The topic of the article is panels for insulating the facade of a house. Having appeared on the modern building materials market, heat-insulating decorative panels have not received much popularity. The reason is a higher price than time-tested old technologies. But this material did not leave the market either, like many innovations on which manufacturers had pinned their hopes. So, in this article we will deal with panels for warming and decorating the outer walls of buildings, what materials they are made of, what methods they use during installation.
What are façade insulation panels?
Firstly, it is a multilayer plate-type material. But there are three main layers: insulation, which is represented by two materials: polystyrene foam and polyurethane foam, a decorative panel and a base. In some models of thermal panels, the base is missing. Today, manufacturers offer a huge amount of cladding in terms of their decorative content: colors, shapes, patterns, imitations.
But as for the material, there are only four positions:
Clinker tiles. It is simply glued to the insulation in a checkerboard pattern. OSB boards are used as the basis, which give the material additional rigidity. This variety has a stylish design, which is very fond of suburban developers.
Decorative plaster applied to a styrofoam board. There is a huge number of decoration variations, there are even heat-insulating plates on the market, the decoration of which is made with quartz or marble chips. A distinctive feature of this type is the ability to create a seamless surface on the facade.
Metallic coating. In fact, these are standard sandwich panels, only small in size. This is a three-layer material in which insulation is laid between two sheets of metal. As a metal sheathing, sheets are used either from aluminum alloys, or from galvanized iron, painted or coated with a polymer layer. Today on the market you can buy thermal panels sheathed on both sides with corrugated board.
Artificial stone in the form of a concrete solution, decorated as a torn stone. These are heavy plates, but among all types of the presented category, the cheapest. Water-repellent and strengthening additives are added to concrete, so they feel great on the facades of houses.
Characteristics of thermal panels
Considering the characteristics of thermal panels for exterior decoration of a house, you begin to understand that this finishing material is in no way inferior to other technologies for warming and decorating facades. And if in some positions he does not excel, then, in any case, he is no worse. Therefore, it is worth wondering why it is not so actively used in private housing construction.
Judge for yourself:
Thermal conductivity corresponds to the characteristics of the insulation used in thermal panels. And since foamed polypropylene and polyurethane are placed in this material, it is impossible to find the best option today. For information: the thermal conductivity of expanded polystyrene is 0.25 W / m K, polyurethane foam is 0.19 W / m K.
Video description
We will dwell in more detail on the insulation of the house with foam plastic. Find out how safe polystyrene foam is in our video:
The density of the heat-insulating material used is 40-70 kg/m³. This indicates the high strength of the panels. That is, by simply pressing the hand, this material cannot be damaged. And for facades, this is an important indicator.
The operating temperature range varies from -170C to +170C. There is no need to even explain anything here. Let's just denote that there is no place on the planet where thermal panels could not be used.
The facing material does not corrode, rodents and insects, mold and fungi do not start in it.
On our website you can find contacts of construction companies that offer the service of auditing construction works. You can directly communicate with representatives by visiting the exhibition of houses "Low-Rise Country".
Manufacturers guarantee that this type of facade cladding will last 50 years. It is impossible to check this now, because panels of this type appeared on the Russian market relatively recently.
Cladding panels for the facade of a house with insulation are an excellent sound insulator. It dampens outside noise very well, so in this regard, the conditions in the rooms are ideal.
Panels are products with a low specific gravity; concrete modification stands out among them. But it is not so heavy as to talk about the need to strengthen the foundation. You just have to pay attention to the quality of the wall being clad.
Excellent vapor permeability. That is, the stacked panels do not interfere with the walls of the house to “breathe”.
Attractive appearance. There's no point in even arguing here. In addition, a huge variety of proposed varieties will allow you to choose a suburban area for the overall design.
Practice shows that if you correctly carry out the installation, you can save a lot on heating. The following figures appear: 30-40%.
The only characteristic that can be attributed to the group of "negative" is the flammability of the presented finishing material. Yes, unfortunately, thermal panels burn and support combustion, while releasing toxic smoke. It is clear that the heater is burning, not the cladding.
As you can see, the technical and operational characteristics were simply obliged to open a wide road for facing panels with insulation. But that did not happen. And the point here is not only the cost of products (very expensive additional finishing elements). The service for installation on external walls is high in cost.
On our website you can get acquainted with the most popular projects of modular houses from construction companies presented at the exhibition of houses "Low Rise Country".
Wall cladding technology with thermal panels
Before proceeding directly to the review of the method of mounting wall panels for the exterior of a house with insulation, we will give some important tips that will increase the quality of the final result.
