The best option for finishing the foundation is cladding. What is the best way to cover the basement of a house? Decorative finishing of the base

Basement cladding performs an important function - protecting the foundation of the house. In addition, being part of the facade, it has a decorative value. How to properly design a plinth and what materials to use for this?

Peculiarities

The base of the building, that is, the protruding part of the foundation in contact with the facade, provides protection and increases the thermal efficiency of the building. At the same time, it is subjected to increased mechanical stress and is more exposed to moisture and chemical reagents than others. IN winter time the base freezes, as a result of which it may collapse.

All this necessitates the need to protect the base, for which special heat- and waterproofing materials and a more reliable finish are used.

We must not forget that this part of the house is a continuation of the facade, so it is important to take care of the aesthetic appeal of the finishing materials for the base.

Among the main technical requirements for plinth materials are:

High moisture resistance– it is important that moisture from the outer surface of the base does not penetrate through the thickness of the finish. Otherwise, it will lose its attractive appearance and lose its performance characteristics. The insulation (if any) and the surfaces of the base will get wet. The result is a decrease in the thermal efficiency of the building, an increase in air humidity, the appearance of an unpleasant musty odor, mold inside and outside the building, destruction of not only the base, but also the facade and floor covering.

Depends on moisture resistance frost resistance of tiles. It must be at least 150 freezing cycles.
Mechanical strength– the base experiences loads more than other parts of the façade, including mechanical damage. The durability and safety of the plinth surfaces depend on how durable the tile is. The load of the wall panels is transferred not only to the base, but also to its finishing materials. It is clear that if the latter are insufficiently strong, they will not be able to evenly distribute the load over the foundation and protect it from excessive pressure.
Resistance to temperature changes– cracking of the material due to temperature fluctuations is unacceptable. Even the slightest crack on the surface causes a decrease in the moisture strength of the facing product, and, as a result, frost resistance. Under the influence of negative temperatures, water molecules trapped in cracks turn into pieces of ice, which literally tear the material apart from the inside.

Some types of tiles tend to expand slightly when exposed to temperature changes. This is considered the norm (for example, for clinker tiles). Preserving the gap between the tiles during the installation process allows you to avoid deformation of the tiles and their cracking.

As for the criterion of aesthetics, it is individual for each buyer. Naturally, the material for the plinth should be attractive and combined with the rest of the facade and exterior elements.

Why is it necessary?

Finishing the basement of a building allows you to solve several problems:

Base and foundation protection from the negative effects of moisture, tall and low temperatures and other negative natural factors that reduce strength, and therefore reduce the durability of the surface.
Anti-pollution, which represent not only an aesthetic problem, as it might seem at first glance. Dirt contains aggressive components, for example, road reagents. With prolonged exposure, they can damage even such a reliable material as concrete, causing erosion on the surface.

Increasing the biostability of the foundation– modern façade materials prevent damage to the foundation by rodents and prevent the appearance of fungus or mold on the surface.
Foundation insulation, which helps improve the thermal efficiency of the building and also helps maintain the integrity of the material. It is known that when the temperature drops significantly, erosion occurs on the concrete surface.
Finally, finishing the plinth element has decorative value. With the help of this or that material, it is possible to transform a house and achieve its maximum compliance with a certain style.

The use of tiles, as well as brick or stone surfaces, allows you to give the structure a cost-effective look and add sophistication.

Types of basement structures

In relation to the surface of the facade, the base can be:

speakers(that is, slightly protruding forward compared to the wall);
sinking relative to the facade (in this case the facade moves forward);
flush with the front part.

Most often you can find a protruding base. It is usually installed in buildings with thin walls, equipped with a warm basement. The base in this case plays an important thermal insulation role.

If in a similar building the basement is made flush with the facade, then it cannot be avoided high humidity in basements, which means dampness inside the building. When performing thermal insulation of such a base, you will have to face the difficulties of choosing and installing insulation.

Recessed type plinths are usually organized in buildings that do not have basement. They are better protected than others from the negative influences of the environment. The supporting function will be performed by the cladding of the base. With this system, it is easiest to perform high-quality multi-layer hydro- and thermal insulation.

The features of the base depend on the type of foundation.

Thus, the base on a strip foundation performs a load-bearing function, and for a pile-screw foundation it performs a protective function. For a plinth on piles, a sinking type plinth is usually organized. It is suitable for both wooden and brick house, which does not have a warm underground.

Materials

There are many types of materials for decorating the base. The most common are the following:

Clinker tiles

It is an environmentally friendly clay-based material that is molded or extruded and fired at high temperatures. The result is a reliable, heat-resistant, moisture-resistant material (moisture absorption coefficient is only 2-3%).

It is characterized by durability (minimum service life of 50 years), chemical inertness, and wear resistance. The front side imitates brickwork (from smooth, corrugated or aged brick) or various stone surfaces(wild and processed stone).

The material does not have low thermal conductivity, so it is recommended to use it together with insulation or use clinker panels with clinker.

The latter are standard tiles secured on the reverse side of the material with polyurethane or mineral wool insulation. The thickness of the latter layer is 30-100 mm.

The disadvantage is the rather large weight and high cost (although this finishing option will be more economical compared to clinker bricks). Despite the high strength indicators (which is on average M 400, and the maximum is M 800), loose tiles are extremely fragile. This should be taken into account during transport and installation.

The clinker is installed using the wet method(that is, on a wall or solid sheathing using glue) or dry(involves fastening to a metal frame using bolts or self-tapping screws). When fastening using the second method (it is also called a suspended facade system), a ventilated façade is usually installed. Mineral wool insulation is laid between the wall and the cladding.

If thermal panels are used, there is no need for an insulating layer.

Brick

When finishing with brick, it is possible to achieve reliability and high-quality moisture protection of surfaces. The advantage is the versatility of the finish. It is suitable for any type of base, and also has a wide selection of facing bricks (ceramic, hollow, slotted and hyper-pressed variations).

If the base itself is made of red burnt brick, then it performs 2 functions at once - protective and aesthetic, that is, it does not need cladding.

Due to the fairly large weight, brick facing masonry requires the organization of a foundation for it.

