External cladding is a relatively new solution, effective and taking interesting forms. It protect and decorate walls at the same time and are very durable. What is worth knowing about them?
Making the elevation of the building we do not necessarily have to put on the traditional plaster. Natural materials, concrete and even plastics are also very popular.
What are the most commonly used materials?
Brick/clinker
As an external wall cladding material it is valued not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its strength and resistance to weather conditions. However the greatest advantage of brick is its excellent thermal insulation and fire resistance. Solid bricks are rarely used and light clinker tiles are used more frequently.
Wood
It perfectly fits in with ecological trends and creates a harmonious appearance of the building. You can use the wood that suits you best in terms of practicality and aesthetics. Noteworthy, however, is primarily the ability to transmit water vapor and quite good thermal insulation of wood. Relatively simple (although time-consuming) is also the installation of wooden boards, which are attached to a grid made of wooden battens. However, it must be remembered that the wooden facade must be impregnated and renovated every few years. Otherwise it will fade and decay under the influence of moisture and UV rays.
Stone
Sandstone, marble, basalt, limestone or granite, among others, are used for facades. All of them are very impressive and allow creating various, natural looking compositions. An external cladding Manchester made this way is resistant to moisture and frost. They do not require frequent maintenance and are easy to clean.
Concrete
Concrete shapes that imitate natural stone are the most popular. Concrete has high bending strength, frost resistance and resistance to sunlight. Concrete panels covered with special hydrophobic coatings or impregnates that protect them from heat and water are also available on the market.
Plastic panels
PVC or fiber cement panels are one of the most practical and easiest facades to make. They are laid on frames and fixed with nails or hooks. They do not require impregnation and are very easy to keep clean.
External cladding: past and present
In the 1990s siding in its cheapest version became a commonly used material to cover any possible defects and unsightly facades. The then plastic, tacky facades with siding stripes were even beginning to frighten.
Today’s external cladding panels are at least PVC composites with many refining components including additives of wood, metals, resins, aggregates or minerals. Today’s plastic panels successfully imitate stone, planks or clinker. They are covered with a special polymer coating that increases resistance to weathering and mechanical damage.
Elevation from panels can be installed very quickly, it is easy to keep clean. Thanks to refining modern additives such elevation is resistant to external conditions and for a long time retains its aesthetic appearance.