged, you should expect rust to appear. Naturally, there is no need to talk about heat and sound insulation qualities.

Cement siding

The material is obtained by mixing and pressing cellulose fibers and cement. Cement siding can replace stone in its decorative and performance qualities.

Advantages:

• high strength;
• resistance to precipitation, sunlight, high and low temperatures;
• fire resistance.

Among cons heavy weight, difficult installation, high cost and insufficiently wide selection of colors and textures.

No. 8. Sandwich panels

They are a multilayer material consisting of two layers of rigid material (usually metal) and a layer of insulation between them. This entire “sandwich” is connected using the hot pressing method; the surface of the panels can be smooth, embossed or decorative.

Advantages:

The only downside is the high price.

No. 9. Facade cassettes

Metal facade cassettes are today widely used for cladding the facades of administrative buildings, but more recently they have also been used in private construction. The material is easy to recognize by its characteristic appearance: these are square or rectangular elements made of metal (steel, aluminum, less often copper) with a polymer coating.

Advantages:

• high reliability and durability;
• aesthetics;
• large selection of sizes and colors;
• resistance to negative environmental factors and fire.

Metal cassettes can be used for cladding old and newly constructed buildings and are mounted on a frame. The only negative is the high price.

No. 10. New and undistributed materials

In addition to those materials that have already become traditional in the field of facade cladding, there are also more innovative and in some ways even more progressive. The most interesting of them:

• concrete siding. Made from cement, sand and dyes. The material has a beautiful appearance and a pleasant rough surface, it is durable, but quite heavy, so it will require reinforcement;
• clinker thermal panels consist of ordinary clinker tiles and a fused polystyrene foam layer, and this is an excellent insulation material. While visually attractive, such finishing becomes an additional heat insulator. Disadvantage – high price;
  
• glass panels– a popular option for shopping centers and administrative buildings. Suitable for furnishing a private home only if you like bold decisions.
  

The choice of finishing material for the facade should be preceded by a multifactor analysis, including the climatic features of the region, the type of house, the style features of the site, one’s own preferences, wall material, one’s own requirements and preferences. Fortunately, there are plenty to choose from.

Currently, the question of how to cover the outside of a house is very relevant for many owners. Now there are a large number of materials that can completely transform a structure. In addition, they can make it more comfortable, warm, respectable and practical. Next, we’ll take a closer look at the best way to sheathe the outside of a house.

General information

Many people wonder: how to cover the outside of a wooden house. Today there are several profitable options. As a rule, people tend to choose the least expensive one. What is the best way to cover the outside of a house?

Costly way

It consists of building a brick wall around the entire perimeter of the house. In essence, this option requires a colossal investment of funds. First of all, this applies to the arrangement of a new foundation. At the same time, its “linking” with the old foundation is a prerequisite.

Advantages and disadvantages

The connection to the roof creates a lot of additional problems. In fact, the building receives completely new walls. It should be noted that in this case the house will become much warmer. It will be less susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity. This option cannot be fully called building cladding. In essence, the walls are covered with bricks. This, as already mentioned, is a very expensive option. How to cover the outside of a house cheaply?

Popular materials

How can you cover the outside of a house? Some popular materials include:

1. Siding.
2. Block house.
3. Imitation of timber.
4. Finishing quarter.
5. Planken.
6. Wooden lining.

Each of the above materials has its own characteristics. These should be taken into account before covering the outside of the house.

Common option

Many owners decide to cover their house with clapboard. On the outside, this finish is considered optimal. There are several types of material. For example, euro or regular lining. The first has its own characteristics. They consist of additional processing, which is carried out using special compounds that significantly improve the technical parameters of the lining. Thus, it becomes less susceptible to atmospheric phenomena. Thanks to this, its service life increases.