Organizing masonry requires certain professional skills, and the type of finishing itself is one of the most expensive. Such cladding will cost more than using clinker tiles.

A natural stone

Finishing the base with natural stone will ensure its strength, resistance to mechanical damage and shock, and moisture resistance. All this guarantees the long life of the material.

For finishing, granite, gravel, and dolomite versions of the stone are usually used. They will ensure maximum strength of the part of the facade in question.

Marble cladding will provide the most durable, but very expensive surface.

From the point of view of convenience, preference should be given to flagstone cladding. The latter unites different types materials characterized by a flat, tile-like shape and small (up to 5 cm) thickness.

The large weight of natural stone complicates the process of its transportation and installation and requires additional reinforcement of the base. The complexity of finishing and high cost cause high prices for the material.

The stone is fastened to a pre-primed surface, the material is fixed using frost-resistant cement mortar. After hardening, all seams are treated with hydrophobic grout.

Fake diamond

These disadvantages of natural stone prompted technologists to create a material that has the advantages of natural stone, but is lighter, easier to install and maintain, and available material. It became an artificial stone, the basis of which is fine-grained granite chips or other high-strength stone and polymers.

Due to the peculiarities of the composition and technological process Natural stone is durable, highly moisture-resistant, and weather-resistant. Its surfaces do not emit radiation, are biotoxic, and easy to clean (many have a self-cleaning surface).

Release form – monolithic slabs, the front side of which imitates natural stone.

Fastening is carried out on a flat, primed surface using special glue or on a lathing.

Panels

The panels are sheets based on plastic, metal or fiber cement (the most common options are indicated), the surface of which can be given any shade or imitation of wood, stone, or brickwork.

All panels are characterized by resistance to moisture and UV rays, heat resistance, but have different strength indicators.

Plastic models are considered the least durable. If the impact is strong enough, they can become covered with a network of cracks, so they are rarely used for finishing the base (although manufacturers provide collections of PVC base panels).

Metal siding is a more reliable option.

Light weight, anti-corrosion protection, ease of installation - all this makes the panels popular, especially for those foundations that do not have additional reinforcement.

Fiber cement panels are based on concrete mortar. To improve technical properties and lighten the mass, dried cellulose is added to it. The result is a durable material, which, however, can only be used on solid foundations.

The surface of fiber cement-based panels can be painted in specific color, imitate finishing with natural materials or be characterized by the presence of topping - stone chips. To protect the front side of the material from fading, ceramic coating is applied to it.

All panels, regardless of type, are attached to the frame. Fixation is carried out using brackets and self-tapping screws; reliable adhesion of the panels to each other, as well as their wind resistance, are achieved thanks to the presence of a locking system.

Plaster

Installation is carried out using the wet method, and this type of finishing requires perfectly smooth surfaces of the base. To protect plastered surfaces from moisture and sunlight, acrylic-based moisture-protective compounds are used as a finishing coating.

If it is necessary to obtain a colored surface, you can paint the dried layer of plaster or use a mixture containing pigment.

The so-called “mosaic” plaster is popular. It contains tiny stone chips different colors. After application and drying, it creates a mosaic effect, shimmering and changing shade depending on the lighting angle and viewing angle.

Available in the form of a dry mixture, which is mixed with water before use.

Polymer-sand tiles

It is durable, moisture-proof and heat-resistant. Thanks to the sand base it is light in weight.

The polymer component ensures the plasticity of the tile, which prevents it from cracking and the absence of chips on the surface. Externally, such tiles are similar to clinker tiles, but are much cheaper.

A significant drawback is the lack of additional elements, which complicates the installation process, especially when finishing buildings with complex configurations.

The tiles can be attached with glue, but another method of installation has become widespread - on the lathing. In this case, using polymer-sand tiles, it is possible to create an insulated ventilated system.

Porcelain tiles

When finished with porcelain stoneware, the building acquires a respectable and aristocratic appearance. This is because the material imitates granite surfaces. Initially, this material was used for cladding administrative buildings, but due to its exquisite appearance, impressive service life (on average, half a century), strength and moisture resistance, it is increasingly used for cladding the facades of private houses.

Profiled sheet

Sheathing with corrugated sheets is an affordable and simple way to protect the base. True, there is no need to talk about special decorative qualities.

Decoration

Decorating the base can be done not only through the use of facade materials. One of the simplest and most affordable options is to paint the base with suitable compounds.(required for outdoor work, frost-resistant, weather-resistant).

By choosing a color, you can highlight the base or, on the contrary, give it a shade close to the color scheme of the facade. Using special materials and 2 similar types of paint, you can achieve an imitation of stone. To do this, strokes of darker paint are applied to the lighter layer of paint after it has dried, which are then rubbed.

Decorating the base with plaster will be a little more difficult. The plastered surface can have a smooth surface or be characterized by the presence of decorative reliefs, which also make it possible to achieve an imitation of a stone base.

If there are columns, their lower part is also lined with the material used to decorate the base. This will allow achieving stylistic unity of the building elements.

Preparatory work

The performance of hydro- and thermal insulation of the base, and therefore the entire building, depends on the quality of the preparatory work.

Waterproofing the base involves its external protection, as well as isolation from groundwater. To do this, a trench is dug around the entire perimeter of the base, the depth of which is 60-80 cm with a width of 1 m. In case of severe soil shedding, reinforcement of the trench is indicated metal mesh. Its lower part is covered with gravel to ensure drainage.

The surface of the base is cleaned, treated with water-repellent impregnations, and insulated.

Preparing the visible part of the base for cladding involves leveling the surface and treating it with a primer for better adhesion to finishing materials.

If you use a hanging system, you don’t have to waste time and effort on correcting minor defects. Of course, preparatory work in this case also involves cleaning and leveling surfaces and installing a frame for cladding.

Preparatory work should be carried out at temperatures above 0 degrees, in dry weather. After applying the primer, you need to let it dry.

