Stone-look facade panels for exterior decoration of the house. Stone-look facade panels and house cladding Cover the house with stone-look slabs

House facades finished with natural stone attract many people. This design looks beautiful and fits well into any landscape. But such finishing is not available to everyone, because the natural stone itself and work with it are very expensive.

But this is not the only obstacle to the use of stone materials for home decoration. Often a house that has been in use for a long time is simply not designed for additional loads. Stone is a heavy material, and the load on the foundation of the house in the case of facing the facades with it will increase significantly. Therefore, each project of such cladding requires checking the bearing capacity of the foundation and, possibly, strengthening it.

What should those who still want to decorate their home do, turning it into something like a small ancient castle? Modern facing materials come to their aid in the form of facade panels stylized as stone.

Stone-like facade panels

There are quite a few options for such panels.

They are made from various materials:

• particleboard panels;
• cement-bonded particles;
• plastic panels;
• fiberglass products.

The most commonly used products are now made of plastic, which have good performance qualities and a very affordable price.

These panels are produced both for cladding the walls of a house and for cladding the base.

The base is constantly exposed to difficult operating conditions, as it is exposed to dampness, cold and other unfavorable natural factors. Therefore, it especially needs good protection. Due to increased operational loads, plinth panels have a thickness that is 2-3 times greater than the same parameter of wall panels. This allows them to withstand large mechanical impacts without destruction.

Base panels differ from similar wall products in that they have a larger pattern of natural stone and have a rougher texture. Most often they have a rich color and increased size.

All facade plastic panels are divided into 2 types:

• Single-layer, made of PVC.
• Combined panels. These are products with extended functionality. They consist of two layers: the front one, made of polymer material, and the inner one, made of polystyrene foam.

The latter not only perform the function of protecting the facade from adverse influences, but also replace insulation.

Therefore, if a building needs insulation, then it is worth considering the purchase of combined panels - then you will not have to separately deal with the insulation of the facade.

In addition to being lightweight, which does not create a load on the foundation of the building, plastic panels have other advantages.

Advantages of plastic panels “stone-like”:

• The material can withstand mechanical loads that often occur during home use. Especially the rack plinth panels.
• The appearance of the building after cladding is radically improved. This finish can be used even for the oldest facades and houses.
• Wide possibilities for facade design, thanks to the availability of products from various manufacturers on the construction market. The only limitation: if you decide to finish both the walls and the base, then it is better to purchase panels from the same manufacturer - this will avoid annoying panel inconsistencies and make their installation easier.
• After covering the facade, it will not require any special care. Simply washing it is enough.
• Installation of the cladding requires only precise execution of the work technology. If this condition is met, it is not difficult even if done independently.
• The panels are so light that no special equipment or devices are required to work on the facade.
• The cost of the panels depends on their quality and manufacturer, but generally it is quite affordable.

The disadvantages include the following features:

• The color palette of panels is quite wide, but when their color has to be selected in accordance with the design of other facade elements, difficulties may arise. Although you can always order a specific color from the manufacturer, which will cost a little more.
• Plastic panels do not withstand fire well - they begin to melt, which leads to the destruction of the material. Therefore, you should not light a fire near a house lined with them.

Installation procedure and necessary tools

To do the work yourself, you must have a set of tools and devices.

Such tools include:

• roulette;
• water level;
• hacksaw with fine teeth;
• hammer;
• drill;
• screwdriver;
• Circular Saw;
• self-tapping screws with a countersunk head 30 mm long.

The surface of the walls to be finished, no matter what material they are made of, must be prepared: they must be clean (without crumbling finishing elements and dirt) and smooth. If the building is plastered, you need to remove the peeling coating, level the walls, and repair cracks. If the facade is wooden, then before starting work it is necessary to treat it with agents against mold, rot and insects. It is also necessary to treat with a composition that increases the fire resistance of wood.

If you decide to use ordinary plastic panels, and the house needs insulation, then you first need to do preliminary work.

