The construction of the house is completed, interior decoration- Same. All that remains is to “dress” the house from the outside. And then the question arises: which is better: clinker brick or tile, vinyl siding or full stone cladding? The answer is simple: siding. It is the sheathing plastic panels is within the power of the home owner, and it is considered the easiest option for facade finishing.

Plastic panels as finishing material

Owners of private houses strive to improve their home while spending as little money as possible, so they resort to siding wall decoration. Plastic is a practical material from the point of view of home-grown master builders, and therefore is used for both internal and external exterior finishing walls Today, PVC panels (polyvinyl chloride) are common, using which you can not only hide wall defects, but also decorate the facade of the house.

Plastic false lining is an excellent option for decorative finishing of a private home: the color of the panels allows them to be used as wooden cladding

pros

A variety of colors - siding made of PVC panels involves not only imitation of lining, but also natural material (stone, wood, granite).
Affordable price.
Aesthetics - the facade of the house looks neat compared to ordinary plaster. In addition, the panels will hide any defect in the surface of the walls and not even flat wall.
Convenience and speed of installation - due to their light weight, plastic panels are quickly attached to walls and are easy to process (cut).
Good technical characteristics - moisture resistance, frost resistance, resistance to fungal infections, low flammability.
Durability - plastic panels are resistant to fading and can last for several decades (10–15 years according to the manufacturers’ warranty).
Flexibility.

Minuses

Poor impact resistance - they are easily damaged during transportation; when working with the material, the material should be handled as carefully as possible.
Not all types of PVC panels can be attached directly to the wall - installation usually requires the installation of sheathing.
Harmful emissions when burning.

Note: the strength properties of the panels will depend on the thickness of the sheet and the number of stiffeners. Therefore, to check the strength, you should press on the surface of the material: the more stiffening ribs in the sheet, the less likely it is to sag and the longer the service life of the finish.

Types of panels

All plastic panels for exterior decoration of house walls can be combined into several groups:

Stone finish. It is clear that natural stone for wall decoration is quite expensive, so PVC panels used as cladding will be a good substitute. This means that plastic with imitation of natural stone will look no worse, but the advantages are obvious: more a light weight and less load on the foundation of the house, excellent decor.
Brick finish. Ordinary decorative brick, clinker brick or brick tiles - these materials are no less expensive than natural stone, but plastic can easily imitate them. Today, manufacturers offer two types of decorative plastic panels - homogeneous and combined structure. In the first case, the material is homogeneous, has an even color and has no layers. In the second case, the panel has an additional insulating layer, usually polystyrene foam. The advantage of this finish is that it can be fixed at any temperature (unlike brick).
Wood finish. This is the so-called lining - the most common material that imitates wood. You can use false lining for house cladding for any house architecture: it is easy to attach and there are no installation difficulties.

Construction stores today offer various imitations finishes: brick, stone, lining and even decorative plaster

Plastic panels for finishing the base (foundation) should be included in a separate group - they must be stronger and thicker, must be mounted with insulation and have increased moisture resistance.

Calculation of the amount of material

From correct calculation Not only the economical purchase of material will depend, but also the correctness of quick installation.

Let's look at an example of how to correctly calculate the material. A house diagram is being prepared indicating all dimensions - the total length of the walls, the presence, number and sizes of window and door openings, the presence of a plinth, etc. Based on calculations, siding will be purchased - the area of door and window openings is subtracted from the total area of the house, the resulting figure and will be the required amount of material.

Smat = (Shouse - Swindow - Sdoor) + 5%, where
Smat, Shouse, Swindow, Sdoor - the area of materials, walls of the house, windows and doors, respectively, and 5% is the addition of material to the total area.

To determine the area of the wall for cladding, it is enough to know the dimensions of the wall, window and door (if any)

Thus we get:

Smat = (Shouse - Swindow - Sdoor) + 5% = (3.8m*7.2m-1.6m*2.2m) + 5% = 25.032, or 25.03 m 2 - this is the amount of material required for finishing

If it is additionally planned to cover the base/foundation of the house and the pediment, then their areas are calculated in the same way: the foundation is calculated by the area of the rectangle, the pediment by the area of the triangle.

Required tools and materials

Despite the ease of installation of plastic panels, you will still need minimal tool skills:

Electric drill, screwdriver, electric jigsaw. They will cut the panels to the required size, and use an electric drill and screwdriver to attach the panels to the sheathing or walls.
Miter box for jigsaw. This “auxiliary” tool will allow you to cut all panels to the same length and chamfer.
Construction level, stapler. The level will measure the equality of the panels, and the stapler will attach the layers of heat, hydro and vapor barrier.
The panels themselves are the right color.
Consumables: fasteners, corners, screws, brackets, insulation, waterproofing, vapor barrier film.
Profiles: starting and finishing (necessary for fixing plastic siding)
Decorative corners, components.

Mounting methods

There are several of them: for staples, liquid nails, screws, clamps.

The type of fastening will depend on the weight of the panel and the presence/absence of sheathing

Liquid nails are used to fasten the panels to a perfectly flat surface; instead, special glue for PVC panels is also used.

Using self-tapping screws or staples, you can fasten the panels either to the sheathing or without it - directly to the wall. A screwdriver is required for fixing.

Fastening with clamps is similar to fastening with self-tapping screws. The panels are fixed to the frame securely and firmly.

Step-by-step instruction

Preparatory work

At this stage, the preparatory work boils down to removing the old finish from the walls (if any), filling up potholes, chips, cracks in the walls, minimally plastering the surface and treating the walls with a primer with moisture-repellent properties. It is not necessary to make it “beautiful”, because all the defects of the wall will be hidden behind the panels.

Also to preparatory work include marking the surface of the walls for installing the lathing frame.

Note: when covering walls with siding panels prerequisite is laying a vapor and waterproofing layer with insulation.

