Facing with thermal panels: a warm facade under brick or stone. Overview of facade thermal panels, their advantages, disadvantages and installation nuances

Among the abundance building material it is difficult to quickly choose the ideal one, weighing all the pros and cons of any of them. Technology is advancing so fast that building materials, which were the pinnacle of perfection today, will become obsolete tomorrow. Until recently, the builder had to carry out a certain sequence of actions. After the construction of the walls, insulation was carried out, and only then decoration. Finishing the facade of the house with thermal panels allows you to save time and perform two operations in one pass. In addition, the appearance will not be realized by reducing heat loss. Whether the game is worth the candle, will allow you to find out the material of this article.

What is this material

From the name it becomes clear that the main emphasis is placed not only on the appearance, but also on providing thermal insulation of the treated surface. This is achieved through the material used. Expanded polystyrene foam or polyurethane can act as a sealing layer. The second one is ahead of polystyrene in terms of its quality and strength characteristics. But it is worth considering that the cost of such a product will be slightly higher.

The layer thickness is selected in such a way that the dew point is shifted approximately to the middle line of the insulation. Thus, the issue of the appearance and development of mold is solved, and the service life of the finish is also significantly extended. Ventilation gaps are not required. In addition, diffusion processes proceed freely. The substrate for panels in some types is a moisture-resistant OSB sheet. It acts as a stabilizer and the basis for the entire structure. It is also quite simple to process and fix it on a concrete or brick plane.

Nice appearance provided beautiful cladding. Its color can be selected according to the wishes or instructions of the customer. The decorative layer is resistant to physical impact, so it is difficult to damage it. It is made by the method of single or multiple firing. Pigments and additives have already been added to the composition of the mixture. Due to this, the color is simply impossible to wash out with rainwater or other influences. The front part is molded by pressing or extrusion, therefore, in appearance, the plane can be not only even, but also with a certain pattern, which, for example, imitates natural stone.

The design of some types also includes a layer of foil. Its main task is to provide vapor barrier, as well as the reflection of heat, which is directed from the room to the street.

A key point that facilitates installation is the locking mechanism. It is so well thought out, verified and fitted that everything is assembled as a designer. Individual elements do not just go end-to-end, but are fastened with a slight overlap (if a tenon-groove connection is provided). With this approach, it is possible to eliminate the cold bridges that inevitably arise with the first option. Even slanting rain is not able to force water to seep into the middle.

Do not worry that at this stage some investments will be required. The point is that the heat loss heating season can be reduced by almost half, and this will affect the amount of bills. Besides, in summer period insulation works like a thermos. If you start cool air in the evening, it will persist throughout almost the entire day. This means that you will have to turn on the air conditioner much less often. Payback will not keep you waiting.

Varieties and benefits

The user is not limited in choosing from the available subspecies. In addition to the insulation layer, the differences relate to the lining used.

glazed ceramics. It is a continuation of a fashion that dates back to the second half of the 20th century, when houses and other buildings began to be tiled. The advantages of this solution is a flat surface that has a glossy finish. In addition, it is very easy to clean, so if the building is close to the road, it can always be washed under the pressure of water from a hose. The service life is very long and proper care can be over 50 years old.

Ceramic tiles. According to its characteristics, it is many times superior to conventional ceramic. This is due to the method of its manufacture. Although the constituent materials are all the same components (feldspar, clay, kaolin, quartz sand), but they fire it at temperatures up to 1300 ° C. At the same time, it is exposed to a press of up to 500 kg. This approach makes it possible to carry out the diffusion process to such an extent that the powders fuse together. All voids are eliminated and a high-quality monolith is obtained. Due to this, moisture is simply not able to seep inside. This means that even in winter time the tile will not burst when the temperature drops. Strength is so high that it outperforms some types natural stone.

In appearance, it is not necessarily made in the form of facing bricks. It can be much larger, which simplifies the installation of such panels. Virtually no maintenance is required. Even ultraviolet will not interfere, so the tiles on sunny side will not differ in color. A large number are available for selection various variations colors and shapes.

Clinker tiles. In terms of its characteristics, it is in many ways similar to the previous view. It is absolutely environmentally friendly, because. made from natural clay. No artificial chemicals or additives are used. Initially, it was used not only for building houses, but also for paving roads. This suggests that it has sufficient strength and resistance to heavy weight. The production method includes a single firing at high temperatures. Quartz, which is part of it, melts and closes all the pores through which water could seep. The surface comes out very smooth.

