Plaster or face brick? What is better - a wet facade or a facing brick? What is cheaper to lay out of brick or plaster

The exterior decoration of the house speaks not only about the taste and well-being of the owner. In particular, it should protect the structures from the weather as much as possible and allow the walls to be insulated from the outside so as not to take up useful space inside. In this article, we will compare which is better: facing brick or plaster.

Or maybe, as in the photo above, both?

We will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of these materials, technologies and the cost of finishing in one way or another. We hope that the instruction below with the help of the video in this article will help to make right choice for those who are going to design the facade, and will give a complete picture of these finishing methods to those who are just planning to build a house.

Plaster like finishing material used by mankind since time immemorial. Another thing is that with the development of technology, its composition and appearance finished coatings have undergone great changes. Its main function is to protect and level walls, while facing brick, despite the decorative effect, in itself is a constructive material.

So:

  • In terms of its physical and mechanical properties, it is in no way inferior to ordinary brick and can be used not only for finishing, but also for full-fledged masonry. Another thing, what will be the price? Therefore, the main masonry is made of ordinary brick or concrete blocks, and decorative brick is used for exterior cladding and interior design walls.

Difficulties of brick cladding

Deciding what is best for the house: plaster or facing brick, should be done even before its construction begins, and here's why. Due to its solid weight, brick cladding requires support on the foundation. In addition, it must be rigidly connected to the load-bearing wall, and this is easier to do during its construction.

  • For an already operated house, the choice of this type of finish is not the most successful, since for this it is most often necessary to dig out the foundation. If its design does not allow the masonry to be supported in one brick, you need to top up the old one or build a new foundation. Firstly, it is very time-consuming, and secondly, it is possible to load a freshly poured concrete strip only after four weeks - after full curing.

  • Lucky only for those whose house has a protruding plinth, with a protrusion of at least 12 cm - that's how much it takes to completely support the brick. In fact, it is also necessary to provide for a ventilation gap, which should be at least 4 cm; without it, only an unheated building can be clad, for example: a barn, garage, warehouse.
  • However, according to building codes, a brick can hang from the foundation by a third, and these are the same 4 cm required for the ventilation gap. But in the ground part of the facade, this does not look very nice, and you will have to think about how to close this protrusion with the help of the plinth finish. If it is necessary to insulate the walls, the width of the support under the cladding must also take into account the thickness of the heat-insulating material.

  • If you really want to make a beautiful brick facade, it is much easier and cheaper to use brick-like tiles for this purpose: clinker (see Facing facades with clinker tiles yourself), porcelain stoneware or hyper-pressed. It makes sense to clad an old house with bricks only when its walls have lost their strength, and they need not only a visual update, but also additional rigidity.
  • It can be an old brick, log or panel house that you don't want to demolish. Then, of course, it is impossible to think of anything better than brick cladding, and even despite the costs of topping up the foundation, it is more expedient from a financial point of view. It is clear that in this case the question is: “Which is better: plaster or facing brick?” - is not set at all.

  • For high-rise buildings, brick cladding is generally an unsuitable option. Building codes recommend the use of this type of finish only in low-rise construction. And why such costs, if today manufacturers offer a great variety facade panels imitating the texture of a brick!

In appearance, it is sometimes almost impossible to distinguish them from the original masonry, and their light weight, ease and speed of installation significantly reduce the cost of objects.

In which case is a brick better

The advantage of front brick over plaster as a way of finishing a brick facade is that the cladding can be made not only in the form decorative wall laid out in parallel bearing wall.

Note! With a wall thickness of one and a half or more bricks (from 380 mm), both ordinary and face bricks can be used in the masonry, with dressing in a multi-row system. This, of course, is not a job for those who seek to do everything with their own hands - certain knowledge and skills are needed here. In addition, the masters know many secrets of masonry, which allows you to beautifully highlight the corner and window sill areas, cornices and others. architectural elements at home, even with ordinary bricks.

The bottom line is that the ligation of the main and face masonry in this case, it is carried out not with the help of anchor elements, but through a certain arrangement of the bond rows. The scheme is selected based on the total thickness of the walls, as well as the size of the brick used for the main and decorative masonry. There are many complexities here, and this work is definitely not for amateurs.

At the same time, the front side does not need finishing, and savings are obtained, if not due to the price of materials, then due to a decrease in the labor intensity of the work and the time that could be spent on plastering. By the way, the question: “What is cheaper: plaster or brick?”, Interests many of our readers. Let's try to clarify it.

