Decorating a house made of timber from the outside: the correct technology of work

Houses built from timber are a popular type of structure. Thanks to the rectangular profile, the timber is easy to install, so such structures are erected quite quickly, occupying one of the main positions in the field of wooden house construction. In temperate and northern latitudes, the exterior of a house is made of timber.

Cladding a house from timber is both beautiful, a protected house, and a warm one Source ecoles-vologda.ru

General properties and characteristics

The construction industry and the introduction of the latest innovations into it are moving forward.
Natural wood as a material for cladding country houses and cottages still remains one of the most popular and in-demand building materials. Often, builders, using wood as a cladding material, can resort to cladding the outside of the house. This allows you to achieve a beautiful, visible result, create the look of a “Russian hut” and sheathe the house with the highest possible quality. There are many reasons, citing which we can confidently say that cladding a house is desirable, and sometimes even a mandatory construction procedure.

In addition, there are a number of factors and necessary conditions that you should pay attention to when choosing cladding material:

• Unfavorable climatic factors can always contribute to breakdowns and some kind of destruction. To avoid this, it is recommended to resort to cladding the house, preferably with additional protection against penetration by sedimentary moisture and condensation.
• Thermal water and vapor permeability must be eliminated, thereby ensuring that the house is sheathed with a material that provides high-quality thermal and waterproofing.

• Noise can also often be a nuisance, so you should choose a material with good sound insulation.
• It happens that over time, the cladding often loses its former attractive appearance due to fading. To prevent an undesirable situation, it is recommended to choose a cladding material that will withstand the influence of sunlight and ultraviolet rays.
• A fire can strike at any moment. To avoid this, there are materials for home cladding, the use of which will secure and protect your home from open fire.
• Specialists often put forward requirements for the material that ensure ease of installation, as a result of which the use of special equipment is optional.

However, home owners often have to choose between reliability and aesthetics, since it is quite difficult to find a material that meets both characteristics.

Types of decorative cladding

Modern materials make it possible to create an imitation of brickwork on a wooden wall, or vice versa - to transform a brick house into a wooden frame. For this, claddings such as siding made of different materials, wooden lining, block house, thermal panels, ceramic or stone tiles and others are used. It is necessary to find out in advance how each of the skins is attached and what it looks like in the end - this will largely determine which insulation system to choose for it.

Clinker thermal panels

Clinker thermal panels are one of the modern materials for insulation and decoration of facades.

House covered with clinker thermal panels

They have appeared on the construction market relatively recently, and have already gained wide popularity. This is not at all surprising, since they have many positive qualities.

• One of the main advantages is that this material performs two functions at once: insulation and decorative cladding.
• The panels perfectly imitate brickwork and are produced in a variety of colors, so they can be matched to any style and taste.
• They give the surface absolute neatness and aesthetics.
• This type of cladding is convenient and relatively easy to install on the wall.
• Thermal panels can be used to cover any surface - wood or brick.
• The light weight of the panels makes it possible to do without additional strengthening of the foundation of the old building.
• Since the materials have a low percentage of water absorption, the façade can be washed from sludge with water under high pressure.
• The tightness of the panels on the wall does not allow cold air to penetrate to the wall of the house.

Thermal panels have a polyurethane foam or polystyrene foam base onto which clinker tiles are pressed. The warm substrate increases the thermal insulation qualities of the panels by two to four times, and creates an optimal vapor-permeable microclimate for the walls, which allows you to preserve the material from which the house is built for a longer period.

The structure of the panels is a layer of insulation and decorative tiles “like brick”

• Clinker tiles protect the insulation base from external factors such as wind, precipitation, and direct solar ultraviolet rays.
• Clinker panels are very securely attached to the wall and can last 45-60 years without repair work, without losing their original appearance.
• The panels are assembled into a single plane using existing locking joints (tongues and grooves), which ensures tight adhesion.

Installation of panels is quite simple and intuitive

• Straight, wall thermal panels and corner elements for them are produced, which facilitate the task of decorating the corners of the building, making them absolutely neat, not different from the general appearance of the walls.

Thermal panels are equipped with the necessary additional profile elements

• Thermal panels are reinforced with plastic guides that prevent deformation and mechanical stress of the facing material.

Installation of thermal panels

• Before you begin installing the panels on the wall, it is necessary to inspect it for various bulges, significant depressions and chips, which can greatly impede quick installation. Therefore, it is necessary to bring the surface of the walls to a perfectly smooth state.

Inspection of walls before installation of thermal panels

• When installing panels on surfaces that have large irregularities, for example, the walls of a log house, they are covered with a lathing made of wooden beams.

Installation of clinker thermal panels can be carried out directly on the walls or on the lathing

• In this case, it is very important to correctly calculate the location of the sheathing elements so that the fastening of the panels is successful. There must be at least three sheathing bars per panel to be secured to create the required sheathing rigidity.

Dimensions of thermal panels, places of fastening to walls
. The diagram clearly shows the places of fastening to the wall or sheathing and the dimensions of the panel itself and the protruding locking ridges.

• After the wall surface is completely covered, the seams between the individual tiles are filled with a special grout. This completely isolates the insulation from external influences and gives the wall design the look of natural brickwork.

Video: facing a house with clinker thermal panels

Prices for thermal panels

Thermal panels

Natural wood materials used for exterior cladding of a wooden house

When choosing the best way to sheathe the outside of a wooden house, natural wood materials inevitably come into view:

• lining;
• block house;
• imitation timber;
• Planken.

All of them have obvious advantages as a natural material, but they also have the same disadvantages as any wooden product. This leads to the fact that in addition to the cost of purchasing the material, it is necessary to incur certain costs for finishing with antiseptics and topcoat varnishes and paints.

Lining

The cheapest and most technologically advanced type of natural wood cladding is slats with profiled sides that form a groove/tongue connection. During installation, the lining is firmly and tightly connected and forms an almost monolithic surface.

For finishing, exclusively dry lining is used, with a humidity not exceeding 10 - 15%. If you use insufficiently dry lining, it will inevitably dry out and cracks will appear along the mating lines.

There are several standards for lining, the average dimensions of which are:

• thickness – 12 – 40 mm;
• width – 76 – 200 mm;
• spike length - 4 - 5 mm;
• length - 2 - 6 m.

