While facing the facades of a country house, it is worth thinking about the above-ground part of the foundation, which initially looks like a simple concrete wall. The gap under the building erected on newfangled screw piles looks just as ugly. Hence the task of our article is to consider what materials are used to decorate the basement of a private house and how it is better to sheathe it in certain conditions.
The role of the basement cladding of a private house
We have already mentioned the improvement of the external design with the external finishing layer. But in addition to decorative, it performs other important functions:
- extending the life of the concrete base by protecting it from moisture, direct sunlight and sudden temperature changes;
- the cladding assumes contamination and various mechanical damage;
- protects reinforced concrete from damage by microorganisms - fungi and mold;
- in the case of a pile foundation, it closes the gap between the house and the ground so that the wind does not walk on it.
Before finishing the basement from the outside, it must be insulated, these are the requirements of building codes. Thermal insulation is made of polymeric water-repellent materials - foam, extruded polystyrene foam, or by spraying polyurethane foam. After that, a layer of insulation is decorated with a facing material on the outside.
Note. There are special thermal panels for finishing the basement, which have a thermal insulation layer, which will be discussed later.
- The entire foundation is subject to insulation - both aboveground and underground parts to the depth of soil freezing.
- If the construction of the house is finished, then you need to make the basement insulation with a blind area, this is a cheaper option.
- It makes no sense to insulate only one basement part, since the cold will penetrate into the building through the ground.
- External insulation can be omitted if the floors are well insulated throughout the cottage, although additional protection would be useful.
Finishing materials
There are quite a few options for how you can decorate the basement of a private house:
- smooth or embossed plaster;
- natural or artificial stone, tiles;
- clinker and other decorative bricks;
- plastic or metal siding;
- various panels with and without thermal insulation layer.
Now let's take a closer look at each option.
Application of plaster
This is one of the inexpensive ways to finish the foundation, used in houses without special requirements for external design. In addition to being cheap, plastering offers the following advantages:
- The mortar layer is distinguished by good vapor permeability, and therefore it is successfully applied both to a concrete surface and to a polymer insulation.
- The ease of plastering allows you to save more money if you do it yourself.
- Such cladding can be quickly and inexpensively decorated with any color and given a different texture - from a small "fur coat" to imitation of a wild stone, as shown in the photo.
- Modern plasters can be tinted without any problems in the required color, which saves you from painting work once every 3-5 years.
Reference. The plastering technology is quite simple. For example, a "fur coat" from a liquid solution is thrown in a thin layer on a moistened base, and the bark beetle is applied and leveled with a rule. Imitation of natural stone is made by hand with a mixture of thick consistency.
The negative side of plaster coatings is a limited service life. From the effects of weather conditions and temperature differences, it gradually crumbles, cracks and even breaks off. High-quality plastering will last about 5 years without problems, and after that it needs periodic repairs. The second moment: this method, for obvious reasons, is not applicable for buildings on pile foundations.
Stone cladding - pros and cons
To improve the basement of the house, the following types of natural stone are used:
- shell rock;
- limestone;
- sandstone;
- gray and black granite, marble;
- labradorite.
This is what granite cladding looks like
Slabs with polished or chipped edges, cut from rocks, can serve for the entire life of the building. Such a finish does not lose its excellent appearance for many years, and also does not require maintenance and repair. These are positive aspects, but there are also negative aspects:
- The high cost of processed natural stone.
- You will not be able to cover the basement with your own hands, you will have to attract specialists, and this is additional costs.
- Due to the decent weight, the material significantly loads the foundation.
Imitation sandstone
You can give the cottage an elite appearance at a lower price if you finish the basement walls with artificial stone products - fiber cement or porcelain stoneware tiles. They are made on the basis of cement mixtures with various additives by casting in silicone molds and successfully imitate any rocks. Artificial stone is not inferior to natural stone in terms of durability, and it weighs less. But for laying tiles on a solution, experience and qualifications are still required, plus labor costs for leveling the surface. All the nuances are described in the video:
Reference. Some manufacturers (for example, the Kanyon brand) offer products with metal brackets, which are fixed with self-tapping screws to a wooden frame or directly to a wall. So, if desired, you can mount the plinth trim yourself.
About brickwork
The benefits of traditional brick cladding are well known to homeowners using this method. In terms of durability and respectable appearance, the masonry is practically not inferior to stone walls, but it has the following features:
- To cover the base with a full-size brick, you need to arrange a solid base for it. This will not be a problem if such a finish was provided in advance and the width of the foundation tape allows you to build a half-brick wall on it. Another option is the device of a full-fledged blind area associated with the base of the house with fittings.
- Brick cladding of the basement makes it possible to organize an air gap or lay insulation in the wall.
- If you do not use cheap silicate varieties, then the masonry itself will serve as a good insulation.
- To erect a facing wall from decorative stamps, laid out "in a wasteland", you will have to involve a master - a bricklayer or train yourself for a long time.