An approximate calculation of the cost of cladding and plastering

When it's not about finishing brick walls, and the owner of the house decides, for example, how to finish aerated concrete: with brick or plaster, in order to determine all the pros and cons, you just need to calculate the costs. Let's do this based on 1m2 of insulated wall and try to compare where there will be more costs.

Decorative brick wall

BrickFor the construction of one square of a wall with a thickness of 120 mm, taking into account the seams, 51 bricks will be needed.
  • The cheapest hollow single face brick costs about 21 rubles. a piece. Total 1070 rubles.
masonry mixFor 1 m2 of masonry of such a wall, 4.2 kg of dry masonry mixture is consumed. It costs from 470 rubles. per bag packing 25kg. This is approximately 23 rubles.
Anchors for aerated concreteThere must be at least 5 anchors in 1m2 of masonry. Their prices depend on the variety and size. We calculate basalt-plastic anchors 350 * 6 mm, 5.5 rubles each. Total 28 rubles.
Insulation (polystyrene boards)Under the brick cladding, you can lay the most inexpensive insulation. Let's count a sheet 50 mm thick, 1000 * 1000 mm in size, at a price of 150 rubles. a piece.
TOTAL1270 rubles

Thermal insulation plaster

Main and consumable material Required quantity and cost
Styrofoam insulation for plasterThe same expanded polystyrene, but intended for plaster, should have more high density, which means it costs more. On average, this is 210 rubles. per sheet.
Reinforcing fiberglass mesh30 rubles per meter
Basic plaster mixtureInexpensive cement plaster domestic production costs from 250 rubles. per bag. It takes about 17 kg per 1 m2 of wall. As a result, 170 rubles.
Warm plasterA pebble plaster mixture with perlite costs already 430 rubles per 15 kg bag. At a flow rate of 9 kg / m2, it turns out 260 rubles.
Facade silicone paintPaint consumption is 300g/m2. The price for 1 kg is within 210 rubles/kg. Just for one square 70 rubles.
TOTAL740 rub.

So:

  • According to the list of basic materials, it turns out that plastering walls is cheaper. But the table does not provide a complete list of consumables, since it is difficult to calculate small things per 1m2. For an insulated plaster facade, two more types of primer are needed (for the base and the reinforcing layer); glue and flat dowels for insulation; plinth profile with fasteners; abutment profile and plaster corners with fiberglass mesh; plastic compensators.
  • You should not discount the fact that with a significant unevenness of the walls, you may need another leveling layer of plaster. All this also costs money, and most likely, in the end, the costs will be almost the same. So you can not puzzle over what is cheaper: brick or plaster. You just need to understand that the brick cladding lasts almost forever, and the plaster facade, at least from time to time, will have to be repainted.

But you can come up with much more design options using plaster, and your house will have a new face every 5-7 years. Well, as for interior decoration, plaster is definitely not inferior to any other materials, and even more so to brick.

You just need to decide which properties of the materials discussed in this article are most attractive to you, and make your choice accordingly.

In the process of finishing country houses, special facade plaster is increasingly used.

This universal material, which is ideal for finishing residential buildings, garages, laundry rooms and various utility rooms.

Versatility is also based on the fact that plaster can be applied to the most different surfaces- drywall, concrete, silicate brick, cement and .

The most important thing is that the surface is carefully prepared. In addition, plaster is characterized by high strength, reliability and elasticity.

To choose best option plaster, it is important to first determine for what purposes it may be required - as a leveling lining or for decoration. In addition, it is necessary to determine the climatic conditions in which it will be used, since the composition may have different technical qualities and characteristics, differently protect against moisture and against seismic activity.

Among the main types of such a mixture, the following can be distinguished:

  1. - used in regions with frequent temperature differences and with high humidity.
  2. - provides a durable and reliable coating that has properties such as moisture resistance, hydrophobicity, resistance to UV rays and temperature extremes. This is the best and, accordingly, the most expensive mixture.
  3. or plaster - used on final stage wall work. Can be used in a variety of climatic conditions. The composition is characterized by susceptibility to pollution and has low vapor permeability. The cost of the product is relatively low.
  4. - Used for design. It can be different in texture - smooth and embossed. Very often, the composition contains such additional components as stone chips, quartz sand and so on.

Among these types, decorative and silicone plasters are popular. The first perfectly imitates different surfaces, and the second is different high quality execution and operation.

