Features of decorative concrete tiles for the facade and its installation

Building exteriors can be enhanced with the fashionable and long-lasting option provided by decorative concrete tiles. Due to the variety of textures, colors, and finishes available, designers and homeowners can create distinctive and striking facades. Decorative concrete tiles can satisfy your aesthetic demands whether you’re going for a sleek, contemporary look or a charming, rustic appeal.

Durability is one of the main advantages of decorative concrete tiles. Concrete tiles, in contrast to conventional materials, are low maintenance, fade resistant, and resilient to severe weather. They are therefore a great option for durable external surfaces.

Although it’s a fairly simple process, installing decorative concrete tiles needs careful planning and close attention to detail. To guarantee a professional finish, proper adhesive application, tile alignment, and surface preparation are essential. You can add both beauty and value to the facade of your building by transforming its appearance with the appropriate tools and techniques.

Decorative concrete tiles offer a flexible solution that combines visual appeal with useful features, whether you’re building a new structure or remodeling an existing one. You can create a gorgeous facade that endures over time by being aware of the features and installation process.

Feature	Description
Material	Decorative concrete tiles are made from a mix of cement, aggregates, and pigments.
Durability	These tiles are highly durable and resistant to weather conditions.
Variety	They come in various colors, textures, and patterns to suit different aesthetic preferences.
Installation	Tiles are installed using adhesive mortar, ensuring a strong bond to the facade surface.
Maintenance	Requires minimal maintenance, typically just regular cleaning to maintain appearance.
Insulation	Provides additional insulation to the building, improving energy efficiency.

Concrete decorative tiles are a chic and long-lasting way to improve a building’s facade. They provide a multitude of design options, ranging from displaying contemporary geometric patterns to imitating real stone. These tiles are a durable option since they are not only aesthetically beautiful but also resistant to weathering and damage. With the correct equipment and advice, installing decorative concrete tiles only requires surface preparation, adhesive application, and careful alignment—all tasks that are doable as a do-it-yourself project. This post will examine the special qualities of these tiles and offer a detailed installation tutorial.

Description of concrete products

When using concrete tiles to face walls, different sized and shaped products are used for finishing:

• rectangular, square;
• under the brick (smooth, old);
• Natural stone (chopped, bottle, Crimean, etc.D.).

Because of the wide range of colors available in the products that are being presented, you can select the design that best fits any type of construction.

The durable cement of the M400 and M500 brands is poured into specific forms without being fired to create the tile; however, because of the addition of polymers and astringent fillers, the concrete is actually considered light. Supplements aid in the tile’s resistance to:

1. moisture;
2. frost;
3. UV rays;
4. mold;
5. natural;
6. mechanical stress.

Concrete is made up of screenings in addition to its base, cement:

1. quartz sand;
2. granite;
3. marble chips.

Although facing material typically measures 240 x 52–62 (mm), large-format products with measurements of 400–486 x 71–115 (mm) are also available. Products in the square and corner shapes are made to order and have unique dimensions.

Cement products for the facade are made under ergonomic production conditions and are thought to be more affordable than clinker tiles and artificial stone.

Regulatory requirements

Products made of facade cement are produced and utilized in compliance with the primary GOST technical regulations:

These documents specify that cement tiles used for cladding must fulfill the following specifications:

1. Products are manufactured according to technical drawings, in forms that divide them by texture and dimensions.
2. The layer thickness must be at least 15 (mm).
3. The compressive strength indicator must correspond to class B15.
4. Reinforcement with steel wire with an anti-corrosion coating, class cold-drawn (B500) is allowed.
5. The width of the joint between tiles should not exceed 4-8 (mm).
6. Concrete grades M400 and 500 are used for production.
7. All building materials used in production must meet current quality standards.
8. It is allowed to finish the front tile part with polymer-cement mortars and other compositions resistant to atmospheric changes.

The rules emphasize that the products’ surfaces—whether they are smooth or have figured inclusions—must match one another. There should be no more than one millimeter (mm) allowed difference between the laid tiles.