Differences encountered

All wooden lining is equipped with installation grooves. They greatly facilitate installation work. In addition, thanks to them, the strength of the structure increases. It is worth noting that in most cases the grooves of the eurolining are located deeper than in other variations. There are several types of wood that are used in the manufacture of this facing material. The most popular include larch and pine. Birch, ash and oak are expensive options.

Main advantages

When deciding what to cover the outside of a house with, home craftsmen choose materials that have certain qualities. First of all, the exterior decoration should ensure heat retention. Wooden lining significantly contributes to the heat and sound insulation of the building. This material is quite resistant to oxidative processes. However, the tree needs additional processing. In particular, various compositions are used. They help combat the effects of insects, mold and mildew.

Planken

When choosing what to cover the outside of a wooden house with, many people prefer this particular material. The external features of the planken are similar to those described above. In this case, there is a lack of connecting grooves. Planken, as a rule, has beveled or straight ribs. Installation work is carried out end-to-end. However, the required technological clearances should be taken into account. Thanks to them, the facade will be well ventilated. The advantages of the material include practicality, cost-effectiveness and ease of installation. Planken does not imply additional interventions during shrinkage of the structure or drying of the material.

Finishing quarter

This material is also not equipped with spike-type fasteners. However, it is slightly different from planken. The finishing quarter is distinguished by the presence of technological grooves, which are located on the ribs. They are designed for overlapping panels. By analogy with planken, this material is used to create a ventilated facade.

Block house

It is one of the types of lining. The block house is a plank made of natural wood. Its front side has a spherical shape. There is an external resemblance to a rounded beam. The back side is flat. It has technological ventilation slots. The ribs are equipped with mounting elements, which is also observed with conventional lining.

Main features

The materials used to make a block house can be different. Currently, coniferous trees are the most popular. Larch is also often used. During the manufacturing process, the materials must undergo thorough drying. Thus, the block house becomes more durable and wear-resistant. This is its advantage over conventional lining. This material is considered one of the most practical and economical. Before covering the outside of a house using a block house, you should take into account its disadvantages. These include, in particular, poor vapor permeability. In this case, there is a high probability of cracking. For this reason, during installation work it is necessary to use special compounds that are designed for processing the block house.

Imitation of timber

When choosing what to cover the outside of a frame house with, many choose this material. The obvious differences between imitation timber include the front surface, which is flat. This material is very similar to profiled timber. Thanks to him, the house will look very respectable. Imitation of timber can significantly transform the appearance of the entire structure.

Siding

It is one of the most modern options. Every year, “siding” cladding of a wooden house is gaining more and more popularity. The material is easy to install. In addition, it does not require special care.

Exceptional benefits

There are two common versions of this material - metal and vinyl. The latter is made of PVC. At the same time, vinyl siding is one of the cheapest options for cladding a building. This material has one peculiar advantage. It is able to “imitate” most natural materials. In addition, installation and maintenance are extremely simple. Siding is quite fire resistant. However, its environmental friendliness cannot be compared with natural materials, since it is significantly inferior to them. In some cases, this factor turns out to be key. Then the owners should think about choosing a different material for cladding. Metal siding also has certain advantages. It is resistant to a variety of microorganisms and atmospheric phenomena. This material is considered quite durable. Its service life is enviable. At the same time, throughout the entire service it continues to maintain its shape. However, it is worth noting some nuances. A wooden building sheathed with metal siding requires additional insulation. It is also worth noting that the panels themselves are quite massive. It is natural that such a material is suitable for finishing buildings with a stable frame. It is necessary to lay any roll insulation in advance before sheathing the outside of the house. It is recommended to use strong and dense material.

How to cover the outside of a brick house?

The finishing in this case has some peculiarities. It should be noted that brick is a very durable building material. It is believed that a structure erected with its help does not require special finishing. However, this stereotype is not confirmed in practice. In reality, the cladding of brick buildings is observed quite often. The following materials are mainly used for it:

1. Thermal panels.
2. Tile.
3. Siding.

Moreover, their purpose is not only an aesthetic function. They are also capable of significantly insulating a building. Only its owner decides what and how to cover a house. However, it is worth learning more about the most popular materials and the elements associated with their installation.