Note. To reduce the cost of finishing the basement, you can use clinker tiles instead of bricks. The technology of laying on the adhesive mixture is similar to the cladding with porcelain stoneware.
At the construction price, this method outperforms stone cladding, but it will cost more than installing artificial tiles. In addition, for a protruding front wall, you will need a wide ebb around the perimeter of the building.
Siding sheathing
Metal and plastic basement siding can delight every homeowner with both price and variety of colors and textures. They are offered in the form of strips and panels of various shapes, mounted on a frame made of wood or steel profiles. In addition to an affordable price, the material has the following advantages:
- Quick and easy installation, thanks to which the owner is able to sheathe the basement with siding himself.
- A remarkable exterior of a private house.
- Since the cladding is mounted on a subsystem, insulation of the required thickness is quietly laid under it.
- In case of mechanical damage, the damaged elements can be easily replaced.
Reference. Sometimes a budget material is used as a siding - a wall profiled sheet. It is equally well suited for decorating small country houses, building fences and light gates.
Inexpensive claddings are not ideal. But siding has not so many disadvantages:
- vinyl sheathing is subject to burning, and the highest quality is subject to melting from heating;
- polymer painting of metal panels and corrugated board quickly fade in the sun;
- after 5-10 years (depending on the quality of the products), the appearance of the material deteriorates;
- siding must be periodically washed from dust and dirt;
- accidental mechanical damage leaves scratches on the painted metal, and plastic can break from shock loading.
Despite the indicated disadvantages, wall and basement siding does not lose popularity. In addition, it is perfect for sewing up cavities in pile-screw foundations. How to properly perform the installation, read on, and the following video will acquaint you with the plating process:
Advantages of finishing panels
Since the characteristics and installation method of plastic panels differ little from vinyl siding, we suggest paying attention to other types of products:
- two-layer thermal panels, where polystyrene insulation is glued to the base made of artificial stone;
- fiber cement products of the type of Japanese cladding from the Kmew brand.
The presented finishing materials for the basement combine the positive aspects of stone and PVC panels, plus they have an acceptable cost. It is long lasting, great in appearance and simplified with or without a frame.
Thermal panels, imitating masonry and brickwork, are equipped with a heat-insulating layer of foam or extruded polystyrene foam. Fastening is carried out through special countersunk holes, and almost seamless joining is ensured by a perfect locking system. In the same way, fiber cement panels are installed that do not have insulation. More details about editing are described in the video:
Note. Both types of cladding can be used in houses installed on pile foundations.
From the above, we can draw the following conclusions:
- In most cases, the choice of material depends on the size of the budget allocated for the construction. The exception is pile foundations, where it is impossible to use the entire range of facing products.
- Even with the availability of funds, it is impractical to finish the basement with marble, granite and other types of expensive limestone. There are substitutes - panels and clinker tiles that are not inferior in appearance and service life, which are cheaper and do not load the foundation.
- The use of decorative bricks is justified when the width of the foundation tape is designed for masonry. In other cases, it is easier and cheaper to sheathe the basement wall with any imitation brick.
Of the cheap options for the basement, panels and siding made from non-combustible materials are most suitable. The experience of modern construction shows that the burnout of building facades occurs due to an incorrectly selected basement finish, which ignites from a cigarette butt thrown nearby.
Related entries:
A basement is a part of the foundation that rises above ground level. Therefore, the same requirements are imposed on its finishing as for the entire base. It consists of a whole range of measures - the arrangement of the blind area, preliminary plastering (not always), waterproofing and a number of others. The nuances are determined by the characteristics of each building and local conditions.
But when all the work is completed, the question arises - how to presentably decorate the basement? It is desirable that it is both beautiful and not too expensive and complicated. There are more than enough materials for finishing the basement. But the price for some products is such that not everyone is able to "shell out" that kind of money. In addition, the installation of some products requires experience, special equipment, which is also associated with additional costs. And from this point of view, there are not so many options for inexpensive finishing.
Plaster
This design is suitable for buildings erected from almost any material (cellular concrete, brick, etc.), with the exception of wood, since it is unlikely that the plastered foundation will be in harmony with it.
pros
Minuses
- Insufficient strength and, as a consequence, a short operational period.
- The need for frequent renewal of the paintwork (in the case of surface application of the composition).
- Difficulty leaving. It is rather problematic to wash off pieces of dirt that has got in - basically, only "dry" cleaning. In terms of maintenance, decorative plaster mixes are preferable, but they are quite expensive.
Finishing features
There is another opinion - to paint "on top", as such treatment will clog all the pores and prevent moisture penetration. But the question arises - what about vapor permeability? If there is a basement, and even intensively used, the question is not unimportant.
Siding panels
Naturally, this does not mean all that are on sale, but only those that are intended specifically for the base. By the way, they can also be used to decorate walls.
pros
- Durability and reliability of the cladding. It protects the base well.
- Maintenance is not difficult - the panels are easy to clean.
- Possibility of quick replacement of the damaged product.