How to make plaster with your own hands

For preparing solutions and mixtures facade plaster required take the main cement substance, gypsum, clay or lime, as well as the filler - water or sand.

In the process of mixing different components it is always required to be guided by the ratio of the most voluminous parts of the composition. After preparing the composition, it is important to pay attention to its overall consistency.

If the resulting mixture strongly sticks to the tool during mixing, this means that it lacks filler, if it does not stick to the tool at all, this is a mixture in which there is a lack of binder.

At a normal level of fat content, the adhesion of the solution is medium. Without experience in this case, it will be quite difficult to figure it out, therefore at first it is better to use certain rules ratios.

In the process of preparing a mixture intended for facade decoration, as the main volumetric components, sand and cement are used in a ratio of 1: 3-1: 6, it all depends on the required level of coating strength on the brand of cement used. Cement at the same time you need to take the brand M400, as this is the highest quality product.

The procedure for preparing the solution is quite simple. Initially, the main fractional parts of cement and sand previously sifted through a sieve are mixed, and then water is introduced into the solution, with the help of which the plaster solution is brought to the desired consistency. To make it easier to work with cement, need to add detergentsliquid soap, washing powder as well as shampoo. These funds are added to the calculation of a tablespoon per bucket of plaster composition. Such an additive will not allow the solution to sit down much, moreover, it will make it soft and pliable.

Surface preparation for application

For quality application plaster, it is important to carefully prepare the walls, since even the most high-quality plaster will not appear in all its glory if the walls are not properly prepared.

In the process of preparing the walls, it is necessary to thoroughly clean them from the old paint coating, from residues old plaster and whitewash. At this stage, you can not strive to achieve optimal smoothness.

Once the initial cleaning of the surface is completed, more thorough surface preparation can begin.

It consists of the following steps:

  1. The surface of the facade is prepared in the same way as. The walls must be carefully leveled, all chips, cracks and scratches must be repaired.
  2. If the surface does not have sufficient density, it can be treated with a special restoring or strengthening primer. Such compositions ideally strengthen the walls, are additional protection from destructive dampness, and also improves the adhesion of the coating itself to the surface. If plaster is applied to the walls of a building located in conditions with high humidity, they will need to be treated with special antifungal compounds.
  3. Existing cracks need to be completely exfoliated, and then fill with a special putty composition.
  4. If multiple layers of plaster are used, each of the layers must be thoroughly dried throughout the day. Each of them needs to be covered with a special acrylic primer special deep penetration.

To grind the surface, a fine abrasive is used. sandpaper . Before applying the plaster, it is worth making several painting processes. This will help to pre-evaluate the texture of the finished coating, you can also adequately assess the color of the future coating.

Reinforcement and priming

After this event, a special. It is necessary so that the applied plaster mixture is very well fixed on the earlier.

Properly selected and installed mesh will play the role of protection and strengthening.

In the process of applying the grid, it is preliminarily cut into meter pieces. More sizes are not used, as the plaster may simply dry out before its distribution is completed.

After gluing the mesh, it must be rubbed with special mixtures of plaster or building mixture.

NOTE!

For facade works it is required to use a grid, the density of which is 140-160 g / sq.m. It is possible to choose a grid and a higher density.

It can help you get a more even plaster layer. The only thing to note is that the denser the mesh, the more difficult it behaves when processing corners.

The walls are not only carefully reinforced, but also primed. If the wall absorbs moisture very strongly from all applied materials, 2-3 coats of primer will be required.. This is a very important process, since it is the primer that significantly increases the adhesion of the surface to the coating and thereby helps to overcome the general wall uneven drying of the finish layer.

Also, the primer serves as a protection against various biological formations, which can be caused by a fungus or pests of a different plan. After that, before applying the primer, a certain technological pause is maintained. Only after that, the process of applying facade plaster with your own hands begins.

How to finish the facade of a private house with plaster

The plaster must be applied to the surface of the walls according to specific instruction. This is the only way to count on the fact that the facade coating will not only be of high quality, but also attractive.

Here is an algorithm of actions that must be followed in the process of working with plaster (photo below):

  1. The first layer is applied "splashed" and it is made from a fairly liquid plaster. The thickness of this layer should be no more than 0.5 cm. The purpose of the layer is to provide the desired level of adhesion of materials. The layer dries for about 2 days.
  2. After that, the wall is covered with a thicker solution, that is, soil. Its value lies in providing a high level of thermal insulation, as well as water resistance. In addition, this layer perfectly levels the surface. The thickness of this layer is already 2 cm.
  3. Approximately after 2-15 days, it is worth applying a special layer of “covering” with a thickness of 0.5 cm. It must be applied tightly, completely eliminating all gaps and rubbing with a tool such as a trowel. How the next layer will be applied directly depends on the next stage of facade processing.