Cement facade tiles may be marked by manufacturers from the inside. The concrete class, allowable strength, and frost resistance index F (standard 75-150) are all indicated on the marking.

Types of finishing products

Concrete products enable you to adorn the building’s facade in a stunning manner, extending to the basement. There are differences between facade tiles in:

1. texture;
2. shape;
3. dimensions;
4. color.

However, every variety has the same internal makeup:

• poured according to shape;
• with or without reinforced mesh;
• single-layer;
• two-layer;
• formed or obtained after pouring, by sawing.

Tiles are classified into the following groups based on their classification:

1. By texture:
2. smooth (the finished form is ground and polished);
3. embossed (the shape has a special outline, sawing and corrugation are carried out).
4. According to form:
5. brick (made antique or with a smooth surface);
6. stone (rubble, polished, sawn, chipped, Crimean, slate).
7. By color:
8. with the introduction of pigment into the molding mixture during mixing;
9. using paint during pouring, covering the surface after laying in the mold;
10. painting with the chosen shade after installation.
11. By installation method:
12. wet (with adhesive solution);
13. dry, on a frame made of wood or metal, using construction fasteners (screws).
14. According to the tile production method:
15. standard (usual cold pouring and distribution into shape manually or mechanically, with drying at normal air temperature);
16. vibrocast (poured in a factory, with vibration of the solution using a special tool);
17. vibro-pressed (completely similar to vibro-cast products, but with the additional use of the pressure method).

Whatever the kind, its composition, which is based on cement, a mineral substance that, when combined with other elements and polymers, forms a plastic mass with high strength and density characteristics as well as adequate sound and noise insulation, offers a number of advantages.

Concrete tiles that face the facade of the house serve as decorative accents, protective elements, and an extra layer of heat insulation on top of the primary insulation.

What buildings are suitable for the method?

Concrete facade tiles are appropriate for all kinds of buildings:

• offices;
• institutions;
• primary and secondary housing (monolithic, brick, gas block, foam concrete, SIP-panel, and even wooden).

The latter structures are made of logs and are decorated to taste. Tile products are more often reserved for use in basements.

Original architectural solutions made of sturdy, high-quality building materials are known as facade finishing. Any vertical surface is given a unique texture when the base or structural (external) walls under natural stone or brick are imitated. Additionally, there is a selection of finishing "under the tree," available in any color, and it is made to order.

Rules for choosing a facing material for the facade

You should consider the manufacturer and product reviews when making purchases. Additionally, keep the following details in mind when making your decision:

1. Texture. Smooth products are less exposed to dust, textured ones will require more thorough cleaning.
2. Color. The design of the building should evoke pleasant sensations from natural tones.
3. Integrity of packaging. Manufacturers indicate the number of products in the instructions, which should match the actual. The durability and degree of water heating of the tiles, which is normally should be for the basement, depends on the integrity of the packaging (often, polyethylene), no more than 5%, and the walls – no more than 9%.
4. Matching of products to each other in shade, shape and texture.
5. Product composition. Must be described in detail in the quality certificate and in the enclosed instructions.
6. Marking. Alphanumeric designation of the used building material is necessarily indicated by conscientious manufacturers in accompanying documents, as well as on its inner surface.

User and expert feedback is also crucial. It is worthwhile to ascertain the actual consensus regarding the functionality and quality of products by visiting social construction sites and the official websites of manufacturers.

TOP best manufacturers

Let’s examine seven of the most well-known brands.

TechnoNIKOL

A Russian company prioritized the usefulness and quality of facade cladding. The products are easy to install, long-lasting, and impervious to water. They also resist fading in the sun and frost. The products start at 400 rubles per square meter.

Grand Line

Creates high-quality cladding in a variety of textures and shades for cottages and low-rise structures. The accompanying documents provide information on the product quality, which is verified in our own laboratory company. The products are 1000 rubles per square meter.

VOX

The manufacturer’s tiles can be used in both very hot and very low temperatures. They offer window products (profile) with no comparable products. The company specializes in extremely durable and dense wood-look siding. The products are 600 rubles per square meter.