Installation frame

Here you need to decide on the type of frame - wood or metal profiles. Both options are the same in terms of construction; the only difference is cost and durability. So, before making a frame from timber, it is necessary to impregnate all the material with an antiseptic composition - it will protect the tree from harmful insects and fungal infections. Of course wooden frame could be cheaper by initial stage construction, however, it will last less than metal.

A frame made of metal profiles, and even galvanized, will cost more - but its service life will be longer. In addition, there is no need for costs for additional processing of the structure.

According to the markings, the main slats are first attached to the walls - they will become supporting ones, on which the sheathing itself will then be installed. The sheathing is a honeycomb, in the cells of which insulating material, a hydro- and vapor barrier layer are laid.

Note: Despite the seemingly expensive design, additional layers increase thermal insulation and noise insulation characteristics of the house.

The frame (wooden or metal) is fastened to the wall with self-tapping screws; the fastening points must be treated with an antiseptic (for a wooden frame) or a primer (for metal profiles). The sheathing pitch is 0.3 - 0.5 m, all ends must be secured to avoid “sagging”. The fastening pitch is 25–30 cm.

Laying the “layer”

The sheathing frame is arranged in such a way that the panels are attached to the wall with some “air” gap, or layer. This gap is necessary so that the surface of the main wall does not rot, condensation does not accumulate on it, and the under-frame space is ventilated.

In addition, it is necessary to lay thermal insulation (as a rule, these are either sheets of foam plastic, or mineral or glass wool) and a waterproofing layer (so that the wall surface does not “flow” when there is a temperature difference between the inside and outside). You can also lay a vapor barrier film - it additionally prevents the formation of condensation on the surface of the main wall.

After the layer has filled the honeycomb of the frame, you can begin to fix the finishing material.

Installation of panels on lathing

The panels themselves have two edges, on one side there is a shelf that is attached to the frame, on the other there is a “lock” shelf, which is what holds two adjacent panels together.

Important: the covering of the entire wall will depend on how carefully the first panel is fastened; it will become the guide for the entire finish.

Plastic panels are attached to the sheathing and at the same time snapped into place (with a key connection)

The sequence of work when installing the panels is as follows:

Profiles - starting and finishing - are mounted on the installed sheathing. The first panel is laid into the lower profile, then slightly bent and inserted into the upper profile. After installation, the panel is secured with self-tapping screws. The next panel is installed in the same way, placing the lower part in the lower profile, the upper part in the upper one and fixing the panels along the sheathing.
The last panel must be cut to the required length on the side of the large shelf. Next, the panel is inserted into a niche prepared for it and closed with a decorative corner.

Note: the installation method described above is for panels with a vertical fastening method. At horizontal way When laying the panels, all steps are repeated, only the main and guide profiles are attached to the beginning and end of the wall.

In both cases, the panels are deflected across the sheathing

Wall cladding can be secured with self-tapping screws, nails, and even staples or liquid nails. However, experts advise using hidden fastener clamps - with their help the panels are sewn to the sheathing. By the way, if the walls of the house are built of brick, foam concrete or are made of logs, fastening the siding with clamps will be in the best possible way- the fastener will not damage the material and will become quite reliable.

Advice: if the walls of the house have sufficient thermal insulation, then laying insulation material not required. Only hydro- and vapor barrier layers can be attached to the frame.

Fastening panels without sheathing

There are cases when installing lathing is impractical, and you have to mount the panels directly on the wall of the house. How to make the cladding in this case, what are the advantages and disadvantages of this finishing method?

Advantages:

Saving time and money on sheathing - no frame construction required, no hassles with sheathing required. The panels are fixed directly to the wall.
The method is suitable for wooden frame or panel houses- the walls of such a house themselves are multi-layered, the insulation is already “sewn” into them and no additional thermal insulation is required.
In addition to plastic panels, the function of which is limited to decoration, panel walls Such houses can be additionally sheathed with composite sheets. The sheets act as a support, providing strength and rigidity to the walls, so siding sheets can be installed directly on the wall of the house.

Flaws:

The absence of a gap between the sheathing and the main wall - an unventilated wall is more quickly susceptible to fungal attack, rotting and destruction.
The frameless method of attaching plastic panels is only suitable for perfectly flat walls.

Panel installation frameless method somewhat simplified, in contrast to fastening the panels to the sheathing.

Installation is carried out directly on the wall, fastening is frameless

Advice: despite the apparent perfect evenness of the walls, they must be plumb to avoid deviations from the verticals.

After checking the evenness of the walls, you can begin marking them. First, mark the boundary from which the starting cladding strip will begin.

Important! You can begin fixing the siding using the frameless method only after covering the base. In this case, the ebb for the foundation is first installed.

In addition to ebb and flow, frameless installation uses various decorative fittings - with its help you can hide defects and panel joints, and play up the transitions from walls to openings.

Final works

After the panels are fixed, no less important work begins - decorative design joints, corners, framing of window and door openings. Here you can show your taste. So, to highlight certain areas (for example, windows and doors), you can use decorative strips and corners a tone darker than the color of the main trim. The same applies to the cladding of the foundation (basement): the bottom can be decorated in dark colors, and the frame is in light, contrasting colors.

A good solution was the contrast of the foundation with the facade finishing and the framing of the ebbs in a shade darker than the wall cladding

Paneling the walls of a house, like any other work, has a certain sequence of actions. To produce correct installation siding, you must follow the manufacturers' recommendations.

The quality of the finish will largely depend on what sheets were purchased. So, you shouldn’t buy vinyl siding if:

the stiffening ribs are deformed, even slightly;
the coating is at least slightly different in tone;
there are defects or minor scratches on the surface;
panels do not match in size.