To carry out the work, as a rule, the following tools are required:

Thermal panels

This cladding option began to gain popularity relatively recently. Any thermal panels consist of two layers: the outer one is clinker tiles, the inner one is polystyrene foam or polyurethane foam. In this case, the tiles serve to decorate the structure. At the same time, polyurethane foam acts as insulation.

Stone or tile?

If one of these materials was chosen for the cladding, then it is necessary to take into account some nuances. The glue must have good frost resistance. You should not use a cement-based composition. The fact is that it does not absorb water. Thus, peeling occurs. To apply the glue you will need a notched trowel. It is recommended to clean the work surface from dirt and dust in advance. Only then can you start priming. The glue is evenly distributed over the brick using a notched trowel. Stone and tiles are laid out horizontally. It is recommended to use the frost-resistant mass as a grout. When mixing it, it is recommended to carefully read the instructions from the manufacturers. For example, too much water can cause discoloration or reduced strength. When choosing a natural stone, you should also take into account a number of nuances. It is known that granite and marble are heavy. Accordingly, not every building can withstand such cladding. For lighter options, you can choose sandstone or limestone.

October 24, 2016
Specialization: facade finishing, interior finishing, construction of summer houses, garages. Experience of an amateur gardener and gardener. We also have experience in repairing cars and motorcycles. Hobbies: playing the guitar and many other things that I don’t have time for :)

The facade is the calling card of any building; in addition, the exterior decoration of the house, as is known, serves to protect the walls from rain and other negative environmental influences. Therefore, the choice of finishing materials must be approached competently and responsibly.

Currently, the market is replete with various offers, which, on the one hand, is, of course, good, but on the other hand, this makes it difficult for a beginner to decide how best to decorate a house. To help in this matter, below I will introduce you to the most common exterior finishing technologies and their features, as well as modern facade materials.

Exterior finishing options

So, the following façade finishing options are currently popular:

1. dry (curtain façade)– involves the installation of a frame, which is subsequently covered with panels;
2. wet (plaster)– carried out using all kinds of plaster solutions, which can be applied to walls in different ways;
3. cladding with piece materials– involves covering walls with tiles, natural stone or other similar materials;
4. brick cladding– in this case, walls made of facing bricks are erected around the perimeter of the house;
5. thermal panels- This is a relatively new material that is attached to walls using a dry method.

Each of these finishing options has its own characteristics, as well as pros and cons, which we will discuss below.

Option 1: curtain façade

Features of the technology

Finishing using ventilated or curtained facade technology is very popular, as it has a number of advantages:

• the facade is quickly and easily installed, and finishing can be done at any temperature;
• the finish is quite strong and durable;
• a large selection of materials, which allows you to implement any facade design to your taste;
• It is possible to place thermal insulation under the casing, as well as hide communications.

Due to the absence of wet work, this finish is an excellent option for wooden buildings. You can also finish a house made of blocks such as aerated concrete or wood concrete using a similar method. Is it true, in this case, it is necessary to use special fasteners for mounting the frame.

The disadvantages include the higher cost compared to plaster.

Materials for curtain façade

As mentioned above, the basis of the curtain wall is the frame. It is assembled from metal profiles or wooden beams. In addition, of course, you will need some other materials for exterior finishing of the house in this way:

• thermal insulation material for wall insulation. On our resource you can find detailed information about choosing thermal insulation. The only thing I note is that it is best to use slab materials, for example, polystyrene foam boards or mineral mats;
• vapor barrier film;
• if the house is wooden, protective impregnation and inter-crown insulation will also be required;

Particular attention must be paid to the finishing material on which the design of the facade depends, and also how durable the exterior decoration of the house will be. The range of various panels is simply huge, and it is impossible to list them all. Therefore, below we will familiarize ourselves with only the most common materials:

• wooden finishing boards - these include block house, lining, imitation timber, planken, etc. They all differ only in size and profile.