Döcke

German siding is exceptionally durable and of excellent quality, starting at 800 rub./m2. Six textures and 38 color options are available for the products on the Russian market (varieties of natural stone and brick).

Nichiha

The Japanese company manufactures its goods for customers worldwide. The primary characteristic of construction products is their wide range of series created in the following styles:

The material exhibits resistance to mechanical influences, high density and strength properties, and a nanohydrophilic coating. The products start at 800 rubles per square meter.

Nailite

You can choose products from the American manufacturer’s online store from any location in the globe. In light of this, the chosen house model is paired with the natural siding (stone) line that has been presented.

Like in a game, each user can experiment with options in the program to find what works best for him. The goods are guaranteed to be of the highest caliber. The products start at 680 rubles per square meter.

Alta-Profil

This manufacturer’s domestic products are meant for all climates, but they are especially advised for those where temperatures can drop as low as -60 °C.

Concrete tiles are manufactured with multiple quality control stages, come in a wide range of models in terms of texture and color, and don’t overpower the facade. Products start at 500 rubles per square meter.

Tools and devices for installation

The master will require in order to install facade tiles:

1. Container for mixing mortar or glue (for wet installation).
2. Construction mixer or drill attachment.
3. Laser or regular building level.
4. Wide paint brush (2-3 pieces of different sizes), primer.
5. Notched and regular spatula, rule.
6. Rubber hammer, trowel, dry, clean rag.
7. Tile cutter (for forming corners).
8. Construction cord, tape measure, simple pencil for marking.
9. Frame made of aluminum, stainless steel and wood parts (for dry installation).
10. Screwdriver (cordless or electric).
11. Fasteners (dowel-nails, self-tapping screws, brackets).

A plaster mixture, a spatula, and a plastering station—a specialized mechanical device—may also be required during the preparatory process in order to remove dust from the working surface and create a layer that is ready for laying.

Cladding process

When laying concrete tile products on a surface that has been prepped (cleaned, plastered, primed), there are two basic techniques.

Dry method

It entails creating a lathing around the building’s perimeter and fastening it to the wall with specialized fasteners. Wood or any other suitable material can be used to make the frame.

To shield them from the damaging effects of the environment, wood forms are treated with polymer and antibacterial impregnation, and metal forms are treated with anti-corrosion compounds.

The following activities are included in the installation stages:

1. Marking the facade surface.
2. Fastening brackets in places to which the selected profile will be attached.
3. A frame is attached to the finished dry surface of the wall (plastered and insulated).
4. Then tiles are mounted to it using fasteners. Work begins from the corners, forming layers, from bottom to top.
5. Products intended for the dry method have internal grooves: they are fixed in the lathing, hanging next to the tiles; and also above them, the same products.
6. Using a laser level, they look at the formed successive layers and correspondence to horizontal and vertical lines.

This process is regarded as "clean" and quick. Furthermore, since it produces a second air gap and makes it possible to install and lay thermal insulation material, it can be regarded as an additional means of ventilation and insulation.

For light tiles with a brick and foam block surface, the dry installation method is advised year-round.

Wet method

Tile products are installed on an adhesive composition around the building’s perimeter. In order to do this, dry glue that has been prepared in a container is diluted with clean running water, thoroughly mixed, and applied to the tile’s interior using a notched trowel. The surface dries in a full day.

The following are the steps involved in installing using this method:

1. Wetting the prepared (plastered, primed, dried) wall surface with water.
2. Facing from any corner of the wall is carried out from the bottom up. You can apply glue to the wall, in a layer of up to 7 (mm), and glue the tiles to it, lightly tapping it with a mallet. Or apply glue with a gear spatula immediately on the product, pressing to the surface by 15-30 (c), for better grasp.
3. A well -taken adhesive solution will appear along the edges of the tile, which can be carefully removed with a spatula, then wipe with waterproof grout and go through a clean rag.

For optimal material coupling, it is recommended to use a wet cladding method during the warmer months. Instead of using glue with a polymer additive, a premium cement-sand composition may be used.