• The wall must be protected with a layer of vapor barrier film.
• Next, the sheathing is installed. It can be either wooden (the bars are impregnated with an antiseptic) or metal (a special galvanized profile is used).
• Sheets of insulation are cut according to the size of the cells of the sheathing and tightly secured in the resulting cells.
• Next, you need to secure the windproof membrane close to the insulation.
• The next step is the installation of the counter-lattice, to which the plastic cladding panels will be attached.

If the panels are equipped with a heat-protective layer of polystyrene foam, then there is no need to install insulation.

Before laying the first row of cladding panels, it is necessary to use a water level to mark a horizontal line along the entire perimeter of the building.

It is on this that all the starting bars will be attached. At the corners of the house, you also need to secure special strips necessary for installing corner elements.

Installation of facing panels occurs as follows:

• The first panel is attached to the starting bar in the lower left corner.
• Each new panel is attached from left to right, and the rows are formed from bottom to top.
• The first panel is fixed with self-tapping screws, and the second is attached by snapping it with a vertical lock.
• The panels are fastened with self-tapping screws, which are screwed into special holes in the panels. A gap of approximately 1 mm is left between the screw head and the panel, designed to compensate for the expansion of the material when the temperature changes. This prevents the plastic from cracking.
• If the last panel of the row does not fit in length, it needs to be cut with a grinder and thus adjusted to the length of the facade.

Each manufacturer has its own corner starting bars and elements.

Plastic elements for finishing the corners are attached to the strips with self-tapping screws. The depth of the panel entry into the corner is at least 50 mm. The corner element itself should overlap the external walls by 15-20 mm on each side.

When combining panels of different types, their joints are formed using a J-profile.

This gives the cladding a finished look.

What else do you need to know

It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the stone-look panels have a repeating pattern. For this reason, to give the facade a natural look, it is recommended to move the panels in each row, giving the masonry a natural look. Although you can find information that panels can be installed at any time of the year, you should not do this at temperatures below -5 degrees.

Facade finishing with panels

from 680 rub./m2

Finishing facades with plaster

from 350 rub./m2

Finishing facades with artificial stone

from 1250 rub./m2

We offer finishing of the facade of the house with panels at a cost of 680 rubles/m2 (10.2014). Our specialists select the best materials for the external cladding of a wide variety of objects. You quickly get a beautiful, warm and durable facade. Call, find out current prices and order turnkey finishing!

Paneling

Finishing work

• Our specialists inspect the facade and dismantle elements that interfere with the work.
• Craftsmen prepare the base for finishing: remove loose coatings, remnants of paint or other old materials. Cracks and damaged areas are repaired.
• The surfaces prepared in this way are treated with a primer, which protects the walls from fungus and strengthens the base of the facade.

Note! We attach the panels directly to the prepared walls or installed sheathing. The frame is made of metal or wood. In the example below, the walls were level, so our specialists attached the panels directly to the base of the facade.

• Installation work begins with marking out the horizon line along the perimeter of the building.
• The base profile is attached using this marking.
• Installation begins from the corner of the house. For this, craftsmen use corner elements. In their absence, ordinary panels are used. To do this, carefully cut the edge of the element at an angle of 45 degrees. This joint looks invisible.
• We fasten the panels using kits for quick installation on brick bases. You must first drill mounting holes in the panels.

Drilling holes in the façade panel and installing it

• We also use adhesive mixtures and polyurethane foam to install panels.
• After installing the first row, specialists perform work in the same sequence. The new element is installed so as to carefully align it with the fixed panel. We monitor the quality of the insulation joints and perform additional fastening of the panels using dowels.
• During the cladding process, our specialists treat the joints of the panels with polyurethane foam. This ensures a tight connection. After completing the installation of all facade panels, the joints are rubbed with a special frost-resistant mixture.