The lining is installed in a horizontal position, starting from the bottom, with the tenon facing up. If you install it with the groove up, then the water flowing down the wall will get into the lock and over time destroy it and the lining itself. With proper installation and proper care, clapboard cladding will last 10 - 15 years, and if it is impregnated with modern antiseptics, even longer.

The advantage of such cladding is its low cost and ease of installation. Anyone who can hold a hammer and use a building level can handle the installation.

Imitation of timber

It is the same prefabricated surface as the lining, but slightly different in appearance. It can also be installed horizontally, only visible joints are practically invisible. After final installation it looks like a wall made of profiled timber. It is made from spruce, pine, cedar or larch; due to the resinous nature of these species, it is quite durable.

The material is produced in the form of boards 2–4 m long, 20–35 mm thick and 105–175 mm wide. You can buy a solid board, cut from one log, or spliced, glued together under pressure from narrower slats. In terms of performance, both types are approximately the same.

Pros and cons are similar to lining. Imitation timber wins only in appearance - the material is more modern and decorative.

Block house

An excellent finishing material, made in the form of boards with a semicircular outer side. When assembled, the material creates the appearance of a log structure. Very decorative, durable and no more difficult to install than lining. Compared to lining and imitation timber, a block house is more durable, holds heat better and is much more durable.

Coniferous wood species are used to make slats, in most cases pine and spruce. Impregnation with various stains, glazes and glazing materials allows you to give the finish the appearance of any valuable type of wood. When painting with oil or alkyd paints, most of the effect of using a block house disappears (in the case of imitation timber, this does not happen).

The block house also has good thermal properties. Compared to previous materials, it retains heat in the house better and lets the cold in worse. But the cost of covering with this material is higher.

Planken

This is a relatively new material in our latitudes. It is a façade board with beveled or rounded side edges. Made from pine, larch or wood-polymer materials. The width of the board is in the range of 70 – 140 mm with a thickness of 15 – 20 mm, the bevel angle of the edges is 45 – 70. It is mounted on special fastenings with a tenon or an overlap.

Very convenient for installing ventilated facades. As a rule, it is sold in a form treated with fire retardants and antiseptics, therefore it is resistant to biological pests and safe in the fire sense.

In most cases, high-quality planken is impregnated with environmentally friendly products, but when purchasing it is a good idea to check the certificate. Cheap materials can be treated with toxic reagents.

Features of timber houses

The technology for constructing buildings from timber is not much different from building from a log frame. Wood is a very interesting material. Its attractive structure and natural pattern blend harmoniously with picturesque natural landscapes. For the construction of low-rise residential buildings, different types of timber can be used: sawn, glued and profiled. Each of these materials has its own installation technology. Since wooden walls “breathe,” timber construction is highly environmentally safe.

The construction beam has a cross-section from 100 to 200 mm, which determines the thickness of the walls of a wooden house. In our climatic conditions, even the thickest timber will clearly not be enough, so the walls of a residential building must be insulated (outside and inside). The thickness of wall structures for housing located in a temperate climate zone must be at least 400 mm. To insulate facades, various materials can be used, which are selected depending on the style of the building. The disadvantages of wooden walls include the ability of wood to absorb moisture, low resistance to fire and destruction under the influence of excess moisture. Finishing the facade from timber should reduce the impact of negative natural factors, insulate the house and increase its safety.

Selection of materials

How to decorate the facade of a house made of timber? It is more convenient to cover a wooden body with materials that are easily attached. Therefore, they choose lining, block house, imitation timber, thermal panels, etc. The main condition for cladding is the presence of ventilation in the walls, which is created due to the gap between the wall and the finishing material. When using facing materials (brick, tile, plaster), they try to create ventilation holes so that the wood does not end up in thermal insulation. If the walls do not breathe, fungus and mold will form inside.

The building materials market is always ready to offer suitable material for the exterior decoration of a wooden house. Options are chosen based on your capabilities and needs. Any building material has its advantages and disadvantages:

1. Imitation timber is an environmentally friendly material that allows you to decorate and insulate a house after curing; has unique wood characteristics, since it is made from coniferous trees; resistant to external factors due to its resin content. The disadvantages are that there are too dense knots and an increased fire hazard;
2. Wooden lining is a wood material that retains all its natural properties; has high wear resistance with proper surface treatment; increases the steam exchange functions of the timber. Disadvantages: requires periodic processing and coating;
3. Block house is one of the types of lining with imitation of the rounded surface of a log; easy to install; Often ready-made structures are made from such material. Disadvantages: like other natural materials, it is susceptible to moisture;
4. Vinyl siding is a lightweight, practical material that is resistant to weather conditions; Available in different colors; budget option compared to natural wood. Disadvantages: does not always withstand loads, gaps may appear between elements at high and low temperatures;
5. Metal siding - imitates wooden materials, while remaining a fire-resistant material; There are different colors and shapes; surface care is minimal; Easy to install and does not require a foundation. Disadvantages: does not allow the escape of steam formed in the walls;
6. Thermal panels - made from high-quality concrete with virtually no water; the product does not crack, withstands low temperatures and retains heat; have a unique design solution, imitating brick, tile, stone, etc. Disadvantages: can be destroyed by moisture;
7. Decorative brick – provides a high level of thermal insulation; durable and reliable material in a variety of shades. Disadvantages: requires a reliable foundation and sufficient roof overhang;
8. Facade stone - used more often for laying paths; made of natural stone, so it is expensive; laid on walls according to the principle of tiles; withstands any temperature changes, is moisture resistant, but allows the house to “breathe”. Disadvantages: expensive, requires professional skill when installing;
9. Facing tiles - made from baked clay; for outdoor work, choose a frost-resistant product with a moisture-repellent coating; Comes in different configurations and colors. Disadvantages: for laying on timber it requires preliminary leveling of the walls;
10. Fiber cement panels - made using the latest technologies from cement, reinforcing fibers, mineral fillers; resistant to loads and temperature changes; come in different colors or are painted after installation. Disadvantages: in the absence of ventilation, they retain escaping moisture, exposing the wood to rot;
11. Plaster is a simple and affordable material that allows you to level any walls; gives the house a modern look; you can choose any color that is added to the finished mixture; Acrylic paints are considered the most durable. Disadvantages: tightly covers the wooden wall, making the room unventilated.

Having decided on the appropriate type of material for cladding the house from timber on the outside, they prepare everything necessary for finishing work. If you plan to do everything yourself, make sure to purchase a sufficient amount of materials and also have the necessary tools and equipment on hand. Finishing walls in a house made of timber will require work at height, so you must adhere to safety rules to prevent work-related injuries.