Do not use the services of dubious masters. Thermal panels are an expensive material, if the end result disappoints you, then you should know that you yourself are to blame. Only a professional approach will guarantee the high quality of the skin. Therefore, advice - when choosing a team, ask them to show their work on laying decorative panels with insulation. Talk to the owners of the houses. This is the most objective assessment.
Since the panel installation technology is frame, it is better to use a metal profile as elements of the crate, rather than wooden bars.
Before starting work, it is recommended to repair the facade of the house. It is not necessary to level it, but it is necessary to repair defects in the form of cracks, holes and other things. Allocate money for the primer of the wall surface. The liquid will bind together the particles of the material from which the wall is built. So, the surface will not be dusty.
Pay attention to the thickness of the panels. For example, you should not buy a thick finish in the southern regions. You can save a lot on this, because the thicker the material, the more expensive it is.
If plinth panels with insulation for the exterior of the house are chosen for finishing the foundation, then you should first of all think about which type to choose. This will mainly depend on the water table and the width of the eaves. That is, the higher the groundwater level and the narrower the overhang, the more intense the lining will be exposed to the negative effects of moisture. In this case, it is recommended to use concrete or metal models. At the same time, experts advise to pay additional attention to the waterproofing of the foundation.
Video description
In the video, a specialist in facade finishes talks about thermal panels:
Mounting types
There are two technologies by which facades are decorated with thermal panels:
Frameless. Finishing material is nailed to the walls with dowels. To do this, at the stage of production of the material, mounting holes are made in it. This installation option is the easiest, but it has one requirement - a flat wall surface.
Frame. Everything is clear here - a frame is mounted on the wall of the house, on which the panels are installed and fixed. That is, there is no need to level the facade wall.
We must immediately make a reservation that the process of wall cladding begins with the finishing of the basement. That is, the basement plinth is covered with thermal panels so that they are recessed into the ground or into the blind area by 2-3 cm. Then a low tide is installed that covers the horizontal plane of the plinth. And then they move on to wall cladding.
An important component of the process is to carry out installation in even rows laid horizontally. With frameless technology, the panels are simply applied to the wall surface, marks are made through the mounting holes, holes are drilled through them in the facade of the house, then the panels are put back on and fixed with dowels. The hats of the latter are subsequently painted in the color of the facade finish.
It might be interesting! Read the article at the following link.
As for the frame method, it is clear that, first of all, a frame is assembled on the wall of the house. As mentioned above, the best option is galvanized iron metal profiles, which are used when installing drywall. It is not forbidden to use wooden slats. They just have to be treated with an antiseptic, after drying with a flame retardant. We add that wood on the street is not the most reliable material. Over time, under the influence of changing humidity and temperature, the bars will begin to warp. And this will lead to damage to the cladding itself.
Installation of thermal panels on the frame is no different from frameless technology. Just instead of dowels, self-tapping screws are used here.
It should be noted that both technologies are so simple that one wonders why the masters are so overpriced. No complicated construction operations, no unusual procedures. The main thing is to assemble the facade structure in one vertical plane. And this does not require complex tools or foreign equipment. The only thing that the masters use: a laser level and a screwdriver.
There is another finishing option. To do this, use panels that come in separate parts. For example, insulation sheets are supplied separately, precisely cut to the shape and dimensions of the panels, and clinker tiles are supplied separately. The installation technology is as follows:
Insulation is attached to the wall using mushroom-shaped dowels (they are often called dish-shaped). In it, a hole is made for each dowel and a seat for its wide hat.
Then clinker tiles are attached to the heat insulator with a special adhesive composition. Under the latter, there are already prepared seats on the insulation.
After that, a grout selected by color is applied between the tiles.
Video description
In the video, a suburban real estate expert talks about thermal panels, their varieties and installation method:
It might be interesting! In the article at the following link, read about.
Conclusion on the topic
In fact, decorative panels with insulation are an unusual material. It became possible to create a finish on the facade of the house, which is included in the “two in one” category. It is not clear why manufacturers are so overpriced. After all, the production technology of this material is simple.
And this is not an exaggeration at all. Indeed, it is the panels for the interior decoration of the house that largely determine its interior. You can, of course, close all the walls with furniture and the same mirrors, but real comfort is unthinkable without the use of panels.
The choice of this material is quite large, its representatives are very different from each other, there are kings and apprentices in this world, this is some difficulty - the choice, of course. But the attitude of many people practically coincides one to one, regardless of their significance.