Execution of work

Tips from the experts: benefits of using panels with clinker tiles

1. You save on wages for specialists, because at the same time as the cladding work is carried out, the facade is insulated.
2. When installing the panels on the frame, craftsmen install a ventilated facade - the most effective solution in modern building decoration.
3. Work is carried out in any weather conditions and sub-zero temperatures.
4. You get a durable façade that requires no maintenance. The surfaces of the clinker material are resistant to ultraviolet radiation.
5. No reinforcement of the foundation is required, while the low weight of the façade panels creates minimal additional loads on the structure.

We use all types of modern facade panels, for example, products from Döcke are very popular.

Summary

Choose the best quality from professional performers. We guarantee years of trouble-free operation of the new façade. Call, find out prices and order finishing the facade of your house with panels!

Stone panels

Our company offers a wide range of facade panels imitated with natural stone in Moscow and the Moscow region. High quality, affordable prices, a huge selection of products for every taste will allow you to make a profitable purchase in our online store.

The panels are intended for exterior decoration of the building facade. This is an excellent option that makes it possible to quickly, efficiently, and beautifully cladding any structure, be it a residential building, a country cottage or an office center.

The store features products from the leading Japanese brand KMEW, which is considered one of the leaders in this field. Our company is the official representative of this brand, supplying exclusively original panels for facade cladding. You can not only buy materials from us, but also order professional turnkey installation. The work performed is provided with a two-year guarantee.

Characteristics

Facade panels imitating natural stone are an excellent alternative to the latter. Stone cladding of cottages and other buildings is expensive, stylish, and impressive. Facade panels look no worse, they allow you to achieve the same classic look, but with a number of advantages:

• more affordable price;
• easy and quick installation;
• light weight;
• reduced load on the walls and foundation of the building.

Finishing the facade of a building with natural stone is a long, hard job associated with a lot of restrictions and inconveniences. The cost of natural materials is very high; during their processing, a lot of dust, scraps, and construction waste are generated. Siding panels that imitate different types of stone are free from all these disadvantages. They cost several times less, do not require additional processing, and are mounted on walls quickly, with a minimum amount of waste.

In addition to its decorative function, high-quality siding also serves as insulation and waterproofing. Properly installed exterior panels:

• retain heat well inside the building;
• do not suffer from exposure to rain or snow;
• They tolerate high and low temperatures very well.

The manufacturer specially designed the panel dimensions so that they are optimal for installation. Standard dimensions are 3030x455 millimeters. Such elements are easy to transport and convenient to mount on the wall of the house. In addition, they do not dazzle the eyes; they create the correct picture with a natural pattern.

An important feature of KMEW brand panels is an extremely accurate and naturalistic imitation of natural stone. Lined facades look attractive, perfectly matching the texture of the stone finish. After installation, the siding is painted in stages to achieve maximum natural color.

The online store offers a convenient online calculator that will help users independently calculate the required amount of materials, taking into account the area of ​​the facade of the house.

Not every homeowner has the financial means to decorate their home with stone tiles or decorative bricks. It's not just the cost of materials, but also the complexity and high cost of installation. To insulate and give the house a more aesthetic appearance, there are special facade panels. Such panels have many advantages, including a low price.

The main advantage is an easy solution for improving the building. Panels are very simple products that have become popular due to their external qualities. They are able to turn an ordinary building into a beautiful and well-kept home.

The first thing you should pay attention to is the price. Facade panels are made of high-quality and inexpensive polymer. The production of such panels is much cheaper than the production of facade bricks and decorative stones.

The installation method differs. If for panels a few fasteners and screws are enough, then for brick and stone much more is needed. Stone and brick take much longer to lay, due to the nature of their installation - cement, sand, and water are required. In addition, the stones must be adjusted to each other. The panels are installed on a pre-installed frame. Various mineral wool and foam insulation can be installed underneath them.

What are the panels for?