Options for finishing a timber façade

When choosing a cladding option for a timber building, it should be taken into account that initially a lightweight type of foundation is provided for such a building. Considering this circumstance, it should be noted that finishing the façade of a house made of timber should be light in weight. If you do not take into account the load-bearing capacity of the foundation structure, then over time the house may collapse. In this regard, there are several options for finishing a wooden house:

Wooden façade cladding

To preserve the natural color of a house made of timber, wooden lining or a block house is best suited as a facing material. The most popular options for finishing materials in private wooden housing construction are edged and unedged boards, false beams, wood slats and block houses. High thermal insulation characteristics, aesthetic appeal of rural style and natural wood attract the attention of private developers. The block house on the facade of the house looks like a structure made of solid logs. The lath and edged board allow you to neatly hide the insulation material and preserve the naturalistic style of construction made of timber. In addition, these materials are affordable and easy to install. This option of wooden finishing can be complemented with carvings.

Block house is a natural finishing material that imitates the appearance of natural logs. The facade of a timber house, for the decoration of which a block house was used, can easily be confused with a log house made of rounded logs. This finishing material is obtained from lumber that remains during the production of timber. The design of the block house, like the lining, has tongue-and-groove joints. But the aesthetic characteristics of these materials differ significantly. The block house repeats the relief of natural logs, so this finishing option is often used for cladding facades in low-rise construction. But this material also has its drawbacks, which are typical for all wood products.

To prevent the block house from rotting and drying out, it must be treated with special antiseptics.

lining is a good option for finishing a timber façade. These materials provide protection for wooden walls from the negative effects of natural factors. Their advantage is their affordable price and ease of installation. You can cover a timber façade with clapboards yourself.

Among the various options for finishing the facade, it is worth noting the unedged board . Its cost is minimal, but with proper use of this material, the walls of a house can turn into a real work of art. Before you begin cladding the façade, the unedged boards must be cleaned and sanded.

Rough folk decoration in an ethnographic style will give a special flavor to a timber house. Firing the board will only decorate it and increase its service life.

All options for wooden façade cladding made from timber are made from coniferous wood (pine, spruce and larch). Larch cladding has the highest quality characteristics. This type of wood has a high density. The structure of larch provides maximum resistance to rot. Its density is so high that dismantling such cladding is a rather labor-intensive process. Sometimes the façade finishing can only be torn down together with the frame.

Advantages of wooden façade finishing made from timber:

• High environmental characteristics and the ability to “breathe” will allow the cladding to “work” just like timber walls;
• Aesthetic appeal;
• The low thermal conductivity of such finishing helps to effectively maintain a comfortable temperature in the house;
• Good sound insulation;
• Durability.

The disadvantages of wood finishing include its high flammability. It is this circumstance that forces many developers to give preference to artificial options for cladding facades made of timber.

Wall panels

Siding is often used to finish a timber façade. This cladding option consists of thin long panels, which are installed on a pre-equipped frame. Thanks to the presence of perforations along one edge of the panels, façade finishing work is greatly simplified. In addition, on the other edge of the panel there is a special bulge that covers the fastening area. Siding installation is carried out from bottom to top, one plank at a time. This technology makes it possible to form a monolithic, attractive façade covering.

Manufacturers produce several siding options:

• Vinyl

The interesting structure of this material contributes to its high popularity among private developers. PVC siding is characterized by the presence of a cellular cavity, which provides the thermal insulation function of this material. Vinyl siding is lightweight, so this option for cladding the façade with timber does not create a special load on the foundation of the building. Covering the walls with siding allows for their ventilation, which is due to the presence of the perforated edge of the panels. This finish does not fade under the influence of ultraviolet rays, does not burn and is not subject to rotting. Manufacturers offer a wide selection of vinyl siding colors, so you don't have to paint the exterior of your home.

Currently, siding is rightly considered the most popular facing material. The facade of a house made of timber, sheathed with this material, does not age over time and does not require constant maintenance.

• Metal panels

The shape of the metal panels resembles vinyl siding, but they have a characteristic cellular appearance. To make the panels, thin sheets of zinc, steel or aluminum are used. The total weight of this facade cladding option should already be taken into account when calculating the load on the foundation of a house made of timber. Such cladding is less commonly used for wooden buildings, but if the base structure has sufficient strength, then the use of metal siding will protect the timber from moisture, rot and fire. The disadvantage of the panels is the low degree of sound insulation. During heavy rain, residents of a house whose facade is covered with metal siding will hear the noise of falling drops.

The technology for installing metal panels is the same as in the case of vinyl siding. The rare use of this option for cladding facades made of timber is due to the large mass and high cost of the material.

• Fiber cement siding

This facing option is made from a mixture of cement and rock fibers. Fiber cement siding is durable and resistant to temperature changes, sunlight and moisture. Thanks to a wide selection of colors and textures, this version of the facing material allows you to decorate the façade from timber to look like natural stone, tile, metal, etc.

For the exterior decoration of a wooden house, you can also use analogues of this siding, such as PVC or fiber cement panels. In this case, the size of the individual cladding elements will be larger (450x250 mm), which makes it possible to reduce the time for finishing the timber façade. With such cladding, the house looks beautiful and respectable.

Fiber cement panels are a material that is highly popular in many European countries and has already received recognition from domestic developers. Its advantage is the widest selection of shades and textures. Finishing a timber facade with fiber cement panels will serve as reliable protection for wooden walls from destruction and will perform heat and sound insulation functions. This cladding option is characterized by ease of installation - the slabs are attached to the wall without installing sheathing.

• Thermal panels

Thermal panels are reliable and practical. This type of façade finishing will provide protection for timber walls from climatic factors and will significantly reduce heat loss. For the manufacture of thermal panels, polyurethane foam is used, which is characterized as a material that conducts sound and heat poorly. The technology for finishing the facade with such panels is not complicated. Developers often choose such cladding based on its aesthetic characteristics. Finishing the façade of a timber house with brick-like thermal panels looks quite presentable. At the same time, such cladding does not weigh very much, which makes it possible to use it for arranging facades made of timber.