Minuses
Finishing features
- The crate is pre-installed. Since the finish of the basement is carried out outside the building, it is advisable to use a metal profile as a slats, and not wood - it is subject to decay.
- It is necessary to ensure the sealing of all joints, as well as correctly calculate and maintain the necessary clearances (in case of thermal deformation of products).
Stone (artificial)
In principle, the method is also relatively inexpensive and effective if the type of product is selected correctly (temperature of use, strength, etc.).
pros
- Artificial stone is easy to make at home -. This will slightly increase the time spent on the work, but will significantly reduce their total cost.
- Variety of cladding options (appearance).
- Durability, long service life.
- Good maintainability.
- Lightweight and easy to attach. The artificial stone can be simply glued onto the base.
Minuses
Finishing features
Much depends on the material used for the imitation of natural stone. Practice shows that not everyone can independently perform such work - finishing. Most likely, you will have to pay for someone's services.
It makes no sense to provide a comparison of materials at prices, They depend on so many factors that it is simply impossible to take everything into account. It is necessary not to forget a simple truth - it is not always possible to equate the concepts of "cheap" and "quality".
Output
Plastering a plinth is the most economical optionthat does not require the involvement of professionals. But if financial possibilities allow, then it is better to stop at the 2nd or 3rd options.
- If the house is built on a pile foundation, then the supporting frame is pre-mounted, which is sheathed with any material. The main requirement for it is moisture resistance.
- When calculating the cost of work, it is necessary to look not only at the price of the material, but also take into account what the costs of its installation will cost. In addition, an important factor is the service life. It is wiser to buy a product for finishing more expensive and durable than regularly repairing the plinth lining and at the same time spending money again.
Panel cladding
The grillage after its construction in all cases of construction should be covered with protective materials. There are many of them. They all have their own advantages and disadvantages.
List of the most commonly used materials:
- A natural stone. Its main advantage is its beautiful aesthetic appearance. The downside is the high cost.
- Fake diamond. Plus - it is reliable and there are many options for colors and textures.
- Panel cladding. Plus - the speed of installation work.
- Plaster. It has a lot of advantages. Of the minuses, working with this type of material becomes more painstaking.
What material to choose
- It is sometimes not very easy to choose what you need from a wide variety of finishing materials. When choosing, you should rely on the quality characteristics of the finish, its features, design and color. For example, clinker tiles simulate brickwork. The advantage of such a tile is that it is lightweight, thanks to which it is securely attached to the base.
- Its parameters are exactly the same as the parameters of real clinker bricks. Clinker tiles have elements specially designed for facing the corners of buildings. Additional impregnation with a water-repellent solution is not required for such masonry.
- For any type of stone decoration, it will be necessary to make a cornice over the resulting masonry. This is necessary due to the fact that the stone finish, whether artificial or natural, will protrude forward at a certain distance. Therefore, so that it does not wear out ahead of time, they make additional protection.
- Undoubtedly, natural stone will decorate the house and give it a special touch. There are different textures (rough, smooth, rubble), colors (matte, glossy, shiny), designs (regular or irregular). Artificial stone is also not inferior to natural. There are also a lot of his design and color solutions.
- Polymer sandstone tiles are suitable for lightweight structures, which are not very high strength indicators. Such tiles are somewhat similar to brick, but their shape can even be abstract. Polymeric sandstone does not involve complex installation work, as well as a lot of maintenance. It is frost and moisture resistant.
There are also many other materials such as plaster, siding, panels. In addition, there is a wide variety of synthetic tiles that combine the properties of several types at the same time.
A natural stone
There are several types of stones that are actively used in the finishing work of the grillage:
- Granite.
- Marble.
- Shungite.
- Slate. This stone is very layered.
- Sandstone. Has a light fragile structure.
- Dolomite. This mineral has a high density, and therefore is very durable.
- Crimean limestone.
Natural stones are used of small thickness. More often not more than 3 cm. Of course, natural finish looks rich and beautiful. In general, natural materials are more expensive than artificial ones. Other disadvantages include the fact that they collect moisture on themselves. To protect the "foot" of the structure, you will have to additionally cover it with a water-repellent solution.
The main advantages of the stone: durability, strength and environmental friendliness. Also, the stone is resistant to temperature extremes. But for this material to justify itself, it must be applied correctly. For example, a glue is used for stone that is intended only for stone surfaces. If you use another, it may damage the structure of the natural material.
Fake diamond
Artificial stone is obtained by mixing cement, sand, stone chips and adding dye or other components, if necessary.
Undeniable advantages of artificial material:
- Resistant to cold and high temperatures.
- Moisture repellent properties.
- Good heat conductivity.
- Environmental friendliness of materials.
Brick cladding is also a good finish. It is also resistant to weather changes, and is not afraid of mechanical damage. In addition, a brick can act as an additional layer of thermal insulation. Thus, faux finishing is relevant and has many benefits.
