Facade panels for exterior home: varieties and methods of installation

 Facade panels for exterior home: varieties and methods of installation

Today, an increasing number of owners of suburban real estate in finishing prefer a relatively new material - front panels. This coating is able to imitate natural materials, which means external attractiveness, but at the same time it is much cheaper and has better technical characteristics. The panels are easy to install, they protect the house from a variety of external influences and are able to serve for a sufficient period of time. In addition, the facade panels are extremely easy to maintain.

Special features

Facade panels are mounted on the walls and on the frame if necessary to create a ventilated facade. Typically, materials are supplied with detailed instructions from manufacturers, which explains what and in what order is mounted, and how, in general, the finishing of the building.

The panels are implemented in various colors and textures, which allows buyers to design the facade in accordance with any desires. They not only create the exterior of the building, but also give it additional functions: weatherization, noise protection and others. As a rule, all panels qualitatively protect the structure from temperature fluctuations, gusts of wind, rain and other weather “troubles”.

Specifications

The cladding panels used to finish the facade of a house must fully meet the requirements of GOST, regardless of the manufacturer. They can consist of several layers, be with a uniform or combined structure., with the presence or absence of insulation.

The thickness of the metal panels is about 0.5 millimeter. The weight of steel panels is 9 kilograms per square meter, and the weight of aluminum panels is 7 kilograms per square meter. Panels are covered with a protective layer of polymers and do not pass moisture.The thermal conductivity of the metal is 40.9 W / (m * K), which is considered to be a rather poor indicator. In addition, such panels create certain interference of electromagnetic waves, which is quite specific, but still a plus.

Wood fiber panels are completely harmless to humans and the environment. They save heat and energy and are twice as effective in resisting frost than metal panels. The density of the material is quite high, which protects it from deformation and the appearance of cracks.

Vinyl panels weigh about 5 kilograms per square meter. They do not let in moisture, do not rot, do not corrode and save heat indoors. Panels based on polyurethane foam weigh about the same and have the same low thermal conductivity. During a fire, they can stop the spread of flame. Possess high moisture resistance and are used to decorate the surfaces of the “uncomfortable” shape.

The thickness of fiber cement panels reaches 15 millimeters, and weight - more than 16 kilograms per square meter. They are not afraid of ultraviolet radiation, since they contain components that act as a filter for ultraviolet rays.

The weight of panels of natural stone can reach 64 kilograms per square meter.They are resistant to frost and demonstrate a water absorption coefficient of 0.07%.

All of the above panels are considered ventilated, can be used for a long time and withstand significant temperature fluctuations.

Advantages and disadvantages

At first glance, the front panels have only advantages:

  • they are able to protect the home from rain, snowfall and other weather patterns;
  • they do not corrode and are not adversely affected by ultraviolet light;
  • they do not depend on temperature fluctuations and function equally well in frost and heat;
  • the installation process is very simple, does not require special preparation or treatment of the walls;
  • fasteners are also simple and affordable;
  • can be installed both vertically and horizontally;
  • have an extensive amount of colors and imitation of natural materials;
  • easy to fit into any design decisions;
  • have an affordable price;
  • installation can be carried out at any time of the year;
  • resistant to corrosion, in particular options from a natural stone;
  • easy to care for them;
  • available in all typical sizes;
  • most varieties are non-flammable.

The disadvantages include the fact that some types of panels are still very expensive (for example, natural stone), and for the work will have to attract specialists.

Variety of materials

Facade panels are made from both natural and synthetic materials. They differ in a variety of textures, shades and design decisions. Choosing the right material is important not only because the appearance of the house will depend on it, but also because the material will protect the building from atmospheric troubles.

Composite

There is a large selection of composite finishing panels. One of them is fiber cement. Such a panel is made on the basis of cement and almost entirely consists of ordinary plaster. On both sides of the panel are covered with a protective layer. In addition, the composition can be found special granules that regulate the flow and release of moisture during changing weather and other impurities. Usually it is 90% of cement and mineral fibers and 10% plastic and cellulose fibers. The fibers are arranged chaotically, therefore, they give strength to bends.