The disadvantages of the material include its high cost. Thermal panels are ready-made slabs made of heat-insulating material with an applied layer of decorative pattern. The color and structure of the cladding can be chosen to suit every taste. Thermal panels are attached using special adhesives directly to the facade. The only condition for this is a flat surface of the walls. It is worth noting that for walls made of wooden beams, thermal panels are not an ideal finishing option, since in this case the cladding will interfere with the ventilation of wooden walls.

Installation of facade panels can be carried out at almost any external temperature (manufacturers indicate that the air temperature should be above -15°C).

Wall finishing technology includes several stages:

1. Preparatory stage

Preparation of the base must be completely completed before the installation of the supporting frame begins. All unnecessary objects (external units for air conditioning, etc.) should be dismantled from the façade of the building. It is necessary to remove the sills from the window openings and remove the lining of the slopes. The wall timber must be treated with an antiseptic, which prevents the processes of rotting and the development of fungus. Finishing the façade with thermal panels without insulation can be done without installing a vapor barrier membrane. If you are planning to illuminate the facade, then it is also necessary to lay the wiring at the preparatory stage.

2. Lathing for mounting panels

To arrange the sheathing, wooden slats or a U-shaped profile are used. Experts recommend choosing the second option. A galvanized metal profile is not subject to corrosion, rotting and other destructive factors, so it does not require additional processing, like wood lathing.

If the timber wall is fairly flat, then the profile can be attached directly to its surface. If the facade has curvatures, then a special frame must be installed under the facade panels. For its arrangement, brackets and a supporting profile are used. Brackets make it possible to level the plane of the frame. Before installing the profile, you must mark the wall using a tape measure and a laser level.

The initial horizontal frame element is attached at a height of 0.5 m from the ground, and a starting strip for mounting the panels is mounted to it. The distance between the vertical guides should be from 50-60 cm, and the installation step of the horizontal planks depends on the height of the elements of the cladding used. A J-profile is used as horizontal guides. For their fastening, self-tapping dowels are used, which are installed at a distance of 30 - 40 cm from each other.

3. Installation of facade panels

Installation of panels for cladding a façade made of timber should begin from the lower left corner of the wall. Further installation is carried out from left to right and from top to bottom. The first row of panels is attached to the starting bar. The left edge of the cladding going to the corner of the wall must be cut at an angle of 90 degrees. After this, the panels are fastened with self-tapping screws, which are screwed through nail holes into the wall made of timber. The connection of the second panel to the first is made at the junction of the temperature compensators. To increase the strength characteristics of the facade finishing, the panels can be glued to the starting strip using polyurethane foam.

It is quite possible to cladding a timber façade using single-layer and multi-layer panels on your own. You just need to strictly follow the technological installation requirements. Manufacturers complete facade panels with a wide range of additional elements, which makes it possible to hide minor mistakes of an inexperienced installer.

Which material is better and cheaper?

The choice of cladding material primarily depends on what the house itself is built from. The range of products for cladding is extremely large, and it is sometimes very difficult to understand it.

It is also worth considering the purpose of the house; if it is a small country house, then it would be advisable to choose such a material so that the finishing will cost you little and will not cause unnecessary costs. What will be better and cheaper in your case?

Log houses

It is believed that a log house can be used without external cladding, but to prevent the wood from rotting longer and the house from sagging, it is better to protect its walls. Especially if rounded logs were used in construction.

The best fit is clapboard or Euroboard. These options are environmentally friendly, they are easy to use for cladding; most insulating materials are suitable for lining or euroboard.

Frame

Frame houses require lighter material for cladding. This can also be clapboard or block house (rounded board), but the best option would be siding. This is a material that is quite light and resistant to temperature changes, which is also good for decorative purposes. It is enough for them to simply decorate the house without having any special knowledge.

Various wooden or plastic panels are also perfect. Sheathing them is easy, the total cost of the material is low, since the panels are inexpensive. It is better not to use materials made of fire hazard plastic to ensure the safety of your home.

From timber

Timber houses can be sheathed on the outside with any materials, since the smooth surface of the walls allows the installation of frames of various types. However, it is still better not to use facing tiles or natural stone - under such cladding the timber will quickly rot, and mold and dampness can settle in the house.

From SIP panels

Lightweight and durable SIP panels require the same cladding. It would be great if the material you use for these purposes is resistant to rotting. Lining and euroboard are not very suitable for these purposes, but siding and PVC panels are a good option.

Imitation timber or blockhouse

Although new trends are constantly appearing on the market of materials for exterior wall finishing of a house, people’s love for cladding with natural wood remains quite strong. Material imitating timber or blockhouse remains at the peak of popularity and is suitable for finishing walls built from any material.

Block house.

Imitation of timber.

Appearance

To make imitation timber and blockhouses, larch, cedar, pine or spruce wood is most often used. A profile with a rounded surface imitates a blockhouse, and a profile with a flat side imitates laminated veneer lumber.

The planks are connected using a tongue-and-groove system. If the installation is done correctly, then even upon close examination it seems that the house is made of natural timber or built of logs. To enhance the effect and protect wood from moisture, paint and varnish coatings are used. But here it is important not to overdo it, since bright colors make the wood look less natural.

The house is covered with imitation timber.

The house is covered with a blockhouse.

Price

The cost of cladding a house with such material depends on the type of wood and type of product. For example, larch is resistant to moisture penetration and costs 2-3 times more than pine, which has increased hygroscopicity.

By type of variety there are three main options:

• A - the best, without cracks, knots, or other defects.
• B - there are small defects in the form of microcracks, resinous spots, knots.
• C is the cheapest grade, since cracks, chips, fallen knots, in place of which there are gaping holes, are possible.

Sometimes manufacturers offer not pure, but mixed varieties, where there is a profile of both types, this is the so-called AB grade, it is best used for exterior decoration of a house.

Durability and practicality

Natural wood is responsible for the strength here, which cannot be broken or bent with a light blow. Installation is quick and not complicated. The array improves sound and heat insulation. In terms of strength and practicality, this material will be an order of magnitude higher than the previously discussed types of siding.

Care

The exterior of the house requires periodic treatment with an antiseptic to protect the wood from rotting. If this is done in a timely manner, the material will last 50 years. All types of wood need care, including larch, although there are fewer problems with it.

Maintainability

To replace a damaged plank, you will need to dismantle the entire wall sheathing.