Panels
As for the special panels for the plinth, they are suitable if the work needs to be done very quickly. Precisely because they are lightweight and easy to use, plastic panels are an excellent option for quick installation.
In addition, PVC panels have all the necessary characteristics that have been listed above. Thanks to the various variations, the panels can be used to create imitation of brickwork, wood surface or even imitation of plaster. Siding is a good protective layer and additional strengthening of the base of the house.
Pre-siding panels require the creation of a grillage lathing, either metal or wood. Further, at the very bottom, a profile is attached, from which the entire plastic row goes. The panels are fastened to each other with an impromptu lock.
Plaster
Plastering is the most popular type of finish.
This type of finishing materials has several advantages:
- The plastering workflow requires tools such as spatulas, levels, mortar containers, and so on.
- Plaster offers a lot of different colors and compositions. Thanks to this, you can achieve the most incredible textures and imitations.
- The plaster can be applied directly to the thermal insulation. No preliminary work is required.
- This material has such an important property as vapor permeability. It allows you to maintain an optimal "climate" inside the building.
- Relatively low material cost.
Cost of materials
The most budgetary option is plaster. The most expensive cladding is natural stone. If we talk about other types of finishes, then here the price is set for 1 kg and 1 m 2. For example, 1 m 2 of siding for a grillage costs about 500 rubles on average, maybe a little more or less.
All work on the arrangement of the grillage is calculated depending on 1 m2, or rather, how much and at what cost of the material goes to this area and the amount of labor costs.
Thus, the finishing of the lowest part of the building involves various types of work, depending on the material chosen. Before starting installation, it is imperative to prepare the concrete surface. It should be thoroughly cleaned and, if there are all kinds of depressions, cracks or bulges, then eliminate them.
It is also worth paying attention to the choice of glue. For tiles, stone or other materials, it is selected individually. Indeed, the reliability of the fastening and the durability of the facing coating will depend on the correctly selected glue. In terms of caring for the base of the house, one can consider a careful attitude towards it, the presence of cornices, snow removed on time, and so on.
Important Requirements
The plinth, like any other part of the house, has certain requirements:
- The basement, or in other words the grillage, must be filled with a high-class concrete grade. After all, this element will take on a large load from the weight of the house and its contents.
- For cladding this part of the house, very durable materials must be used. They must protect it from bad weather and mechanical stress.
- The recommended height of the foundation platform should be at least 30 cm. This elevation above the ground will help keep the masonry from splashing rain.
What the basement masonry is afraid of:
- Moisture from the ground as a result of splashing rain.
- Snow drifts.
- Freezing. The frozen water expands the concrete from the inside.
- Ultraviolet light. May cause cracking and flaking.
- Mechanical impact (shock).
The decoration of the basement, on the one hand, is simpler than the facade: there are no special aesthetic and architectural subtleties here. The plinth can be in harmony or contrast with the overall design of the building in tone, texture, and type of material used, see fig. Corrosive pedants just need to point to the Erechtheion, the Roman baths or any of the Gothic cathedrals - and let them say what they want.
For small individual construction, the option of a raised basement is also of particular interest (photo below on the right in the figure): the tape protruding foundation is finished without any claims, if only for a long time, and the wall belt above it imitates a high basement. This allows you to fully concentrate technically on the correct arrangement of a very critical place in the entire structure of the house - the junction of the wall with the basement (ledge of the foundation); in particular on the ebb device, see below, without affecting the appearance of the house.
On the other hand, the plinth lining is exposed to intense chemical (atmospheric moisture, dirt, organic matter from the soil), physical (temperature and humidity changes) and mechanical abrasive agents (wind-blown grains of sand). The concentration of dust, dirt and splashes of solutions of soil components in the air depends on the height above the ground according to a power law and within 50 cm from the ground they fall 10 times or more relative to zero. Therefore, both the materials for finishing the basement and the methods of working with them require a more careful approach than for finishing the facade.
On the third, finishing the basement with a stone or other strong, durable and heavy material almost always does not cause any technical difficulties, because basement height usually does not exceed 80 cm; in extreme cases - up to 2 m, for a house with a basement, and the basement itself is made of durable materials, otherwise it simply will not carry weight, climatic and operational loads. So you can choose the material for the plinth cladding, limited only by financial considerations.
Work order
The basement of a residential building is clad in the order of production of the final stage of construction - exterior decoration. In general, the decoration of the basement of the house is carried out in stages in the following order:
- A trench is being dug under a blind area with a depth of approx. 30 cm (on a shovel bayonet) or 15-20 cm deeper under a blind area with insulation;
- A sand and gravel cushion is placed in the trench, optionally also a heater;
- A rough finish of the basement is carried out in order to level its surface;
- A blind area is being arranged;
- Decorative finishing of the basement;
- Only after that, all other work on the exterior of the building begins, incl. facade cladding.
It is not recommended to break this sequence, especially for inexperienced amateur builders, but in some cases, discussed below, it is possible, for example. if the basement of an existing building is being tiled or repaired. In this case, the design of the base plays a decisive role for the complexity of the work and the possibility of using one or another finishing material.