Low tide device

The ebb tides are designed to protect the base from moisture flowing down the façade, primarily during rain. One part of the plinth is fixed to the bottom of the facade at a slight (10-15 degrees) angle, which helps collect moisture. Because the this element hangs over the base by 2-3 cm, the collected moisture flows to the ground, and not to the surface of the base. Visually, the ebb seems to separate the façade and the basement.

As a low tide, strips 40-50 cm wide made of waterproof materials are used. They can be sold in finished form or made with your own hands from a suitable strip. The design and color of the structure are selected taking into account the appearance of the finish.

Depending on the material used, there are:

metal (universal) ebbs;
plastic (usually combined with siding);
concrete and clinker (suitable for stone and brick facades) analogues.

Plastic models, despite their high moisture resistance, are rarely used, which is due to their low strength and low frost resistance.

Metal options (aluminum, copper or steel) demonstrate the optimal balance of moisture resistance, strength characteristics and low weight. They have an anti-corrosion coating, so cutting the ebbs yourself is unacceptable. Such planks are mounted with an overlap.

Concrete models are cast from durable (grade no less than M450) cement with the addition of river sand and plasticizers. Raw materials are poured into silicone molds. After hardening, a durable frost-resistant element is obtained, which is fixed to a special solution at the border of the facade and the base.

The most expensive are clinker tiles, which have not only high strength (comparable to porcelain stoneware), but also low moisture absorption, as well as an exquisite design.

Installation of ebb depends on its type, as well as design features buildings and wall materials.

For example, for wooden walls Clinker and concrete slabs are not suitable, since they are attached with glue. Without sufficient adhesion, wood simply will not withstand tides. Metal options with screw fixation remain available.

Concrete and ceramic elements are usually installed at the stage of cladding the façade and plinth. Their fastening starts from the corner; to fix the element, glue for external work on stone and brick is used. After gluing the ebb, the joints between it and the wall surface are sealed using silicone sealant. After it dries, the installation of ebb and flow is considered complete, and you can begin facing work.

If there is a need to fix the ebbs on the lined surfaces, all that remains is to use metal or plastic structures. Their installation also starts from the corners, for which special corner parts are purchased.

The next stage will be finishing all the speakers architectural elements, and between them, on a flat surface, planks are installed. Fastening is carried out using self-tapping screws (to the wall) and dowels and nails (fixed to the protruding part of the base). The resulting joints are filled with silicone sealant or putty.

The installation of ebb tides is preceded by careful sealing of the joints between the wall and the base. Moisture-repellent sealants are well suited for these purposes.

The next step is to mark the wall and determine highest point basement part. A horizontal line is drawn from it, along which the ebb tide will be set.

Installation subtleties

Cladding the base with your own hands is a simple process. But to obtain a high-quality result, you should follow the cladding technology:

The surfaces to be treated must be smooth and clean. All protruding parts should be knocked off and a self-leveling solution should be poured into small recesses. Large cracks and close the gaps cement mortar, having previously reinforced the surface.
The use of primers is mandatory. They will improve the adhesion of materials and also prevent the material from absorbing moisture from the adhesive.
Some materials need to be preliminary preparation. Thus, it is recommended to additionally protect artificial stone with a water-repellent compound, and keep clinker tiles in warm water 10-15 minutes.

The use of special corner elements allows you to beautifully veneer corners. In most cases, installation begins with their installation.
All metal surfaces must be made of stainless steel or have an anti-corrosion coating.
If you decide to cover the base with clinker, remember that the material itself has high thermal conductivity. The appearance of cold bridges can be prevented by using a special gasket placed at the joints of the internal thermal insulation material.
It is permissible to decorate the facade with basement material, if the strength of the foundation allows. However, do the opposite by using facade tiles or siding for cladding the basement is not allowed.

Waterproofing

One of the mandatory stages of plinth cladding is its waterproofing, which is carried out using horizontal and vertical methods. The first is aimed at protecting walls from moisture, the second provides waterproofing of the space between the foundation and the base. Vertical insulation, in turn, is divided into internal and external.

For external protection against moisture, roll coating and injection materials and compositions. Coating insulation is carried out using semi-liquid compositions based on bitumen, polymer, and special cement coatings applied to the base.

The advantage of the compositions is their low price and the possibility of application to any type of surface. However, such a waterproofing layer is not resistant to mechanical stress and requires frequent updating.

Roll materials can be glued to the surface (thanks to bitumen mastics) or fused (a burner is used, under the influence of which one of the layers of the roll is melted and fixed to the base).

Roll materials have an affordable price, they are easy to install, and the process does not take much time. However, regarding mechanical strength There are also more reliable options for roll waterproofing, for example, innovative injection technology.

It involves treating the moistened base with special impregnations. deep penetration. Under the influence of water, the components of the composition are transformed into crystals that penetrate the pores of concrete to a depth of 15-25 cm and make it waterproof.

Today, the injection method of waterproofing is the most effective, but at the same time expensive and labor-intensive.

Choice waterproofing material and the type of its installation for external surfaces is determined by the cladding material used.

Insulation

Laying insulation on the outer part of the base goes 60-80 cm underground, that is thermal insulation material superimposed on the foundation walls located underground. To do this, a trench of the specified length and a width of 100 cm is dug along the entire facade.

The bottom of the trench is equipped drainage system to eliminate the risk of the thermal insulation material getting wet under the influence of groundwater.

At wet finishing of the façade, a layer of bitumen-based mastic or more modern liquid waterproofing is applied to the reinforced insulation. After this layer has dried, the cladding elements can be fixed.

When organizing a hanging system heat insulating material hung in sheets on the waterproofed surface of the plinth. A windproof membrane is applied over the insulation, after which both materials are screwed to the wall at 2-3 points. Belleville bolts are used as fasteners. Hanging system does not involve digging a trench.

The choice of insulation and its thickness are determined by climatic conditions, the type of building and the cladding used. An available option is extruded polystyrene foam. It demonstrates high thermal insulation, moisture resistance, and is lightweight. Due to the flammability of the insulation, its use requires the use of non-combustible basement finishing.

To organize ventilated systems, mineral wool (needs powerful hydro- and vapor barrier) or expanded polystyrene is used.

When using thermal panels with a clinker surface, they usually do without additional insulation. And polystyrene, polyurethane or mineral wool insulation is attached under the tiles.