The product imitates so well facing brick, what ordinary person quite hard to tell it apart. Scratch resistance is a huge plus. You do not have to be afraid that, hitting the surface with any object, you can harm it. A tile of this kind can withstand more than 300 cycles of complete freezing and thawing. This indicator is very important for those regions where in winter the temperature can reach high negative values. In addition, clinker is an additional layer of sound insulation plus insulation.

In addition to the facing material, both the substrate used and the insulation itself may differ.

Allocate:

• Metal. They are a casing made of sheet material, it can be aluminum or galvanized sheet, inside of which there is a heater made of mineral wool or polymers. Appearance may resemble brickwork, tiling or other options.
• Isosiding. In appearance, it may resemble a block house, wooden lining or ordinary siding. The difference lies in the fact that individual elements are made with internal cavities that are filled with foamed polyurethane.
• Heat siding. Simply put, these are all the same sheets of expanded polystyrene or foamed polyurethane. But the front side of the material is made with an imitation of some pattern and is reinforced stone chips which prevents damage from touches and impacts.

Summing up, we can highlight positive sides the use of thermal panels in the performance of finishing and insulation works:

• high speed of work performed;
• pleasant appearance;
• no need for finishing painting or other finishes;
• resistance to ultraviolet radiation;
• small weight of a single element;
• application where it is not possible to use facing bricks;
• long service life;
• excellent waterproofing properties;
• a large number of freeze / thaw cycles;
• ease of care;
• resistance to the formation of fungus;
• resistance to physical influences;
• the ability to compensate for surface irregularities;
• environmental friendliness of some species.

Of the inherent disadvantages, the following are distinguished:

• brittleness of some materials;
• relatively high price;
• some limited choice.

As you can see, there are very few cons. The panels have occupied their niche and the direction continues to develop towards the improvement of the components and the final result.

How to choose

Among the described abundance it is easy to get lost. But there are basic nuances that will allow you to choose the option that will be ideal for a particular project.

First of all, you need to decide on the type of panels that you would like to see on the facade. own house. This includes the type of substrate, the type of insulation, as well as the cladding material.

• Texture and form. Perhaps the choice will be stopped at classic version, which mimics a brick. But in most cases, the house will simply merge with the mass of the same ones that are nearby. In the desire to realize your individuality, you can stop at the shape of natural stone, intricate patterns or mosaics. Everything will depend on what kind of products the manufacturer can offer.
• Colour. Here it is important to consider general idea exterior. If you want to create an atmosphere that will contribute to relaxation, it is better to stop at neutral tones. These are distinguished by clinker tiles or porcelain stoneware. It will emphasize the solidity and high cost of finishing. Escape from everyday dullness and boredom will allow cladding made of glazed products or blanks for self-painting.
• Insulation thickness. This factor is very important role. Everything will depend on how severe the climate is in a particular region. Then the rule applies, the thicker the better. In a situation where the desired texture does not have the required insulator layer, then separately mounted on the wall additional modules foam or mineral wool.
• Manufacturer. Not the last nuance to consider. The fact is that a self-respecting company gives an official guarantee, subject to compliance with all the required installation technologies. Slabs that are handmade can last for several years, after which they will need extensive repairs or complete replacement. In such cases, it is better, as they say, to overpay for the brand than to buy a whole new batch later.
• Budget. Everything can be limited by the amount that is planned for the purchase. But you should not approach the issue from the point of view, the cheaper, the faster it is acquired and installed. It is better to save some time for the middle option. It usually combines quality and beauty. Everything that belongs to the elite subspecies was created to emphasize the status.

In appearance, choose what you personally like. After all, it is you who will look at the end result every day.

Self-manufacturing

If you set a goal, you can make thermal panels yourself. This is true in the case when all options were considered, but none of the proposed ones came up. For the whole process you will need the following components:

• polyurethane foam (it is better to use the Titan brand);
• your favorite tile exterior finish or stone;
• sheets of foam or foamed polyurethane;
• a device that can act as a press;
• roulette;
• a hacksaw or a special cutter for polymers.