Plinth and ebb
The decoration of the basement of a private house in relation to the choice of material and the method of its installation largely depends on the design of the basement itself and its ebb. The conjugation of the bearing wall with the plinth is the most likely place for moisture to enter the gap between them, causing the walls to become damp. From below it is not allowed by waterproofing, for that it is put. But the water flowing into the walls is also capable of flowing under the wall along the same waterproofing, this is the so-called. capillary locking. To prevent it, an ebb is arranged over the base.
Base / plinth design options
Possible base / plinth designs are shown in Fig. If the base is sinking (pos. 1) - you're in luck. A simple single ebb is placed between the layers of insulation; if a drip groove (dropper) is knocked out on the bottom of the wall, pos. 1a, capillary blocking of the walls is excluded. But then either the wall should be from 2.5 bricks, or the basement ceiling is slab, pos. 1b. Budget developers avoid the latter option - it is expensive - but in vain: then, during the operation of the house, the slab overlap justifies itself with interest. Moreover, on, in fact, the second base of the house, you can build a lighter and cheaper box. Also, in this case, you can build from foam / gas blocks, then revet the house with brick, which looks solid and inexpensive.
More often, they are still found at home on a protruding base, pos. 2. The technology for preventing capillary blockage is known in this case, it is a double ebb, pos. 2a. Its outer tray (add-on) is placed at the end of the decorative finish of the basement and facade, so that it can be changed as it wears out. For reliability, silicone is applied to the surface of the rim (upper fold, fold) of the tray adjacent to the wall before installation.
Now on sale there are "eternal" ebbs from propylene or stainless steel, their durability exceeds the estimated service life of residential buildings of conventional construction. With the "eternal" ebb tide, the task of keeping the wall dry is simplified: the basement is completely finished, and the ebb tide is placed on the wall before facing it with a moisture-proof material, for example. waterproof plaster, clinker or adhesive thermal panels. The ebb rim turns out to be walled up in the facade cladding, pos. 2b, and water will no longer flow under the wall.
Note: the same methods of installing the ebb tide are applicable for houses on a plinth flush with the wall, although in general a "flat" plinth is bad in all respects.
Sometimes, for decorative purposes, the ebb as such is abandoned, replacing it with a brick cornice. So it is possible, but the front brick on the cornice needs to be taken so-called. hyper-pressed (hyper-molded), grind the eaves-ebb seams flush, and use waterproof and moisture-proof mortar and grout with polymer additives. In amateur conditions, you can make them with your own hands by adding to the cement-sand mortar from M200 and grout for outdoor work, 1-3 glasses per bucket of PVA or polymer tile glue such as bustilat. You can also use adhesives for porcelain stoneware or clinker (terracotta) tiles.
Hyper-pressed bricks are often falsified. The present can be recognized by its homogeneous structure, the absence of visible inclusions and the even dark color of a matte or semi-matt surface, the so-called. bricks - "chocolates", pos. 3. On the usual (quite suitable for their purpose) facing bricks, forming an ebb, after a winter or two, the core will appear and efflorescence will go, pos. 3a, which means - break the lining of the plinth and redo the ebb while the wall is locked.
Finally, wooden houses are built almost exclusively on protruding plinths: the minimum permissible width of the foundation tape here turns out to be greater than the thickness of the wall, and it is impossible to put a log house or frame on a concrete slab for a number of reasons. In this case, the ebb can only be double; its options for a log or log and frame house are shown in pos. 4 and 5. In a log / log house, the attachment of the outer tray rim is sealed with silicone; in a frame house, this is not required, because wall cladding also serves as a teardrop.
Note: in all cases of using a double ebb, the distance between the eaves of the inner and outer trays should be anywhere at least 10-12 mm.
Preparation for cladding
The most difficult and time-consuming part of finishing the basement is leveling its surface for facing; the basement can be made of rubble stone, concrete blocks (possibly old, crumbling along the edges) or the above-ground part of the concrete foundation. In this case, the easiest way to prepare it for cladding with your own hands is to plaster with cement-sand or cement-lime starting (rough) plaster for outdoor use. Self-mixing can be done using the hydrophobic method described above (PVA, bustilate, etc.).
Leveling the surface of the basement for facing with starting plaster on a reinforcing mesh.
For leveling with plaster, the plinth is treated with a deep penetration primer on the appropriate material (stone, brick, concrete), large protrusions are roughly knocked down, if necessary, patching is done with cement-sand mortar and a steel reinforcing mesh with a thickness of approx. 4 mm, see fig. I use a thick plaster mortar, not dripping; the layer is given in 1.5-2 mesh thickness. Rub it to evenness with a polisher immediately, without waiting for setting. After setting, check the evenness with a rod (norm - 3 mm / m), rub and finish as needed. It is advisable to first make a separate plot of 1-1.5 sq. m, after that, and the "kettle" with hands from where it is necessary at least the start will put quite evenly under the lining.