Among the advantages of these coatings are environmental friendliness, attractive appearance and relatively low cost - from 300-350 rubles. for 1m2. The disadvantages include the need for periodic maintenance, namely treatment with protective compounds.

As a rule, such materials are used for finishing wooden buildings. For example, a log house, even after finishing, can retain its natural beauty if it is covered with a block house;

• vinyl siding - plastic panels in the form of several boards connected to each other. Vinyl siding is a good alternative to wooden materials, as it is cheaper (from 200 rubles per 1m2), and also does not require any maintenance;

• metal siding - looks like vinyl siding, however, it is made of galvanized steel or aluminum. Externally, this material reliably imitates a wooden covering, but at the same time it has some disadvantages:
  • high cost - from 400-500 rubles. for 1m2;
  • noise during periods of precipitation and strong winds;
  • high thermal conductivity.

Therefore, metal siding is rarely used for finishing residential buildings.

• facade panels are essentially an analogue of vinyl. The difference lies only in appearance - this coating can imitate natural stone, masonry, and other materials.

Often, home craftsmen are interested in how to decorate the bottom of the house in order to highlight it and ensure sufficient strength for the base? An excellent solution is special plinth panels. Externally, they resemble facade panels, but are more durable.

Everyone must choose what material is best to decorate the outside of the house themselves, depending on the desired facade design and, of course, financial capabilities.

Option 2: plaster

Features of the technology

Plaster is no less popular than, for example, a curtain wall, as it has its own advantages:

• is much cheaper than other finishing options. Therefore, if you are looking for a cheaper way to decorate the outside of your house, then plaster is an excellent solution;
• allows you to achieve a presentable appearance of the structure - there is a large selection of decorative plasters on sale that can highlight even the most inconspicuous structure;
• This method can be used not only to decorate the outside of a private house, but also to decorate the façade of an apartment. True, for this it is necessary to obtain permission from the relevant authorities;
• it is possible to insulate the facade - in this case, the plaster is applied on top of the insulation using a special technology, which has already been described several times on our resource.

If you decorate the plastered and painted facade with decorative slats and beams, it can be decorated in half-timbered or Japanese style.

However, plaster also has some disadvantages:

• plastering is a seasonal job, since it cannot be done at sub-zero temperatures;
• durability is much lower than other finishes. As a rule, it does not exceed 10-15 years, subject to strict adherence to technology and the use of the most expensive and high-quality materials. Otherwise, the facade will have to be repaired even earlier;
• strength is much lower than other types of finishing, especially if the plaster is applied over insulation. In this case, it is protected by a thin layer of cement-based adhesive and fiberglass mesh. As a result, even minor mechanical loads can damage the surface of the facade;
• Applying plaster is quite a labor-intensive job.

If the house is made of wood concrete or aerated concrete, it is not recommended to plaster it over the insulation, since the walls will have much greater vapor permeability than the finishing, which will lead to their constant dampening with all the ensuing consequences.

Types of plaster

It should be noted that there are several types of plastering:

Type of plastering	Peculiarities
Draft	The task of such plastering is to level the external walls and prepare them for further finishing, for example, applying decorative plaster, tiling, painting, etc. Cement mortars are used to perform rough plastering. It is best to use special plaster mixtures that contain additives that improve the quality of the coating. Their cost starts from 180-200 rubles. per bag 25kg. The liquid solution for such plastering is applied to the wall manually or mechanically, after which it is leveled using the beacon rule. True, if the wall unevenness is insignificant, plastering can be done without beacons.
Decorative	It forms the texture of the facade and, accordingly, performs an exclusively decorative function. As a rule, decorative plastering is performed with special mixtures that are applied in a thin layer. They may contain marble chips or other filler that forms the texture of the coating. The cost of the cheapest mineral plasters starts from 300-400 rubles. per bag weighing 20 kg. The cost of more expensive polymer compositions can reach 2500-3000 rubles. It must be said that there is a technology for decorative plastering with ordinary cement mortar. Its essence lies in spraying the composition on the walls, resulting in a texture reminiscent of a fur coat. That's why this technology is called a fur coat.
Wet facade	With this type of plastering, the walls are first covered with insulation, for example, polystyrene foam or mineral mats. In addition, the insulation is additionally fixed with special dowels. Then the surface is reinforced with fiberglass mesh, which is glued with glue like Ceresit CT 85. Thus, it performs the function of rough plaster. Any decorative plaster is applied on top of the surface finished in this way, which is subsequently painted.

