Materials for external wall decoration: varieties and characteristics

Exterior decoration is usually the last step in the process of repairing or building a house.

Finishing the external surfaces places much more stringent requirements on the materials than interior finishing, for which color, texture and shape of the coating are the priority criteria. When choosing a material for exterior decoration, it is necessary to take into account not only its strength, but also sound and heat insulation properties. Moisture resistance and fire resistance of the coating are also important.

When decorating external surfaces, various types of decorative plasters, artificial stone, granite tiles and sandwich panels are most often used. The salient features, pros and cons of each of these materials should be considered in more detail.

Decorative plaster

This is a universal material.
Depending on the type of base, several types of decorative plaster are distinguished:

• Acrylic
• Silicate;
• Mineral
• Silicone

Acrylic plaster is the most common type of decorative plaster, which is characterized by moisture resistance and a high level of elasticity.

Silicate plaster is indispensable for decorating aerated concrete and other surfaces with a porous structure.
The basis of mineral plaster are cement and special additives, which makes it an economical option for exterior decoration.

Silicone plaster perfectly resists mechanical stress, while possessing good vapor permeability and the ability to prevent the spread of microorganisms.

If there are certain difficulties with the choice of decorative plaster, then you can call for help from a specialist. External plastering work must be carried out at a temperature of + 10... + 25 ° C and humidity not exceeding 70%.

Porcelain tiles

This material is widely used in outdoor decorating. This is primarily due to the wide variety of textures and shades of porcelain tiles.

Marble-colored products will add luxury to the house, while rustic tiles will add antiquity. Both that and another option successfully emphasizes unique taste of owners.

Installation of porcelain tiles is carried out on special metal structures. The cladding can be installed in both visible and invisible ways.

The space formed between the wall and the plates during the installation of the latter is usually laid with the necessary thickness of the insulating material. The thickness of the insulation is determined by how ventilated the walls should be. In any case, non-combustible thermal insulation is used.

Porcelain tiles are characterized by a high level of environmental cleanliness, the absence of radioactive radiation and ability to resist flame, which made this material one of the most popular outdoor options finishes. But it also has certain disadvantages, among which it is worth noting the high cost. Porcelain tile is significantly more expensive than many other materials for outdoor decoration.

Sandwich panels

They are made in the form of two metal or plastic sheets and insulation between them. The main advantage of sandwich panels is the ease of installation. Fastening products on the walls is carried out using dowels or special bolts.

Sandwich panels are remarkable in that they can be installed at any time of the year. The light weight of this material can significantly reduce the load exerted by the cladding on the base of the house. The color of products can be the most diverse, which provides ample opportunities for design.

Do not forget about such an important element of sandwich panels as insulation. Often it is represented by polystyrene foam, which has lightness, low coefficient of thermal conductivity and low cost.

Polyurethane foam, which has the same excellent thermal insulation properties as polystyrene foam, can also act as a heater for sandwich panels. But panels with such insulation weigh more, because their galvanized metal sheets have an increased thickness.

Mineral wool can also be used to fill sandwich panels. This option of panels is demanded mainly for the decoration of buildings, which are subject to increased requirements in terms of fire safety.

Sandwich panels are not without drawbacks, among which it is worth noting the high likelihood of damage and freezing during improper use or installation of products.

Fake diamond

This is molded concrete, consisting of a mineral base and dyes. Artificial stone is usually made in the form of imitation hewn or natural stone.

The main advantages of artificial stone are low cost, ease of installation and a long service life. The laying of this material is so easy that even a beginner in the construction business can handle such work.
Artificial stone is best laid on pre-insulated and plastered wall.

Like any other material, artificial stone has a number of disadvantages. It is worth noting, first of all, its inability to withstand the effects of moisture. But such a flaw in no way affects the shape of the artificial stone, which it is able to keep unchanged for many years.

Materials for exterior decoration, as you can see, are represented by a rather large variety. This makes it easy to choose an option suitable for color, cost and shape.