Facing

The finishing features of the base depend on the selected material. The most simple option is the application of plaster.

Important point– regardless of the type of material, all work is carried out only on prepared, clean and dry substrates!

The dry plaster mixture is diluted with water, thoroughly mixed and applied in an even layer to the surface, leveling with a spatula. If you have artistic skills, you can give the surface a relief or make characteristic bulges and grooves that imitate a stone covering. A similar effect can be achieved using a special mold. It is applied to a fresh layer of plaster, pressing against the surface. By removing the form, you get a base for the masonry.

However, even without these delights, the plastered and painted base is reliably protected and quite attractive.

You can paint the plaster layer after it has completely dried.(in about 2-3 days). The surface is first sanded. For this purpose it is used acrylic paint. It is suitable for outdoor use and allows surfaces to “breathe”. It is acceptable to use coloring compounds based on silicone and polyurethane. It is better to avoid enamel analogues; they are not vapor-permeable and are environmentally hazardous.

More reliable is concrete finishing base In the future, the surfaces can be painted with concrete paints or decorated with vinyl panels, tiles, or brickwork.

This process is quite simple. First, a reinforcing mesh is fixed on the base (usually it is secured with dowels), then the formwork is installed and the concrete solution is poured. After hardening, it is necessary to remove the formwork and begin further finishing.

Cladding with natural stone due to its large mass, it requires strengthening the base. To do this, a reinforcing mesh is stretched over its surface, and plastering with concrete mortar is done on top of it. After drying, the concrete surface is primed with a deep penetration compound.

Now the stones are “set” on a special glue. It is important to immediately remove excess protruding glue. The use of beacons is not necessary, since the material still has different geometries. After waiting for the glue to completely harden, begin grouting the joints.

Installation artificial stone generally similar to that described above.

The only difference is that the stages of additional reinforcement of the base are skipped. There is no need to strengthen it, since artificial stone has much less weight than natural stone.

Clinker tiles It can also be glued to a completely flat surface of the plinth or continuous sheathing. True, to maintain the same space between the tiles, installation beacons are used. If they are absent, you can install a rod with round, the diameter of which is 6-8 mm. Laying starts from the corner, from left to right, from bottom to top.

To organize external corners, you can join tiles or use special corner elements. They can be pressed (solid right angles) or extruded (plastic analogues, the bend angle of which is specified by the user).

After the glue has hardened, you can begin filling the seams between the tiles. The work is carried out with a spatula or using a special tool (similar to those in which sealants are produced).

Siding plinth slabs They are attached only to the sheathing. It consists of metal profiles or wooden blocks. Meet and combined options. In any case, all frame elements must have moisture-resistant characteristics.

First of all, the brackets are installed. Sheet heat-insulating material is placed in the space between them. A waterproof film is first laid under it, and a windproof material is laid on top of it. Next, all 3 layers (heat-, hydro- and wind-proof materials) are fixed to the wall with dowels.

The sheathing structure is installed at a distance of 25-35 cm from the insulation. After this, the siding panels are attached with self-tapping screws. Additional strength of the connection is provided by locking elements. That is, the panels are additionally snapped together. Corners and other complex elements of the plinth are designed using additional elements.

Porcelain stoneware slabs also require the installation of a metal subsystem. The fixation of the tiles is carried out thanks to special fasteners, the compatible halves of which are located on the profiles and the tiles themselves.

Despite the strength of porcelain stoneware, its outer layer is very fragile. This should be taken into account during installation - minor damage will not only reduce the attractiveness of the coating, but also technical properties material, primarily the degree of resistance to moisture.

Flat slate fixed to a wooden subsystem using self-tapping screws. Installation begins from the corner, and upon completion of the cladding, the corners of the base are closed with special iron, zinc-coated corners. Immediately after this, you can begin painting the surface.

When cutting slate, it is important to protect your respiratory system, since at this moment asbestos dust, which is harmful to health, is floating around the workplace. Before installation, it is recommended to cover the material with a layer of antiseptic.

When choosing a plinth finishing option, it is better to give preference to thick-layer, wear-resistant materials. First of all, these are natural and artificial stone, clinker and porcelain tiles.
In addition, the material must be moisture resistant and durable. As for its thickness, in most cases you should choose the maximum (as far as the foundation and the surface of the base allow). For regions with harsh climatic conditions, as well as buildings in places of high humidity (a house near a river, for example), this recommendation is especially relevant.
If we talk about affordability, then plastering and cladding will cost less than other options. However, plastered surfaces have a shorter service life.

If you do not have a sufficient level of skill or have never done stone or tile cladding, it is better to entrust the work to a professional. It is unlikely that you will be able to complete the cladding flawlessly the first time. And the high cost of materials does not imply such “training” on it.
When choosing any material for cladding, give preference to good well-known manufacturers. In some cases, you can save money and purchase domestically produced tiles or panels. You can definitely do this by purchasing plaster mixtures. They are at Russian manufacturers quite high quality. It is better to buy clinker tiles from German (more expensive) or Polish (more affordable option) brands. Domestic ones usually do not meet the high requirements for the reliability of tiles.

Beautiful examples

The use of stone and brick when finishing the basement gives the buildings monumentality, good quality, and makes them respectable.

Painting and plastering of surfaces is usually used for small-height (up to 40 cm) plinths. The paint shade is usually darker than the color of the facade.

One of the latest finishing trends has become the tendency to “continue” the plinth, using the same material to finish the lower part of the facade.

You can highlight the basement of a building with color using siding panels. The solution can be gentle or contrasting.

As a rule, the shade or texture of the base is repeated in the decoration of facade elements or the use of a similar color when decorating the roof.

How to finish the foundation plinth yourself facade panels, learn from the next video.

The plinth represents the upper part of the foundation and is made to protect the walls from soil moisture and precipitation and insulate the entire house. You can protect the space under the floor different ways, depending on the selected material. I offer several examples of how to decorate the basement of a house with your own hands and give it a unique look.