Materials and technologies
The materials for lining the base, as mentioned above, must be resistant to thermal, chemical, mechanical stress and abrasion. Modern materials for finishing the basement according to the price and complexity of the work are generally divided into the following classes:
- Painted waterproof plaster is the easiest and cheapest option. Best suited for a low, up to 40 cm, plinth, the finish of which is not really visible anyway. Maintainability is limited because it is difficult to choose paint for the patch exactly in the tone of the existing one.
- Artificial stone - in terms of complexity and cost, the plinth facing is comparable to plaster. The appearance is 3+ or 4–, but the corner strokes are much easier, see below. Full maintainability.
- Natural (wild) stone and facing bricks - cladding a basement with them can be inexpensive and not require much work, but if the basement and blind area are insulated, the complexity of the work increases many times over, see also below. The maintainability is very limited: it is very difficult to remove the damaged fragment (s) without disturbing the facing over a sufficiently large area.
- Flexible stone - in terms of the combination of parameters price / quality / appearance / technical capabilities is unmatched. Finishing the plinth with flexible stone is also possible in a budget option. Full maintainability.
- Basement siding - depending on the region, it can cost less than plaster, and in appearance surpass artificial stone (not natural!). Correct installation is not difficult, but requires certain knowledge and skills. The maintainability is complete, but the repair is rather laborious.
- Basement cladding panels (not front!) Are somewhat more expensive than basement siding with the same decorative qualities, but are devoid of its weak points (see below). Maintainability is limited for the same reasons as wild stone and brick.
- Clinker (terracotta) and porcelain stoneware facing tiles are the most expensive and labor-intensive, but the most resistant and durable option. If you need a basement surface for a noble polished stone, then porcelain stoneware is practically the only option at a not terrifying price.
Plaster
There is no point in decorating the basement with a beautiful, but not very durable finishing decorative plaster in this place. It is best to simply paint the rough base for finishing with alkyd enamels for outdoor use. They will cost a little more, but the yacht enamels will last much longer. The option is a little more expensive, but even more resistant and absolutely moisture-proof - the so-called. latex acrylic paints or acrylic emulsions; on drying, they give a layer similar to dense rubber, only colored.
The plastered plinth can be immediately finished to look like a stone using silicone dies. A set of stamps costs about 500 rubles, but you can make them yourself. In general, plastering a plinth for a stone is carried out as follows:
- Samples (models) of natural stone of any breed of suitable size and more or less coinciding in contour, without overlap, up to 12-15 mm thick are selected.
- For each model, a plywood or plank box is made - a flask - with sides 2-3 cm higher than the stone.
- Models are abundantly impregnated with mineral oil (you can use the engine oil) and dried for 2-3 days.
- Next, the models are lubricated with petroleum jelly (lanolin), each put in its own box and filled with silicone. The flasks from the inside must also be smeared with Vaseline before this.
- When the silicone hardens, the flasks are disassembled, the models are pulled out of the stamp blanks (do not be afraid to pull, the silicone is stretchable and strong) and the stamps are cut with a knife along the contour with an allowance for the seam width.
- On the base prepared as described above, a layer of thick mortar up to 16 mm thick is applied and stamped immediately, until setting.
- Upon complete hardening of the coating, it is painted.
Fake diamond 
Decorating the basement of the house with artificial stone.
Facing the basement of a house with artificial stone, with all its mediocre merits, is good for budget developers because the forms for corner elements (see fig.) Can be made independently. The corners are the weakest points of the cladding, it is here that the masonry seams begin to crack and the moisture under the cladding creeps exactly where it is not needed. An artificial stone is mounted on a basement or similar to a natural one without insulation, or on tile glue as a tile (see both below),
DIY methods for making artificial stone are described in other materials; any kind of it suitable for paving paths will go to the basement. You can also make a homemade artificial stone for facing the basement from the same plaster. The workflow differs from the manufacture of stamps for stone in that it is not necessary to select models by thickness so strictly and that the casting mass is tinted in advance, which makes the color more resistant; see the video below. The technology for making an artificial stone from plaster with your own hands is not strict, there are different options here.
Wild stone and brick
The natural stone for facing the basement must be chosen heavy, with low moisture absorption, i.e. not subject to frost. Shales, sandstones, limestone, dolomite, travertine and tuffs are definitely not suitable. Best of all are granite, diorite, diabase, basalt, gabbro and other rocks that can withstand at least 1000 full freeze / thaw cycles. With the current climate changes, this is not so much, in Central Russia in the off-season there can be a full cycle every day.
The technology of facing the basement with natural stone essentially depends on whether it is insulated or not. It is easier without insulation, you just need to fulfill the following conditions (see the figure on the right):
Note: Do not be afraid of moss and lichen on a stone plinth. They will not spoil the stone in the least, they will only add chic to the house. Mold and efflorescence (salt spots on damp and then dried out places) are bad. But on the stones of the above rocks, both do not exist.
