An essential component of contemporary building construction that combines energy efficiency and aesthetics is plastering on facade insulation. Plastering insulated facades helps create an outer layer that is both protective and aesthetically pleasing, especially as buildings age or are designed. This procedure adds an additional layer of thermal insulation, which can drastically lower heating and cooling expenses in addition to improving the external appearance.
In order to successfully apply a plaster finish on insulated facades, one must be aware of the necessary tools and methods. Usually, the process starts with the installation of the insulating boards, then a base coat is applied. Strong adhesion and a smooth surface are ensured by this base coat, which serves as a link between the insulation and the final plaster layer.
Selecting the appropriate kind of plaster is essential for durable outcomes. In areas where there are harsh weather patterns, the plaster must be both weather-resistant and compatible with the insulation material. The appropriate strategy improves the building’s external durability while simultaneously safeguarding the insulation.
Builders can design attractive and energy-efficient exteriors by perfecting the technique of plastering on facade insulation. This method is fundamental to contemporary building and reflects the importance of both the environment and functionality. A building’s overall energy performance can be improved while still producing a finish that lasts a lifetime with the correct supplies and expertise.
- Advantages of the technology
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Selecting the type of insulation for plastering
- Expanded polystyrene
- Mineral wool
- How to choose the right tools and equipment for the job
- Types of plaster for external walls
- Mineral
- Acrylic
- Silicate
- Silicone
- Do-it-yourself facade plastering – the main stages
- Preparatory work
- Insulation installation
- Reinforcement of the facade
- Plastering of facade walls
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Advantages of the technology
Houses in the country and vacation cottages use plaster facade finishing over insulation.
An extra layer of plaster helps to preserve the home’s microclimate for an extended amount of time because thermal insulation materials are unstable in the face of high humidity and temperature fluctuations. The house is further protected from the effects of wind and precipitation by exterior decoration, which also maintains a comfortable interior temperature and humidity level.
Adding another layer of finishing extends the coating’s lifespan, enhances the building’s performance qualities, and gives it a polished appearance.
Advantages and disadvantages
- protection of thermal insulation materials on the walls from temperature changes, precipitation, mechanical damage;
- reduction in heating costs, because.. heat is retained in the room;
- work can be performed by novice specialists;
- after external finishing with plaster, there is no need to insulate the inside of the house;
- The work is economical, therefore, the costs of housing construction and finishing work are reduced;
- plaster is hermetically filled with the docking places between the panels of the insulation material, strengthening the finishing layers;
- Technology can be used for facades from different materials (beam, brickwork, cellular concrete, monolith, etc.D.);
- with the help of high-quality plastering compounds, an aesthetic design of facades is created;
- the service life of the building before repair work increases;
- when applying facade plaster over insulation, the finishing material can withstand temperature changes and frost;
- the multi-layer coating allows steam to pass through and prevents condensation;
- the sound insulation of the building increases;
- the risk of cracks is reduced;
- the coating is seamless;
- fasteners that create cold bridges are not required for finishing;
- finishing allows you to hide defects in facade panels.
- work is carried out only at warm air temperatures (not lower than -5 ° C);
- installation is carried out in the morning or evening to prevent the effects of ultraviolet radiation on the insulation;
- the plastered facade will need to be covered to prevent dust from getting in;
- the process of insulation and plastering is step-by-step and takes a lot of time;
- A metal frame is required in walk-through areas, which will increase the cost of work,
Selecting the type of insulation for plastering
Choosing the right insulation is essential before plastering the surface. Expanded polystyrene and mineral wool are among the well-liked ones. The cost, durability, and insulating qualities are all taken into consideration when choosing a material.
- fences with low thermal conductivity (made of gas silicate blocks, aerated concrete) are insulated with mineral wool;
- for porous surfaces (made of wood, expanded clay concrete, coarse-grained cinder block), air-permeable insulation is used (fiberglass supplemented with hydrophobic impregnations);
- walls with brickwork, made of concrete are insulated using foamed polymer compositions.