If you want to insulate a house using the curtain wall technology, but at the same time decorate it with decorative plaster, you can sheathe the frame with LSU slabs, then putty them and apply a decorative composition on top.

Option 3: cladding with piece materials

Exterior decoration of the house can be done with piece materials. Among the advantages of this solution are the following points:

• reliable protection of walls from atmospheric influences;
• the facade acquires a presentable appearance;
• durability.

Of course, along with the advantages, there are also some disadvantages:

• walls under such cladding cannot be insulated from the outside;
• the cost of piece facing materials is much higher than the coatings described above.

Therefore, combined exterior facade decoration is very popular. In this case, piece materials are used only for finishing the base or corners, and the main part of the walls is plastered or finished in other ways, as in the photo below.

The most popular types of piece materials are:

• stones;
• clinker tiles;
• ceramic tile.

Below we will take a closer look at the features of all these coatings.

Facing stones

Natural stone is a common finishing material that always looks stylish and fashionable.. In addition, this finish is durable and very durable.

True, it should be borne in mind that two stones differ from stone to stone. Therefore, next we will consider the most common types of stones that are used for finishing facades:

Stone type	Peculiarities
Limestone and sandstone	They are beautiful stones that come in a variety of shades. Of course, in addition to visual appeal, their other advantages can be highlighted: low cost - from 400-500 rubles. for 1 m2; relatively light weight. Disadvantages include low strength and porosity.
Shell rock	This is also an inexpensive, but at the same time beautiful stone. It has the same disadvantages as the above-described limestone and sandstone.
Slate	It is a beautiful and at the same time durable material, which is why it is very popular. It is often used when decorating facades in Provence style. The cost of slate also starts from 400-500 rubles. for 1 m2;
Marble	This stone is one of the most famous and widespread. It has a beautiful texture and a rich selection of shades. In addition, this stone can be called eternal due to its high strength and hardness. The only serious drawback of marble is its high cost - the price starts from 3500-4000 rubles. for 1m2.
Granite	It has almost the same performance qualities as marble. True, its cost is somewhat lower - from 2,500 rubles per square meter.

To prevent the porous stone from getting wet and becoming clogged with dirt, it should be coated with a special varnish.

The stone is installed using regular tile adhesive. Since when laying this material you do not need to make even seams and strictly maintain the level, even a beginner can cope with this task.

Clinker tiles are a beautiful and durable material for exterior wall decoration, which is made on the basis of slate clays. Thanks to a special manufacturing technology, it has the following qualities:

• high strength;
• weather resistance;
• durability - many manufacturers of clinker tiles provide a guarantee of 100 years;
• light weight compared to natural stone.

Externally, the tiles resemble bricks, so a wall finished with this material is almost impossible to distinguish from brickwork. True, the installation process itself is quite complicated, since the tiles must be located in the same plane and have the same seams.

In addition, the grouting process is quite complex. Therefore, if you decide to tile your house, you will have to turn to specialists for help.

As for the cost of clinker tiles, the price for products from domestic manufacturers starts from 600 rubles per square meter. European tiles cost several times more.

Ceramic tile

A good alternative to clinker tiles is ceramic and porcelain tiles. It can be smooth and structured. The latter resembles natural stone, which is why it is very popular.