You cannot work with cold material - otherwise you can damage the sheet beyond repair.
You should first prepare " work area» - clear the surface of the walls, sand out cracks if possible.
When cutting panels to the required length, the sheets should be kept face up. In this case, the protective film can be removed after the panels are fixed to the wall.
When attaching panels to the sheathing, special thermal washers are used, placed under the fasteners - they are used as equalizers for plastic. In hot weather, the attachment points may become deformed, the plastic will crack and can easily fly off the sheathing.
If you plan to lay electrical wiring under the panels, then it is necessary to mark in advance the places for laying the cable and arrange special grooves for it from flexible strips.

Video: how to cover the walls of a house with stone siding with your own hands

Work with vinyl siding under the lining, at first glance, is simple. However, when installing the panels you should be extremely careful, since one incorrectly fastened panel can subsequently distort the entire finish. Therefore, it is advisable to adhere to all recommendations for working with plastic panels, and if such work is carried out for the first time, then you must consult with specialists.

High-quality finishing of the facade of the house will reduce heat loss, protect the walls from the influence of bad weather conditions, and give the building an aesthetic appearance. Currently, façade panels have gained wide popularity. They are produced in different sizes, colors, textures. The beautiful appearance of the material allows you to turn even a poor structure into a real architectural masterpiece. Used in panel production artificial materials significantly increased their service life in contrast to analogues made from natural raw materials. An important factor when choosing is the low weight of the slabs, which reduces the pressure on the foundation of the house. There are many types of facade slabs, and each of them has its own instructions for installation. Today we will look at how to properly install facade panels with your own hands.

The main composition of fiber cement panels is cement with mineral fillers and reinforcing fibers. It is the fibers that give flexibility to a durable slab, and fillers with cement increase resistance to external influences.

Installation of the slabs is carried out on a frame fixed to the facade, directly on the wall or load-bearing frame Houses:

thin slabs (14 mm) are fixed through through holes to the frame with galvanized screws. The screw caps are painted with a special paint to match the color of the panels. For ventilated facades, slabs can be installed with a gap of 40mm. On frame walls maintain a gap of at least 15 mm. A gap of 10 mm is left between the upper and lower panels for filling with sealant;
Installation of fiber panels with a thickness of 16 mm or more is carried out on the wall or supporting frame of the house. The plates are fixed with clamps, which make horizontal seams invisible.

Manufacturing a frame for a ventilated facade

In order to correctly install facade panels with your own hands for a ventilated facade, you need to build a frame on which the fiberboards will be supported. For this:

The frame is made from vertical and horizontal metal profiles. Vertical profiles are attached to horizontal ones. In the future, slabs will be fixed to them.
The frame is secured to the wall with brackets through a paronite gasket. When the house settles, paronite will reduce the impact on the frame structure. The vertical brackets are mounted in increments of 1000 mm, and the horizontal spacing is maintained at 600 mm.
Insulation is laid between the frame elements, secured to the wall with wide-headed dowels. Foam plastic, mineral wool, and basalt slab are used as insulation. The insulation is pulled on top vapor barrier film.

Preparatory work

Before installing the slabs, they are screwed to the frame with self-tapping screws with a wide head. additional elements:

The basement ebb is fixed 50-100 mm above the blind area of the building. It will reduce the foundation getting wet from rain.
All vertical guides are equipped with clamps for fastening the plates. The first row of clamps is located above the ebb.
Maintaining a vertical level, install a seam bar to help correctly lay the slabs together.

Installation of fiberboards

The plates are put on the lower clamps, fixing them on top with the same fasteners. Then repeat a similar process. The outer corners of the slab connections are made with the end being trimmed at an angle of 45° or without trimming. The joint is treated with sealant and painted over with paint to match the color of the panel.

Japanese fiber panels

The appearance of Japanese fiber panels brought them immediate popularity. The most common slabs from companies: Nichiha, KMEW, Konoshima. The thickness of Japanese slabs ranges from 14 to 21 mm. Characteristic for all panels standard size 3.03x0.455 m. The same size of Japanese slabs and similarity in fastening gives the advantage of interchangeability during repairs.

Façade finishing with Japanese panels

Japanese fiber panels are fixed to a wooden or metal frame. Manufacturing method frame structure and installation of slabs is similar to that discussed above. Thanks to the hidden fastening method, the facade cladding can be carried out simultaneously with slabs from different Japanese manufacturers.

Plastic panels

Plastic facing boards can be single-layered or with a filler, for example, sandwich panels. The variety of colors, shapes, and textures allows you to decorate your home to imitate natural materials.

The installation of façade panels begins by preparing the surface of the walls. First of all, the old decoration of the house with all protruding elements is dismantled. Cracks and potholes in the walls are filled with putty, and installation of the sheathing begins:

Mark the walls for the sheathing using a plumb line with a plumb line. The marking lines of the wall are applied strictly horizontally and vertically, maintaining a distance of 500-700 mm from each other. The quality of the cladding will depend on this.
For lathing use wooden blocks or metal profile. The profile is considered more durable, so it is better to give preference to it. Having attached the U-shaped plates to the wall with dowels according to the markings, screw the profile to them with self-tapping screws. Reinforced sheathing is installed around door and window openings along the perimeter of the wall. All structural elements must be level in the same plane. Align the plane to uneven walls Spacers will help - these are special plates with holes that allow you to mount the profile at the required distance from the wall.
The battens are placed in the cells mineral insulation, secured with wide-headed dowels in the wall. A vapor barrier film is stretched over the top and installation of the plastic cladding begins.

Panel finishing begins from the corner of the house from the bottom row. Depending on the type, there are locks on the panels different designs. It is with locks that the panels are connected to each other, fixed to the sheathing with galvanized self-tapping screws. Having installed the bottom row, proceed to install the next one using a similar method. In corners and openings, panels are trimmed to required sizes. Having finished finishing all the walls, additional elements are installed. They hide all the joints of the cladding of the corners of the building, door and window openings.