The material has very worthy technical characteristics: high sound insulation, moisture resistance and frost resistance. It is worth adding that it is also fire resistant and environmentally friendly.

Often, fiber cement is used on buildings that should be protected from excessive noise, for example, in houses located near the airport or even indoors. Installation of fiber cement panels is easy and can be done independently.

Cement panels are available in stores of any colors and shapes of interest. They imitate wooden planks, marble, stone and other materials. However, if you want to repaint them in some unusual color, you will have to pay a significant amount. Usually acrylic and polyurethane paints are used on a pre-treated surface. Also, the minus of these panels is considered active absorption of moisture, which does not affect the strength, but slightly spoils the appearance. But fibrous cement plates are covered with a special hydrophilic film, with which the surface can self-clean during rain or snow.

The clinker panels are used for facades and are considered among the best for finishing the foundation. This coating consists of tiles, which retains heat very well and withstands temperature fluctuations, and a polyurethane foam base.In the past, clinker tiles were used exclusively for sidewalks and paths, but as soon as its exceptional properties were discovered, another application appeared.

The installation of the clinker panels is unusual: first, a matrix is ​​formed into which the tile is laid and poured with liquid insulation. Clinker panels are attached by using self-tapping screws to both the facade itself and the batten. This material is very durable, environmentally friendly, but also expensive.

The tile is made of clay, which is then painted in the desired shade. Panels do not lose sight of the sun, do not crack or crumble. Also, the facade will be protected from mold and mildew, as the material passes very little moisture.

The clinker panels are also called thermopanels. They maintain the best temperature at any time of the year and can significantly save on heating a house.

It should be noted that polyurethane foam acts as a component contributing to the insulation - a fire-resistant and temperature-controlled material. Polyurethane foam must be foamed and have a cellular structure. Marble chips are placed in each cell at high temperature.

Installation is also possible at any time of the year. Among the minuses of polyurethane tiles emit a rather high price and instability of ceramics. In addition, polyurethane foam vapor-proof, so when installing it is necessary to maintain the gap between the tile and the wall itself, so as not to form condensate. It should be added that it is the clinker tiles with polyurethane foam that can create “ceramic” panels decorated with tiles.

Metal

Metal facade panels are made of aluminum or steel, galvanized or stainless. More recently, panels made of copper or zinc have been used for cladding facades. Usually the surface of the coating is smooth, but it is also possible to make it bulky - perforated or decorated with additional edges. The thickness of the steel is about 0.5 millimeters. The metal plates themselves are most often coated with a polymer coating - under a brick or natural stone, polyester, plastisol or forage.

The weight of steel panels is about 9 kilograms per square meter, and aluminum - 7 kilograms. In general, metal plates are able to serve owners up to 30 years old, both at a temperature of -50 and at +50 degrees.They are waterproof, resistant to mechanical stress and chemicals and absolutely fireproof. Like other plates, they are characterized by a large range of colors and textures.

The main disadvantage is the fact that the metal retains heat poorly, so additional insulation is required. In addition, there will be a need for additional elements, resulting in increased cash spending. Speaking of metal, it is worth mentioning that it accumulates static electricity, which is also a disadvantage. Aluminum is deprived of this, but it costs much more. Steel panels are stronger, but aluminum is better adapted to temperature fluctuations.

Metal panels coated with polymer protection, have a large number of advantages: here both long years of operation, and resistance to temperature changes, and noise isolation, and protection from moisture. They are durable and stand, sold in various color and design variations, because they are widely used in construction. Among the shortcomings can be specified only low thermal conductivity and the need for additional elements.

Polymers

The main polymer that is used to create the front panels is polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. There are two types of them: ground siding and front siding. The first one is rectangular in shape, imitates a stone or brick and has dimensions of approximately 120 centimeters by 50 centimeters. The second is a long thin plate called lamellae with an average size of 340 by 22 centimeters. Both variations are easily completed with additional elements, with which corners, cornices and other “uncomfortable” places are decorated.

Polyvinyl chloride panels are quite cheap because they are used everywhere. The most popular variety is vinyl siding, which has a textured surface "under the tree" or smooth.