It is best to choose compounds with high frost resistance when using a wet method. Prior to doing facing work, the surface needs to be plastered and insulated.

Manufacturers of tiled products frequently specify which method is best for a given construction product in their instructions.

Possible difficulties and errors

Aiming for precision during installation will benefit the cladding layer’s long-term performance and reduce the need for repairs.

Consequently, the following elements should not be present when working with the facade (installing concrete tiles):

1. Use of low-quality tile materials, lathing, glue and cement compositions made not by official companies, but by handicraft production.
2. Poorly leveled surface, insufficient finishing, presence of cracks, potholes and other defects on it.
3. Lack of priming in two layers (more glue will be required, adhesion to the surface will be worse).
4. Incorrect laying rules (violation of the sequence from the corner, and from bottom to top).
5. Failure to comply with the temperature regime requirement.
6. Laying wet tile products, improperly stored, with a high degree of water absorption.
7. Failure to use grout mixtures to form a seal between products.

As the facade cladding will delight with its appearance for decades, strict adherence to the stages of work and compliance with installation guidelines will prevent the need for surface restoration years later.

Pros and cons

The following are regarded as product benefits:

1. High mechanical strength and density.
2. Ecological cleanliness (production and subsequent operation).
3. A large variety of products (in color and texture).
4. Ease of transportation, storage and installation.
5. No load on the supporting surface (low weight).
6. Aesthetic appearance (compliance with natural materials).
7. Additional protection from adverse external influences (perimeter walls).
8. Water resistance, frost resistance, noise insulation.
9. Long service life and ease of maintenance.
10. Possibility of changing shade over time.
11. Availability of the designation “NG” (non-flammable industrial group).
12. Low price.

Cons For facades, concrete tiles are somewhat:

1. Not suitable for heavy products weighing more than 35 kg/m2 .
2. Some varieties are not recommended for regions with severe winters.

When making a purchase, it is essential to consider the tiles’ quality. Ribs and uneven edges will signal low-quality materials used in the product. Grinding and using a saw to remove unevenness will take too much time.

Average prices for work

In the Russian Federation, the most expensive places to install tiles and prepare the surface are in Novosibirsk, St. Petersburg, Moscow, and some northern areas (up to 2,000 rubles/mm³).

The majority of legitimately operating construction and contracting companies have their own websites with pricing lists for the services rendered listed in specific sections. You can look them up locally to learn more about them. Official businesses always draft contracts and provide assurances for the completed work.

In the Russian Federation, the average cost to lay concrete tiles for a facade is 1,200–1,500 rubles per square meter. For tile installation, some contractors and independent contractors charge 500–700 rubles per millimeter, but there is no guarantee for the quality of work done.

Useful video

Along with the content in the article, there’s this fascinating video:

Concrete decorative tiles are an excellent way to improve the facade aesthetics of any building. They are a great option for both builders and homeowners due to their low maintenance requirements, resilience, and versatile design. These tiles offer a variety of options to suit various tastes and styles by simulating the appearance of real stone, wood, or other materials.

Both professionals and do-it-yourselfers can handle the simple process of installing decorative concrete tiles. It is possible to attain a stunning and durable finish with careful planning and attention to detail. Prior to beginning, make sure the surface is clean and level. Using the appropriate adhesive will guarantee that the tiles remain in place for many years.

All things considered, decorative concrete tiles are a useful and fashionable option for facades. They blend the aesthetic versatility of decorative finishes with the robustness and longevity of concrete. Whether you’re designing a new facade or renovating an old one, these tiles can help you get a beautiful finish with little maintenance.

Video on the topic

clinker tile cladding

Clinker tiles for facades: overview of installation technologies

CONCRETE siding = FACADE tiles "CANYON". Report from the EXHIBITION + BUDGET cladding of a HOUSE.

We present the production of facade tiles “Balkan Stone” for cladding the facade of a building all year round!

FACADE TILES FOR FINISHING A VENTILATED FACADE

Clinker tiles. #construction #facade #insulation #clinker #facade #construction #work

Installation of the Vental subsystem and porcelain stoneware cladding