First of all, the panels were invented not only as a means of decorating the facade of a building, but also as a way to hide additional insulation. Their main advantage is that in the space between the panel and the wall, where there are frame wastes, you can additionally put a layer of insulation.

Unlike decorative stones and bricks, this method of improving the facade additionally insulates and allows you to retain heat inside the building. In addition, as already mentioned, the panels are very easy to install with your own hands, without the use of third-party equipment, materials and people.

Advantages of facade panels

This method of finishing the facade was invented as a cheap alternative. In addition, installing this kind of facade and accompanying structures yourself is much easier and faster than laying out a facade from tiles, bricks and other materials. In addition, the plastic from which the products are made is durable.

Convenience during use is also noted. This façade can be easily washed with water from a hose. In addition, this method of finishing the facade allows you to simultaneously insulate the building itself. Additional components or special panels are used.

A significant advantage of polymer panels is that they can be given any shape and visual design. The panels are painted to match various materials - wood, bricks and stones. This is their versatility.

The most important thing is not only the low cost of the panels themselves, but also of the accompanying materials. The work requires a minimum of materials and effort. Disadvantages include the susceptibility of some products to mechanical damage. Another drawback is that if one of the components of the facade is damaged, it will be necessary not only to replace the corresponding part, but also to dismantle the entire facade. However, this is much better and cheaper than replacing and repairing a facade made from natural materials.

Basic rules for installing panels

Before installing facade panels, you need to choose the material from which they will be made, design and shape. In addition, preparation also includes purchasing consumables (screws, dowels) and tools (screwdrivers, grinders, screwdrivers). Here the main advantage over brick and stone is observed - there is no need to purchase cement or sand.

In addition, the panel itself can not only decorate the walls of the building, but also the foundation. The building will look strong and, at the same time, an elegant monolith.

Next, you should take preliminary measurements of the house itself. This is necessary to determine the square footage of the panels and approximate the number of screws and dowels. After taking measurements, it would be best to draw out the approximate location of the panels and create the frame structure itself. This is a general scheme of work on installing the future facade of the house.

Schematically, the preparation looks like this:

The most important rule for installing panels is to follow the diagram. The first layer, the first panel laid down, is the most important part. If it is installed incorrectly, you will have to redo the entire structure in the future. A level should be used to determine the installation angle of each panel. In this way, it is possible to avoid uneven laying of panels.

Prices for popular models of screwdrivers

Screwdrivers

Types of facade panels

Choose the material from which the panels will be made. Today, in addition to polymer panels, there are metal panels that are more durable. At the same time, plastic retains heat better. At this stage, the issue of the appearance of the facade is also decided. The panels can be stylized as wood, decorative brick, stone and much more. There are a huge number of design solutions.

These are the most popular and popular panels. There are certain differences not only in the material, but also in the installation of the facade itself. Each type of future facade will be different in appearance.

Prices for various facade panels

Facade panels

Installation of metal siding

Everything starts identically: materials are prepared, the future structure is drawn schematically, and installation is carried out. The profiles are installed in accordance with the drawn diagram at right angles to the base of the house in increments of 50 cm. The supporting profiles must be secured with dowels.

After installing the vertical profiles, it is necessary to install transverse bulkheads. Here you will need to make tabs on each side of the panel for attaching to the profile. There are ready-made frames, but such structures have a clear drawback - they must be attached directly to the walls of the house. If the wall is made of foam concrete, then such a frame may collapse. It is also not recommended to install the frame on sand-lime brick. Red brick walls are also not suitable for a finished frame. In addition, such structures are more expensive than those installed by yourself.

After the bulkheads have been installed, various types of insulation can be inserted into the resulting rectangles.

Once the insulation is installed, the panels can be secured to the frame. Each panel has holes for screws. This allows you to hide the seams and not interfere with the aesthetic appearance of the facade.

Schematically the installation looks like this.

Stage 1. Drawing up a diagram of the house and the future frame for the panels.

Stage 2. Cleaning the building of unnecessary decorative elements.