Metal cladding

The metal cladding for the facade is made of galvanized steel sheets with a polymer protective coating. The panels are highly durable and are produced different colors and forms. The second name for metal panels is siding.

Siding must be attached to metal sheathing. Its production is the same as for plastic panels. The metal profile is secured to the wall with perforated hangers.

Particular attention should be paid to wall insulation. Metal cladding is characterized by the formation of condensation due to temperature changes. Therefore, only a ventilated facade will protect the wall from the formation of fungus and mold.

It is better to fasten the insulation by placing it on hangers before installing the profile. Mineral wool or polystyrene foam is cut through at the attachment points and placed on the suspension. In the same way, a vapor barrier is attached to the top. The profile installed in the hangers will press the entire insulation, leaving a ventilating space between the cladding. If insulation is carried out after attaching the sheathing to the wall, additional strips will have to be sewn onto the frame. They will press the insulating material, creating a place for ventilation under the cladding.

Finishing the house with siding begins from the corner, installing the bottom row. The slabs are screwed to the sheathing with galvanized self-tapping screws and a press washer. Joints at corners, door and window openings covered with additional elements.

Thermal panels

Thermal panels are the most effective material for home decoration. In addition to their aesthetic appearance, they retain heat thanks to the insulating layer. Mount the panels directly on a flat wall. If the wall surface is uneven, with defects, a lathing is attached to it for laying thermal panels:

The frame is made similarly to another type of cladding, only without laying insulation. It is already provided on the thermal panel. The sheathing elements are installed so that the joint of two slabs falls in one axis. One thermal panel must be supported by three supports.
At the bottom corner posts marks are made according to the level for the starting profile. The plank is screwed with self-tapping screws, inserting panel clips into it.
The first thermal panel is installed from the left corner into the starting profile. After entering the lower clamps, the slab is leveled, securing it to the tenons with clamps. Having fixed the panel with screws, the tenons are lubricated silicone sealant. Next, the second panel is joined to the tenons. The following slabs are installed from bottom to top along the entire perimeter of the building, treating the joints with sealant. When installing thermal panels, do not allow 4 corners to coincide in one place. Therefore, all rows are shifted between each other by half the slab.
Upon completion of the cladding of the entire building, the side elements of window and door openings are installed.

Attention! Read more about facade panels with insulation.

Sandwich panels

Sandwich panels are a durable and warm material for finishing buildings. The three-layer structure consists of an internal insulation covered on both sides with a protective layer.

You will need an assistant for installation. Installation of facade panels is carried out in the following order:

Sandwich panels are attached to the frame from the corner of the building. The first to be installed level on the base is the U-profile. The first panel is inserted into it.
Having been leveled, the slab is screwed through to the frame using self-tapping screws with rubber seals.
Longitudinal seams are treated with sealant, and transverse seams are insulated with mineral wool and polyurethane foam.
The next panel is installed on top, connecting with a locking connection. It is also screwed to the frame with self-tapping screws.
Upon completion of the cladding of the entire building, the technological seams are covered with strips. The joints are hidden by installing additional elements.

When installing façade panels with your own hands, in compliance with technological instructions, your home building will take on an elegant look for many years to come.

In contact with

Facade panels are a quick and reliable way to decorate a house. Ease of installation and attractive appearance allow them to be used to update the appearance of residential and office buildings. A large assortment will allow you to choose an option not only in price, but also in quality.

The modern building materials market offers huge selection facing materials, differing:

the raw materials from which they are made;
installation method;
imitations of various natural materials;
sizes and shapes of parts;
installation location (wall or basement).

But absolutely all panels for cladding houses, no matter private or multi-apartment ones, are divided into three types:

Single-layer – perfectly protects the façade from external influences negative factors. But they are unable to retain heat inside the house. If there is a need for additional thermal insulation, then I use insulating material, and single-layer panels cover it.
Thermal panels and two-layer cladding. Insulation and finishing material fastened together. This option solves two problems at once: cladding and insulation of the facade.
Sandwich panels or three-layer. In this version, the insulation is not only closed decorative finishing, but also covered with hydrophobic membranes that do not allow moisture to enter the heat insulator, which significantly increases the service life of the material.

Since the outside of the house is subject to numerous loads, you should not buy the first option you come across. The choice is taken very seriously.

Criteria for choosing external façade cladding

To purchase cladding that will last a long time and at the same time decorate the house, when purchasing, pay attention to the following nuances:

Cost - the price of the panels themselves, additional elements necessary for high-quality installation, and the execution of work if you plan to entrust the entire finishing process to professionals.
The similarity of the imitation to natural material, as well as the quality of the applied decorative layer. Bald spots, drips, bubbles and other flaws are not allowed.
Linear values of panels. All parts in the same package and batch must have the same dimensions.
If the finish has fasteners, then check them too. Metal parts are clean, free of rust, coated protective composition, smooth - then the option is suitable.
Service life declared by the manufacturer.
Critical temperatures at which panels retain their original attractiveness.
Availability of a quality certificate.

If the option you like meets all the criteria, feel free to buy it required quantity material. Don't forget about the 10-15% reserve. Then you won’t have to look for the same batch in nearby stores if suddenly several parts are damaged.

Types by material

Let's look at the differences between panels made from different raw materials. After all, each source material brings its own advantages and disadvantages. Since the exterior decoration should not only look beautiful, but also become a barrier between external environment and supporting structure.

Vinyl

This finish is among the popular ones because it has the following advantages:

Realism of the drawing. They are painted in several stages, so the imitations are obtained exactly like natural material.
Large selection of colors and textures.
Lightness of the material. The light weight of the structure creates minimal load on the load-bearing walls and foundation, so there is no need to further strengthen them.
Inert to any moisture.
Ability to resist fungi, mold, insects and rodents.
Durability of the finish.
Easy to maintain and install. Dust is washed off with ordinary water. When installing, it is convenient to trim the panels.
Affordable price.

