Stone houses are known for their long-term use. To ensure they maintain a respectable appearance, stone houses are decorated on the outside. Various materials are used for the external decoration of brick buildings.
Plaster
A traditional method for decorating the exterior of a stone house is plastering. In the past, cement-sand mixtures were prepared manually on the construction site. Nowadays, ready-made dry mixes are used, with water added in a specific ratio. Instructions on how to prepare the mix are usually provided by the manufacturer on the packaging.
Today, developers can choose from several high-quality plaster mix options. Facade plaster is widely used for finishing the facades of brick or block buildings. The material has the following features:
- moisture resistance
- frost resistance
- maximum durability
- vapor permeability
Modern brands offer a wide variety of facade plasters, differing in their ingredients.
The acrylic version includes a polymer – acrylic, of course. It has excellent diffusion properties. Thanks to its good plasticity, acrylic plaster is easy to apply to brick walls.
Lime plaster is a mix made of cement, sand, and lime.
There is also silicate plaster, which includes liquid glass. This component serves as a binder for all ingredients.
The most expensive option is silicone plaster. It is known for its durability due to its protective properties against mechanical damage and adverse environmental factors.
Moisture-resistant plaster can be easily cleaned with water pressure. It comes in various colors, so no final painting is needed.
Facing brick
Another way to decorate the facade is to use facing bricks. This material provides a smooth and finished surface. It is widely available on the construction market. Today, manufacturers offer bricks with rounded or beveled edges, patterns, and various imitations.
Facing bricks come in different sizes. Bricks with standard dimensions have become especially popular. When using brick for facing, it’s recommended to plan the foundation width in advance. If a developer is restoring an old building and wants to cover it with facing bricks, modern foundation techniques should be used. These include brackets or special rails mounted to the facade.
Tile materials
Tile materials for facade decoration come in various types.
Clinker tiles are made using a technology similar to brick production. Clay is molded and fired. Key benefits include:
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- frost resistance
- strength
- a wide color range
- UV resistance
- moisture resistance
The downside is the high price.
Ceramic tiles are also gaining popularity on the building materials market for facade decoration. This is a modern solution for stone houses. Benefits of ceramic tiles include:
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- diverse design options
- low weight
- wall reinforcement
- durability
- water resistance
- fire resistance
- eco-friendliness
- resistance to UV and temperature fluctuations
Ceramic tiles are resistant to mold and chemical exposure. One drawback is the complex installation process, which requires professionals.
Facing facade tiles are made from both natural and artificial materials. Natural tiles involve production methods such as cutting from solid rock, gluing natural fragments, or combining with gravel. The surface structure and appearance of the tiles vary widely. They are classified by color, texture, and structure. Natural materials are reliable and long-lasting.
Decorative stone
Natural decorative stone is considered one of the best solutions for exterior cladding. It has a structured surface and a striking appearance. This material offers exceptional fire resistance and strength. It withstands mechanical damage and handles all types of stress.
Moisture-resistant natural stone tiles have a long lifespan. Houses finished with stone appear aristocratic and elegant. It is the most expensive facade material. Professional installation is recommended, as it is a labor-intensive and technically demanding process. A strong foundation is advised for this type of cladding. Construction stores offer tiles in various sizes and textures.
Artificial decorative stone is also in high demand for exterior cladding. It is made from a combination of cement, sand, and other ingredients. Artificial stone has many advantages. It looks impressive and rivals the beauty of natural stone.
Siding
Another facade decoration option is siding. This modern material is highly popular among developers. It consists of long panel strips.
Siding is mounted on a pre-prepared frame. Panels are made from various materials including wood, plastic, and metal. Its advantages include ease of installation, suitability for many types of buildings, a wide range of colors and textures, and easy maintenance.
Conclusion
Each of the facade materials listed has its pros and cons. When designing a facade, it’s important to consider the advice of designers and choose a style that reflects the developer’s vision. Facade tiles, bricks, siding, plaster, or stone can all be purchased online. Each house owner must decide which material suits their needs best, considering budget, requirements, conditions, and preferences.