The first step is to build a press. Its dimensions should be such that one or more sheets of insulation can fit freely in it. In its role can be a workbench or a table. Followed by:

• Well level the plane. For these purposes, you can use the usual building level. The surface itself must also be flat. For this do not regret OSB sheet, chipboard or metal.
• Another element of the same size is needed, which will serve as a clamp. To make it heavier, metal weights are evenly attached to it. Another way would be to build metal frame. To do this, you need a rectangular or square profile pipe. According to the size of the top sheet, a figure with jumpers is made. On its large sides, loops are made for studs. Exactly under them, hinges are welded to the table.
• On the work surface the material that will be used as the basis is laid. It can be, for example, moisture resistant OSB plate. But its side ends must be cut in advance in the form of a lock for binding. Its configuration will depend on the chosen cladding.
• The base is coated with an adhesive.
• Insulation sheets are placed on top.
• The whole structure is covered with a prepared part with loops.
• The holes are aligned, the studs are inserted into them and the clamp is made.
• The holding time is equal to the curing time of the adhesive, it is usually indicated on the packaging.
• After that, it is necessary to trim the foam according to the format of the cut ends.
• The next stage is the installation of blanks for fasteners. For these purposes, ordinary umbrellas are perfect. They must be placed in several rows so that subsequently the hole falls into the seam between the tiles. A small recess is made under the caps. Then they will lay flat. The protruding end is cut off.
• Tiles or stone are fixed in the same way as factory panels, but the pressing force will be less than in the first case. This is necessary so as not to damage the lining and not to push through the foam.

In the case of this approach, it will be possible to partially save on the total final amount, as well as create a unique design. The strength of the products is high. The fact is that the glue penetrates into the insulator to a depth of almost 1 cm, so it can be torn off only with a part of the foam. In addition, repair homemade stoves much lighter than the factory ones. Disadvantages include the need for in large numbers time for preparation.

Mounting process

The installation process will not cause difficulties even for beginners in construction business. To successfully complete all stages, it is important to have minimal skills in working with a puncher and a level. In total, there are two ways in which installation can be carried out:

• Directly on the plane of the wall. This option is easiest to implement when the surface is extruded while maintaining a vertical plane. It may already be plastered, and certain shortcomings have been eliminated.
• With the use of metal or wooden crates. It will be a salvation in a situation where significant errors were made at the construction stage, and they must be hidden. Costs in this scenario increase slightly. First, you will need funds for the slats under the frame. Secondly, you can not leave the space between the wall and the panels empty. If this is done, then the effect of them will be only visual. The gaps will need to be closed with another layer of insulator.

To solve the first task, you will need the following tools:

• perforator;
• level;
• roulette;
• self-tapping screws and dowels (the length depends on the thickness of the panel);
• joint filler;
• stitching tool;
• grout gun;
• metallic profile;
• screwdriver;
• hacksaw or grinder with a nozzle for concrete;
• mounting adhesive.

The whole process begins with the insulation of the basement. If it is left without insulation, then the entire wall will freeze due to the cold bridge.

• Mounted metal profile UD for drywall. Every 50 cm it must be fixed with a dowel and a self-tapping screw. It will be located at a height of 5 cm from the surface of the blind area. The gap is made in order to leave space to compensate for thermal expansion. It must be leveled. Also, it should not be close to the wall. A distance of 0.5–1 cm is observed. For this, linings are made of insulation or polyethylene, but not wood.
• The space between the profile and the wall is filled with polyurethane foam. This is done in order to eliminate the possibility of air circulation between the plane and the panels.
• Before mounting the first element, the profile cavity is filled with foam.
• For greater convenience, it is better to start laying the cladding from the left corner of the building.
• You can arrange individual sheets in a checkerboard pattern or in horizontal rows.
• Each element is leveled before fixing. If the wall is uneven, then under it you can make a lining of dense polyurethane foam.
• A layer of foam is applied to the vertical and horizontal joints. There is no need to cover the entire back side. When expanding, this will lead to deformation of the structure.
• The wall is drilled through the factory holes with a puncher. Depth should be 3 cm over size dowel.
• A small amount of foam is fed into the hole. After that, the dowel is inserted and the self-tapping screw is screwed in. The latter should be slightly recessed. A small amount of polyurethane foam is again added to the gap. This is done to eliminate the cold bridge that can form through metal fasteners.
• To ensure high-quality abutment at the corners, it will be necessary to cut the ends of two abutting panels at 45 °. In addition, it is also necessary to cut a gutter in the resulting plane, which will subsequently be foamed.
• Slopes of windows and doors are decorated with special polyurethane overlays.
• The final step will be grouting. It is most convenient to use a sealant gun for these purposes. Its nose is cut at an angle of 45 °. It is filled with grout and it is evenly distributed over the entire plane so as to fill the space between the tiles. After a few minutes, you can walk through the jointing tool, while removing excess mortar.