Stage 3. Production of an external frame on the walls of a building or installation of a ready-made one.

Stage 4. Installation of flashing, starting strip and the very first row of panels. A level is used to determine the correct angle.

Stage 5. The following rows are installed followed by fastening to the frame.

We insert the next panel into the locking part of the previous one and repeat the installation

Stage 6. Installation of the finishing strip, soffits and decorative elements.

In the future, similar installation elements are saved for each type of panel. This is also a plus of the panels - their installation is similar, which means you can easily learn how to install the facade.

Metal siding is a good option for a summer house and a one-story house. Such panels perfectly replicate the effect of wood. In addition, the products are perfectly processed without unnecessary tools. Easy care - just wash the contaminated part of the house with water.

File for download. Production of metal siding installation works

Prices for popular models of multifunctional cutters

Multifunctional cutter

Decorative panels for tiles (clinker)

A relatively new material that gives an aesthetic appearance to the facade and insulates the house at the same time. Such panels have two components - a base made of insulation and an outer covering. The coating can be stylized to resemble any material - brick, stone, etc.

Such panels are attached very quickly, using a simple method. For fastening you will need a spatula, construction adhesive, and a prepared frame. The latter is not necessary, since such panels can be mounted directly on the wall. The frame serves to install an additional layer of insulation.

The panels are attached as follows: a solution of construction adhesive is applied to a notched trowel. Regarding the mortar, each tile manufacturer specifies the formula of proportions required for installation. The adhesive is applied to the product, which is applied to the outer wall or frame. Afterwards, the panel comes off after three minutes and is attached to the surface again. This method is necessary in order to increase adhesion strength.

Between the joints, the panels can be sealed with construction adhesive, and for additional strength, the panels are secured with screws. The only drawback of such panels is their high cost. In return, you get not only a beautiful facade, but also a warm home.

Most likely, this is the best option not only for improving the appearance of the building facade, but also for insulation. Such panels look the most attractive because they take on the appearance of various materials and products made from them. The house can turn into a stone fortress.

In addition, in the event of damage to one of the parts of the facade, there is no need to disassemble the entire structure. All you need to do is select the right size panel, remove the damaged one and install a new one.

The main recommendation is to install it in the warm season, since the glue may not harden properly at low temperatures, and the entire structure will not adhere firmly to the wall. Each manufacturer indicates on the packaging at what air temperatures it is most appropriate to mount the panel.

Video - Installation, insulation with thermal panels

Video - Installation of facade thermal panels (PPU) with clinker tiles

Fiber cement panels for plaster

Such products have a number of advantages over others:

• the weight of such products is insignificant, there is no load on the walls and frame;
• high thermal insulation. In addition, you can additionally install insulation between the frame and the panel;
• good condensate drainage. The walls of such a facade seem to “breathe”.

However, such panels are not without drawbacks. The most important of them is fragility. Products are subject to mechanical damage. At the same time, replacing one panel entails recycling the entire frame.

Another advantage is the installation method. Such panels are installed in the same way as the above metal siding panels.

Step by step, the entire installation looks like this:

Video - Installation instructions for façade panels

Perhaps one of the most expensive types of panels, but the most beautiful. The panels are made from pressed sawdust and treated with special solutions for strength and durability. However, if you do not take care of such a façade regularly (every two seasons), it quickly becomes unusable. In addition, this finishing method is only suitable for one-story houses, since the panels are heavy and the frame may not support it.

As with metal siding, wooden panels are attached to a prepared frame. Installation methods are identical:

The above panels can be replaced with longer ones. The advantage of such panels is that they are fixed directly to the wall one after another in a row. The length of such products is 6 meters. This is a faster installation method. But in order to carry out work on the facade, at least two people are needed. One person cannot do this job, as the panels may not be installed correctly.

In order to cut off the unnecessary part of the panel, it is recommended to use a grinder. It will most quickly cope with such a product and evenly cut off part of the panel.