The most important element of interior design
It is not at all accidental, because they:
- help to significantly speed up the entire process of wall finishing - some panels have an area of 2-3 square meters, which is closed in one fell swoop;
- get rid of the careful and time-consuming finishing of the rough surface of the wall;
- provide additional opportunities for hydro and thermal insulation;
- have such a large number of varieties and design proposals that you can always pick up, and far from “something”, for any design of the floor, walls, for any furniture and fittings.
Classification
A large number of proposals makes it necessary to classify the material presented in the first place.
In appearance, but you can say a little differently - according to the ratio of length to width - they are divided into:
- rack - here the most famous representative is the old wooden lining, its promoted "fellow analogue" with a rounded profile - newfangled plastic counterparts; another thing is that the installation can now be carried out not only horizontally, but also vertically, and the width of the panels can vary from edge to edge from 10-20 cm to 40-50, and this is with a length of 2 to 6 meters; we will also include three-dimensional variants of fiber cement and laminate in this class;
- tiled - we can say that it is; here the size of 50 by 50 will probably be the minimum; often options are 80 by 80 or 90 by 100 - in any case, this species tries to be as close as possible to the "square"; the main advantage of the tile is preserved here too - the creativity of the independent invention of the drawing on the wall remains available to you;
- sheet - such panels have the largest dimensions, 2 by 3 meters, a meter by two; such dimensions force us to look for other methods of fastening - ordinary light clamps are rarely used here, nails and special glue are already in use.
According to the material of the panel can be:
- wooden - a large class, which includes both natural wood and chipboard and fiber boards (chipboard and fiberboard); you will certainly decorate the walls of a house outside the city, in nature, with truly natural material, to which, however, it is necessary to impose increased requirements for drying and processing; this applies primarily to lining and block-house, and processing is also required and environmentally impeccable;
- plastic - a material that has found a place for itself in almost all areas of construction, thanks to its unpretentiousness, great variety and relatively low price relative to competitors;
- glass - not yet fully appreciated material that can often be seen in kitchens, but it also boldly invades other rooms, perhaps not as an independent, main component of the interior, but as a very good addition and zest;
- metal - aluminum dominates here; perhaps metal as an interior finish causes distrust, but the fact is that the vast majority of amazing three-dimensional panels are based on metal, and this radically changes the attitude towards this type.
Useful advice!
We advise you to keep in mind that there are also gypsum and leather panels on the market.
The former use the ability of the material to take on any look and color at the request of the designer, hence their undoubted advantage.
And the latter can well support the corresponding interior.
Mounting
Ways
Several technologies are used for mounting panels:
- Firstly, the most common is the mounting technology on the crate. Its main advantage is the ability to simultaneously carry out insulation and protection from moisture of the rough surface. In addition, we are relieved of the need for careful finishing of the original wall.
- Secondly, the panels can simply be "planted" on glue, although it is special. This is much faster, but you can’t do without good wall preparation. It is also very important to use a special adhesive for interiors, which means it does not raise any questions from the point of view of ecology.
- Thirdly, the usual installation on nails. It’s even simpler, but let’s say right away that ordinary iron nails are not allowed here. It is necessary to use only the fasteners included in the kit of the panels themselves, and they must be used strictly according to the technology.
Working with a crate
The crate refers to auxiliary wooden slats, which are pre-mounted vertically or horizontally on the wall. The panels themselves are already applied to these rails.
The size of the lathing laths can vary depending on the fastening of the panels and the additional purposes of decorating the wall - if it is also insulated, then it is best to make the lathing higher, and choose the laths themselves thicker.
It will act as follows:
- carefully prepare the working surface of the wall, putty all the dents, clean all the potholes, be sure to completely dry the entire area;
Useful advice!
We advise you to pay close attention to drying the draft wall.
Here it is better to play it safe once again and wait not 10-12 hours, but a day or two.
In addition, always strive to comply with the requirements of SNiP for the slope of the surface - it should not be more than 8 mm between any two points at a distance of 4 meters.
Potholes larger than 2 mm are also not allowed, checked with a 2-meter-long rail-rule.
- we lay waterproofing on the prepared surface, try to use a single sheet over the entire area;
- then the crate is attached - wooden, and more often recently from a metal profile;
- between the crate there are insulation plates - foam plastic is usually used, but it can also be recommended from mineral wool on a basalt basis;
- if the plans initially had intentions to insulate, then the distance between the slats of the crate had to be chosen a little less than the size of the insulation boards so that they fit with an interference fit, but without creating additional stress on the slats “left-right”;
- we already mount panels on the rails in accordance with the technology, which directly depends on the specifics of the panels used.
conclusions
The subject under consideration is so multifaceted and has so many nuances that one cannot do without auxiliary introductory materials:
- Be sure to check out the additional video in this article.