Sometimes even photo printing is applied to the glazed surface. As a result, the material can have any texture or patterns. Accordingly, this coating looks very impressive.

It should be noted that not only tiles are made from ceramics, but also large facade panels, the width of which can reach 60 cm and the length -180 cm. The panels are easier to install, however, the design of the facade in this case is quite unique. Therefore, tiles are still more popular.

The cost of ceramic facade tiles starts from 400 rubles. for 1m2.

Option 4: brick cladding

When considering modern types of exterior decoration, one cannot fail to mention brick cladding. This is perhaps the best protection of walls from negative environmental influences and mechanical influences.

Therefore, if you are interested in decorating an old house, brick cladding is an excellent solution. After all, in this way you will not only protect the walls from negative influences, but also give the building a presentable appearance.

True, for objectivity it is necessary to familiarize yourself with some of the disadvantages of this solution:

• brick has a lot of weight, as a result of which facing walls need a foundation , even if you are planning to decorate a one-story house. Therefore, if such cladding was not planned at the design stage of the house, it is necessary to make an additional strip foundation along the perimeter of the building;
• the cost is quite high - starts from 10-15 rubles per piece;
• facing masonry requires a highly qualified mason, so you won’t be able to save money by doing the finishing yourself.

Option 5: cladding with thermal panels

Finally, let’s look at modern exterior finishing materials that fall into the category of thermal insulation boards. Their main feature is the presence of two layers:

• base – is a heat-insulating material. This could be expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene foam or even polyurethane foam;
• the front layer serves as protection for the insulation from environmental influences, and is also a decorative element. Clinker tiles, marble chips, porcelain tiles and other materials are usually used as the front covering.

It should be noted that these panels do not require installation of a frame, as they are fixed directly to the wall using special fasteners. At the same time, they are connected to each other in a lock, which provides a continuous surface without cold bridges.

The disadvantages of this finishing method include:

• high cost - the price of thermal panels starts from 1000 rubles. for 1m2;
• The vapor permeability of such a coating leaves much to be desired, so you should not decorate a house made of gas silicate or other materials that have a high vapor permeability using this method.

Here, in fact, are all the types of exterior wall decoration that I wanted to introduce you to in this article.

Conclusion

Exterior decoration of a house can be done in different ways and materials. Moreover, it is impossible to say unequivocally that some option is better and some is worse, since they all have their own pros and cons. Therefore, everyone must make their own choice depending on their own wishes, financial capabilities and other factors.

If you have any questions regarding facade finishing, ask them in the comments and I will be happy to answer you.

After a residential building is built, there is a need to make its appearance aesthetically attractive.

Therefore, the question arises of what to cover the outside of the house with. There are many options for this. It is worth familiarizing yourself with each of them in more detail. So, what to cover the house with?

For what reasons is it necessary to sheathe a residential building?

1. Insulation is considered the most common reason for covering a residential building. Through insulation, it is possible to achieve high energy efficiency at home and reduce heating costs.
2. Improvement of the exterior of the house. A creative approach to the process will help you masterfully create decorations for your home.
3. Creating an additional barrier against aggressive environmental factors. Factors unfavorable to the structure of a home include exposure to various chemicals and biological pests.
4. Ensuring fire resistance. It acts as a secondary function of the cladding, but sometimes this reason is considered as the main one.

What are the requirements for cladding materials?

Moisture absorption

This property evaluates the ability of a material to absorb moisture from the surrounding space. It is important to take into account here that a high rate of water absorption is sometimes undesirable for finishing a house, especially in areas with frequent rainfall.

Hygroscopicity

This is the absorption of water vapor from the surrounding air. Increased hygroscopicity, in addition to rotting, can lead to a significant increase in the weight of the building, which can cause its partial destruction.