Installation with the installation of the frame has many common points, but there are some nuances. The tools required are the same as in the previous case.

• All walls are sheathed with vapor barrier. This is done to prevent the possible accumulation of moisture and the formation of fungus and mold.
• The scatter in the plane of the wall is checked. To accomplish this task, you can use a plumb line or laser level. In the first case, you need to screw a self-tapping screw into upper part and tie a thread to it. After that, it is measured from it to the wall along its entire length. Appropriate notes are made. This is done by a laser plane builder as follows: a beam is projected parallel to the wall and the distance from it is checked with a tape measure.
• Suspensions are attached in increments of 40 cm. Already hooked on them metal slats. At the same time, the indentation from the plane is observed according to the applied marks. There should be two elements at the corners. One is intended directly for fixing the panel, and the second for the corner element.
• To give rigidity, perpendicular jumpers are mounted in the upper and lower parts.
• A heater is placed in the formed cavities. You can use mineral wool or foamed polymer. It is fixed to the wall with umbrellas. In the second case, the seams are filled with foam to eliminate cold bridges.
• The main panels are mounted from the left corner, as in the previous case.
• They are attached directly to the mounted frame. In this case, the self-tapping screw must pass through the insulation and rest against a wooden substrate.
• The joints between the parts are coated with mounting foam. This serves as both an additional fixative and an insulator.
• Corner elements are sewn up last. Thus, it is possible to eliminate as much as possible the differences that arose during docking.
• For windows and doors, special slopes are provided, which are cut to size and mounted. At the same time, it is worth remembering that the junctions with the main elements are foamed.

Try to experiment a little by adding some zest to the overall exterior. For example, one strip in the middle of the wall can be decorated plinth panels. It always looks very impressive. Keeping in mind the basic principles that apply when insulating the facade with thermal panels, you can achieve the desired result.

Video

The video shows the installation of therm-Avers thermal panels with clinker tiles:

And below is the installation of Termosit thermal panels:

Among the many materials, facade thermal panels for exterior decoration of a house, the price of which is much lower than the same brick, are effectively used in suburban construction. It is a protective material that is highly reliable, practical and easy to install.

Facade thermal panels for exterior decoration of the house price

Insulation is a mandatory nuance that is taken into account when building a house. The facade of the building with thermal panels performs not only an aesthetic function, but also protects housing from noise, environmental influences climatic conditions, and most importantly - retains heat inside the premises.

The panels will provide the main task of materials of this kind - reducing the consumption of energy carriers (heat, gas, fuel) for home insulation. The cost of insulation will pay off in a short time

Design and components of facade thermal panels

There are two main materials in the facade thermal panels:

• insulation. In its role, polyurethane foam or basalt slabs are used;
• decorative protective layer. For this purpose, clinker tiles are most often used.

The task of the first layer is to reduce heat loss. It does not allow heat to seep through the walls of a house or structure for any other purpose. The second gives the building an attractive appearance, it also protects the insulation layer from influences external environment(from precipitation, rain, snow, sun) and mechanical damage.

Methods for the production of facade thermal panels

External thermal panels are manufactured at the factory using modern technologies. Panels are formed in special matrices, block forms. During their creation, all the requirements of quality and reliability are taken into account. The result is only quality product for reliable insulation of the facade.

The main advantage of thermal panels - effective thermal insulation building facade. Thermal insulation properties polyurethane foam layers of 50 cm are equal to brickwork 1 m thick. It should be noted that plastered brick surfaces crumble over time, change color, and heat panels retain their original color, strength, and thermal insulation qualities throughout the entire time. They do not require special cleaning, special care measures. They will withstand any weather conditions, significant mechanical stress, have a service life of about 30 years. In addition, damaged parts of the facade panels are easy to remove and replace.

The installation process of heat panels is much simpler than for other materials for exterior wall decoration. Facing is equipped with special fasteners, which reduce to zero the risk of damage to thermal panels when fixed to the facade. Such insulation allows you to achieve maximum benefits, reducing the time and cost of repairs, and plus, achieving great savings heating funds.

An important factor in favor of facade thermal panels is wide selection design options outdoor decorative cladding, the market offers a large assortment color solutions, different patterns, imitation of stone, brick. Thanks to this, the facade of the building becomes unique and attractive.