One of the most common methods of processing a completely plastered surface is special textured processing.

In this case, special wool is used, as well as ordinary sponges. Its appearance directly depends on common properties the material used, as well as the degree of hardening of the coating.

The applied facade plaster must be processed. If lime is present in the coating composition, it can be processed in a plastic state. cement composition can be processed after the final setting.

During processing, you can give not only smooth surface, but also to give a special rough surface. In the second option, you will need to use special rubber and metal brushes. The process is carried out at the stage of solidification of the composition.

Quite often, the surface roughness is given with a trimming brush., which is processed not yet dried decorative plaster.

Fully finished coating painted and decorated strictly in accordance with the taste of the owners. Finishing material can be used as part of the main glass or marble chips. Also, quartz sand may be present in the composition, which gives the coating an attractive aesthetic appearance. It is also possible to give the plaster specific color, which eliminates the subsequent painting of the facade of the building.

Useful video

Facade finishing technology in the video tutorial below:

Conclusion

Properly selected and applied composition of facade plaster is able to effectively improve the overall appearance of the building, ideally hides quite significant flaws or defects. Do-it-yourself plastering can not only protect the building from destruction, but also gives the perfect appearance to the structures.

High rates of protection of buildings and structures with plaster are based on the fact that all modern formulations are characterized by such important advantages as fire resistance, the ability to repel water, perfect thermal insulation, as well as sound insulation.

In addition, these are very durable layers that are resistant to various adverse events, to moisture, for this reason they become protection for the house itself.

If use correct plaster, you can be sure that it will be a breathable material, resistant to frost and characterized by mechanical strength. Breathability is very important, as the walls get the opportunity to display in environment excess moisture, which will automatically accumulate indoors.

If you use low-quality plaster, it will not remove water, which will automatically lead to serious destruction of the walls. With regard to such qualities as frost resistance and mechanical strength, it ensures the ideal quality of the entire structure as a whole.

In contact with

When the question arises regarding the choice of material for the facade of a building, which is better: plaster or facing brick, then it is worth considering the advantages and disadvantages of both options. In some cases, 2 materials can be used at once.

According to the exterior decoration of the house, one can judge the taste and well-being of its owner. For this reason, some pay a lot of attention to this moment. But here it is worth noting that not only the appearance, but also the quality of finishing materials plays big role. If the facade of the building is processed correctly, then the house will last a very long time, and will not be afraid of the aggressive effects of the environment.

Wet facade is perfect for exterior cladding of the house.

When working on the facade, you need to think about such a moment as wall insulation. This is especially true for those houses that were built from building materials that are weakly resistant to moisture. In this case, additional insulation is indispensable. If the material for processing the facade is chosen incorrectly, then you will have to use a heater to process the inside of the wall. Is not the best option, since this method takes up useful space in the living room.

To avoid such problems, it is necessary to choose the right material for working on the facade of the building. For this, plaster and facing bricks are most often used. Each of these building materials has its pros and cons, so they are chosen for a particular case.

It is worth noting that some resourceful craftsmen use 2 options at once and veneer the facade of the house with both brick and plaster, this, of course, is not the worst option, but quite expensive and laborious. When working with each of these materials, it is necessary to follow all the rules and adhere to the technology for working with materials of this type.


If mankind has been familiar with plaster since time immemorial, since this material is convenient and easy to use, then it can be somewhat more difficult with brick. Considering that in our time this building material is considered one of the most inexpensive and convenient, many novice craftsmen try to choose it for facade decoration.

Plaster has been used for a very long time, but recently it has undergone strong changes and has become much better. Even inexpensive facade plaster keeps on the wall for a long time and protects the house well from impacts. external factors. Moreover, it can help to level the walls, and in many cases this is a huge advantage, but also additional expenses, since the material will take much more than for processing a flat wall.

Difficulties of brick cladding

The front brick looks much richer than ordinary plaster. According to its properties, this type of material is not inferior to ordinary brick. It is sometimes used not only for finishing works but also for masonry. But this applies only to small areas, since the cost of this building material is quite high. Economical craftsmen erect a building from concrete blocks, and after that, facing bricks are used for additional work.