Finishing materials

Wooden lining is a type of material that will be ideal for restoring the natural appearance of a wooden house. The lining can be of different shades. By the way, interior decoration is often carried out with its help. For quick installation, special “spike” fasteners are used. The only downside of the lining is that it needs to be additionally treated against harmful insects. In addition, such finishing will need to be painted every few years. Block house is one of the types of lining that serves as an imitation of rounded logs. Durable and beautiful, it is installed using tenon-phase. There is only one drawback - the high price of the material. Vinyl siding is lightweight, easy to install, inexpensive, and at the same time aesthetically pleasing. There are many colors and textures on the building materials market; you can choose the optimal color solution. Easy to use, does not require special care. The panels can be nailed or secured with self-tapping screws. The downside of siding is its lack of strength. In addition, such material completely changes the appearance of a wooden house - from classic to modern. PVC panels are almost similar to vinyl siding in terms of operational and external parameters. Their appearance is interesting (you can imitate stone, marble and other materials). Their disadvantage, again, is their lack of strength.

If you want to preserve the look of a wooden home, choose natural materials for its exterior decoration, but siding, for example, will help you create a completely new façade decor solution. Spare no expense in purchasing material of decent quality, follow installation technologies - and your home will retain its spectacular, attractive appearance for a long time!

We recommend watching a video about finishing a house with siding:

Brick

Main advantage: durability.

Disadvantages: difficult to install, high requirements for the quality of masonry.

The excellent reputation of brick as a finishing material has developed and been confirmed over the centuries. It is non-flammable, safe and has excellent sound insulation properties.

However, an obstacle may be the need to build up the foundation if its expansion under the cladding was not foreseen in advance.

In addition, when finishing a façade with brick, the requirements for workers’ skill increase: the masonry must be even if you do not plan to apply plaster on top.

Important:

foundation strengthening is required.

Interesting ideas

Facade decoration is not the least important thing in modern construction conditions. It is necessary in order to hide existing defects and imperfections in construction work. Decor is also often used to update the appearance of a country house, restore it and achieve greater attractiveness. The structure can be given a Gothic, Scandinavian, Byzantine look. It all depends on desires and design imagination. An important argument in favor of decorating the facade are some practical aspects. For example, insulation.

Currently, he identifies several of the most popular preferences for decorating the facades of private houses.

Decor of curved and framed facades

As a result of recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in demand for various curved and framed facades, for the manufacture of which high-quality MDF is used. These materials can be used to decorate both the walls of a building and the corners of a country house. In addition, there are some developed technologies, following which you can install the facade of a house in accordance with any style and architectural direction that will emphasize individuality.

Provence

This style is most preferable for adherents of natural facing materials such as brick, ceramics, and stone. Predominantly the presence of light shades, in which the decor of the facade of the house is carried out. This finish is refreshed with some kind of colorful, eye-catching panel with a ceramic tile base. The façade can also be finished using decorative plaster, overlay elements or painting.

Scandinavian

The founders of this style are lovers of laconicism, the predominant absence of eye-catching decor and the presence of uniformity. Thus, the Scandinavian style of installation pursues the goal of visually increasing the space in size. This style is characterized by cladding materials such as wood, brick or stone masonry. The Scandinavian style is suitable for light and warm shades of colors and a lack of contrasts.

High tech

This style is characterized by modern origins and focuses on the use of various modern construction technologies that provide maximum convenience. The high-tech style is characterized by the extensive use of glazing in combination with different geometric shapes.

European style

The world's architectural art is dominated by a considerable number of very different design styles, including characteristic features from the Gothic and Byzantine movements. Both in Western countries and in Russia, Gothic styles and designs that came from the Middle Ages are especially popular and in demand. A popular trend is to combine the Gothic style with some other style. This style is characterized by difficulties in installing the facade.

In addition to the above styles, there are others, each of which has its own characteristic features and practical aspects, namely:

• avant-garde;
• country;
• colonial;
• classic;
• minimalism.

Very interesting and original design solutions can be obtained as a result of the correct combination of two or more styles of facade decoration. Today, there is an opinion among designers that the most original and unusual design can be obtained by combining a modern “chalet” with some additions to the classical style.

To learn how to cover a wooden house with siding, watch the video below.

Design styles

Each owner decorates the extension to the house according to his own taste. Here are examples of the most popular finishing styles.

Provence

The style comes from the southern coast of France. The veranda is decorated in light, discreet colors.

The characteristic finishing material is board, lining, painted white. The coating is aged artificially. Furniture is given a scuffed, rough appearance. The decor should create the impression that there are old parts around, faded with time.

The presence of fresh or dried flowers in vases and on the walls is welcome. Wicker chairs, armchairs, and tables will fit into the style.

The fencing of an open veranda with railings is best made of wood.

Loft

The loft style comes from the premises of old factories, production workshops, and warehouses.

Simplicity of details, absence of any intricate decorative details, strictness of colors are the main features of the loft.

The veranda must be visually made high. Large windows or panoramic glazing to the floor will help with this.

There should be maximum free space in the room. There are no restrictions in the choice of materials. But the decoration and furniture should be simple, close to production conditions.

For example, don't try to hide ventilation pipes or ceiling beams. Such accents just belong to the loft.

Chalet

Chalet-style buildings are called hunting lodges.

Character traits:

• low ceilings;
• stone floor;
• wooden walls;
• heavy furniture with rough finish;
• only natural textiles (bedspreads, rugs, runners).

There is always room for live plants in pots on the chalet-style terrace. The walls are decorated with hunting trophies and interesting imitation of them.

For combined buildings

A combination of facades is an excellent way to create an original, stylish and unique building. Combined facades involve division into functional zones and blocks in accordance with the different facing materials used. Having certain design ideas, you can realize a unique idea, transform or recreate an interesting style of the house facade.

The combined cladding of the facades of a country house has a number of undeniable advantages, namely:

• if you correctly combine and plaster the facing materials, you can easily change the visual perception of the structure: lengthen, reduce, expand;
• this type of installation is not labor-intensive and does not involve large expenses due to the fragmentary use of expensive high-quality materials;
• An individual and original façade of the house is guaranteed.

There are many types of combinations of different materials, among which the following are worth highlighting:

• finishing different floors with different materials is encouraged if the house being decorated is a multi-story building;
• It will look good if you whiten and highlight some parts of the building through a combination of facing materials around the entire perimeter of the house.

Vertical technology involves the use of materials in contrasting shades. An aesthetic appearance is ensured by the design of the entire facade using one material, and the design of any parts and elements of the building, window or door openings, by another.

