The facade of a house not only provides an attractive appearance, but also protects the walls from weather and mechanical damage. A lot depends on the type of facade we choose, as well as whether we can take proper care of it. About all this in the following article!
Facade materials – which will work best for your home?
Access to various facade materials is plentiful, and their selection is one of the most important steps in the process of building or upgrading a house. It is extremely important aesthetically and functionally. After all, the facade not only enhances the attractive appearance of the building, but also protects it from weather conditions.
Among the available options, there are several popular solutions, which we will now write about.
- Facade plasters, in particular, are popular – a versatile and economical solution, available in many colors and textures. Properly selected silicone or acrylic plaster is able to provide durability and resistance to dirt.
- Clinker tiles are also an interesting solution, especially for those who appreciate a classic look and high durability. They perform especially well in harsh weather conditions, while requiring minimal maintenance.
- Wood on the facade is also very popular, giving the building a natural and elegant look. However, it requires regular impregnation to fully preserve its unique properties.
- Composite panels are also increasingly popular, as they interestingly combine a modern look with durability, as well as resistance to the elements.
Strengths and weaknesses of various facade materials
We’ve already learned about the different materials that suit a facade, now it’s time to point out their weaknesses and strengths, allowing you to look at them holistically.
- Let’s start with facade plasters distinguished by their wide range of colors and textures, so they can be matched to almost any architectural design. They are also quite cheap and easy to apply, so they are a very popular choice among many investors. However, advantages are not everything, it is also necessary to point out disadvantages. We are talking in particular about the susceptibility to mechanical damage and the need for regular renewal, especially in areas exposed to dirt or water.
- Now is the time for clinker tiles valued for their exceptional durability and resistance to weather conditions such as rain, frost and UV radiation. This ensures that even despite the passage of years they remain in great condition, presenting an exceptional appearance. Maintenance, in turn, is limited to periodic cleaning. Unfortunately, the disadvantage may be the rather high price of the material, but also a complicated installation process. This is because it requires appropriate skills and tools.
- How about betting on wood? On the facade it looks phenomenal, giving the building a warm, natural character. It fits perfectly into a variety of both modern and traditional designs. Its weakness is the need for regular impregnation to effectively protect it from moisture, fungi and insects. Worse, compared to other materials, such facades are also less resistant to fire and mechanical damage.
- Composite panels, which are a mixture of plastics and minerals, are a very original, modern solution, consistently combining aesthetics with durability. They are lightweight, resistant to external factors, and easy to maintain. Disadvantages, on the other hand, include limited repairability in case of damage.
How to take care of the durability of the facade?
It is hard to maintain the good appearance of a facade, as it is affected by weather and civilization factors. They adversely affect its durability and aesthetics. Particularly harmful here is moisture, i.e. precipitation, but also moisture from the ground, or other such factors, such as UV radiation and temperature changes.
Protecting the facade is therefore essential here so that its appearance always looks good. Most facades are made of plaster, so there is a good chance to restore them to their proper appearance. In the vast majority of cases, facade painting works well. It’s worth betting on the professionals here, RS-MAL, a company with experience offering painting of buildings in Lesser Poland and Silesia, guaranteeing full satisfaction to principals at affordable prices.
Painting a facade consists of several stages. To begin with, its condition is assessed, and then its washing is performed. Subsequent tasks include removing old coatings, thoroughly cleaning the walls and repairing major damage. After these works, the exterior walls are primed so that the paint has better adhesion. Only after these activities, one proceeds to the selection of paint for the facade.
It is matched to the substrate, so be sure of the type of plaster. For mineral plaster, cement plaster, concrete or brick, you can use silicate, silicate-silicone or silicone paint. Acrylic, lime and cement paints also work well. For acrylic plaster, acrylic or silicone paint is recommended, for silicate plaster – silicate or silicate-silicone paint, and for silicone plaster – silicone paint only.
Once the painting method is chosen, the surrounding area is protected. For houses with a small area, it is enough to use a roller on a telescopic boom. If the house is storied, scaffolding must be used, and sometimes aerial lifts are used.
When you choose RS-MAL, you can be sure that painting will be done professionally, taking into account all the steps. The brand also handles other tasks, such as fireproof painting of steel structures, industrial halls and roofs.