- Make up a system of available offers from suppliers' promotional materials.
- Model several possible finishes.
Only after such a scrupulous approach will it be possible to stop in your choice on something really worthwhile.
Facade panels with insulation (thermal panels) combine two functions: heat-insulating and decorative.
The use of such products saves time and money, since instead of carrying out separate work on the insulation of walls and their cladding, it is enough just to mount thermal panels.
The market offers a wide variety of panels for the exterior of the house of various colors and materials of manufacture.
Common to all varieties of thermal panels is the presence of at least two layers: an external decorative coating and an internal heat-insulating layer. The decorative coating performs the same functions as the classic facade panels: protection from mechanical damage and from the effects of wind and moisture, giving the walls a complete look.
There are three-layer versions of products called sandwich panels. In them, the heat-insulating material is located between two facing layers made of metal.
For operation in conditions of increased fire hazard, four-layer thermal panels are produced, in which there is a refractory material between the outer tile and the insulation.
The main stages of production of insulated products with a decorative coating: preparation of block forms, foaming and drying of insulation granules, laying a decorative layer in a block form, adding granules, heating the structure with hot steam (it is necessary for the granules to expand and form a layer of insulation), cooling the panel.
The main purpose of using warm panels is to save on building heating, which allows you to recoup the costs of their purchase and installation as soon as possible, provided that you are at home in a region with relatively cold winters. They are more expensive than conventional panels, but in most cases, buying siding and insulation separately (and installing them) will cost even more money.
Products can be installed on most plastered and non-plastered surfaces, including block and wooden walls, unbaked bricks, expanded clay concrete.
NOTE!
Thermal panels not only retain heat inside the building during the cold season, but also prevent it from heating up in summer.
Decorative trim is made from the following materials:
- Clinker.
- Porcelain tile.
- Aluminum.
- Cink Steel.
- Compressed wood chips.
- Compressed marble chips.
The main materials of heaters are,. The average density of this layer is 40 kg 3 /m, thermal conductivity - 0.020 W / m * C, thickness - 6 centimeters or more.
The high density of the material not only allows better retention of heat, but also increases its resistance to mechanical damage. The operating temperature range is in the range - 170 / +170 C. Despite the high fire resistance, the possibility of ignition of the insulation is not completely excluded.
The mass of panels varies within 10-25 kilograms. The estimated service life depends on the climatic conditions of the region, as a rule, it is 10-30 years.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Ease of installation: if the wall is fairly even, then you can install thermal panels even without first arranging the crate.
- Reducing heating costs by 40-60%.
- Increasing the fire resistance of the facade.
- Protection of walls from the penetration of fungi and mold.
- Although the connected panels form a single unit, individual products can be easily removed during operation in order to replace or repair them.
- Moderate weight, which does not create significant loads on the supporting structure and foundation. For this reason, thermal panels are suitable for cladding old houses.
- Variety of textures and colors.
- A good option for wall insulation.
Flaws:
- Insulation materials emit toxic fumes when burned.
- When installing products on uneven surfaces, it is necessary to equip the crate, otherwise the panels will deform over time and lose their heat-shielding properties.
- The possibility of condensation between the supporting structure and panels in case of violation of installation technologies.
- The possibility of deformation of products during storage (relevant only for two-layer options).
- When using cheap thermal panels, you need to rub the seams between the products with special solutions.
Varieties
Thermal panels are classified according to the types of decorative finishes and according to the materials of insulation.
Heaters differ in density and operational features.
Four materials are used in production:
- Extruded polystyrene foam. Density - 35 kg / m 3. It has a relatively high moisture absorption coefficient, coupled with the presence of internal voids, this feature can lead to moisture ingress into the insulation and the development of colonies of microorganisms. The service life is 15 years.
- Polyurethane foam (PPU). Density - 40 kg / m 3. It is characterized by non-combustibility, devoid of the shortcomings of expanded polystyrene. The service life of foamed polyurethane is 50-60 years.
- Styrofoam. Density - 20 kg / m 3. The most affordable and common option. Due to the low density, it has the lowest thermal insulation characteristics. The advantages of foam panels include high elasticity.
- Mineral wool. Density - 145 kg / m 3. Due to the very high density, it loses its shape over time, so it is advisable to use this insulation with a metal decorative layer.
The following decorative finishes are available:
- Clinker tiles. It is made from highly plastic clay, it is characterized by increased wear resistance and low water absorption coefficient. Clinker tiles create an additional protective layer, which reduces the load on the heater. The only drawback is the high price (imported products are especially expensive). As a rule, polyurethane foam heaters are covered with clinker.