My friend is a scientist and loves free time learn new professions. He's building Vacation home and helps me as a helper. The turn came to finishing the basement of his house. Among the rich selection of materials, Vadik could not give preference to one and asked to be an assistant. My team is small. During the season, I leave the office and put on work gloves. Now I have a helper who wants to do everything himself.

Purpose of finishing the base and basic technologies

The floor of the first floor is located at the border between the upper part of the foundation and the walls. The plinth partially protects the walls from moisture and the underground space from cold and dampness. This is not enough. For a comfortable atmosphere at home, it is necessary to provide additional protection to external surfaces. This type of finishing is especially important in the presence of a basement and basement rooms.

The basic operations to protect the foundation are the same for all types of finishing materials:

Preparation of the base surface.
Installation of finishing and additions.
External processing: decoration and protection.

Preparation consists of cleaning the surface from dirt and leveling it. Places where the solution crumbles are removed. The finishing is installed directly on the surface or on the sheathing. External treatment with special compounds additionally protects the finish from moisture and frost.

Finishing with natural and artificial stone

Base lined with natural stone

Finishing the foundation with natural stone looks great on any building, with the exception of a wooden house. The luxury of the bottom and the simple walls of logs are incompatible in style and cost. Stone is a durable material with a unique pattern. It is difficult to do the work yourself without experience. So my friend helped me and watched.

Stone is the most expensive finishing material. It's difficult to attach. You cannot go on the surface of the base of a wooden house. The foundation is designed for low weight of the structure, and such weighting can destroy it. On other buildings, stone has advantages:

beautiful view;
strength;
resistance to mechanical damage;
moisture and frost resistance.

First, we cleaned the surface of the base from dirt. Then we went over it with a wire brush, removing everything that was loosely falling off. After that, Vadik walked around the perimeter of the house with a vacuum cleaner. You can simply sweep away small particles with a brush. Notches must be made on concrete surfaces to ensure good retention of the mortar.

A high-quality artificial stone, made from natural ingredients, with proper care, can last 45-50 years.

Using a level and a cord, we cut out a horizontal line indicating the top of the trim. The lower edge can be left uneven; it will be covered with a blind area.

Natural and artificial stone are attached in the same way, using cement glue. You can use a regular solution and make a complex protective coating. It does not have additional components that make it resistant to moisture and frost. For better adhesion, the base of the house can be sprayed with water shortly before applying the solution.

Vadik diluted the finished product with water glue mixture. He helped me apply it to the surface of the foundation. I laid the stone starting from the top line. When finishing with smooth slabs of artificial and natural stone, you can lay them out from below, marking each row. The base looks good with a flat top. It is also easier to protect it from rain by low tides.

After 3 days we came to this house again. The finish was dry and we needed to finish the job. Now Vadik applied colored sealant to the seams with his own hands. Covered the entire surface of the stone with a water-repellent compound. Now moisture and frost are not dangerous for the foundation of the house. The ebb tides were fixed on top along the perimeter.

Laying clinker tiles

Clinker tiles create the appearance of brickwork. Foundation finishing looks good when the rows are straight. After preparing the surface, we marked horizontal lines for each row. They did not wet it. The glue is applied to the back of the tile. And sticks to the base. To create the appearance of overlap, we started the rows with corner elements alternately with the short and long sides.

When doing the finishing yourself, remember that you need to dilute the glue a little. It hardens quickly, 20 - 30 minutes. For myself, I do it immediately based on 2 square meters. Vadik made the first portion 4 times smaller. Then, as he acquired skills, he increased it. I immediately remove any excess mortar protruding between the tiles. The next day we arrived and cleaned up the seams on the foundation and covered them with contrasting paint. The clinker tiles themselves do not absorb moisture and are resistant to frost. IN additional protection only needs glue.

Polymer sand panels are easy to attach

After finishing the base with stone and clinker tiles, my friend and I installed the polymer sand panels on the foundation in a day.

Covered the base protective composition.
Done wooden sheathing, placing the slats vertically.
We filled the space between the slats with mineral wool.
The panels were mounted on the frame.
The joints were sealed.
Covered with a water-repellent composition.

We were finishing the foundation of a wooden house. The surface must be protected from destruction by bark beetles and other insects. For this purpose there are special compounds. Polymer sand panels are durable and flexible at the same time. Their cost is significantly lower than that of artificial stone and clinker. For owners who are deciding how to decorate a basement inexpensively, this is a convenient option. Especially if you do it yourself.

If insulation is not done, then polymer sand panels can be glued directly to the surface of the foundation. They are fixed to each other using protrusions and lowerings under them, and snap into place like buttons. The material is easily cut with an abrasive disc. They are attached to the surface of the base and walls of the house with glue and self-tapping screws.

Siding with insulation

To protect and insulate the house, siding with insulation is used. For a wooden house, it is good to finish the foundation and walls at the same time. The right combination of panels will change the appearance of the building and turn it into a luxurious home. Siding will protect it from destruction.

We started by treating the surface of the facade. Everything was cleaned and coated with a protective compound. Then they made the sheathing. Using a level, we drew a horizon line from the top point of the soil near the foundation. Then, parallel to it, the dividing line between the base and the walls. Checked the level. We marked vertical lines for racks less than a meter wide. The work is simple and requires attention. Anyone can do everything with their own hands.

Attached to the walls according to the markings wooden slats. The space between them was filled with insulation. A film was stretched over the top to allow moisture to drain when dew formed. The starting profile for finishing the foundation was screwed to the bottom rail with self-tapping screws. A J-profile was installed at the corners.

We started installing the panels from the lower left corner. The bottom part was inserted into the groove and the top was screwed to the sheathing posts. Last, on the base, were installed the corner elements. The edges were hidden under the extensions.

The plinth is one of the most important parts private home: it is designed to protect the house from deformation, withstanding temperature changes, as well as numerous climatic precipitations. Therefore, facing the foundation plays an important role in the construction of a house. In this article we will give instructions on how to finish the base with your own hands.

Finishing material

To decorate the base, the following are most often used:

Artificial or natural stone.
Siding.
Tiles or panels for facade finishing.
Profiled sheet.
Special coatings.