The complexity of such products lies in their mass. It is best to call an assistant for installation. So, the process will be optimally fast and correct.

Polyvinyl chloride panels

PVC siding is the simplest and cheapest way to decorate the facade of a building. Such panels are popular for several reasons: ease of installation; low cost; Huge color options. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting that such panels are made of plastic and any facade will look plastic even from the farthest distance.

This type of panel is installed exclusively horizontally. To work, you will need a construction knife or any other knife. In addition, you will need a hammer drill. You will also need a level to determine the angle of the panels, as well as a hammer for driving nails.

The initial stage of installing PVC panels is a preliminary inspection of the house. It is necessary to determine the location of the first row of panels. In the case of a new building, it is recommended to install the panels from the beginning of the foundation. Also, PVC panels can be installed from the initial row of the old finish.

Next, you should install the initial frame, namely: corners, both external and internal, platbands, first strips for attaching panels. Installation begins from the corners. The gap between them and the cornice should not be more than 6.5 mm.

The most important stage, on which the future fate of the entire facade will depend, is the installation of the first strip of panels. It is important to install the first strip of fasteners as correctly as possible, since the fastening of the panel itself depends on it. If the strip was laid evenly, then the panel will be even.

It is necessary to install trims, ebbs and trims on windows and doors. And after the completed stages, the installation of all other rows of the facade begins. The top panel is inserted into the profile and hammered in with a nail, but not completely. There should be an interval of 0.4 cm between panels, and no more than 6 mm between other components. In order to avoid vertical overlaps, it is recommended to install the panels at half the factory mark. This way the joints will not be visible from the front side.

When installing panels, you must remember that parts of the products will need to be cut off. A construction knife is used for this. A ruler and level are also needed to more accurately measure the angle and draw a straight line on the product. Draw a line on the panel in the place where you need to cut off the piece, and carefully draw it with a knife several times. The advantage of plastic is that it is ideal for such manipulations.

You must be extremely careful, since mechanical damage is very visible on such material.

Such panels are most in demand due to their ease of installation and low cost. In addition, PVC products are installed at various building heights because they are very lightweight. Installation of such panels is simple and does not require much time.

The final step is to install the top row of panels. For the top row, only complete panels are needed. In addition, the last panel is closed with a special profile for drainage.

Video - Installation of basement siding

Prices for thermal insulation materials

Thermal insulation materials

If you pay attention to the installation methods, there are no fundamental differences. There are certain nuances that should be taken into account when installing the panels yourself:

1. The bottom layer is the most important. An evenly laid or installed panel is the key to correct and successful operation. If installed incorrectly, there is a high probability of replacing the entire structure.

   

2. The frame is an important component. In addition to clinker panels, other products require a frame. It will minimize the load on the walls of the house and distribute it correctly. In addition, thanks to the frame, various insulation materials can be installed in the space between the wall and the tile.

   

   

3. The seams of the panels hide perfectly behind each other when installed correctly.

   

4. The number of tools is minimal - you need a construction knife (preferably) to cut off excess parts of the panels, a screwdriver, a level, a ruler. In addition, installing the panels will not take much time.
5. If you find it difficult to install the panel yourself, without a specialist, hiring one person is enough. In the future, observing the work, you can easily repeat all the work done for other buildings.
6. Large field for design solutions. Most of the products are stylized as stone, wood and decorative brick. The house will look rich and elegant.

   

This is what a person needs to know if he decides to install the panels on his own. The process is not characterized by technical complexity. It is necessary to act carefully and carefully to achieve the desired result.

Comparison of different panels

There are both pros and cons of each type of facade panels. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.

The fundamental differences will be in the price and durability of the products. Of course, each of the above options has its own individual characteristics, which is why such panels are chosen.

It is worth noting that the panels are created not only to improve the appearance of the building, but also to hide various types of insulation. Moreover, the panels allow you to hide not one, but even two or three layers of insulation. It all depends on the type of product, the height of the frame and the correct installation.