- Porcelain stoneware. It is made from a special powder under pressure at high temperatures. The composition of the powder includes quartz sand, clay, dyes and other additives. It has good performance characteristics, but has a significant drawback - a lot of weight, which does not allow it to be used for finishing houses with a weak foundation.
- Aluminum and steel. They are used in the production of sandwich panels. Are the only options used together with mineral wool insulation. Aluminum is lighter but more expensive, while steel is a relatively budget option.
The most popular textures of thermal panels are brick and natural stone.
Manufacturers
Both domestic and foreign companies are represented on the market. German manufacturers specialize in the manufacture of high quality and expensive clinker tiles.
These include:
- TM A.D.W. - Klinker.
- T. M. Stroeher.
- TM Ammonit Keramik.
The prices of their products start from 1800 rubles per square meter of tiles.
Russian companies also produce clinker tiles; you can find other finishing options with them.
- "Workshop of facade materials". Produces tiles imitating natural stone, brick and German clinker. Expanded polystyrene with a layer thickness of 50 mm is used as a heater. The average price of products is 1500-1800 rubles.
- FTP Europa. Produces clinker and ceramic granite thermal panels. Used heaters - expanded polystyrene and polyurethane foam with a thickness of 60 or 80 mm. Prices of products are in the range of 1100 - 3600 rubles.
- "Forska". Specializes in the production of budget options at a price of 1000 rubles. for 1 sq. m. Uses ready-made decorative trim, purchased from Western companies, and combines it with insulation from expanded polystyrene or polyurethane foam.
- "Ermak". It specializes in thermal panels of the middle price category (1800 - 3000 rubles) based on expanded polystyrene (with a thickness of 40 mm) and clinker tiles.
Mounting
Thermal panels can be installed directly on the wall or on the crate (framework). Frameless installation involves nailing the tiles to the wall using dowels through the holes provided by the manufacturer in the product.
The wireframe method is more complex. It is used if there are significant irregularities on the wall that can deform the thermal panels.
Wall preparation
The crate is made of wood or metal, the second option is more preferable. If a tree is used, then the beams are treated with an antiseptic.
The length of the vertical and horizontal steps of the crate are chosen so that they correspond to the dimensions of the panels, and the location of their mounting holes coincides with the centers of the bars (or metal profiles).
The frame must create a flat plane, otherwise there is no point in installing it.
If there is a danger of delay in the space between the crate and thermal panels of heat and moisture, then it is filled with construction foam.
If there is no desire or opportunity to install a crate, then you can level the wall with cement mortar. In practice, this method turns out to be more expensive.
If there is a plinth near the building, special plinth panels are pre-installed on it, which are characterized by increased thickness and strength.
Panel mounting
If the installation is made directly on the wall, then the fasteners are carried out on the nails-dowels that come with the panels. Places for drilling holes in the tiles are marked by most manufacturers.
Start laying from the corners of the bottom of the wall. If there are corner panels in the kit, then they are installed first.
Installation of the main cladding panels on the crate is carried out using self-tapping screws. Their thickness should exceed the thickness of the product by 4-5 cm.
Before installation of the first and subsequent rows, the space between the wall and the tiles can be filled with polyurethane foam in order to give the structure additional frost resistance.
If necessary, seal the joints between products using silicone sealants.
Vertical seams should move when installing the next rows after the first. For this, additional or trimmed panels are used. A grinder is used to cut blocks.
Grouting work can only be performed during the warm season in dry weather.
Useful video
Video guide for the installation of insulated panels:
Conclusion
Facade panels with insulation are products consisting of a classic cladding and a heat-insulating layer of polyurethane foam, expanded polystyrene or mineral wool.
They are distinguished by high performance properties and ease of installation. The disadvantages of such products include the high price and the possibility of damage to materials during long-term storage.
In contact with
Insulated cladding panels - a universal facade material
To increase the thermal insulation of the house and give it a solid appearance, you need to do a lot of work on the installation of insulation and the installation of a decorative coating. However, both material costs and labor costs can be significantly reduced by using special materials - insulation panels with cladding.
Their installation is faster and easier than a phased finish, and the effect is the same.
The principle of the structure of all such materials is the same - these are two-layer or three-layer panels, the basis of which is insulation (polystyrene, mineral wool, expanded polystyrene, etc.), covered with a decorative layer on the front side.
Most popular materials:
- Thermal panels with clinker tiles. They are different both in appearance and design.