Installation of vinyl panels is carried out from bottom to top. At the bottom of each panel has a lock, and on top - an edge for fixing to the base and another lock. Thus, the panels are interconnected by two locks, but the joints are invisible to the eye.

Vinyl siding has been in operation for about 30 years at any temperature. Unlike metal plates, it retains heat inside the house, but is less resistant and able to crack at very low temperatures.Strong gusts of wind will also cause discontent to the owners - the panels will begin to vibrate and deform. But high fire resistance will allow to avoid problems with fire.

There are also polymer panels reinforced with fiberglass and polymer concrete. They are very persistent, resistant, not amenable to any effects. Unfortunately, when the panel melts, they begin to emit toxic substances, which is very dangerous. The installation of the microwave is the same as the installation of vinyl.

Speaking about the polymer, it is definitely worth mentioning polymer-sand brick panels. They are made of stone talc and polymers using ultraviolet stabilizers. Such a coating is extremely easy to install - there is no need for a wooden frame, or for mortar, or for glue. Panels are simply placed on a plastered or concrete wall and fixed on it between themselves by a locking system.

Such a facade is environmentally friendly, reliable and very light. There are various design and color options, which again makes it possible to experiment with style.Panels can have a layer of insulation from polystyrene foam, which only increases the number of advantages of this coating.

"Brick" facade panels are relatively expensive, but the result pays back costs. They cope with different temperature conditions, high humidity and look very attractive.

Steklopakeli

Steklopakeli for the arrangement of the facades choose the owners of status mansions with the original design. The glass selected for such a coating is subjected to additional processing: it is laminated or hardened. The result is a coating that can even be bulletproof. In addition, the material is often endowed with special effects. Panels can be opaque, mirror or opaque. Thus, glass panels allow you to realize a variety of design ideas.

Of course, the advantages of such panels include their original appearance, thermal insulation, protection from noise and high cost. The material does not produce harmful waves, does not have an unpleasant odor and other toxic fumes, it is absolutely environmentally friendly for the environment and humans.In addition, due to the transparency of the glass, as well as various decorative finishes, the owner of the building can get any level of light that he wants at one time or another. Fastening systems also allow you to create designs of non-standard forms and any complexity.

Among the disadvantages are the high cost and complexity of installation. Of course, uncomfortable and the fact that they need to be washed regularly.

Glass facades are rack-mount, structural, mounted and translucent spider. The first option is the most common. Such panels are mounted on special strips, which are called bolts. They can be horizontal and vertical.

Also in the design of crates and racks are present. Often, the outer part is decorated with a different decor.

When structural glazing creates a visually holistic coating, as all fasteners are hidden behind the panels. Materials are fixed with a sealing adhesive that is resistant to temperature fluctuations and high humidity. Despite its fragile appearance, the design is absolutely safe, reliable and durable.

At the heart of the hinged facades place resistant metal profiles. The space between the wall of the building and the covering serves as a ventilation layer. Usually this type is chosen for glazing of loggias and balconies, decor of shopping centers and office buildings.

Finally, spider glass facade panels are supplied without frames, so hinges are not needed for them. The parts themselves are attached to the elastic clips, and to the wall coating is attached to the steel brackets.

A natural stone

Connoisseurs of stone have a choice: to decorate the building with natural material or artificial.

  • In the first case, they will receive an exceptionally resistant and dignified looking coating that will protect the house from all possible adversity: low temperatures, ultraviolet radiation, mechanical damage and even alkalis. By the small minuses include a significant weight of the structure, poor sound insulation and high thermal conductivity.
  • In the second case, the owners will be able to save on the cost of the material itself, without losing its visual appeal, and, moreover, to significantly insulate the walls. Artificial stone, for example, from polystyrene concrete, is easy to assemble and has approximately similar properties.

The panels of this type consist of two layers: the first is insulation, the second is decorative. The floor with imitation "under the stone" is mounted either on a pre-designed metal frame, such as, for example, the company "Dolomite", or on a special glue.