In addition, panels can and should be used to insulate not only residential premises. Such a move as insulation and the use of panels for the facade of a building is used in industrial enterprises. For large rooms this is a huge plus for saving heat inside the building. For industry, PVC panels are most in demand due to the price-quality ratio.

First of all, it is necessary to prepare the place of work. It is necessary to dismantle elements of the storm system, lamps, etc. This is necessary in order not to damage the panels themselves and related products.

Installation of panels must be careful. They must slide on top of each other to easily position the corresponding panel in the correct position. After all the panels are installed and secured, the result is obvious - a smooth and beautiful wall.

It is not necessary to seal the resulting overlaps. It would be most correct not to use such sealants, since they will disrupt heat exchange and the removal of condensate from the building.

A knife is one of the most necessary tools. With its help it is necessary to adjust the length of the panels. In the case of metal siding and wooden panels, the knife is replaced with a grinder. It must be remembered that even corners are necessary for the correct joint of the panels.

After installing the facade, the most important thing is maintenance. If you care for the panels properly, the structure will not lose its appearance and will last for a very long time.

Video - Procedure for cladding a house

If you want to make your country house more attractive in appearance, add rigor to its design, then there are stone-look façade panels for this. Natural stone has long been used as a decorative element. And now materials are often used that can replicate the texture of natural stone. What type of panels is best to use for cladding, and how to attach them to the facade?

Unnatural stone

The stone surface has a rather unusual texture, which is often used to decorate various buildings. Various types of stones are practically no longer used in private construction, since it is expensive and impractical. As a replacement, panels with a stone texture are used, which can quite accurately replicate wild stone, brickwork, marble and granite.

The imitation is so accurate that it is almost impossible to visually distinguish a copy from the breed.

A similar effect was achieved thanks to special machines that can make quite beautiful relief tiles from polymers. Facade panels have a number of undeniable advantages:

1. They are affordable, especially in comparison with natural stone, which costs several times more.
2. Outwardly, they cannot be distinguished from real rock.
3. You can cladding panels on the façade of a building yourself.
4. The products themselves are quite durable and practical for everyday use. They can be easily washed from dirt, and damaged parts can be replaced with new ones.
5. In addition, a layer of insulation can be laid under the panels. There are also panels that already have a heat insulator built into them.
6. By the way, all slabs are divided into single-layer decorative and multi-layer. The first are lightweight stone panels for cladding, but a thin layer of waterproofing film or insulation can be placed under them. Multilayer panels are slightly heavier, but have an additional layer of polyurethane insulation, so you don't have to think about thermal insulation.

But the variety of plates can amaze any user.

Types of products for facades

Now guess what materials can be used to make façade panels for the exterior of a house? At the moment, the market can offer as many as 5 different options:

1. Polyvinyl chloride plates. Yes, ordinary plastic, decorated to look like stone. Lightweight plastic products are an excellent choice for all weather conditions. PVC panels replicate any stone texture; There are many different colors to choose from.
2. Combined multilayer PVC panels are distinguished by the fact that they have an additional layer of insulation. If your home is located in a cold zone, then this is the option that will suit you best. Ideally replicates brick and decorative stone and tiles.
3. Panels made of fiber cement composition are already losing ground. Usually this is the closest analogue of stone panels, but in terms of price and mechanical properties they are inferior to plastic products, and therefore are not particularly popular.
4. Decorative clinker and ceramic tiles, stylized as stone. These are heavy products that are best suited for finishing the facade of the basement. Due to their heaviness, they have certain installation problems.
5. Last on the list, but no less interesting are metal products and siding, which replicates rough stone and regular brickwork. From a distance it looks very impressive.

Why is it recommended to use facade slabs to decorate your home?