Finishing the basement with facing brick differs from facing with wild stone, firstly, in that the masonry joints are made normal for brickwork with a thickness of 10-13 mm. Secondly, the masonry mortar must be impervious to moisture with a plasticizer (see above), because in the seams of the brickwork, he loves to linger with moisture and accumulate dirt. Thirdly, it is very, very desirable to use a hyper-pressed brick, as for a brick ebb, see above.
Facing the basement with natural stone and brick is seriously complicated if the walls, foundation and basement are insulated. Then not only the heavy cladding has nothing to hold on to, but there is also a danger of capillary moisture penetrating into the insulation. What complex of works is required in order to avoid both, you can imagine by looking at the scheme of lining the insulated basement with a stone in Fig.:
Scheme of cladding a stone basement with insulation
And the matter will be even more complicated if the basement of an existing house is faced, because the retaining wall will shrink. In this case, it is better to cover the basement under the stone with siding, panels, and if you want the high cost to immediately catch your eye - with tiles. But first, let's finish with stone materials.
Flexible stone
Flexible stone in some sources is presented as a kind of "flexible polymer resin tiles". Apparently, those authors remember the old Soviet flexible facing tiles, which, as they say, have been looking for fistulas for a long time. There she is also dear: polymer tiles shrunk, shrink, cracked, quickly wear out in heated rooms.
Flexible stone in decoration and cladding
The binder of a flexible stone is, indeed, synthetic resins, only not the mythical "polymer", but polyester and urea, but the essence of this material is in the textile base, sprinkled with stone chips. The advantages of flexible stone as an external facing material are truly excellent (see fig.):
- Safe, environmentally friendly, chemically and mechanically resistant, chemically neutral.
- Estimated service life - over 150 years.
- Easy to handle, can be cut with scissors.
- It shines through, you can hide the lights behind the cladding or even make a street lamp made of flexible stone, which, when turned off during the day, will be a sculpture to match the decoration of the house.
- Available in a myriad of unique textures and colors that match natural colors, both solid and torn, spaced to simulate masonry seams.
- Curved surfaces and corners are easily traced with a flexible stone.
- There is no front and basement, external and internal flexible stone, it is suitable for all types of finishing work. One and the same material can be used to decorate the basement, window and door trims, balcony, cornice, etc.
- Finishing the basement of a house with a flexible stone on a difficult terrain (uneven slope, etc.) costs 7-20 times cheaper than any other material comparable in decorative qualities and durability of facing.
- Thorough surface preparation for flexible stone is not required. If the irregularities do not exceed 10-12 mm, the flexible stone is laid simply on tile adhesive (the minimum layer above the base projections is 2 mm). Otherwise, potholes are roughly covered with cement-sand mortar. Which in any case will not hurt for the sake of saving expensive glue.
There are only two disadvantages of a flexible stone: it is rough; glossy and semi-gloss (polished) does not exist. Then, the base for a flexible stone needs a strong one, therefore it is impossible to glue it directly onto the insulation or SMP (see below), first you need to prepare the plaster base, as described above.
Siding 
Basement siding panel
The basement of the house is faced with a special basement siding, which is more wear-resistant and durable than the front one. Basement siding is available in PVC and propylene. The former is cheaper, brighter and can be glossy; the second is more resistant. Externally, the basement siding differs from the facade siding in that it is made not by boards, but by slabs with tongue-and-groove joints on latches, see fig. Therefore, filing the basement siding in size is possible only at the corners, and the seam must be covered with a regular additional element. The basement siding is mounted on a horizontal lathing made of wood or steel profiles on hardware (self-tapping screws).
Facing with siding is the least laborious way to finish a basement under a stone at an affordable cost; it doesn't matter whether it is an old house or a new building. But the "law of free cheese" is adamant here too: serious problems of lining the basement with siding are, firstly, damage to the crate, secondly, the accumulation of moisture in the cavities under the casing, and thirdly, the settlement of insects and rodents there. As a result, the cladding is not so cheap and simple due to the difficulties with the blind area.
The general scheme for installing basement siding is given in Fig. below; drainage is highly desirable and dry enough. Installation of basement siding is carried out after the complete arrangement of the blind area. At the bottom and top, deformation gaps of 10-15 mm are left, which are foamed, sealed with a plastic glue recommended by the manufacturer (for example, CM14) and closed with additional elements (plinth, cornice).
Installation scheme for basement siding
However, each plinth siding manufacturer struggles with their product problems in their own way, which, incidentally, indicates that there is still no optimal solution. Therefore, if you opt for siding for the basement, then:
- Request a supplier or search the manufacturer's website for a material specification and make sure that it suits your conditions (temperature range, annual rainfall, soil properties, basement structure and material, building structure).
- Use the recommended types of extensions, battens, fasteners and sealant.
- Follow the manufacturer's installation instructions carefully.
- In no case do not save on starting and finishing bars: moisture, dirt, mice and spiders with relatives are just waiting for that.