Wood fibers

In the composition of the wooden facade panels can be found wood fiber, previously processed under a hot press. The organic polymer released during this process “binds” the particles. The surface of such a coating is treated with a protective solution, which increases its service life.

Wood fiber panels look like real wood, but have much better technological characteristics. They are durable and resistant, safe for human health and the environment, are not deformed and protect from noise.

The disadvantages, however, are high flammability and “swelling” up to 20% of moisture, which, in principle, can be eliminated by using special means. For example, it may be a paraffin-based emulsion. The service life is about 15 years.

To the frame of the plate are attached to the screws due to the perforated edge.Between the elements of the coating are connected as a "comb" and "groove".

Kinds

For outside plating very often used sandwich front panels. This coating consists of two metal sheets of 0.5 mm each, between which is placed a heater and a vapor barrier.

Such multi-layer sandwiches are usually made of aluminum and galvanized steel alloys with magnesium and manganese. Although they are thin, but very durable, which is a big plus for the exterior. The only drawback of wall panels is the fact that they exhibit low thermal insulation properties.

They function up to 30 years, are ecological, fireproof and resistant to humidity. Panels are mounted on self-tapping screws, and are joined to each other in a comb-groove format.

Externally, sandwiches can imitate plaster, stone and other natural materials. They serve more than 30 years, do not corrode and do not rot. Cassette "sandwiches" are selected for areas with a cold climate and frequent temperature changes. Their structure is as follows: a heater is placed inside a thin steel structure, and the front panel itself is placed on top.Three-layer “sandwiches” based on moisture-resistant plywood have the following structure: ceramic tile outside and polyurethane foam as thermal insulation.

The format of the front panels are rectangular, in the form of a module of medium size or in the form of an elongated rather narrow strip. They can be sold in various shades, smooth or perforated. Colors for facade panels are determined in accordance with the RAL catalog, for example, terracotta, orange, blue, lilac and even red. The panels are also divided depending on the presence of insulation according to the type of fastening (with locks and not interconnected) and the material of manufacture.

It is also very important to be able to understand what siding is. Some experts believe that the front panels and siding - are two different things. Their main difference is that the siding has one layer, and the front panels - several. That is why panels, unlike siding, are able to be responsible for sound insulation and heat insulation.

Others are of the opinion that siding is a kind of facade panels. It is a separate panel, similar to the boards, which are fastened together with a lock and a perforated edge for nails.The stripes can be from 2 to 6 meters long, 10 millimeters thick and 10-30 centimeters wide.

There is aluminum siding - absolutely resistant to moisture penetration.non-corrosive, but rather expensive. Then emit vinyl siding - strips made of PVC. Wood, cement and metal siding are also produced. Plinth siding is a type of vinyl panel used specifically for plinth finishes. This coating has a higher strength characteristics, because the base is exposed to destructive factors much more than the rest of the house. Most often, basement siding models imitate alternative natural facing materials: wood, stone, brick, and others.

Tips for choosing

Getting to the choice of facade panels, you first need to familiarize yourself with their manufacturers and price lines. The most famous companies include Holzplast, Alfa-Profile, Royal, Alsama and Novik. In addition to them, models of other manufacturers from the USA, Germany, Canada and Russia are also on the market. As for the cost, you can find the price and 400 rubles per piece (in the case of PVC), and 2000 per square meter. The price of panels of natural stone will depend on the preferred material.

In addition, it is important to consider the following points.