The choice of one or another finishing material is determined both by the preference of the owner of the house and his financial situation.

Artificial or natural stone

It is made from concrete mortar using certain dyes, as well as additives that allow the finishing material to withstand temperature changes. Cladding the base with artificial stone has a number of advantages:

The effect of finishing with natural stone.
Inexpensive cost of finishing materials.
Long service life of artificial stone due to the increased strength of the material.

Natural stone is much more expensive than artificial stone, but it itself has higher strength than artificial stone. Most often used in finishing:

Granite.
River (sea) stone.
Sandstone.
Marble.

Siding finishing

Recently, finishing material such as siding has become increasingly popular. It is a panel made from a pressed polymer composite with the inclusion of various additives that give strength to the material. Siding has a number of undeniable advantages:

Increased strength.
Resistance to various climatic conditions: rain or snow, and temperature changes.
Does not require maintenance.
Allows installation in any weather on any type of base.

If necessary, preliminary work can be carried out to insulate the basement.

Tiles or panels

Tiles or panels for external walls provide a wide range of possibilities not only for finishing, but also for decorating a private home. This finishing material is made of dense concrete with small pores, which significantly increases the strength characteristics of the tile. Wide choose color range allows you to choose the right shades suitable for your home.

Profiled sheet

Profiled sheets are often used in finishing. However, it should never be used if the house is built from wooden beams. Since corrugated sheets are susceptible to corrosion when exposed to moisture, they can contribute to rapid rotting of the wooden base of a house.

Finishing process

Depending on the type of foundation and the chosen finishing material, finishing technology may vary.

The base, made of natural stone, does not need finishing. However, a foundation made of concrete or brick requires finishing work. Pile foundation needs reinforced frame, on which the finishing material will be placed. A wooden house cannot be finished until it shrinks.

If during the construction of the house a pile foundation, you first need to build a frame around the base. For this you can use both wooden slats and galvanized metal profiles.

Wooden slats are not durable. Therefore, when making a choice in their favor, you need to understand that in a few years you will have to repeat the finishing work again along with replacing the frame.

The frame is fastened on piles using self-tapping screws. Thermal insulation material is attached to the frame, which is primed with a special moisture-proof finishing material.

A concrete or brick foundation needs preparation: it must be cleaned of dust and dirt; its surface must be leveled using a special solution. Only after this is a moisture-proof primer applied, onto which the selected finishing material is subsequently laid.

Each finishing material for the foundation of a private house needs correct landing to the base of the building. For example, tiles or panels for a facade require the use of a certain type of adhesive solution. Natural or artificial stone is “set” on a concrete solution. Siding can be attached using either glue or self-tapping screws. Some types of panels or tiles for facade finishing have special grooves and ridges with which the elements are mounted with each other. In order for the finishing material to adhere to the base, it is necessary to support it with the help of special slats or overlays.

If finishing is planned, it should be borne in mind that it is advisable to make the base a darker color than the main color of the facade. Some materials, such as natural stone, require additional treatment with moisture-repellent agents that will extend the service life of this finishing material.

Photo

Video

From this video you will learn how to decorate a basement with siding.

What material is best for cladding the basement of a house? This question worries many who are faced with the need to finish this structure. The base encircles the entire house and is important element, which protects the structure (especially its lower part) from the harmful influences of the environment. In addition, it plays an important decorative role.

There are several types of house basement, each with its own characteristics. Various forms are shown in the photo:

Sunken. This type is a structure that is located offset inward relative to the main facade. The recess is most often at least 50 mm. This device allows you to perform the work at low cost, and also make the drain less noticeable.
In one plane. This option requires complex sealing, so the drainage system must be fixed at the general construction stage. This will avoid further problems.
Speaker. To sheathe such a base at home with your own hands, it is necessary (as in the previous version) to carefully consider the drainage system. If it is not installed correctly, water accumulates in the area separating the foundation and the wall. To avoid such troubles, moisture removal is planned taking into account the finishing of the facade.

Drain device for a protruding plinth when finishing the facade with siding

On a note! When choosing material for cladding, you should take into account the design features.

Necessity of finishing

If the finishing of the foundation of the house has not been completed earlier or the old cladding has become unusable, then external cladding must be done. Its main functions:

Protecting the foundation of the house from environmental influences ( atmospheric precipitation, sunlight, wind). This allows you to significantly increase the durability of the entire structure.
Additional insulation. If required, a layer of thermal insulation is created, which can be associated with insulation of the blind area. This procedure not only improves the energy efficiency of the building, but also protects it from many problems. The top facing layer will hide the insulation and serve as an additional barrier against the penetration of cold.
Decorative. The area is properly finished and suitable material, can emphasize the overall direction of the design.

Based on these parameters, the construction products necessary for the work are selected.

How to cover the foundation of a house outside?

The material for the base is purchased taking into account the following factors:

They also pay attention to the manufacturer of the product and the place of purchase. It is better to give preference to trusted brands and specialized retail outlets.

Types of finishing materials for the plinth and features of their installation

When choosing a material, you need to consider the method of its installation. There are options that are mounted directly on the walls, but there are also those that require the construction of a frame.

Materials for finishing the foundation installed on the sheathing are relatively new products. This list includes types that differ in technical characteristics.

Panels

This includes panels made from different materials; this group usually includes siding and corrugated board. When choosing, it is better to give preference to options that are made specifically for finishing the base. They have more durable characteristics and may include an additional layer of thermal insulation.

Covering the base with decorative panels

Among the advantages of the product are:

Availability. Indeed, it is precisely this variety that makes it possible to perform work inexpensively. This option allows you to get a balance of price and quality. But you should refuse products with too low a cost. Most likely, they are made of low-quality plastic, which will quickly become unusable.
Easy to install. Paneling is done using a tool that everyone has at their disposal. home handyman, so there is no need to involve specialists for the work.
Possibility of additional thermal insulation. Installation on a frame solves two problems at once - ventilation and insulation. This will prevent the coating from freezing, reduce heat loss and the likelihood of mold and mildew.

Decorative. The panels, especially the plinth ones, have a well-defined imitation natural materials. That is, the tiled area fits perfectly into the design idea and the environment.