Despite the large number positive feedback, and statements, this material also has disadvantages. These include:

Linear changes under temperature influence. In summer and winter, the panels expand and contract. If this is not taken into account during installation, then changing the dimensions will damage the part and it will be impossible to return it to its original appearance.
Vinyl does not burn, but under the influence of critical temperatures it begins to melt. Thus, the attractiveness is lost.
When the temperature drops environment to minus values, the panels become fragile and break at the slightest mechanical impact.

Plastic panels affordable option for cladding, just be sure to read the product data sheet before purchasing. And during the installation process, especially if you do everything yourself, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Clinker

Like regular bricks, they are made from different types of clay. The raw materials are thoroughly crushed and mixed, and then fired at very high temperatures. high temperatures. Thanks to this technological process, the clinker is very durable. In addition, it has the following positive characteristics:

Ecological cleanliness. The material is safe both for the environment and for the residents of the house.
Moisture-repellent properties.
Large selection of textures and colors.
Duration of use up to 50 years.
Quick and easy to install.
It does not accumulate dust and dirt on the surface, which means it can be cleaned by precipitation.
Light weight structure.
Inertness to exposure to microorganisms (mold, mildew, algae).

For those who are interested in disadvantages, clinker panels also have disadvantages, let’s take a look at them:

Poor heat and sound insulation, so it is necessary to install insulation. Or use thermal panels with a clinker decorative surface.
Fragility during operation and installation.
High price.

Despite minor shortcomings, the material deserves its popularity. Sheath Vacation home It’s better to use clinker panels. Having done everything once, there is no need to worry about annual renewal or additional care.

Clay

As the name suggests, the material is made from natural materials with the addition of mineral components that improve the characteristics of the product. TO this species include:

clinker;
terracotta;
composite

Each of them differs in the composition of the initial solution and the firing method. But the result is material that:

Repels moisture.
Provides wind protection to the building.
Withstands temperatures from +120 to -60 degrees Celsius.
Durable and reliable.
Long lasting.
Absolutely safe with regard to fire and impact on the environment and households.

These are the main advantages of all ceramic products. But it is worth familiarizing yourself with the negative aspects of use:

Heavy weight, almost all ceramic options carry a large load on the main structure.
Fragility during transportation and installation.
The high cost of facing materials in this category.

Metal

Such panels are made from galvanized or stainless sheet steel. There are also aluminum options, but their cost is so high that they are rarely used for private construction. It is better to decorate non-residential buildings with metal panels, since during rain you can hear strong impacts on the cladding, which cause discomfort.

Let's immediately take a look at other disadvantages:

Linear deformation during heating and cooling. This negative characteristic is eliminated during the installation process - I leave a compensation gap.
Mechanical impact leaves dents that are difficult to fix.
In places where panels are cut or scratched, where polymer coating damaged panels quickly become covered with rust.
The large weight of the structure requires a strong, reinforced frame.

But metal gives a large number of advantages to this facing material:

Durability and reliability.
Durability – up to 30 years of service.
Protection from moisture and other negative influences.
Choice of panel shapes and sizes. There are square or rectangular, with a flat or corrugated surface.
The decorative layer is a polymer coating that reliably protects the metal from corrosion.

Fiber cement

To produce such a finish, it is necessary to mix high-quality cement, cellulose fibers and mineral components. Thanks to this composition, the panels differ from other finishes:

Resistant to temperature changes.
Duration of operation – 25–30 years.
The ability to repel ultraviolet radiation.
Fire safety.
Environmentally friendly.
Low thermal conductivity.
Good sound absorption performance.

But you need to be prepared for the fact that material that does not have protective coating, absorbs a lot of moisture from the environment. As a result, the weight of the structure can increase by 7%. And this increases the load of the already heavy cladding on load-bearing walls.

Sip panels

This version of the panels is used for cladding frame houses, therefore it acts as a base for other cladding materials. Sip panels are made from OSB boards between which the insulation (foam or polystyrene foam) is laid. The components are fastened together with polyurethane glue, so the structure becomes strong and reliable.

Sip panels can withstand cladding in the form of:

siding;
decorative facade plaster;
facing bricks;
artificial decorative stone.

This facade can be simply painted and it will look presentable.

Sandwich panels

The owner can sheathe his home and... This option consists of three layers:

The top one is decorative. Ceramic, vinyl, metal or any other finishing material is used.
Medium – insulation. Most often this is mineral basalt (stone) wool or polyurethane foam. Cheaper options can be found with polystyrene foam.
The bottom one is the base.

Thanks to this structure, the panels perfectly protect interior spaces from heat loss and noise penetration from the environment. In addition, the structure itself is not exposed to moisture, shock, biological organisms, or temperature changes.

The cladding is easily attached to a pre-installed frame. The panels are connected to each other lock fastening. The lining is easy to maintain.

Polyurethane

This is a modern way of making panels for the facade. Using sophisticated technologies, they produce not only long wall elements, but also parts that can easily be used to close corners, window and door openings, as well as join parts.

The panels have the following characteristics:

Frost resistance.
Low thermal conductivity.
Moisture-repellent properties.
Possibility of use for buildings with complex architecture.
Large selection of textures.
Doesn't rot.
Durability.
Fire safety - the material does not ignite.

There were no shortcomings here either. Modern materials also have negative aspects of use:

Possibility of releasing toxic substances during heating.
Small linear changes due to temperature changes.

Wooden

Such panels are made from wood, which is treated with special adhesives and are pressed. As a result, the material becomes much stronger and more durable. Popular are panels that imitate timber. In such “clothes” any home looks cozy and environmentally friendly.