  • Feature of the structure. For private homes, panels are recommended, one of the components of which is concrete, in warm colors. For public buildings, cold colors and polymer models are most often chosen.
  • The locality where the house is located has importance. If this is a cold climate for most of the year, then it is better to install panels equipped with insulation.
  • Technological characteristics are important. - strength, flammability, noise insulation and others. It is worth thinking about the cost. There are panels of various price categories available, therefore, inspired by a low price, you must find out everything about the manufacturer and read the reviews. And, finally, the selected facade panels should be combined with the landscape, other buildings and the overall style of the design.
  • To select the front panels under the plasterwhich will not be distinguished from high-quality processing, but with this installation will take place in the shortest possible time, you should pay attention to the coating of fibropanels. Fiber cement boards have marble chips as decorative aggregate and look very dignified.The panel can be with a textured or smooth surface.
  • Front clinker panels polyurethane foam reduces the cost of heating the house by about 60%, so they should be purchased for those who want to reduce fixed costs. Clinker thermopanels are made similar to ordinary brick, wood or stone. They can have a rough or smooth structure, a prick or ribbed surface.
  • To make the clinker slabs ideally fit into the uniform design of the site, it is necessary that they be combined with the sidewalk, and with the fence, and with the garage, and with other elements. If the house has already been insulated earlier, then you can do without a heater and save on thermal insulation. Installation of such panels is made on the basis of which is filled with mineral wool.
  • Front aquapanel is considered a relatively new material.which is used for both exterior and interior decoration of buildings. The inner layer of such a coating is made of cement with mineral additives. Exterior surfaces and longitudinal edges are reinforced with fiberglass mesh, which gives them strength.Thanks to the reinforcing glass mesh, the plate can bend in dry form without prior wetting, with a radius of curvature of 1 meter, which allows the material to be used to create curved surfaces. Such material is able to resist moisture perfectly, so aquapanels are used in places where such exposure should be avoided. Typically, the material is used as a base for plaster and ceramic tiles.
  • Vinyl siding can be installed on any type of base. - concrete surface, brick wall, wooden crate. Facing with a natural stone cannot demonstrate such universality, therefore, if you wish to create an aristocratic look, you should give preference to an artificial stone.
  • Making the lower part of the house, which is adjacent to the foundationIt is important to choose a moisture resistant lining. Therefore, PVC panels are usually bought for this purpose. They are able to save the building from freezing, prevent damp walls and the formation of ugly white stains on them.

The lower part of the house, adjacent to the foundation, is always difficult for facing.Close proximity to groundwater and the blind area leads to the fact that the lining should be as resistant to moisture. Otherwise, owners will have to do repairs every year. To avoid such problems will allow the use of basement siding made of PVC.

  • Porcelain tile in its properties and characteristics similar to natural stone.therefore it is used both in low-rise construction and in high-rise buildings. Facing in porcelain stoneware favorably emphasizes status. Porcelain stoneware has excellent characteristics: it does not abrade, it does not form cracks and does not appear stains. The original appearance can be maintained for decades.
  • Thermopanels for brick or natural stone are considered the most popular panels for cladding of residential buildings. They look as good as real materials, but they respond better to various influences. For example, a real brick can change its color under the influence of the weather, but the artificial lining will remain untouched. If you need a more budget option, you should pay attention to the panels on the basis of cement.They also have an outer decorative layer that allows you to decently arrange your home.
  • Sandwich panels do not require additional work, so they are selected in a situation of a limited time period.
  • The variety of front panels allows you to choose the cladding to your taste, quality and price and create a unique look of the house. Combination of products and experiments with shapes and shades are welcomed. To avoid a mistake, you should pay attention to the certificates of conformity, warranty cards and detailed instructions. Ideally, panels, additional elements and components should be produced by one company.