Expanded polystyrene
This kind of insulation resists high air humidity levels, is inexpensive, and is simple to install. The room is kept at a constant temperature with the assistance of polystyrene foam, but the material’s durability is not as great as that of mineral wool. Although the material doesn’t have fire-resistant properties, it does contain fire retardants that help a fire extinguish on its own in the case of a fire.
For thermal insulation of brick, concrete, expanded clay concrete, and cinder concrete walls, experts advise applying polystyrene foam. These slabs are extremely dense and obstruct the passage of steam. Extruded polystyrene foam is a high-quality material that works well for insulation.
It should be remembered, nevertheless, that direct sunlight ruins the slabs. For the same reason, bitumen and polystyrene foam are not combined.
Mineral wool
Mineral wool has a high vapor permeability and is non-flammable. Fixing the slabs, however, requires consideration of the heavy weight of the mineral wool. Sheathing made of metal will be needed for this. The most resilient slabs are two-layer ones with a rigid surface, like diabase or basalt.
- glass wool — made from molten glass;
- slag wool — made from blast furnace waste;
- stone wool — made by melting sedimentary rocks.
It is advised to use mineral wool to insulate buildings composed of aerated concrete, gas silicate blocks, expanded clay concrete, and wood. Facade insulation uses mineral wool in the form of mats made of fibers from various structures. The material is resistant to heating, changing temperatures, and chemical exposure.
The insulation shields the product from excessive humidity because it contains hydrophobic materials. Mineral wool is not harmful to the environment.
Plastering over facade insulation is an important part of contemporary construction that improves a building’s energy efficiency while also adding strength and beauty. This method entails applying layers of specially blended plaster to insulated surfaces, resulting in a seamless finish that preserves thermal integrity while providing weather protection. You can create a durable, aesthetically pleasing facade that satisfies both functional and design objectives by using the proper methods and materials.
How to choose the right tools and equipment for the job
- bucket, scoop, or shovel for spraying the solution;
- grater for smoothing;
- building level;
- rule;
- foam rollers;
- corner trowel;
- trowels;
- plastic or metal containers;
- set of spatulas;
- reinforcement mesh (when leveling large surfaces), etc..
Types of plaster for external walls
- mineral;
- silicone;
- acrylic;
- silicate.
Mineral
Mineral plaster for facades is both robust and attractive. Sand, coloring pigments, additives, and cement powder make up the composition. Plaster is made by manufacturers as a dry mixture that is bundled in bags. Before completing the work, the composition is diluted. Mineral mixtures are inexpensive and resistant to the growth of mold and fungus. It is imperative to consider the restricted color range of the particular plaster variety.
- "bark beetle";
- lamb;
- pebble;
- mosaic.
Acrylic
Water-based acrylic decorative plaster is sold in plastic containers containing the mass. The substance is composed of modifiers, sand filler, mineral particles, and acrylic resin. Acrylic plaster exhibits elastic properties, strong adhesion, resistance to wear, and a long-lasting coating that is free from chips and cracks.
Because of the material’s vapor permeability, the space can breathe. Additives aid in enhancing composition quality and preventing the growth of mold.
It will be necessary to frequently dust the surface. You can create a relief coating with the aid of an acrylic plaster mixture. A layer of up to 3–4 mm is applied with the composition.
Silicate
Silicate plaster is used for both building restoration and facade finishing on new construction. Potassium silicate, liquid glass, acrylic resins, mineral particles, etc. are all present in the composition. The composition is packaged in polyethylene and sold ready-made. One characteristic of silicate plaster on insulation is its high vapor permeability.
The material is elastic, fireproof, resilient, and does not retain dust. It also does not absorb moisture. The thin-layer plaster is painted at the end. The product is versatile and can be applied to various surface types for finishing. The coating has a thickness of 4 mm. Finishing a house with plaster is possible in places where air humidity is high.