The simplest are two-layer panels for cladding with insulation, in which cladding tiles are glued onto a polyurethane foam board. There are three-layer panels with a load-bearing bottom layer of OSB, which gives them rigidity, as well as panels with metal inserts pressed into them or molded plastic bushings to facilitate installation.
- Expanded polystyrene panels with a decorative layer of plaster with colored marble chips. Their use allows you to create a seamless surface.
- Metal sandwich panels are a "pie", the filling of which is a heater, closed on both sides with painted aluminum sheets or corrugated board with a protective film. A pattern can be applied under the film, creating an imitation of popular facing materials - wood, stone, brickwork.
For reference. Oriented strand board (OSB) SIP panels can also be used for thermal insulation and cladding. But they require additional face finishing.
Features of using insulated panels
The described materials are suitable not only for finishing newly erected buildings, but also for the restoration of old and dilapidated buildings. For their installation, it is not necessary to strengthen or level the facade - it is enough to fix the crate on it.
And thanks to the light weight of the products and the well-thought-out design, it is easy to do the cladding with your own hands without the involvement of specialists and lifting equipment. But this is not their only merit.
Advantages of thermal panels
Among the many advantages that thermal panels of any type have, the following should be highlighted:
- Reducing the cost of winter heating and summer air conditioning of insulated buildings by up to 40%. The rather high price of cladding pays off within a few seasons, while the microclimate inside the house becomes much more comfortable.
- Light weight not only facilitates installation, but also allows you to transform the appearance of the building without creating a critical load on the foundation, which is very important for existing buildings.
Note. The weight of panels coated with clinker tiles or artificial stone depends on the thickness of the decorative layer. Before choosing a material for the restoration of the facade of an old building, you need to make sure that its foundation can withstand the load created by its weight.
- Regardless of the type of decorative coating, panels for insulation and cladding are highly resistant to external influences such as ultraviolet radiation, precipitation, temperature changes and its critical negative and positive values, chemical and mechanical damage.
- Durability, reliability, long service life without the need for repair.
- Incombustibility.
- Environmental safety of the materials used.
- Possibility of installation under any weather conditions.
Finally, a huge range of insulated panels, the ability to choose a decor that matches the style of the house, choose the desired color and texture, and “dress” the house in brick, stone, wood are of great importance for the consumer.
Several color options for brick panels
If you watch the video, you will see for yourself how easy this dressing is, and how the appearance of the building is radically transformed.
Flaws
There are not so many of them, but when choosing any material, you need to be aware of the disadvantages that it has so that they do not become an unpleasant surprise during installation or operation.
We will not rank the high cost of insulated panels as a disadvantage. Firstly, the range of prices depending on their type is quite significant, and secondly, you are unlikely to be able to save money by purchasing insulation and cladding separately and paying for the installation of each of them.
A significant disadvantage of two-layer panels can be considered their susceptibility to deformation during storage, which complicates installation. Since both layers have different density, structure and response to changes in the parameters of the external environment, the product may warp.
In this regard, three-layer cladding panels with insulation are more reliable, they do not have such a disadvantage, but they are also more expensive.
Inexpensive panels imitating brickwork, after installation, need to be grouted with special compounds that protect the insulation from destruction. This is a rather time-consuming and labor-intensive work, but it can be avoided if you buy facing boards with seams already worn out in production.
Such panels need grouting while masking the attachment points.
Mounting Features
If the walls of the house are relatively even, the panels can be attached directly to them, leveling small irregularities with linings made of plywood or other materials during the installation process. Before it begins, the most convex point is determined, and in accordance with it, beacons are attached to the wall with mounting foam.
It is quite dreary and long, it is easier to immediately install the leveling crate. In addition, it will allow you to create a ventilated space under the lining, excluding the accumulation of moisture in the insulation, and facilitate installation.
It differs slightly depending on the type and design features of the panels, but the general instructions are as follows:
- Along the entire perimeter of the building, a lower horizontal line is beaten off, from which the cladding will begin from the bottom up;
- If the installation starts above the plinth, then a plinth profile is mounted on it, which serves as a support for the panels and drains the precipitation flowing down the walls;
- A crate of dry, treated with antifungal impregnation bars is attached to the wall. The distance between them must correspond to the parameters of the panels;
Important! When mounting the frame, it is necessary to carefully monitor the level, ensuring that all the guides lie in the same vertical plane.