Vapor permeability

This characterizes the ability of the material to pass steam through itself. This parameter is especially important when it is necessary to create conditions for removing excess water vapor from the inside. But if the building material does not allow vapor to pass through, then the cladding will not function properly. For this purpose, it is advisable to select “breathable” types of finishes together with building materials with a high degree of vapor permeability (for example, aerated concrete).

Breathability

A property that determines the permeability of a material to air and gases. The climate inside the building is largely determined by this property. Houses sheathed with materials with a high degree of breathability are very difficult to heat in winter.

Thermal conductivity

The characteristic is very significant and determines the rate of heat removal. Naturally, low thermal conductivity is desirable.

Thermal diffusivity

The quality of the material conducts temperature across its volume.

Fire resistance

This quality reflects the degree of deformation of the material when exposed to high temperature.

Fire resistance

A parameter reflecting the degree of dependence of the material on combustion and melting. In the event of a fire, only sheathing with a high fire resistance rating can provide a minimum of damage.

Chemical resistance

Gives the skin the ability to prevent the harmful effects of pesticides. This indicator is very important in an aggressive environment.

Biostability

Resistance to the influence of living organisms: fungi, bacteria, insects.

Environmental friendliness

The criterion characterizes the safety of the material for the health of the inhabitants of the house.

Soundproofing

The quality of finishing prevents the penetration of external noise into the house. It is an additional characteristic of the cladding.

What materials are suitable for cladding?

After considering all the properties that cladding materials should have, the time has come to find out what is the best way to cover the outside of a residential building.

A recently popular material for cladding country houses and residential buildings. If the house is finished with siding, you can obtain high fire resistance and fire protection from the cladding side. If you want to choose siding panels, then you need to know the difference between vinyl and metal strips.

Each type of siding has its own advantages. Metal panels are made from thin sheet steel. However, despite this circumstance, they are protected by an anti-corrosion coating, on which paint can be applied on top.

The main disadvantage is poor resistance to mechanical manipulation. In other words, dents and scratches often form on the panels. Thermal insulation with such cladding remains low.

Vinyl strips are quite durable and completely resistant to corrosion. However, the thermal insulation capabilities of such cladding are not at a very high level. But the main advantage of vinyl siding is the great possibilities in the color choice of models. You can choose any color for the walls of your own home.

Block house

Some people are more familiar with another name for this material - rounded timber. Its advantage is that this material is completely natural and environmentally friendly. Has a high degree of breathability.

The use of thermal insulation boards is also considered as house cladding. This method of finishing the facade is very versatile. Firstly, the thermal insulation characteristics of the walls as a whole are increased. Secondly, the slabs attached to the base of the house can be finished with a coating of decorative plaster. The latter is applied on top of a reinforced mesh laid on the slabs. The plaster can be painted or another layer of another covering material can be applied to it. What kind of thermal insulation boards are we will consider further. The disadvantage that all of them need to be covered with something else on the outside will not be noted for each case.

Fiberglass boards

An excellent thermal insulation material with high performance properties. There is a sufficient assortment in construction stores. The main disadvantage is that the material’s health safety is low.

Mineral wool

Most of the parameters of mineral wool boards are similar to the characteristics of glass wool boards. The only and most important difference is that this material is environmentally friendly.

Styrofoam

Time-tested material. They are used for both old houses and newly built ones. The material is inexpensive, easy to install, and durable. Despite its low thermal conductivity, it has a disadvantage - it has very low vapor permeability compared to wood, so it is not recommended to use it for cladding wooden houses.

Expanded polystyrene boards

They can be made of extruded or foamed polystyrene. They have different thermal conductivity qualities.

Plasters for thermal insulation

This type of finish is used as a top layer on the outside. They have excellent characteristics of sound insulation, thermal insulation, and vapor permeability. Mainly used for decorating and decorating the exterior of the house.

What is the best way to cover it?

When choosing a material, you need to take into account not only its attractiveness, but also its thermal conductivity and sound insulation properties.

Each specific type of house and the choice of material for cladding must be approached individually, based on the qualities of the building material from which the walls are made.