Silicone
Because silicone plaster is elastic, it won’t crack when the insulation shrinks. The coating is self-cleaning and does not draw dust. Precipitation removes dirt from the surface. The coating’s vapor permeability is average. Polymer compounds are applied to the plastered surface once it has dried.
The cost of silicone plaster is high. The coating is resistant to mechanical deformations, high humidity, and temperature fluctuations. Because silicone plaster is flexible and long-lasting, it can be used to create unique facade designs.
Owing to its superior composition, the coating resists fading. The material is resistant to fungus and mold.
Do-it-yourself facade plastering – the main stages
- preparation of surfaces;
- fixation of thermal insulation layers;
- installation of reinforcing mesh;
- plastering of insulated surfaces in several layers.
Preparatory work
The air temperature at which work is done is between +15 and +20 °C. It will be essential to construct scaffolding around the building and apply a windproof film to the structures during cold weather. After that, the surfaces are free of outdated dyes. The seams are cleaned and then putty is refilled. Primer is used to level the walls.
Insulation installation
The insulating boards are glued in horizontal rows on the prepared surface. The facade’s bottom portions are used for work. The slabs are arranged "staggered," with at least a 28-centimeter indentation. It is not advised to glue insulation continuously since the room’s thermal insulation will decrease. To create a flat surface, it is crucial to prevent slab level differences of greater than 3 mm. Umbrella dowels are used to further reinforce the insulation once the adhesive base has dried, which takes 20 to 24 hours.
Reinforcement of the facade
It might be necessary to reinforce the facade in order to strengthen the base. Glass fiber mesh is attached to the insulation with plastic fasteners. Mounting the mesh begins with the corner sections and moves on to the main surfaces. The corners are strengthened with a perforated profile.
Plastering of facade walls
- a priming brush;
- a hammer drill with a set of attachments;
- a construction mixer;
- deep containers;
- float;
- building level;
- spatulas, etc..
Plaster is put on at least three days following the conclusion of the reinforcement. Using a trowel, spray the mixture for the first time. Priming, or surface treatment with a solution, is done after the mass has dried. The composition is applied to a surface that hasn’t dried. It is advised to apply silicone or silicate plaster mixtures in multiple layers, level the surface, and then rub it once it has dried.
Painting completes the task. Decorative finishing mixtures are occasionally applied during the building’s exterior finishing phase. Different techniques, such as cross or circular strokes, vertical or horizontal movements, can be used to apply plaster compositions.
The cost of time will be decreased by using tinted plaster mortar. The coating’s color palette ought to complement the site’s and the building’s general architectural style.
Step | Description |
1. Surface Preparation | Clean and ensure the surface is dry and free of debris. Attach insulation boards securely to the facade. |
2. Apply Base Coat | Spread a layer of adhesive mortar over the insulation boards, embedding a fiberglass mesh for reinforcement. |
3. Apply Plaster | Once the base coat dries, apply the plaster in even layers. Use a trowel to smooth the surface. |
4. Finishing Touches | Allow the plaster to set, then apply a final coat if necessary. Paint or seal the surface to protect against weather. |
One of the most important steps in building long-lasting, energy-efficient exteriors is plastering on facade insulation. You can achieve a smooth, long-lasting finish that not only improves the appearance of your building but also improves its thermal performance by using high-quality materials and appropriate techniques.
A well-prepared surface is essential. Plastering a successful surface begins with making sure the base is dry and clean and that the insulation is installed correctly. Using the appropriate primer improves plaster adhesion and delays the emergence of cracks and other problems.
The choice of plaster mix and application technique have a big impact on the final result. It’s critical to apply plaster evenly and to the proper thickness, whether using a contemporary synthetic plaster or a traditional cement-based mix, to prevent issues like uneven drying or shrinkage.
Lastly, to seal the plaster and increase its longevity, add finishing touches like surface smoothing and a protective layer. You can make sure that your plastering project will not only look fantastic but also withstand the weather for many years to come by paying close attention to every step.