- Installation of panels is carried out from the bottom up from the corner. If there are corner elements, they are first attached. If not, the ends of the panels are sawn for joining at an angle of 45 degrees;
- Fastening to a wooden crate is done with self-tapping screws, to a brick or concrete wall - with dowel-nails. The length of the fastener should be 4-5 cm more than the thickness of the cladding;
- Each subsequent after the first row is mounted in such a way that the vertical seams are displaced. To do this, use additional or cut-to-length panels. The front part of the panel is sawn with a grinder with a disk corresponding to the material, while the insulation is easily cut with a knife;
- If grouting is necessary, this work is best done in dry weather at a positive air temperature.
Most panels are hidden. If this is not the case, the mounting holes are best made in the seams between the decorative elements, and then masked with a suitable color composition recommended by the manufacturer.
Conclusion
Many developers and people who are puzzled by the external repair of a house carefully choose facing materials that meet their requirements for appearance and performance. In this regard, the insulated cladding panel is an excellent choice that allows you to “kill two birds with one stone”: solve the problem with thermal insulation and transform the house beyond recognition in a matter of days.
When landscaping private buildings and industrial facilities, one of the most important stages of work is the external cladding of walls and the basement. For this, modern finishing materials are used. They provide a reduction in heat loss, improve the appearance, protect against the negative influence of natural factors. Among the wide range of building materials, decorative facade panels stand out, the insulation of which is modern heat insulators with unique properties. Let us dwell in detail on the advantages of the application, the specifics of installation.
Insulated facade panels for the exterior of the house
Used for external cladding and thermal insulation of various buildings, insulated wall panels are high-tech cladding materials that are distinguished by the following properties:
- increased thermal insulation characteristics;
- attractive appearance;
- environmental safety;
- long service life.
Foamed polystyrene is used as a thermal insulation layer, which is the leader in terms of performance and quality among various materials used for thermal insulation. Expanded polystyrene retains its properties throughout the period of operation, is fireproof, and is not affected by natural factors.
Insulated panels are used for various purposes:
- designer finishing of modern cottages;
- cladding and thermal protection of private houses;
- restoration of previously built facilities;
- external improvement of industrial buildings;
- facade cladding of public buildings;
- thermal insulation of the basement of buildings.
Design features and fastening technology of thermal panels allow them to be installed in various positions:
- in the horizontal plane;
- on vertical surfaces;
- on bases with a convexity.
Installation is carried out on various surfaces made of the following materials:
- reinforced concrete;
- bricks;
- wood.
The appearance of thermal panels imitates various types of finishes:
- a natural stone;
- ceramic tiles;
- various types of bricks;
- valuable types of wood.
To perform finishing and thermal insulation measures, various types of thermal panels are used:
- metal panels with insulation for the facade;
- sheet siding based on polyvinyl chloride;
- insulated wood siding;
- thermal protection lining for tiles or plaster;
- decorative panels based on fiber cement;
- insulated decorative plastic elements;
- plinth finish with reinforced thermal insulation.
Due to their light weight, facing thermal panels can be mounted without major surface preparation. This allows, at low cost, to qualitatively change the appearance of the building without increasing the load on the base of the building and the main walls. A small mass is especially relevant for buildings whose foundation is not capable of absorbing additional loads from the weight of the material used for cladding.
Facade panels with insulation - the main advantages of the application
Polyvinyl chloride, fiber cement, plastic and metal panels with insulation for the facade of the house are the best solution for changing the appearance of the building, providing reliable thermal insulation. The use of modern finishing material is characterized by many advantages, the main of which are:
- a significant reduction in the cost of maintaining a comfortable temperature in the room. The level of costs associated with heating the building is reduced to 35%;
- reliable protection of the walls and basement of the building from moisture absorption. Among the many facing materials, modern thermal panels are characterized by reduced hygroscopicity;
- increased strength characteristics, long service life and reliability. High-quality facade finishing can be used for more than fifty years;
- resistance to external factors. The facing material together with the heat insulator retain their properties under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, temperature and humidity changes;
- no negative impact on human health. The use of environmentally friendly raw materials ensures the absolute safety of facing elements for others;
- Fire safety. The materials used for the manufacture of thermal panels retain their characteristics during prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures and open flames;
- possibility of installation on any grounds. Installation of heat-insulating elements can be carried out on curved surfaces, as well as bases from various types of building materials;
- quick and easy installation. There is no need for special preparation of the base, which allows you to quickly perform finishing and thermal insulation measures;
- the ability to perform installation work regardless of climatic conditions. Installation can be carried out in rainy weather, with increased humidity and low temperature;
- improved ventilation performance. The properties of modern thermal panels and installation technology prevent the formation of condensate, protect the surface from moisture penetration;
- no cold bridges. The design and method of installation of heat-shielding elements prevents the penetration of cold air masses, as well as moisture that destroys walls and plinth;
- effective protection against external noise. The heat-insulating layer, together with the decorative finish, provides an increased degree of sound insulation, making it difficult for sounds to penetrate into the room.