Horizontal design technology for combined facades is the direct selection of horizontal parts of the facade, plinths, floors, and roof. Most often, this technology is carried out with a combination of specific materials: stone and wood, brick and wood, and sometimes even tile and wood.

Projects

To get a seamless and organic interior, it is recommended to design the design of each room in advance and choose the most suitable style directions. In the design of a country house, a chalet or hunting style would be a popular option. It looks very brutal and involves a combination of materials such as wood and stone in the design of the walls. Most often, rooms are decorated with clapboards, the walls are decorated with various hunting attributes, for example, animal heads or hunting equipment.

Russian style looks good in the interior decoration of a private house. It assumes the presence of a structure of beams on the walls. It is permissible to decorate the floors with laminate, imitating large boards. There must be a massive stove in the center of the room.

A house of this type can also be decorated in European, Scandinavian or Provencal style. In these cases, a special feature will be the trim made of lining or siding in light shades. Sometimes a small number of bright accents is welcome. Windows are decorated with light screens or curtains.

In the minimalist style, as a rule, large features dominate. This applies not only to the surface texture itself, which can look like beams, but also to other details, for example, windows and furniture. Having decided on the features of the styles, you can choose the most suitable option for decorating your home.

How to make cladding

As we have already said, the ease of use of the material allows you to install it yourself: there is a chance to save on the finisher’s salary. But it is still recommended to carry out the installation yourself if you have at least basic knowledge of construction, as well as skills in using simple tools: a screwdriver, a saw, a level and others. Let's learn how to properly install imitation timber on the walls of a house.

But you can read here how to decorate the facade of a private house with polyvinyl chloride panels.

Stages

After the material has been delivered to you from the store, you need to open the sealed packages and lay out the imitation timber to dry. But the imitation must be protected from sunlight and moisture. The material dries for 2-3 days, after which it becomes usable. This procedure is necessary to avoid subsequent distortion of the elements.

Here's a video of how the plating takes place:

Preparation

This is a very important installation step: you should never skip it. To prepare the walls, they need to be cleaned of dirt: it is convenient to do this with a garden vacuum cleaner or water from a hose. But in the latter case, the walls will then need to be given time to dry.

If the house is made of timber, it is recommended to additionally caulk the gaps between the wall elements. After this, the entire surface of the walls is covered with an antiseptic composition.

The sheathing is installed. It is attached to a wooden wall with self-tapping screws and dowels, if the wall is stone or brick.

It will also be interesting to know what materials exist for insulating the facades of private houses.

Vapor barrier

Vapor barrier
At this stage, a special film is attached to the walls to protect the building from moisture and condensation. The film is attached with an overlap (15 cm) so that there are no gaps. The joints must be taped with construction tape.

Thermal insulation

In order for the house to be warm and its residents to feel comfortable in any weather, it is necessary to insulate the building. Modern insulation materials, along with an inexpensive price, can offer high quality and a decent level of thermal insulation properties.

Thermal insulation

For this type of work, both insulation in rolls and in mats are suitable. This material is laid directly on top of the previous one - on the vapor barrier.

Panel installation

Imitation strips are attached to the sheathing, work begins from below. The elements are fastened in this way: each new part is inserted into the groove of the previous one. The planks are fastened with the groove down to the ground, and the ridge upward. This way the locking connection is protected from dirt and precipitation. If there is a need for additional fastening, this work can be done using self-tapping screws or self-tapping screws. However, experienced construction professionals recommend using nails, since these fasteners, unlike self-tapping screws, will give the slats some “freedom”, which will help them avoid warping.

But how the facade of a house made of aerated concrete is installed, and how effective it is, is indicated here.

After installing the entire surface, the material is coated with antiseptic impregnation, and then varnished.

As you can see, the work is not that difficult, but it requires certain skills and at least minimal experience.

Attention: all installation work must be carried out during the dry season. The air temperature should not be below 15 degrees below zero

Vinyl siding

The material is made from PVC (it makes up 80%) and additional additives designed to improve performance. Early batches of extruded siding quickly lost color and were quite fragile. This shortcoming has now been partially corrected. Vinyl siding goes well on the facade of the house with basement siding, made from the same material, only of increased thickness.

Vinyl siding panel.

Appearance

It is one of the most affordable materials, which is why it can often be seen on houses in gardening communities, cottages or villages. But cottages are decorated with it much less often. Recently, technology for the manufacture of vinyl siding has made great strides forward and now it more and more accurately imitates stone or brickwork. The material is produced in panels with holes for installation around the perimeter, covered by the next level.

The rough surface, relief cracks and chips with shells make it almost identical to natural materials when viewed from a distance of 5-7 m. Up close, the differences are more visible, but the product is successfully popular as inexpensive house cladding.

The house is covered with vinyl siding.

Price

Vinyl siding is actively purchased for the exterior decoration of cottages, grandma's house in the village and other buildings. It masks defects in the walls well, giving the house a new look. The product is sold in panels with snap holes fixed to the sheathing. Price of plastic siding per 1 sq. m. it comes out to 400-500 rubles. They charge about 500 rubles for the work to lay an area of ​​1 square meter.

But this is not the full cost. Installation will not work without additional elements, which are used to attach siding strips and are much more expensive:

• wind bar - 1200 rubles;
• starting profile - 1100 rub.

Durability and practicality

Despite its low cost, the material for house cladding has clear advantages. It does not rot under high humidity and prolonged precipitation. It tolerates temperatures well down to -50º C and up to +50º C. It lasts quite a long time.

But the budget cost affected the strength and color retention. Plastic siding is fragile and can crack if accidentally hit with the handle of a shovel. Most often this happens at sub-zero temperatures outside, when snow is being cleared nearby. It is not uncommon for siding to be damaged by large hail.

Vinyl siding damaged by hail.

The surface also fades quickly in the sun. True, this happens evenly, so it is not very noticeable, but in 5 years the facade of the house will become much lighter. White, yellow or beige siding is least susceptible to fading. Inorganic pigments are now added to some types of vinyl to retain color, but such panels are more expensive.

Care

A rough surface quickly accumulates dust and dirt. It is especially noticeable on light types of siding. Care involves washing with water from a hose, without using abrasives. If this is done with a Karcher with increased pressure, the cleaning speed increases.

Vinyl siding is dirty.

Maintainability

Technically, replacing one cracked panel is not difficult and cheap. But since the surface fades, the new element will stand out from the rest, and you will have to replace the panels on the entire wall so that there is no difference in color.