It is worth noting that it looks like brickwork Very good. Designers understand this and widely use it even for interior decoration. For example, facing brick can be used in the design of lofts and rooms in French country style. There can be a lot of applications for face brick, but working with it is more difficult than with plaster. Moreover, this building material is expensive.

Decide on what kind of material will be used to work on the facade of the building, preferably on early stages construction. There are good reasons for this. The thing is that to work with facing bricks, it is necessary to install special supports on the foundation, which must be strong enough and rigidly connected to the bearing walls. This is required due to the fact that brick, unlike plaster, has a significant weight. An unreinforced wall may not be able to cope with such a load. It is advisable to take care of the support immediately. After the wall is erected, this can be done, but there will already be serious problems requiring additional work and financial investments.


If we are talking about a finished building that has already stood and is in operation, it is better to use wet facade: here the facing brick will not be the most good option. The thing is that it is possible to process the entire wall only with an open foundation. IN finished house you will have to dig out the foundation of the building, and these are additional costs, and not the most convenient option. Moreover, in some buildings it is not possible to carry out laying in one brick. In this case, the foundation will have to be topped up. Thus, we can say for sure that working with facing bricks in an already finished building will be difficult and most time-consuming. Here it is much better to use ordinary plaster, with which you can also give the house a beautiful appearance.

The only exceptions are those houses in which there is a protruding basement. Its dimensions must be at least 20 cm. It is this distance that will be needed to create a support for the brick. Moreover, in the basement, you need to leave 4 cm for the ventilation gap. This point must be taken into account when it comes to a residential building. non-residential buildings can be left without a ventilation gap, but it is important that the room is not heated. That is, this option is suitable for brick cladding of sheds, garages and warehouses.


According to building codes, it is allowed for a brick to hang from the facade by 4 cm. But in fact, this does not look very nice, and often you have to think extra about how to close the resulting gap.

Experts recommend that those who really want to decorate the facade of their house under a brick, use tiles. It is much cheaper, and it looks beautiful. Working with facade tiles is extremely simple. There is no need to have special knowledge and high level skill. In specialized stores, you can buy clinker, hyper-pressed or brick-like porcelain stoneware tiles. Each of these options is well suited for decorating the facade of a residential building, including those already in operation.


To work on a finished building, it is worth using brick only if there is a need for additional strengthening of the walls. For example, when the house is old, it is quite possible to maintain its condition with facing bricks. There are many ways to decorate walls with brickwork.

To give the walls additional rigidity, you need to use quality brick for facing. Masters claim that in this way it is possible to save from demolition both log, and brick, and panel houses. Here already, despite the need to top up the foundation and carry out additional work, brick cladding will be the best way out. It is still much cheaper than building a new building.

Facing brick is considered the most unfortunate choice for those who are going to carry out work on the facade high-rise building. According to building codes, this is completely unacceptable, since it says that facing brick can only be used for low-rise construction. Working with face bricks, when it comes to a building with several floors, will not only be difficult, but also unprofitable. Is it worth using this complex material when there is such a wide choice of facade panels in stores, including those with imitation brickwork? With proper work with them, it can be difficult to distinguish natural brick from the panel.

When is brick better than plaster?

Each finishing material has its own advantages. There are situations in which it is more profitable and more convenient to use facade plaster, and in some cases it is still better to use facing brick.


If we are talking about a house with several floors, then, choosing from these two options, you should give your preference to plaster, and for an old house or a building with thin walls that need to be strengthened, it is better to purchase a brick.

For two-storey houses it is better to use plaster.

Many focus on the cost of the material. If leading role the price plays, then, of course, the plaster wins. Moreover, work with facade material even without special skills. With a brick it is quite difficult. For example, if you need to veneer the walls of an already finished building, then in this case you will need special knowledge.

In defense of facing bricks, it can be noted that this material allows you to significantly decorate the facade. If the owner of the house wants to make his house unique, to the envy of his neighbors, then with the help of facing bricks you can very beautifully place accents on windows, cornices, and even create excellent architectural elements of the building. But that's enough hard work, which requires serious skills in the construction business.

How much will it cost to work with facing bricks?

If everything depends on the price, then it is better for the master to turn his attention to plaster, since brick finishing will definitely come out more expensive.

To work on the front brickwork, you need to stock up not only with the brick itself, but also purchase masonry mix, insulation materials and anchors that will be driven into blocks. If we take the amount based on 1 sq. m and at the same time buy the cheapest facing brick, it will cost 1000 rubles.