But here you need to be prepared for the fact that this is wood and it requires regular maintenance:

Annual inspections for defects.
Application of protective compounds.

Without necessary care the cladding will last no more than 5–10 years. But if you approach this responsibly, then wooden panels can be preserved for 15–20 years in its original form. Disadvantages also include cost. Decorating a house with natural materials is expensive.

Compositional

Most often, this finishing is used for office and industrial buildings. This is a multi-layer structure, where each part performs its own functions. Such panels protect, insulate and decorate the facade at the same time. Among the obvious advantages are:

durability;
high level of strength;
easy installation;
high level of protection from all kinds of external influences;
ease of installation;
unpretentious care.

When purchasing such cladding, be sure to read the accompanying documentation. There are many known cases of counterfeiting of this particular category of goods.

Polymer sand slabs

The material for finishing the facade is made from sand with the addition of mineral components and polymer, which act as a binder. In addition, manufacturers add dyes to the solution. They completely color the mass, so the color of the panels is preserved for a long time.

Polymer sand panels are used as a separate facing material or as a component for creating thermo and sandwich panels. The material has the following positive qualities:

Moisture resistance.
Long service life - over 30 years.
Resistance to mechanical and chemical influences.
Fire safety.
Aesthetic appeal.
Unpretentious care.

Facade thermal panels

This type of cladding can perform two functions at once - update the exterior of the building and retain heat inside the premises. The top decorative layer is made from all known facing materials. Manufacturers choose either polystyrene foam or penoplex as insulation. More expensive options have polyurethane foam as a heat insulator.

Let's take a look at the positive characteristics:

The panels can be glued to the wall, which speeds up the installation process.
Thermal insulation properties retain heat indoors winter time, and in the summer it does not allow the heat to penetrate the rooms.
Properly installed cladding will last up to 50 years.
Light weight.
Moisture-repellent properties.

There are very few shortcomings, but you shouldn’t write them off. The material is highly flammable, making it a fire hazard. Some finishing options require taking care of the seams. They are being overwritten special compounds, which makes the task a little more difficult.

Yet combined option facing material allows you to do all the work as quickly as possible.

Types of cladding imitation

Manufacturers offer a wide selection of imitations on facade panels. Both regular and online stores provide catalogs where you can see all the samples in the photo. You should not ignore such an offer; perhaps a suitable option was not on the shelf, but it will be possible to make it to order.

Under the tree

An excellent option for simulating timber is a metal or vinyl block house. Among other options, buyers are considering fiber cement, compressed wood fiber, or Japanese facade panels.

Under tiles

To imitate tiles, choose thermal panels, where the insulation is polyurethane foam. For a decorative layer, clinker or terracotta - facade ceramics - are perfect. The option costs a lot, but it will please the owner for a long time.

Under the brick

With texture reconstruction brickwork Fiber cement, clinker brick, and polyurethane can cope. This option will perfectly protect the house from negative influence. Very often this option is used specifically for basement siding.

Under the stone

With imitation natural stone Manufacturers create all types of facade panels. They are very popular both for wall decoration and for protecting the base.

Manufacturers and prices

In shops big choice not only types of facade panels, but also their manufacturers. There are both domestic representatives who create competitive material, and foreign companies that have proven themselves many years ago.

The cost of cladding depends on the manufacturer and the material from which it is made. Our manufacturers' products are slightly lower. Prices are indicated per piece or linear meter. Please pay attention to this when calculating the quantity and cost of materials.

Alta profile – Russian manufacturer offers the cheapest ones at prices starting from 440 rubles per piece.
FineBer is also our creator of façade panels. Offers the most cheap option at a price of 460 RUR/piece.
Döcke – façade panels from Germany can be purchased from 460 rubles/piece.
Holzplast is another representative German quality, which will please you with the cost of panels from 460 rubles/piece.
Nailite is an American representative, the price for the cheapest option starts from 800 rubles/piece.

As you can see, the range of facade panels is so diverse that everyone will be able to choose suitable option. When purchasing, pay attention to the storage conditions of the material. Often, during improper storage, products lose their properties.

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Do-it-yourself installation of facade panels

In appearance, facade panels are practically indistinguishable from brickwork or natural stone trim. However, if you need to have the appropriate skills and tools to install natural materials, then even a non-professional can handle façade panels. And the installation itself will take much less time.

Ease of installation is perhaps the main advantage of basement siding, although not the only one (you can read more about the advantages in the article “Exterior decoration of a house basement siding: pros and cons"). But it also has a number of nuances that need to be taken into account. Let's figure it out?

Facade panel installation technology

If you decide to install facade panels yourself, this step-by-step instruction will help you.

1. Selection of suitable materials

“Try on” the finishing option you like for your home. Will you combine it with other materials? Or would you prefer a façade made of one type of panel? You can select the cladding at online program « ».

2. Measurement and calculation

Measure all the parameters of the house: walls, windows, doors, all openings and decorative elements. This will allow you to calculate as accurately as possible required amount materials. By the way, preliminary calculations can be done in the same Alta-Planner. But before purchasing panels, strips and components, it is better to contact a company showroom for a final calculation. Alta-Profile specialists will calculate the materials for your home for free when purchasing them.

3. Surface preparation

All elements that may interfere with work must be removed from the surface of the facade. If there are residues on the wall old decoration, it is better to remove them. Wooden structures handle protective equipment from moisture, mold and mildew.

4. Installation of sheathing

The sheathing must be installed. It can be plastic, metal or wood. We recommend giving preference to the first option. The plastic sheathing has the same characteristics as the panels themselves, so the facade does not deform during thermal expansion and contraction. Please note: different sheathing profiles are used for different panels!

At this stage it is very important to use a level to ensure that all planks are installed strictly horizontally and vertically. Otherwise, the entire façade will become distorted.