Facing panels with insulation, in addition to advantages, have some disadvantages:

• without a frame, smooth, perfectly even enclosing structures are mounted. The panel is skewed even with small irregularities, reducing it heat-shielding properties. This drawback is relative, since the cladding can be mounted on uneven walls if a frame (crate) is used;
• relatively high cost of both the material and its installation. Their cost is approximately the same. It is advisable not to save on quality installation, since with poor-quality fitting of the panels, they will disperse in a few years, forming gaps that reduce the thermal insulation qualities;
• if between inside panels and the wall of the house do not make a gap, condensation forms. The minimum gap thickness is 4 cm;
• the ratio of surface thickness to vapor permeability - the coefficient of vapor permeability - for facade panels should be lower than for the wall.

Installation of facade thermal panels

Installation of thermal panels on the facade of the house does not depend on climatic conditions, temperature environment. Weather practically do not affect the quality and reliability of installation. With regard to walls, the situation is the opposite: their surface must be carefully prepared, made even. Panels are fully attached smooth surface. If this is not possible, choose another installation method - mounting on the frame. Increased attention should be paid outer surface panels and joints: there should be no visible seams.

The installation process is as simple and fast as possible. Panels are used to cover the facades of buildings of any age: new buildings or existing buildings. They are mounted on any base of sufficient strength, ranging from wood, cellular concrete and ending heavy concrete and brickwork. The panels do not require a special base, any loads for fixing. On uneven surfaces, it is enough to apply a crate (frame) for their installation.

Installation of facade thermal panels on the frame

Facade panels are also mounted on the frame. Such installation of heat panels is carried out on a frame attached to the wall. The material for it is metal structures, lumber.

Panels are attached to metal rails with special clamps. Their design allows you to make the mount invisible. The step between the frame rails depends on the parameters of the panels, usually this figure is 750-1000 mm.

One of the mounting options: installation of thermal panels on a wooden crate.

For such a case, there are rules:

• wood is pre-treated with impregnations from mold and fungi;
• the size of the transverse value is not more than 50 mm for length and width, otherwise the tree twists and deforms.
• Panels are fastened to a wooden crate by two types of fasteners:
• screws are flat caps, which have a diameter of 10 mm or more;
• wooden fasteners screwed into the spike.

The optimal angle of inclination of the fasteners is 45 degrees. best material for fastening the frame to the surface of the walls - metal corners.

Frameless installation of facade thermal panels

Fastening facade panels to a wall without a frame is the second installation method. Attach to wall surfaces cladding panels without a frame is possible, but there are several nuances of work.

The material is fixed on special dowels and self-tapping screws on a flat enclosing structure. In case of an uneven surface, beacons are located at the joints of the panels, along which all installed external parts are aligned.

Facade thermal panels Russian production price

If you want to buy really high-quality facade thermal panels and not overpay at the same time, we advise you to opt for Russian manufacturers. The price of facade thermal panels Russian production with clinker tiles is 790-880 rubles per m2. It's really good price. Write to us through the service Feedback and we will supply and, if necessary, mount a facade thermal panel on your country house.

We hope the article "Facade thermal panels for exterior home decoration price" was useful to you!

Facing the facade of a private house is made after the insulation of its walls. There are many technologies and materials for performing both types of work. However, it is much more practical to immediately mount thermal insulation and facade decor using a special multi-layer sheathing. To do this, it is enough to purchase thermal panels with clinker tiles, consisting of a heater and a facing coating. Such finishing elements are not cheap, but they are mounted simply and quickly.

What are facade thermal panels with clinker tiles

Decorative thermal panels for decorating the facade of a low-rise private house are a multilayer cake made of several materials. The outer layer is frost-resistant and waterproof clinker tiles made from baked under high temperatures clay. Under it is a heater:

PPU (polyurethane foam);

• EPS (extruded polystyrene foam).

Panel structure

Conventional foam plastic is practically not used in these facade panels for residential buildings. He's too hot. There are few thermal panels with mineral wool on the market. It is capricious in relation to moisture, which leads to an increase in the cost of installation due to the need to arrange waterproofing, and is more difficult to work with. If you want to do insulation and exterior decoration of the house with it, then it is best to use mineral wool and cladding in the form clinker tiles mount separately.

Some manufacturers, in order to give additional rigidity, under the heat insulator of the decorative facade panel, make another layer of the substrate from OSB or LSU. However, this option is more intended for cladding the facades of private houses built according to frame technology. For brick or foam concrete cottages, it is preferable to take less expensive thermal panels without a wood or glass-magnesite slab on the inside.