To lay the material on 1 sq. m, it will take more than 4 kg of dry masonry mix. Considering that a bag of 25 kg costs about 500 rubles, the price of the mixture per 1 sq. m will be approximately 25 rubles.


In addition, special anchors are needed, which can vary greatly in cost. The simplest cost 5 rubles. They will need at least 5 per 1 sq. m of the wall, that is, investments will increase by another 25 rubles. The insulation for the wall itself, the sheet of which is sold in the size of a meter by a meter, costs 150 rubles.

After all the calculations, it turns out that the cost of facing the facade of the wall with bricks will amount to more than 1200 rubles for each sq. m.

The cost of plaster work

In this case, one mixture for plastering walls is also not enough, so the costs will be significant. However, compared with the use of facing bricks, plaster is much more profitable.

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First you need to purchase a heater, which is specially designed to work with facade plaster. Styrofoam insulation costs 210 rubles per sheet measuring 1 × 1 m. A reinforcing fiberglass mesh must be applied on top of it. It can be bought at a price of 30 rubles per 1 sq. m. It is impossible to ignore the use of the grid, since without it cracks will quickly appear on the wall.

Next, you need to purchase the base plaster. About 17 kg of this building material. The cost of such an amount of base plaster mixture is 170 rubles. In addition, you need to stock up on warm plaster. It needs about 9 kg per 1 sq. m, which will cost 260 rubles. final stage work will be painting. It will take 70 rubles.


Calculations show that plastering 1 sq. m of the facade will cost only 740 rubles. That is, it is about 500 rubles cheaper than using facing bricks. For this reason, if the owner of the house wants to save money and does not have special knowledge in the field of construction, he should opt for facade plaster. Moreover, it allows you to make the appearance of the house beautiful and neat.

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If the case is taken real master, and the main goal is not economy, but quality and durability, then it is worth using a brick. This material can serve for decades, unlike plaster, which will at least have to be repainted every 2 years.

The front finish performs not only a decorative function, indicating the aesthetic taste and well-being of the owner, but also solves a number of practical problems: thermal insulation of the house, protection of load-bearing structures from moisture and freezing, durability of the building, and others. If the wall cladding is chosen incorrectly, then the appearance of various defects, reduced thermal efficiency and finish quality.

Which is better: a brick or plaster facade?

Facing plaster is often used for finishing buildings. The composition of this building mixture has changed quite a lot over time, but the main function has remained the same - leveling the surface and protecting the facade. Among the main advantages of wall plastering are the resistance of the coating to water, effective removal of condensate from the premises, aesthetic appearance, high adhesion to any substrate, big choice color combinations.

It is also worth noting that you can plaster with additional insulation outer walls. As thermal insulation, mineral wool or polystyrene foam plates are used, which are rigidly attached to the surface being trimmed. To increase the strength, a base reinforcing layer is mounted on top of the insulation using a facade fiberglass mesh, after which facade plaster is applied. Such a system was called a "wet facade" due to the presence in the technology of processes associated with dry building mixtures that require mixing with water. Ceresit plaster systems on mineral wool and polystyrene foam boards are considered the most popular in individual housing construction.


Facing brick, unlike the plaster mixture, is a decorative and constructive material at the same time. The pattern and texture of such a cladding will give any building an aesthetic appearance, while strength and other performance characteristics comparable to ordinary masonry material. Thus, these bricks can be used both for ordinary masonry and for exterior cladding. Another thing is the question of price and technology. Of all types of finishes, this material is the most expensive (second only to natural stone- granite, marble).

Varieties of masonry facing material:

  • silicate - the most a budget option, looks the most simple compared to other types. It is made from a mixture of sand and lime, has low frost resistance and strength. The main advantage is low price;
  • ceramic - brick is made from clay with various additives and modifiers by firing in a kiln. Unlike ordinary material, it has a decorative front surface;
  • clinker stone - made from a special grade of clay using high-temperature firing technology. As a result brick facades from clinker are characterized by high moisture resistance and strength.
  • Hyper-pressed brick - produced by pressing cement, limestone mixture and various dyes. The material has an ideal geometry, increased resistance to frost, as well as a different color shade.

As well as masonry material, facade brick can be hollow and full-bodied. In the first version, voids help to better retain heat and remove moisture. Full-bodied guarantee high strength and durability of the finish.