Attention! Choosing the wrong product can seriously spoil the result. For example, corrugated sheeting for such a process must have increased rigidity, that is, have a durable top coating.

Porcelain tiles and types of tiles

For cladding the base, mainly porcelain stoneware and clinker tiles in the form of large parts are used. The second option can also be laid using the wet method, in which case fragments of material are used. Porcelain tiles, due to their heavy weight, are installed only on the sheathing, and it must have increased reliability.

Advantages of porcelain stoneware and tiles:

Light load on the structure. This effect is achieved due to the frame, which takes on the main pressure.
Fast installation. It is possible to cover the foundation of a house in a short period of time, but doing this without some experience is extremely problematic. Porcelain tiles require the installation of special fasteners, which is not always possible without understanding the process. The tiles are fixed much easier; for this there are special metal ears.
Durability. The service life of such foundation materials is calculated in decades.
Moisture resistance. The parts do not absorb water well, so they are not subject to deformation.

Such foundation materials have a significant disadvantage - high cost. No need to purchase cheap tiles, since this often indicates low quality. For work, a variety for the street with the “Snowflake” icon is used.

An alternative to tiles can be artificial stone. The elements are installed on the sheathing through special holes or directly.

On a note! At the moment, thermal panels that combine the advantages of panels and tiles are becoming increasingly popular. They are a base with insulation, on which clinker tiles are applied.

How to sheathe a foundation using sheathing

All options for finishing the plinth, which involve installation on the sheathing, have general technology cladding structure:

Work begins with preparing the base. It is cleaned of dust and dirt, all cracks are carefully covered with putty. If there is serious damage, then before finishing the basement of the house, it is advisable to strengthen the foundation.
Due to the fact that this part of the building is exposed to greater moisture, it is treated with antiseptics. It is better to impregnate in several layers.
After preparing the surface, the frame is erected. For this purpose, a wooden beam or metallic profile. It is important to consider that wood needs to be treated against rot, and metal parts Do not cut with a grinder, this leads to corrosion.
The racks are installed perpendicular to the direction of laying the material. If the products have identical sides, then the vertical method is considered preferable.
Insulation is placed in the resulting cells. It is fixed with special anchors.
Mounted between frame posts vertical connections and space is left for installing the low tide.
The material for finishing the base is laid in several ways: overlapping, using a tongue-and-groove connection, using special brackets or clamps. Fixation is done with self-tapping screws. If the products are subject to thermal expansion, then the fasteners are loose.
The ebb is installed.

For foundations finished with panel elements, additional moldings are used. They are installed on corners for a better decorative look.

Frameless method

It is possible to veneer the base of a house without the help of a frame; for these purposes, they are used different variants products.

Brick

Features of the material:

Excellent for pile or block foundations. But to install brickwork, it is necessary to create a reliable support.
The resulting coating has good resistance to external influences.
Products with low moisture absorption are used for work. If this parameter is not taken into account, the surface will become deformed.
This type of plinth finishing is not affordable, and the work requires some experience.

Algorithm for creating masonry:

The coating undergoes a preparation procedure.
If there is no reliable support, then foundation block. He burrows into the prepared pit. This is especially true for pile foundations.
Waterproofing is laid on top of the base. Roofing felt can act in this capacity.
The first row is installed after a thorough level check. In this case, the spoon masonry option is more suitable.
To ensure reliability, a bundle is arranged. To do this, anchors are installed in the foundation. If this method is not possible, then wire fixed to the piles is used.
The ebb is installed.

The difficulty lies in the need to reliably lay the bricks.

Artificial and natural stone

Facing the foundation with artificial or natural stone is not the most simple task, this is especially true for the second option. Both varieties have excellent technical parameters in terms of durability and reliability, but natural products require more careful care and are expensive.

Laying natural stone is carried out as follows:

Regardless of what type of finishing is used, the surface must be carefully prepared.
Due to the heavy load, the foundation should be covered with reinforcing mesh and covered with a layer of plaster.
Laying of parts occurs after drawing up the markings. If the fragments are of irregular shape, then they are first laid out on a flat area.
Fixation is carried out using a special glue, which is applied to the surface, the underside of the parts is slightly moistened.
A small gap must be left between the fragments; it compensates for thermal expansion.
If required, grouting of joints and installation of flashing is carried out.

Using a similar principle, the basement of a house is finished using artificial stone and tiles.

Plaster

Plaster is the most economical option, allowing you to perform work without the involvement of specialists and complex equipment. For this process it is used special type mixtures for external use.

On a note! Finishing the foundation with your own hands using plaster is carried out using two methods: without additional thermal insulation and with insulation.

General technology of work:

The surface is being prepared.
A layer of glue is applied to which the heat-insulating material is fixed.
After the composition dries, the insulation is additionally strengthened with special dowels.
Next, a small layer of mortar or glue is applied to the surface, after which a thin reinforcing mesh is stretched. It should be completely covered with the mixture.
The surface is left to dry.
The final layer is plaster. A spatula is used to apply it, and a rule is used to level it.
Upon completion of the work, the surface is covered with a protective layer of paint.

This method allows you to bind the insulation to the thermal insulation of the blind area.

Decorating the base

Decorative finishing of the foundation is considered an integral part of the process. The following options apply:

Coloring. It is carried out even after the passage of time. You can choose the shade that best suits the cladding of the house and highlights the base.
Use of decorative or textured plaster. This material is tinted and may include a fraction of natural stones or sand. This gives an unusual effect when applied correctly.

Decorative plaster in the design of the basement floor

Creating a relief surface. For this, a simple facade plaster, on which an imitation of stone or brick masonry is formed. Additionally, painting in different tones is carried out.
The simplest is the use of materials with the desired imitation.

Working with a plinth is a rather complex undertaking, the basis of which is the correct choice of products.

The plinth is the lower part of the façade foundation. It is designed to protect the walls from dirt and mechanical damage, as well as raise the house to optimal height, for example, for protection against flooding.

In the question of how to finish the base, it is important to choose durable materials, which will not only add an aesthetic appearance to the belt, but also make it more functional and easy to maintain.