Variant using OSB

The facade of the house, finished with warm panels with clinker tiles, will last at least 20-30 years without repair. This outer cladding resistant to precipitation and changes in street temperature. Small clinker tiles of the front finish reliably protect the expanded polystyrene and polyurethane foam inside the thermal panels from external influences. And the variety of their shades makes it easy to select other materials for decorating the facade that are in harmony with it for such a cladding.

Advantages and disadvantages of thermal panels

Facade thermal panels intended for exterior decoration of the house have a lot of advantages, among which are:

Simplicity and speed decorative design facade;

No need for additional thermal insulation of the house;

Durability of polyurethane foam and environmental safety of expanded polystyrene;

Removal of the dew point from the thickness of the outer walls to the cladding, which only increases the durability of private country houses;

A variety of colors and textures of clinker tiles (on sale there are panels with imitation of ordinary or aged brick, adobe and natural stone);

Savings through simpler self-assembly finishing the facade of your own house, consisting of large elements;

Durability of clinker tiles decorative panels to mechanical influences, frost, water and fire;

A small number of seams, minimizing the number of cold bridges in the facade cladding made of thermal panels;

The stability of the exterior finish of the house to ultraviolet, even after a decade, the clinker tiles will not fade under the sun.

House before finishing
House after finishing

Among the shortcomings of the considered thermal panels for facades, four minuses are worth mentioning:

The presence on the market of facade building materials for private houses of a considerable amount of low-quality falsification.

The rigidity of the panels having clinker tiles in their structure for bending, for walls with differences of a couple of centimeters, you will have to make a frame.

Quite low with improper installation, only 10-15 years, the service life of the facades of residential buildings with expanded polystyrene inside.

The high cost of thermal panels with a heat-insulating layer and external clinker tiles.

Unlike polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam in facing slabs for the facade of a house has voids inside, into which moisture can get. And during frosts, this water freezes, which leads to chipping of the insulation in the thermal panel mounted on the facade of your cozy home. Polyurethane foam under clinker tiles is not subject to this scourge. Panels with it in any case will last at least fifty years.

Types and characteristics of thermal panels for facades

At the factory, in the manufacture of panels, clinker tiles with polymer insulation are connected with glue or simply pressed into it. When using the second version of this facing material, the facades of houses last longer. It is more reliable and durable. However, the price of pressed panels is higher than that of glued products.

The cost also depends on the place of production. Facade thermal panels from German manufacturers will cost more than those made in Russia. This affects the payment for the brand and the transport shoulder to the house being built. However, their quality and the resulting facade will definitely be on top.

Composite thermal panels for exterior facade decoration appeared relatively recently. But due to their characteristics, they took pride of place among the finishing and insulating materials.

Production and characteristics

The thermal panel is thermal insulation material, consisting of a decorative layer and a composite of expanded polystyrene or polyurethane foam.

In the production of facade thermal panels, a matrix imitating stone or brickwork is installed in a special mold. Quartz sand is poured, which serves as protection of the seams from atmospheric influences during operation. Plastic guides are laid. Liquid polyurethane foam or expanded polystyrene is poured into the mold.

Characteristics of thermal panels:

• Not exposed to microbiological corrosion;
• Density 50-60 kg/m 3 ;
• Range operating temperature– from -180 to +150 °C;
• Thermal conductivity 0.021 W/m °С;
• Thermal resistance 1.2 m 2 °C / W;
• Belongs to the class of slow-burning materials;
• They have good sound-absorbing properties;
• Long service life - up to 50 years.

Characteristic advantages:

• Chemical resistant material;
• Optimum gas permeability;
• Does not fade under the influence of ultraviolet radiation;
• Resistant to moisture, steam and rust;
• Simple and fast installation;
• Ecological cleanliness;
• High strength indicators;
• Light weight;
• Low price.

But these properties are typical for thermal panels based on polyurethane foam. Expanded polystyrene materials are afraid of moisture, therefore they are prone to mold. Temperature fluctuations affect the structure of polystyrene, which can lead to its destruction. This significantly reduces the service life of such thermal panels to 10-15 years. They require constant maintenance and, if necessary, repair.

Preparation before installation of thermal panels

Installation of thermal panels is carried out on bases made of any materials - blocks, bricks, concrete, plaster and even wood. Due to the light weight of the finishing material (up to 17 kg per panel), there is no need to additionally strengthen the foundation of the building.