The material is also different color shades, which depend on the production technology: the use of dyes, firing modes and duration, etc. There are also differences in the texture of the surface - rough, corrugated, chipped, antique.

When we know the main characteristics of the materials, we compare according to five criteria, which is better: exterior wall stucco finishing or brick cladding?

Criterion

plaster mixture

masonry material

decorative properties

The stucco facade allows you to create many design variations. It can be painted in any color, and types of plaster with texture can be used. The mixture is suitable for finishing any architectural forms(columns, porticos, etc.).

The front brickwork does not require painting.

The main advantages of the material are its natural texture, reminiscent of natural stone.

Versatility - compatible with different grounds

The plaster finishing system is suitable for any surface. Most often used for finishing brick, concrete and cinder block walls.

The decorative layer is mounted parallel to the supporting wall, so the base material does not play a key role.

The need for a supporting structure

No additional foundation required.

An auxiliary foundation is required or a basement protrusion of 12 cm or more is required.

The complexity of the installation technology

The technology requires special skills from the performers of the work.

The help of high-level masons is required.

Thermal efficiency

facade system created using thermal insulation materials - mineral wool,

expanded polystyrene.

It is created by increasing the thickness of the walls, the presence of a ventilation gap and the use of heaters.

As you can see, for the arrangement of the front wall with the help of plaster or masonry material, the obligatory help of professional craftsmen is required, but these are not the only difficulties.

Difficulties in arranging brick facades

Choose finishing material external walls recommended at the stage of construction of a private house or cottage. This applies to a greater extent to brickwork, since an additional base is required due to the massiveness and severity of the structure. Naturally, it is easier to build it at the stage of foundation work or during the construction of a basement.


So here are a few of the main issues:

1. The need for an additional basis. Perhaps the central difficulty in the brick finishing of the building in use. Building the foundation is extra costs money and time: it is possible to use a new supporting structure only after shrinkage, that is, after 4-5 weeks.

2. Protruding plinth. Facing the facade with bricks can be done when the building has a protrusion of at least 12 cm in the area basement. However, in practice, at least 16 cm is required, since a ventilation gap of at least 4 centimeters must be provided. In accordance with the norms of SNiP, finishing without a gap can only be done in non-residential buildings.

3. The cost of construction for two- or three-story houses. brick finish to some extent appropriate for one-story buildings. For example, if you want to overlay an old frame, shawl or wooden house. Even an increase in the foundation will be less expensive than new construction. However, for 2 and 3-storey cottages, it is difficult to come up with a material more profitable than facade plaster if you plan to create an insulated system with high aesthetic properties.

Which is more cost-effective: brick or plaster cladding?

In order to determine as accurately as possible all the “pros” and “cons” of materials for decorating the walls of a house outside, it is important to consider the financial side of their use. In other words, you need to make approximate estimate finishing 1 square meter surfaces using brickwork and plaster system.

So, for arranging a square meter of a wall with a thickness of 12-14 cm, 51-60 bricks are needed. average cost hollow ceramic stone 23 rubles apiece. Thus, only for masonry material you need to spend - 1173-1380 rubles. Further solution - per sq. meter will require 4.5 kg of dry mix. The cost of a 25-kilogram bag is approximately 500 rubles, which means that we write down the expense - 90 rubles. You can take the most inexpensive insulation, for example, foam plastic 50 mm thick and 1000x1000 mm in size. The cost of a sheet is 150 rubles per piece.

Total finishing 1 sq. meter brick will cost about 1500 rubles.

Let's count for a plaster solution. Insulation will also take expanded polystyrene, but designed to work with wet building mixtures. The material with similar dimensions has a higher density and is more expensive - 300 rubles per sheet 100 mm thick. To fix the insulation to the base, you will need the Ceresit CT 83 adhesive mixture, the consumption of which is about 5 kg / m2, and the cost is 108.72 rubles. Reinforcing fiberglass mesh costs about 30 rubles per meter. Next, take the base plaster mixture, it will need 5 kg per square meter. meter. The cost is 125.17 rubles. Primer for decorative coating - 0.35 liters / sq. meter, the cost is 69.94 rubles. Finishing mineral plaster with a layer thickness of 2.5 mm - 4 kg / m2, and this is another 123.22 rubles. Paint - use acrylic composition to protect against moisture, the average consumption is 400 grams / m2, the cost is 81.43 rubles.