Suitable finishing time

The finishing of the facades begins after the final shrinkage of the frame. Porous wood fibers absorb and release moisture, this deforms and slightly changes the size of the wall, even if the wood was well dried before construction. Timber structures undergo shrinkage from several months to two years. The construction season also affects the shrinkage time: construction in winter will require 7–8 months, in summer – at least 12 months. The most intense deformation process is observed in the first three months.

There are some differences in these terms for different materials. Exterior decoration of a house made of laminated veneer lumber can begin within three months after construction, since this material was dried using special technologies in production and is not affected by atmospheric moisture and does not deform. Due to the gluing of the timber, the wood fibers do not twist along their length. Rounded and sawn timber do not have these qualities, since the densest wood of the outer layer of the log is cut off during processing. This reduces moisture resistance and makes the timber vulnerable to rot and fungus. Experts recommend choosing the time of late autumn - early winter for construction due to the low cost of construction, then in the summer it will be possible to begin installing windows, doors, exterior and interior decoration without fear of cracking the cladding.

Will the panels extend the life of the house?

Cladding protects the walls and base of the house from natural adversities:

• prevents the growth of fungus and the appearance of cracks in hot weather;
• slows down the process of rotting from moisture;
• protects the fibers of the material from tearing during frost;
• preserves the color and original appearance of wood from changes in windy and sunny weather.

Exterior finishing of a wooden building can be done using metal or vinyl siding, as well as thermal panels.

This material will provide insulation and eliminate temperature changes. After all, thermal panels are installed on the frame. Mineral wool or foam plastic is placed inside - additional insulation. And the panels hide them perfectly. This is an advantageous difference from decorative stone and brick, which need to be adjusted closely.

Preparatory stage

If you decide to decorate your home yourself using brickwork, then you should first carry out a series of preparatory work. You should not neglect them if you want to achieve a good and sustainable result. Make sure that the foundation of the house, as well as its overall structure, is designed for the installation of brickwork. The foundation must be constructed in compliance with all building codes. It must withstand significant loads. Cheap and simple bases will not work in this case.

You should also make sure that the foundation of the house is made of raw materials such as monolithic concrete (concrete blocks are also acceptable). The foundation itself must be sufficiently wide

This requirement is especially important because it is on the foundation structure that the facing brick will rest. In some situations, bricks are placed on special steel corners, which are attached to the base using anchor bolts

In addition, it is allowed to organize an additional foundation if the quality of the main one leaves much to be desired. Another foundation must be poured along the perimeter of the building, retreating about 30 cm from the first foundation.

Next you should pay attention to the roof structure

It is very important to take a closer look at the roof. In most cases, in old houses, the cornice part does not protrude beyond the perimeter of the building by more than 25 cm

With such a structure, the bricks will become endlessly wet and may even be subject to destruction. After about 5 years of such use, the brickwork will become unusable. This problem can be solved in one sure way - you will need to coat the walls of your home every year with a special water-repellent compound, but keep in mind that such products are quite expensive

In most cases, in old houses, the cornice part does not protrude beyond the perimeter of the building by more than 25 cm. With such a structure, the bricks will become endlessly wet and may even be subject to destruction. After about 5 years of such use, the brickwork will become unusable. This problem can be solved in one sure way - you will need to coat the walls of your home every year with a special waterproofing compound, but keep in mind that such products are quite expensive.

If you plan to cover the main wooden walls with brickwork, then before starting work you will need to coat the wooden bases with antiseptic compounds. If you are decorating external walls, then you need to buy the appropriate product for them. For external work, you should not purchase internal impregnations - they will be of little use. In addition, it will be necessary to attach a vapor barrier material to the wooden walls using a construction stapler. These coverings should be laid with an overlap (minimum - 10 cm).

You will also need:

• carefully inspect the surface of the walls of the house, remove all unnecessary parts, such as lanterns, gutters and other similar objects;
• the previous paint layer, peeling elements, and shedding should be removed;
• all noticed defects must be covered with a layer of putty;
• if the damage to the walls is too serious, you will have to completely plaster them;
• In order to install the insulating layer, you need to put a layer of primer, which will be responsible for better adhesion of the wall and the adhesive.

In addition, it will be necessary to properly prepare the solution. A simple cement mixture is hardly suitable here, because facing bricks are resistant to water absorption. This problem is especially acute when it comes to the installation of clinker bricks, which simply require specialized additives to ensure more effective adhesion.

The correct solution consists of the following ingredients:

• cement grade M500 – 1 part;
• sand – 4 parts;
• water.

Some craftsmen add a little clay to the solution to achieve greater plasticity of the composition. However, here the opinions of different masons differ - some see this as only harmful due to the leaching of the clay component from the composition and a decrease in its strength, while others, on the contrary, believe that clay makes the joints of the brickwork more durable. In this matter, each user relies on his own opinion and experience.

Plaster facade

This is the most ancient and time-tested method of cheaply finishing the outside of a house. If the plaster is applied according to all construction rules, it will adhere perfectly to the surface, serving as additional insulation and protecting the walls from moisture penetration. Recently, various additives have been developed that expand the variety of textures of the plastered surface and increase resistance to environmental influences.

Appearance

Previously, plaster looked only like a “fur coat” with pronounced “spines”. Then a new species appeared - the “bark beetle”, characterized by grooves “gnawed” by termites. Now plaster can imitate loft concrete, brickwork, cut wood and other materials.

Price

The cost of finishing a private house with plaster on the outside consists of the following work:

• installation of insulation;
• applying a plaster layer;
• applying a decorative layer
• painting.

For all work you will have to pay about 1800 rubles/m². If you need a decorative finishing layer with a pattern or stone inserts, then the price for the work increases even more. The materials themselves - plaster mortar, decorative plaster, paint - will cost approximately 1,900 rubles per sq. m.

Durability and practicality

If everything is done correctly, the plaster will be resistant to temperature fluctuations, precipitation and shock. It can serve on the facade of a private house for decades. To update the look of a building, simply repaint it with a spray paint.

But violation of the application technology (for example, too thick a layer) or the use of low-quality materials leads to the rapid formation of cracks, loss of entire pieces, and the appearance of stains. Therefore, the process must be carried out by professionals, otherwise the finish will not last long.

Care

Washing with water without strong pressure is allowed. You can repaint it with a spray gun or roller if the surface is not too textured.