High-quality thermal insulation cladding, which has decorative characteristics, is currently enjoying increased popularity. After all, it provides an opportunity to create a favorable microclimate in the room and, at the same time, radically change the visual perception of the building. Due to the improved thermal insulation characteristics, the payback period of thermal panels is reduced.
Panels with insulation for finishing the basement of the house
The basement of the building is the supporting part of the building, protecting the facade from mechanical damage and dirt. Decorative cladding and thermal protection of the basement is the most important stage in the thermal insulation of the entire building. That is why it is necessary to pay special attention to the decoration of this part of the building. Qualitatively executed facing of the supporting part of the building provides a long service life, wear resistance, helps to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room.
Plinth elements have a number of advantages:
- immune to high humidity and precipitation;
- resistant to mechanical factors;
- resistant to corrosion processes;
- are not afraid of temperature changes.
Special panels designed for plinth cladding are distinguished by the following characteristics:
- thickness, which is 4-8 cm;
- color performance;
- invoice solution.
Insulation with decorative panels made from wear-resistant, environmentally friendly materials allows you to reliably protect and ennoble the plinth:
- prevent the negative impact of external factors on the foundation of the building;
- thermally insulate the base of the structure associated with load-bearing walls;
- significantly improve the aesthetic characteristics of the supporting structure.
For thermal protection of the basement, the following are used:
- traditional finishing materials for the facade, with increased strength characteristics;
- special plinth cladding panels produced in the form of panels imitating natural building materials.
The use of cladding panels of darker shades for facing the supporting structure of the building than for the facade part of the walls improves the overall aesthetic perception.
Insulation with facade panels - installation features
Installation of thermal panels can only be carried out on a planned, previously prepared base. Therefore, at the initial stage of work, it is necessary to carefully prepare the surface of the walls and the plinth for fixing the cladding:
- remove old plaster;
- beat off the existing tile;
- strengthen the facade surface with special compounds;
- repair cracks, plan for irregularities.
Remember that the reliability and strength of the fastening of the exterior finish depends on the quality of the preparation of the base. Regardless of the facing material used, carry out further installation work on finishing the facade of the building according to the general algorithm:
- Mark the location of the thermal panels using a plumb line and level.
- Mark the level of the bottom row of facade elements.
- Fix the support profile in the plinth.
- Beat off the height of the lower tier of the cladding.
- Install vertical strips (beacons) in the joint area.
- Determine the installation location of the first element on the left side of the building.
- Treat the plinth profile with mounting foam.
- Prepare blanks of the required dimensions.
- Install the bottom row of thermal insulation trim.
- Drill holes for fixing in the area of the joints of the lining.
- Fasten the facade cladding with special dowels.
- Seal cavities and crevices with polyurethane foam.
Laying of the remaining rows of finishes in the facade and basement parts of the building is carried out according to the above technology.
Insulation with decorative panels - general recommendations
Measures for warming the building with decorative thermal insulation can be carried out independently. This will significantly save financial resources, given the increased cost of heat-insulating elements. However, it is advisable to consult with a specialist who will advise a specific heat-insulating material that has the required thickness, as well as an appropriate decorative texture.
To perform the installation work quickly, the following steps should be taken:
- calculate the required number of facade and basement thermal panels;
- purchase a thermal insulation finish corresponding to the estimated area;
- purchase a complete set of mounting, additional elements, as well as fasteners.
Pay special attention to the following points:
- design of grooves and ridge fastening, providing ease of alignment, lack of gaps, fastening reliability;
- the correct fit of thermal insulation to the required size using a grinder equipped with a diamond disc;
- careful sealing of seams with the help of facade grout, corresponding to the overall color scheme;
- the use of frost-resistant materials that are intended for external work and temperature changes;
- compliance of the basement cladding with the facade finish, providing optimal aesthetic perception of the entire structure.
When fixing, please note that the heat panels can have ready-made markings, according to which holes for fasteners are drilled. In the absence of ready-made attachment points, it is necessary to independently calculate the location of the holes and mark up.
Summing up
Performing insulation with facade panels, you can give the old building a second life, make it more attractive, and reliably keep the heat in the room. The use of heat-shielding elements in the construction of a new building allows you to save money by combining insulation and exterior finishes in the facing material. The finish imitating brick walls or stone looks attractive. In specialized stores, you can easily purchase finishing elements that will match the texture and color scheme of your home.
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