Installation is carried out directly on the wall or on the crate. But first you need to beat off the level of height. Particular attention in preparation for facing the house with thermal panels is given to the diagonals of the walls. If there are deviations in the diagonals of one wall up to 50 mm, the discrepancy is eliminated with the help of materials with good moisture resistance and rigidity. With more significant deviations of the diagonals, the creation of a crate is required.

The surface of the facade itself does not require preparation, but apart from correcting obvious defects in the form of deep cracks or lagging plaster.

The technology of facing the house with thermal panels

Tool and consumable for works:

• hammer drill or impact drill; at home
• angle grinder (grinder);
• screwdriver;
• building level;
• putty knife;
• thermal panels;
• plinth profile;
• door and window slopes;
• self-tapping screws;
• grout;
• dowels;
• washers;
• assembly foam.

To create a crate (if necessary), wooden bars are used. Their fastening is carried out with the expectation that 1 panel will be fastened to 3 vertical bars, i.e. the step between them should be 400-450 mm. Before installing the crate, all the bars must be impregnated with flame retardants and antiseptics.

A line is drawn along the horizontal axis of the basement, from which the installation of the first row of cladding will begin. According to this line, a base profile is installed and fixed, including a starting rail and a rain tide. In this case, it is recommended to maintain a distance of 200 mm below the floor level interior spaces. A gap should be provided between the blind area and the profile, which will avoid deformation due to temperature changes.

Vertical beacons are installed along the facade. If the plinth is being finished (part of the panel is buried in the soil), a metal corner is placed under the thermal panels or wooden beams, which will play the role of a temporary mounting support.

Thermal panels are installed on the basement profile, work is carried out from left to right, from bottom to top. They are fixed with self-tapping screws or dowels (6-8 pieces are needed to ensure optimal density), along plastic guides. They are connected to each other by means of a tongue-and-groove connection. The seams at the junctions of the thermal panels are blown out with mounting foam.

Some difficulties are presented by finishing slopes on doors and windows. This operation can be performed in 2 ways:

• Cut the edges of the joined thermal panels at an angle of 45 °, and after joining and fixing, blow the joint with mounting foam;

• With the help of additional elements designed for these purposes, which will improve the quality of work, the appearance of the finish and create additional protection freezing corners.

Watch the video on the installation of facade thermal panels

Grouting

Before finishing the seams, the thermal panels are cleaned of dust and other contaminants. Joints are coated only at positive temperatures (not lower than +5 °C) with a special frost-resistant grout. After the grout has hardened, it is advisable to treat the panels with a water fubizer, which will increase their water-repellent properties.

Finishing with facade thermal panels allows you to decorate the facade in an original way, and most importantly - to insulate the house, which will reduce financial costs for energy resources. At the same time, the cost of materials is not very high, and installation can be done by hand.

Insulated cladding panels - a universal facade material

To increase the thermal insulation of the house and give it a solid appearance, you need to perform great job for installation of insulation and device decorative coating. However, both material costs and labor costs can be significantly reduced by using special materials - insulation panels with cladding.
Their installation is faster and easier than a phased finish, and the effect is the same.

The principle of the structure of all similar materials one is two-layer or three-layer panels, the basis of which is insulation (polystyrene, mineral wool, expanded polystyrene, etc.), covered with front side decorative layer.
Most popular materials:

• Thermal panels with clinker tiles. They are different both in appearance and design.
  The simplest are two-layer panels for cladding with insulation, in which they are glued to the polyurethane foam slab. There are three-layer panels with a load-bearing bottom layer of OSB, which gives them rigidity, as well as panels with metal inserts pressed into them or molded plastic bushings to facilitate installation.

• Expanded polystyrene panels with a decorative layer of plaster with colored marble chips. Their use allows you to create a seamless surface.

• Metal ones are a "pie", the filling of which is a heater, closed on both sides with painted aluminum sheets or corrugated board with protective film. A pattern can be applied under the film, creating an imitation of popular facing materials - wood, stone, brickwork.

For reference. Oriented strand board (OSB) SIP panels can also be used for thermal insulation and cladding. But they require additional face finishing.

Features of using insulated panels

The described materials are suitable not only for finishing newly erected buildings, but also for the restoration of old and dilapidated buildings. For their installation, it is not necessary to strengthen or level the facade - it is enough to fix the crate on it.
And thanks to the low weight of the products and the well-thought-out design, it is easy to do the lining with your own hands without the involvement of specialists and lifting equipment. But this is not their only merit.