Advantages and disadvantages of finishing the base

According to building codes, the height of the decorative basement of the house should not be lower than 50-70 cm, but there are cases when it is raised to a height of 150 cm from the soil surface. This is justified if there are basements and garages under the building. Do-it-yourself decorative finishing of the base solves the following problems:

protection of the foundation and its above-ground part from the effects of moisture that reaches its surface from the atmosphere. The barrier allows you to maintain optimal humidity parameters in the basement and throughout the house;
protection of houses from temperature changes, which allows smoothing the indoor microclimate in winter and summer;
decoration of the facade, making the building look more holistic and respectable.

Despite the obvious advantages, the use of finishing may lead to condensation on the surface of the basement walls. How does this happen? Water vapor that forms in the interior of the room escapes to the outside, hitting the waterproof barrier that serves as the finish. The low hydrophobicity of the finishing material can also lead to its peeling off in winter.

To avoid this, you must follow the rules for compatibility of the plinth structure and finish. For example, paint is well compatible with brick, but is unnatural for concrete coverings. This must be taken into account when choosing finishing materials.

Finishing with plastic panels

The main advantage that plastic panels demonstrate is the absence of wet work. The panels are attached to the surface of the facade of a private house using a wooden or metal frame. After mounting it, a starting profile is installed at the bottom of the structure. Then the rest of the material is installed using the tongue-and-groove method.

Base processing plastic panels By outside depends on its shape. If it is built in the form of a ledge, then it is necessary to use a special ebb; if it is built flush with the wall, then a transition strip is needed that will connect the panels and the finishing material of the upper part of the facade of the house.

When finishing the protruding part of the foundation with panels, you must adhere to the following rules:

screw the screws into the foundation surface horizontally to avoid tilting as much as possible;
Do not screw in the screws all the way. It is necessary to leave a thermal gap of 2 mm;
It is better to cut the panels with a cutter, saw or jigsaw;
if the first panel that is mounted on the frame needs to be trimmed, then there is no need to install a starting profile;
the starting strip and curb are attached in increments of 300 mm;
To install one panel, you must use at least five self-tapping screws.

Finishing with decorative plaster

This material consists of small grains with a diameter of 0.8 to 3.0 mm, which, when applied to the surface of the foundation of a private house, create the impression of a multi-colored mosaic. Its main component is resin, which protects the base from the penetration of moisture from the outside, but releases vapor masses from its internal part.

Before treating the wall with decorative plaster, you can prepare the surface using cement or gypsum plaster. This is not necessary, since it interacts normally with concrete. The preparatory solution is used to level the surface and improve adhesion. When using the material, it is necessary to avoid contact with lime or heat-saving plaster.

Decorative plaster is applied to the surface of the foundation of a private house manually.

The only tool that is used is a stainless steel grater. The mass is thrown onto the wall in a layer with a thickness equal to the size of the grains included in its composition. Before it dries, the mass must be smoothed evenly with a grater.

Movements of the grater should be made in one direction. To avoid the appearance of transitions between strokes of plaster, it is better to perform the work using the “wet to wet” method. After completing the work, the base must be protected with a water repellent for several days from the harmful effects of sun and rain.

Types of tiles and panels for finishing the base

Tiles are used to imitate natural surfaces - stone, brick, etc. Its advantage is a thinner surface and faster installation. The following tiles are produced for finishing the foundation:

clinker;
stone tiles;
polymer sand tiles;

Clinker tiles imitate the surface of brick. It exactly repeats its dimensions, except for the thickness. When installing the material, it is important to lay out the first row correctly.

To do this, you need to calculate the layout level. The calculation is done as follows: divide the height of the base by the width of the tile, increased by the width of the seam. If you end up with an empty gap, after all the tiles have been laid, it can be sealed with acrylic or polyurethane compound.

Stone tiles are installed on the foundation of a wooden house in the same way as clinker tiles. It is laid out one by one on the surface of the foundation, fastening the material with an adhesive solution.

It is important to use special glue for working with stone, otherwise the structure may become cracked. If small-format tiles are installed, then it is customary to leave 5 mm seams between its elements, and 10 mm between large ones. At the final stage, they are sealed with frost-resistant jointing material.

Polymer sand tiles imitate torn stone or brickwork. Its advantage is its light weight, so the material can be used for finishing a wooden house. Such tiles are mounted using screws to the sheathing. It is advisable to make insulation between it and the layer of material.

Finishing the base with DSP panels

The name of the DSP material stands for cement-bonded particle boards. Their main advantage is low cost and fire resistance.

The properties of the DSP panel make it a suitable option for finishing a country house or wooden house. It is resistant to termite and rodent damage, which is also important for private homes. The material consists of cement, wood shavings, and mineralizing additives. They make the panels resistant to the spread of fungus and mold.

DSP is not only a finishing material, but also additional insulation of the base wooden structure. Insulation for the basement is important if it contains a basement.

By choosing insulation using DSP, the developer receives better thermal insulation than it provides mineral wool or polystyrene foam. At the same time, the design of the DSP does not require additional decoration.

The DSP is mounted on brackets or bars. This method allows you to lay out insulation under the slab. It is secured with mushroom dowels. Then a wind barrier is installed, which is also held together by fungi. Next, the sheathing is installed. It is necessary to leave a gap of 10 mm between the frame and the wind barrier. At the end, the DSP is attached to the insulation using self-tapping screws.

Finishing the base with your own hands (video)

Covering the base with corrugated sheets

Sheathing with corrugated sheeting is advisable for arranging the base of a wooden building, since this material allows you to extend the life of wood that is vulnerable to external factors. Galvanized sheets are used for these purposes. load-bearing type. Sheathing with corrugated sheets is done as follows:

install the frame at a short distance from the surface of the base. Air bag will provide additional insulation and sound insulation;
cover it with corrugated sheets along or across (the vertical installation method will protect the facade from rain or snow);
to fasten the sheets, screws are used, screwed in every 25-30 cm;
check fasteners for strength;
paint the joints with enamel.

If the structure is used for cladding brick foundation, then insulation is carried out using plasterboard, wood, or a special film.