Stages of work

  • As a rule, at the stage of preparing for installation with their own hands it is necessary to process the wall for fastening the facade panels. All protrusions are removed first, then the old lining is cleaned, and then the wall is treated with a means that prevents the formation of fungus. If the walls are uneven, the panels will be mounted on a frame, wooden or metal.
  • The foundation should be checked for evenness with a building level. If the drops will be more than 1 centimeter, then fixing the panels with glue will be impossible.In this case, the alignment is carried out. In addition, the walls are necessarily primed, both brick and concrete, and wood is treated with an antiseptic.
  • Installation of crates occurs in advance. The frame is constructed in a vertical or horizontal arrangement of all the constituent elements. The crate should not copy the roughness of the wall surface. Between the facing material and the wall must be left a gap for ventilation. The cavity formed between the surface of the building and the panels is filled with insulating materials, foam or mineral wool. Before proceeding to the installation of the batten, it is necessary to lay a rather thick and durable film of cellophane.
  • It is important to correctly determine the level of the first row of facing.using the starting bar. Wall panels, as a rule, are fixed from the ground level at a height of 30 centimeters. It is advisable to start the lining from the corners. After the first row is ready, all the gaps between the wall and the material are filled with mounting foam. If in the process it turns out that the panel does not fit in a row, it is cut with a grinder.
  • Fiber cement panels are mounted on screws. Metal plates are attached to the crate after insulation of the facade of private houses. Plastic panels are mounted on the frame by using fasteners. Clinker, as well as fiber cement, are attached to the screws.
  • Generally, assembly is done either with a special glueor panels are mounted on a prepared frame made of wood or metal. When using glue cladding is placed immediately on the surface of the walls. It is important to understand that this technology is suitable only for perfectly smooth surfaces. This type of installation is used for clinker panels that perform the function of additional insulation and decorative finishing. The bottom row of panels is always installed on the starting plate. If the installation is made on glue, then the work must be done in dry weather. For mounting on the crate, weather conditions do not matter. It should be added that a layer of insulation sometimes fits under the facing plates. This is especially recommended if the facade panels have a uniform structure.
  • When mounting metal panels the crate consists of guideswhich are located vertically, and the panels themselves will be mounted horizontally. In case of vertical installation, the tightness of the joints will be broken. The process uses screws or nails that do not corrode. When installing metal panels, it should be borne in mind that additional elements will be required that cost extra money.
  • Wood fiber facade panels are fastened by the following system: there is a perforation on the edge of the panels, through this perforation there is already a fastener on the screws.
  • Vinyl panels are interconnected by snaps, one of which is located on the edge. Thus, sections of different sizes are assembled, which are then fastened with screws to the wall of the building. The panels are fixed with locks and in parallel close the perforated fastener from the eye. Installation is carried out by an overlap from the earth, horizontally. The holes for the screws are cut with a certain gap, which will have to be the way in the case of swelling or compression of materials during temperature fluctuations. Nails are chosen from aluminum or from another anti-corrosion material.
  • Polyurethane panels are interconnected as a "comb" and "groove", and mounted vertically. The facade cover is attached to the frame with stainless metal screws, which will be invisible upon completion.
  • Sandwich panels are attached to the frame in the case of wooden and metal sheaths, and on concrete walls - on dowels. Between the panels are also connected to the system "ridge-groove". This scheme is chosen to prevent moisture on the walls of the house and create a high-quality adhesion of the parts to each other.
  • The installation of the facade of porcelain tile is glue. It should consist of two components, one of which is polyurethane. The tiles are glued to a cellular fiberglass surface, which will prevent fragments from shedding in case of damage.

At the very end of the installation process, grouting is carried out, if necessary. Thus, the coating will be given a complete aesthetic appearance.

Beautiful examples

  • Stylish glass panels allow you to create houses in a futuristic style with an abundance of light in the rooms. They are perfectly combined with white or steel panels from other materials.
  • Bright light green siding will make the exterior of the house unforgettable. To him fit a panel of soothing shades of wood shavings.
  • For a classic style, it is worth choosing white, beige, coffee or cream polymer panels. The roof in this case is made in dark shades.
  • Combining panels of various colors and textures always allows you to create a unique look of the structure. At the same time for the decoration of the walls is recommended to use no more than three colors, one of which will be the main, and the other two - additional.
  • The combination of yellow and gray plastic panels will look very impressive and modern.
  • A structure fully decorated with metal panels may look too gloomy. Therefore, it should be diluted with some light panels and, of course, do not skimp on the window openings.
  • The combination of wooden and decorative panels for brickwork or from artificial stone will look beautiful and noble.
  • A small country house can be designed in the Swiss style: make a roof of natural wood and place the light panels on the facade.
  • If there are a lot of trees in the area, then green, yellow and brown will look good on the facade. If the terrain is deserted, then preference should be given to the red and orange coating with a relief structure.
  • Terraces and other extensions should be designed in the same style as the main house. For example, for a structure located on the shore of a reservoir, the most relevant colors will be blue, blue and aqua.

How to sheathe the facade of the house panels, see the video below.

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Information provided for reference purposes. For construction issues, always consult a specialist.

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