Advantages of thermal panels

Among the many advantages that thermal panels of any type have, the following should be highlighted:

• Reducing the cost of winter heating and summer air conditioning of insulated buildings up to 40%. The rather high price of cladding pays off within a few seasons, while the microclimate inside the house becomes much more comfortable.
• Light weight not only facilitates installation, but also allows you to transform the appearance of the building without creating a critical load on the foundation, which is very important for existing buildings.

Note. Weight of panels covered with clinker tiles or artificial stone depends on the thickness of the decorative layer. Before choosing a material for the restoration of the facade of an old building, it is necessary to make sure that its foundation can withstand the load created by its weight.

Such a “brick” cladding weighs several times less than the real one, but looks no worse

• Regardless of the type of decorative coating, insulation and cladding panels are highly resistant to such external influences, as ultraviolet radiation, precipitation, temperature fluctuations and its critical negative and positive values, chemical and mechanical damage.
• Durability, reliability, long service life without the need for repair.
• Fire resistance.
• Environmental safety of the materials used.
• Possibility of installation under any weather conditions.

Finally, for the consumer great importance and a huge range of insulated panels, the ability to choose a decor that matches the style of the house, choose the desired color and texture, “change” the house into brick, stone, wood.

Several color options for brick panels

If you watch the video, you will see for yourself how easy this dressing is, and how the appearance of the building is radically transformed.

disadvantages

There are not so many of them, but when choosing any material, you need to be aware of the disadvantages that it has so that they do not become an unpleasant surprise during installation or operation.
We will not rank the high cost of insulated panels as a disadvantage. Firstly, the range of prices depending on their type is quite significant, and secondly, you are unlikely to be able to save money by purchasing insulation and cladding separately and paying for the installation of each of them.
A significant disadvantage of two-layer panels can be considered their susceptibility to deformation during storage, which complicates installation. Since both layers have different density, structure and response to changes in the parameters of the external environment, the product may warp.
In this regard, three-layer with insulation is more reliable, they are free from such a disadvantage, but they are also more expensive.
Inexpensive panels imitating brickwork require grouting after installation special formulations protecting the insulation from destruction. This is a rather time-consuming and labor-intensive work, but it can be avoided if you buy facing boards with seams already worn out in production.

Such panels need grouting while masking the attachment points.

Mounting Features

If the walls of the house are relatively even, the panels can be attached directly to them, leveling small irregularities with linings made of plywood or other materials during the installation process. Before it starts, the most convex point is determined, and in accordance with it, on the wall using polyurethane foam beacons are fixed.
This is quite dreary and long, it is easier to immediately install the leveling crate. In addition, it will allow you to create a ventilated space under the lining, excluding the accumulation of moisture in the insulation, and facilitate installation.
It differs slightly depending on the type and design features panels, but general instruction is:

• Along the entire perimeter of the building, a lower horizontal line is beaten off, from which the cladding will begin from the bottom up;
• If the installation starts above the plinth, then a plinth profile is mounted on it, which serves as a support for the panels and drains the precipitation flowing down the walls;
• A crate of dry, treated with antifungal impregnation bars is attached to the wall. The distance between them must correspond to the parameters of the panels;

Important! When mounting the frame, it is necessary to carefully monitor the level, ensuring that all the guides lie in the same vertical plane.

• Installation of panels is carried out from the bottom up from the corner. If available corner elements, first they are attached. If not, the ends of the panels are sawn for joining at an angle of 45 degrees;

• Fastening to a wooden crate is done with self-tapping screws, to a brick or concrete wall- dowel-nails. The length of the fastener should be 4-5 cm more thickness lining;
• Each subsequent after the first row is mounted in such a way that the vertical seams are displaced. To do this, use additional or cut-to-length panels. The front part of the panel is sawn with a grinder with a disk corresponding to the material, while the insulation is easily cut with a knife;
• If grouting is necessary, this work is best done in dry weather at a positive air temperature.

Most panels are hidden. If this is not the case, the mounting holes are best made in the seams between the decorative elements, and then masked with a suitable color compound recommended by the manufacturer.

Conclusion

Many developers and people who are puzzled by the external repair of the house carefully choose facing materials, corresponding to their requirements for appearance and performance characteristics. In this regard, the facing insulated panel - great choice, allowing you to "kill two birds with one stone": solve the problem with thermal insulation and transform the house beyond recognition in a matter of days.