5. Setting the starting bar

Installation of panels begins with the starting strip. It is installed exactly horizontally and fixed with self-tapping screws every 30-40 cm.

You can also use a j-profile instead of a starting bar. It allows you to create a kind of side on the wall of the house. The same strip can be used to finish internal corners.

6. Installation of external corners

Make sure that external corner installed straight. Secure it with self-tapping screws.

7. Installation of facade panels

Install the panels from bottom to top, from left to right.

Insert the first panel into the starting strip and secure with fasteners. Insert the next panel into the fastenings first. And so on - until the end of the first row. After this, you can move on to the second row and higher.

The installation of the facade is completed by installing the j-profile strip.

Several nuances of finishing a house with facade panels with your own hands

Insulation can be installed under the façade panels. It is attached to the sheathing and must be protected with an insulating film.

Facade panels are intended exclusively for installation on a vertical surface and are not suitable for roofing or as flooring.

The façade panels are attached to the sheathing through special grooves. Don't make holes yourself!

Self-tapping screws must be screwed in strictly perpendicular to the mounting base and always in the center of the perforations in the panels and strips.

With temperature changes, façade panels change their linear dimensions. To prevent them from becoming deformed, leave gaps between the panels and do not screw in the screws all the way.

Specially for façade panels "Alta-Profile" were developed finishing elements" ". They will give the facade a more interesting, bright and complete appearance.

Before starting work, we recommend studying and watching the video. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better not to take risks and order. Thus, certified Alta-Profile teams have been trained by facade panel manufacturers and have extensive experience working with materials. Therefore, we can guarantee the quality of their work.

Finishing the facade of the house is the final stage construction work. And the appearance of the building is very important, because the first impression will depend on it. Every owner of a private house wants his home to look beautiful and neat, but, alas, not all building materials that are used today can be left untouched. Often it is necessary to carry out additional finishing of the facade. One of the most accessible and simple options are façade panels for exterior wall decoration - they allow not only to give the walls a neat appearance, but also to protect them from negative environmental factors.

Description, pros and cons of panels

Characterized by their diversity, they can be used to decorate not only private homes, but also industrial/production facilities. As a rule, panels are used for cladding wooden and timber houses, as well as buildings made of foam blocks and other materials that are not attractive and resistant to environmental factors. The panels add attractiveness to the walls and protect them. There are options that imitate stone/brickwork and other natural materials that make the house look solid and beautiful.

The advantages of facade panels include:

good noise and heat insulation characteristics;
resistance to natural influences;
the possibility of finishing walls made of any building material;
long service life;
ease of installation;
attractiveness;
low probability of mold development and rust.

We also note that the panels can be divided into several groups depending on a particular indicator. Let's get to know them.

Panels can be classified by appearance.
In their shape they can be in the form of planks, rectangular, modular, etc.
They are also distinguished by the installation method.
Finally, the panels may or may not have a thermal insulation layer.

On a note! In addition, the panels are classified according to the material from which they are made. We will talk about this in more detail later.

Metal panels

They are popular, but for some reason they are rarely used to decorate facades residential buildings. This is explained by the fact that when it rains, drops loudly hit the surface of such panels. In reality, this is not the case - yes, the panels can make noise, but if there is a thermal insulation layer and proper sound insulation, then the problem will disappear by itself. Therefore, it is quite possible to sheathe not only sheds and garages with metal panels, but also residential buildings.

Stainless/galvanized steel and aluminum can be used for manufacturing. The latter option is preferable, despite the lower strength and higher cost. The panels can also be perforated and smooth. Their surface is coated with special polymers that protect the metal from the influence of natural factors.

Note! The advantages of metal panels include ease of installation, durability and reliability.

By the way, not so long ago other options appeared on the market - zinc and copper panels (they can be patinated or coated with plastic).

Metal panels do not burn; they can withstand considerable mechanical loads. However, there is still a risk of rusting, and thermal conductivity indicators will not contribute to keeping the house warmer.

PVC panels (polymer)

Such panels, as the name suggests, are made from high-quality polyvinyl chloride. The material is resistant to sudden temperature changes, for a long time retains its original appearance and can imitate almost any natural material. In addition, there is nothing complicated in installation.

Note! Such panels can be either basement or façade.

PVC panels are very popular due to their low cost. They are fastened with self-tapping screws and connected to each other with special edge locks. The result is almost invisible joints between the elements.

There are also panels with micromarble - this is a more temperature-resistant and more durable material, containing fiberglass and concrete. Such panels weigh little and are not afraid of low temperatures, moisture, or mechanical stress. Install as easily as regular plastic panels.

Composites

Products from porcelain stoneware They are durable, resistant to moisture and ultraviolet radiation. They look solid and attractive and are easy to clean. Concerning aluminum composite panels, they are not cheap, but they are very durable and resistant to various kinds of negative influences. They consist of 2 sheets of aluminum separated by a polymer layer.

Panels from clinker may have a thermal insulation layer whose thickness reaches 80 mm. They weigh a lot, which makes installation difficult. Can be:

self-supporting (large solid blocks with openings for windows and doors);
decorative (used to decorate insulated walls, do not have a heat-insulating layer);
insulated.

Clinker looks beautiful, is durable, environmentally friendly, easy to repair and maintain. Often used for finishing industrial facilities, garages, and plinths.

Panels from fiber cement characterized by the presence of special polymer fibers in the composition. They are not cheap and have a long service life. They increase the level of noise and heat insulation of the building and protect against severe frosts.

Note! Fiber cement products invented in Japan can be used in all regions of the country.

You can install them yourself; there is nothing complicated here. However, the weight of the panel is significant and it is easy to drop it and damage it. It is also worth mentioning the environmental friendliness of the material - the slats do not emit any harmful substances into the air when heated.

Finally, such panels can be mounted on any base.