Siding for exterior cladding of a wooden house

A material specially created for finishing facades. It is produced in the form of lamellas of a special profile (“herringbone” or “ship”), with locks on the long side and special perforations for nail fastenings. The slats are connected to each other with special latches and form a dense coating.

Siding is made from various materials:

• polymers;
• metal;
• cement-bonded bonding materials.

The width of the planks ranges from 10 to 30 cm, and the length is 2 to 6 m. Like wooden cladding materials, siding is installed in a horizontal position with the profile positioned in such a way that rainwater certainly flows down without getting inside the wall.

The variety of color solutions and ease of installation have determined the exceptional popularity of siding in the cladding of various types of buildings - from residential buildings to industrial, commercial and public buildings. In addition to the slats themselves, we also produce a wide range of profile parts - internal and external corners, cornices, connecting strips, etc.

The external texture of siding, regardless of the material of manufacture, usually imitates the natural pattern of wood. The slats are coated with a polymer coating or weather-resistant paint, which is also highly durable - it is quite difficult to scratch the siding by accident. All materials used to make siding are highly weather resistant and practically unaffected by moisture. The service life of siding is several decades.

Compared to wood siding, siding has the advantage that it requires no maintenance. From time to time it is enough to simply wash it with clean water or any household detergent without abrasive additives.

When considering what material to cover the outside of a wooden house, you must pay attention to this feature. No varnishes or paints required

Having paid once for the material and installation, you can have peace of mind for the appearance and condition of the facades for 15–20 years.

Vinyl siding

Siding was created specifically for cladding wooden, brick, panel, and block houses. The slats have special locks and holes for self-tapping screws, with the help of which they are connected to each other and attached to the base.

Slats are installed on the walls of houses so that rainwater flows down without getting between the individual elements. The generally accepted position is horizontal

The installation procedure for different types of siding is the same, so the instructions also apply to other types: metal, fiber cement.

Operating procedure:

1. Assembly and installation of a frame made of wooden beams or metal profiles. If you plan to provide thermal insulation, then the slabs or rolls are secured under the sheathing.
2. Installation of the starting profile at the bottom of the facade, near the foundation.
3. Installation of external and internal corner profiles.
4. Installation of profiles for framing door and window openings.
5. Installation of siding, starting from the starting profile.

Lastly, we sheathe the area under the roof and the gable. We do not specially punch holes for self-tapping screws; we use only factory ones.

Metal siding

The main distinguishing feature of siding made of metal is its long service life, up to 50 years.

It is made from rolled steel, sheet thickness is 0.40-0.65 mm. Finished parts have a complex configuration, made by bending on special equipment.

Several protective layers are applied to the metal: zinc, anti-corrosion coating, primer. The finishing material is polymer on the front side and special varnish or paint on the back side.

When purchasing, you can select panels of the required length - from 0.5 m to 6 m. The standard width is 20-25 cm. To allow air to circulate, lamellas with perforations are produced, which are usually placed on gables, for finishing slopes and cornices.

The color range is wide. In addition to plain siding, products “like stone” or “like wood” are available. Sheathing with metal siding can be done both in winter and summer, regardless of temperature and other weather conditions.

Rules for exterior decoration of verandas and terraces

Since the veranda is primarily a summer room, you need to be prepared for the fact that a large amount of moisture will accumulate in winter. Therefore, for cladding it is better to use materials that can retain not only temperature, but also water from the environment. If wood is used, do not forget to cover it with protective layers and antiseptic - this will also help prevent mold.

In cases where you plan to use heavier materials, such as brick or plastic in combination with metal, think about creating a foundation at the stage of designing the terrace. To decorate in a single style, take care of the appearance of the entire yard and cottage: for example, the color palette of the veranda should match them. If wood was used for finishing, you can lay out paths from decorative boards in a suburban area.

Did you know? It is better to buy facing bricks from one batch. This is due to the fact that even building materials produced at the same enterprise, but at different times, may have a different color shade.

Thus, when covering a veranda, you need to choose between the concepts of “inexpensive” and “reliable”. A terrace can serve many purposes and in different seasons, so there is no universal finishing material for finishing. For the greatest decorative effect, it is worth using facing brick or plaster. To better maintain the high temperature in the room, hollow stone with insulation and wood are suitable. To obtain a unique and modern style in combination with maintaining heat, the best, but also expensive option is polycarbonate with plastic elements. The most reliable finish in terms of weather resistance and service life is made from siding, which, moreover, is easy to cover the building with. For unheated extensions, it is enough to use a block house: it is reliable, inexpensive, easy to install and does not require special maintenance.

Requirements

To ensure that dampness does not form in the dacha house, that it is always comfortable, warm and cozy, and that the outside of the building looks aesthetically pleasing, it is necessary to select facing materials that meet a number of basic requirements.

• The cladding must necessarily have a low thermal conductivity. This is the only way to retain heat in the interior of the building.
• The cladding must be vapor permeable. In no case should condensation appear in the inner part of the insulating layers.
• Moisture resistance is another important parameter that should relate to cladding. The material should not absorb moisture into its structure and retain it there.
• The heat resistance of the cladding is either increased or absolute. Materials must be able to easily withstand exposure to elevated temperatures: not melt, not ignite, not deform.
• It is advisable to choose a lining that is inert to chemical influences. It should not change its original properties when such substances come into contact with it.
• The cladding must be properly protected from the harmful effects of various microorganisms. It should not be a favorable environment for parasites, insects or rodents.
• The sheathing material must not decompose or suffer loss of physical properties when exposed to aggressive ultraviolet rays.

In order for the cladding to be effective in all respects, it must not only be secured as securely as possible to the base, but also supplemented with a whole set of layers, each of which will perform its own specific functions.

Exterior finishing of a log house

Why is exterior decoration so important?

1. Basic principles and technology of finishing.
2. Rules for arranging vapor barriers.
3. How and with what to perform insulation.
4. Rules for applying waterproofing.
5. Options for finishing a timber house outside.

The construction of houses from profiled timber is one of the most popular trends today, and natural wood has been valued for centuries, it has always been loved and admired. Therefore, no matter what new material a modern manufacturer introduces to the market, the fashion for natural solutions will never go away.

But if you want your home to look luxurious and impressive, contribute to comfortable living in it, evoke admiring glances and last a century

Remaining as wonderful as the one just built, it is very important to take care of finishing the house from timber from the outside. Decorating the outside of a timber house yourself