Total finishing 1 sq. meters plaster mortar will cost 538.48 rubles + 300 rubles (PPS 25F foam) = 838.48 rubles.

As you can see, the question of what is more profitable plaster or brick, in terms of costs, has a very clear division: using a plaster system is 2 times more cost-effective than masonry material. If we add also the cost of arranging an additional foundation, then the benefits of plastering will be undeniable.

The exterior cladding of the house has several functions: protective, heat-insulating, decorative. There are a wide variety of cladding options. Let's consider two: a wet facade, a facing brick. What is preferable?

In urban high-rise buildings, brick cladding is not an option: it is too expensive and energy-intensive. Owner country house can afford both.

There are also combined facades: brick columns, arches and other fragments successfully complement the plaster facade.

Briefly about technologies

Wet facade is performed by successive application of several layers:

  1. Insulation - basalt wool or styrofoam. Cotton wool is preferable to PPS, because. it has high vapor permeability and no flammability. In the most common version ("light" wet facade), the insulation is attached to the wall special glue and additionally fixed with dowels, 5-7 pieces per square.
  2. Reinforcing fiberglass mesh made of alkali-resistant fibers. It is installed on top of the base layer of plaster.
  3. Leveling plaster.
  4. Primer composition.
  5. Decorative plaster. Sometimes it is replaced finishing layer ordinary plaster, it turns out cheaper.
  6. In some cases, staining.


Brick cladding is usually performed with a separate wall parallel to the bearing hay. Bricks are interconnected using masonry mortar. In the case of an insulated facade (we are considering this option), a free space for insulation boards. The heater itself is attached to facade wall dowels or other hardware (it depends on the material of the wall). Sometimes, when mounting a wall, facing bricks are alternated with ordinary ones. This option is technologically more difficult.

note

The installation of a wet facade requires careful adherence to technology. Violation of the installation rules leads to premature wear, cracking, loss of appearance. Competent brickwork is not so much technologically complex as it requires professional skills from the performer.

Wet facade or facing brick: comparison

Significant arguments in favor of a wet facade:

  1. The brick has a solid weight. Such cladding should be planned already at the design stage of the house: it should be taken into account when calculating the load on the foundation. The base will need a more powerful and, accordingly, expensive. A wet facade, even in a “heavy” version (glueless fixation of insulation, a thick layer of plaster), will not create such a load.

A wet facade can be mounted on an already operated house (it’s even better this way: the house managed to shrink, the facade will be more durable).

For the brick cladding of the old house, you will have to strengthen the foundation. And this is an additional cost of finance, time and effort.

  1. Price. The current prices of materials can be found on the Internet. Although the economic situation is constantly changing, the ratio remains practically unchanged: a square meter of a wet facade is 30-40% cheaper than a square meter of a brick cladding.
  2. Design. Decorative plaster allows you to create any surface: the popular "bark beetle" or a fur coat, Venetian plaster, stylization for any kind of ornamental stone, wood, textiles, etc. In addition to the texture (which largely depends on the graininess of the material), you can make any relief - according to a template or using an appropriate tool. A brick can have a different texture and color, but it still remains a brick.

Wet facade or brick: arguments in favor of brick

Brick cladding also has its advantages:

  1. If the house is old, the walls have lost their former bearing capacity they need to be amplified. A wet facade can in no way affect the rigidity of the walls. It performs a protective function, but does not increase strength. On the contrary, it creates an additional (though not very large) load. Brick increases the rigidity of the walls. When it comes to strengthening, the need to modernize the foundation is not discussed, this is a must.
  2. For wet facades, one-piece systems are used from several components adapted to each other. The quality of the insulation is out of the question, as well as the type: of all types of mineral wool, only basalt (the most expensive) is suitable, PPS - preferably dense polystyrene foam with closed pores. Styrofoam is also used, but such facades lose to the rest in terms of durability. Under the brick cladding, you can lay the most cheap insulation: behind a brick wall, it will be protected from water, ultraviolet, mechanical influences. Those. You can save money on this item.
  3. Wet facades are required to be carried out at positive temperatures without rain. If work is carried out in winter, a closed heat-insulating contour is formed around the structure. This complicates installation and requires additional investments. You can lay bricks in cold weather, you just need to maintain the desired temperature of the masonry mortar.
  4. A well-made wet facade lasts up to a quarter and a half century. It largely depends on the materials: the more durable, the more expensive. Nevertheless, finishing you have to update - repaint, sometimes restore the plaster layer. brick cladding serves for centuries.