Glass panels

Great modern material, which is rarely used in private houses - they are mainly decorated with glass panels office buildings. The material includes fiberglass - tempered, reinforced or laminated. The strength of the coating depends on the processing method. A good option for insulating a house, because such panels accumulate part of the thermal energy of the sun.

On a note! Remember that glass panels are exclusively decorative material, which in no way strengthens the building or increases its strength.

The peculiarity of glass panels is that they are perfectly combined with other coatings, including wood, metal, and concrete. They also allow you to implement any design solution, but installing them is quite difficult.

Sandwich panels

This is not exactly a decorative finishing material, since such panels consist of three layers - two metal and another - a polymer heat-insulating layer that separates them. Typically, one such sheet of metal (galvanized or aluminum) has a thickness of only 0.5 mm.

They are light in weight, durable and easy to install. In addition, they additionally insulate the building, and therefore there is often no need to install insulation. The material also has good noise insulation characteristics. Self-tapping screws are used for fastening. As for the joints between the panels, they can be sealed with both special overlays/planks and special compounds.

Comparative characteristics of the described panels

Let's take a look at some key characteristics of popular panel types. We will not consider all the properties; if you wish, you can learn about them from the manufacturer’s instructions. But the table below will definitely help you roughly navigate all the diversity.

Table. Comparison of some types of facade panels.

Name	Durability	Physical parameters	Temperature	Lifetime
Porcelain tiles	Sun resistant chemicals, mechanical stress and temperature changes, do not burn	Weight – 3-16 kg/sq.m., thickness reaches 12 mm		50 years
Fiber cement	Resistant to rotting, low temperatures, does not burn or fade	Weight – more than 16 kg/sq.m., thickness – no more than 15 mm, noise absorption – 29 dB	No more than 100 freezing cycles	20 years
Sandwich panels	Resistant to rotting and corrosion processes	Bending strength – 24.3 MPa	Within -180 - +100 degrees	30 years
Polyurethane	-	-	Within -50 - +110 degrees	From 30 to 50 years
PVC	Resistant to fire, moisture, rot and direct sunlight	Weight – no more than 5 kg/sq.m.		30 years
Wood	Resistance to mechanical damage	Bending strength – 45 MPa, sound insulation – up to 30 dB	No more than 100 freezing cycles	From 10 to 15 years
Metal	Resistant to corrosion, rot, open fire, low temperatures and chemicals	Noise absorption – 20 dB, weight – from 7 to 9 kg/m2, thickness is only 0.55 mm	Within -50 - +50 degrees	Over 30 years

Step-by-step instructions for installing facade panels

As an example, let's look at the process of installing facade panels that imitate stone - they are quite popular and are often used when decorating private houses.

Step 1. In our example, we use Alta panels, the installation of which involves the use of:

square;
screwdriver;
screwdrivers;
hammer drill;
metal saws;
twine, chalk;
building level;
sharp knife;
roulettes.

Step 2. You should start with the sheathing. In our example, a special facade fastening system is used, but in essence it is the same profile, only plastic. First of all, metal hangers are installed on the walls (necessary for fastening the profile), fixed with dowels. It is necessary that there be no more than 40 cm between one vertical row of hangers and the adjacent one.

Step 3. Markings are made to determine where the linings will be fixed on the profile (the finishing elements will be attached to the latter). The profile is applied to the wall at the location of the hangers, and the points of its intersection with them are marked. First of all, installation should be done in the area of corners and door/window openings.

Step 4. Overlays are installed on the sides of the profile (needed to attach hangers) and snap into place. This way the elements will “sit” tightly.

Step 6. The profile is installed along the perimeter of the facade, leveled. Self-tapping screws on special hangers are used for fastening. It is also important to use a level so that the plane to which the panels will be attached is perfectly level.

Step 7 If several profiles are joined in height, then the upper one should not be placed tightly on the lower one. For such a connection, there are special antennae at the joints.

Step 8 Then the wide flat profiles required for mounting the panels directly are installed. For this purpose, marking is performed using laser level or twine. It is important that the elements below are located at the same level.

Step 9 In the area of openings and corners, corner elements made of metal are attached. It is important that the angle is 90 degrees. A block is installed under the corner itself, thanks to which the entire structure will be stronger.

Step 10 In a similar way, profiles are mounted along the entire facade.

Step 11 Then slopes are simulated by installing metal profiles around the perimeter of the openings, to which iron corners are fixed on one side. The second side will be mounted on the profile. To make the structure more durable, a block is also installed in the corner.

Step 12 The starting elements for installing the panels are mounted - slopes, platbands, corners.

Step 14 Then the panels themselves are attached. If necessary, they are trimmed so that the upper part is parallel to the horizon. You only need to cut the bottom part of the panel!

Step 15 Elements should be mounted from bottom to top and from left to right. The first panel is also trimmed.

Step 16 The element is installed in the profile, secured with self-tapping screws on the side and top. In the example, they are screwed exactly into the center of the perforation. There is no need to tighten them all the way, so that the panels will “move” somewhat.

Step 17 The second panel is joined to the first using locks, and then also secured with self-tapping screws. The entire range of facade elements is installed in the same way.

Step 18 The last panel of the row is cut to the required dimensions and then installed.

Step 20. The panels are fastened and, if necessary, trimmed. It is important that the vertical joints of the rows do not coincide.

On a note! If other panels are used to finish the base, after installing the base row, the ebb is installed, then another starting profile is installed, after which the walls themselves are sheathed.

Video - Installation of plinth panels

Video – Ekviton facade panels

Facade panels are often used for exterior finishing houses. Which is not surprising, because with their help, even an old wooden or concrete building can be quickly, easily and inexpensively transformed into something truly beautiful and original. Moreover, all the work can be done with your own hands, as you could see for yourself when reading this article. Good luck with your work!