The façade panel is ideal for exterior decoration of houses. And that's why:

1. All types of decorative cladding are incredibly durable and can withstand severe mechanical loads. True, some will still have damage, for example, the metal will bend, and chips will form on fiber cement products. In addition, each type of cladding should be used in special conditions, and the only universal type of panels are PVC products.
2. Huge selection of panels. If you want to decorate the facade of your house with stone, then you won’t find a better option than panels. PVC, siding and decorative ceramics are perfect for cladding the facade, and fiber cement and metal panels are the best choice for the plinth.
3. The panels are reusable, that is, if necessary, they can be dismantled and then re-hung, but on a different façade.
4. Most products are not susceptible to negative effects from moisture, ultraviolet radiation, cold, and heat.
5. There is no debris from the material.
6. There are many modifications for decorating the facade of houses, for example, ventilated or insulated structures.
7. Practically no wall preparation is required for installation.

Lightweight panels are quite cheap. For example, the dimensions of a standard product are 1x0.5 m; if it is PVC material, then the cost of 1 element will be about 100 rubles. 1 sq.m. decor imitating stone, made in Russia, will cost 350 rubles. German options are more expensive: from 700 to 1,500 rubles per 1 sq. m. m. The same prices are for Japanese panels. So when choosing a finishing material, it all comes down to considering PVC under the stone.

How to install?

Wall panels are firmly connected to each other thanks to locks. When joined, the 2 elements are firmly connected into a single structure. The panels always come with instructions that tell you in detail how to properly connect them together, as well as where to start installation. In any case, you will need the following tools:

• building level and tape measure;
• in the case of PVC, a hacksaw will be useful;
• you will also need a drill;
• It is advisable to take a screwdriver so as not to tighten the fasteners by hand.

The sequence of work is as follows (consider a ventilated version of the design):

1. Before installing decorative elements, prime the walls to prevent the spread of fungus. If there are irregularities, it is better to eliminate them, otherwise the panels will deform over time, which will spoil the appearance of the building.
2. We install the lathing from metal profiles. To do this, clamps are attached to the edges of the wall, which are screwed with self-tapping screws. All profiles must be mounted strictly vertically, without distortions. The step between the clamp is 1 m, and the profiles are mounted every 50 cm.
3. After the sheathing is installed, you can begin decorating the facade with panels.
4. The installation of elements begins from any corner. 2 panels are attached to 1 panel; you can immediately make a corner and install decorative corners and trims, then finish 1 row. If the distance between the corners is more than 3.5 m, then a special H-shaped metal profile is installed, with which the panels are connected. This will make installation much easier.
5. When the siding is facing you, no fasteners will be visible because they are on the side. The side panel products are attached to the wall using self-tapping screws. Sidings with a ventilation system are attached slightly differently, so in this case it is necessary to follow a different installation technology.
6. Stone facing panels from different manufacturers may have different locks and types of connections, so read the instructions before installing them.
7. The finishing of the facade of the house with stone panels is carried out sequentially, row by row, until the entire wall is covered.

Installation nuances

Pay attention to the following nuances:

1. When working with siding, you can encounter a number of unpleasant phenomena. If a ventilated system is installed, then when there is a gust of wind, a very unpleasant sound will occur, reminiscent of a whistle. Wind currents will pass through the gaps in the panels. It is impossible to get rid of this, so it is better not to install such systems in windy areas.
2. If the cladding is not multi-layered, then it is recommended to lay a layer of any roll insulation underneath it.
3. Using scissors, you can trim products and give them the desired geometry. In the corners and at the top of the wall you will have to use trimmed panels, so it is worth purchasing several more squares than required, according to calculations.

Conclusion on the topic

With the help of decorative panels you can transform both wooden and brick buildings. If you are tired of the nondescript, dull look of your house, then purchase a set of siding and install it on the facade of the building. Stone relief and rock texture will change the visual perception of even a small house beyond recognition.

You just need to be careful when choosing a color.

For example, if you choose too dark siding and install it on a small building, then it will visually become even smaller and darker.