Panels and plates
Finishing the basement with panels is somewhat more complicated and expensive than with siding, but it is devoid of its drawbacks, because there is no lathing with its pockets, the panels are glued. Metal composite panels, however, are mounted on a crate, but they are rarely used for finishing private houses because of their utilitarian look. Most often, the basement is finished with facade thermal panels with clinker stone linings and polyurethane insulation; they are quite suitable for this purpose. The plinth trimmed with panels looks no worse than under the siding. Thermal panels are mounted on the base in the same way as on the facade; leveling of the surface to an unevenness of 3 mm / m is required. The insulation is obtained automatically.
You can also find recommendations to finish the base with magnesia glass plates (SMP), but this option is far from the best: SMP are fragile, little resistant to abrasion and soil chemistry. Outside, in resorts, the facades of houses for rent are sometimes trimmed in the style of half-timbered houses with high-class SMPs (on the right in the figure), but such cladding serves for 10-15 years, and during this time it is necessary to do 2-3 cosmetic repairs.
Magnesite glass panels (SMP)
In private construction, the NSR is sometimes used as a permanent formwork for a towering strip foundation, which, in general, is good in all respects, except for the price. In this case, the SMP above the ground can be prepared for finishing, as described above, only the mesh fasteners need to be taken longer so that the self-tapping screws sit in the plinth. And then natural stone and brick as the finish of the basement disappear: under the weight of the cladding will peel off along with the plaster and mesh.
Tile
Facing the basement with tiles is a poor man's decision left over from Soviet times. The porous material gains moisture, the glaze loses its appearance due to the appearance of microcracks and the effect of sand grains. The basement tiles are finished with either clinker (terracotta) or ceramic-granite tiles. Facing the basement of an existing house with tiles is not technologically different from that during the construction process, which is an undoubted advantage .. But in either case, the work is very laborious and requires rather high qualifications: the base surface is leveled and its patching is performed. The base is then primed with a deep penetration primer. The tile is placed on glue (layer - 2-3 mm) in sections 1-1.5 m long. Immediately, while the adhesive has not grabbed, fix the tiles with crosses or other spacers (see fig.), Otherwise the facing will slip. Separators are also placed below, where a gap of 10-12 mm is needed, which is subsequently sealed with the same glue. The subsequent section is revetted after the glue has hardened on the previous one.
Tiling the basement
Note: it is impossible to prepare the surface for the tiles in the way described above (mesh + plaster), the cladding will peel off.
If you still want to decorate your base with tiles (it looks rich, you won’t say anything), then it is better to revet it with porcelain stoneware. Firstly, the hardness of porcelain stoneware is comparable to the hardness of sapphire and corundum, sand does not care for it. Secondly, strong inorganic acids, except for hydrofluoric and fluorine-antimony, do not act on porcelain stoneware. Thirdly, porcelain stoneware is produced in slabs up to 30x60 cm, so the work will not come out so stubborn. Fourthly, it is possible to split porcelain stoneware on a solid base and with a sufficiently elastic layer under the tiles only with a shot from a rifled weapon; Buckshot fired from a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun at a distance of 15 meters flattens and rebounds. Fifthly, porcelain stoneware slabs are also produced with a glossy surface, almost indistinguishable from polished stone. Sixth, due to the small TCR (coefficient of thermal expansion), porcelain stoneware on the plinth can be laid without a seam, ie. with a seam 1-2 mm thick, which enhances the decorative effect.
And more about the stone
Let's take another look at what kinds of stone are suitable for facing the basement. Yes, this is ... a heavy boot! Fractionated broken stone is not cheap, but if you order a dump truck of solid rubble and sort it out yourself, you will find enough pieces to build a stone basement, and, smaller, to fill then the recesses between large fragments. So, and building, as they say, tightly on a budget, consider also the option of a stone basement. Cladding / finishing as such is eliminated, and with 100% natural stone any home will look solid.
Carrying out the exterior decoration of the house, it is necessary to pay attention to all its elements and areas. Particular care is required to work out those details that are in sight. Such details include the basement - the lower, slightly protruding part of the building, encircling it completely around the perimeter.
When finishing finishing, most home owners have a logical question - what material to choose so that the basement looks presentable, spectacular, but at the same time, so that it reliably protects the building from dampness, precipitation and the destruction associated with these phenomena. In the article, we will consider this issue, and find out: what types of finishing materials are suitable for decorating a basement, what are the strengths and weaknesses of each of them.
Why do you need a base
Let's find out why the building generally needs this part of it.
A plinth is necessary for almost any structure, since, in addition to the visible - decorative, it also performs an invisible - protective role. The plinth protects the most important, lower part of the structure from precipitation, dampness coming from the ground, and other unpleasant external manifestations. It does not allow moisture to seep into the basement, and acts as a kind of waterproofing.
In addition to moisture protection, the plinth also performs thermal protection functions. Thanks to the fact that the fortified, well-planned and erected basement retains heat inside the house, building owners can enjoy a favorable indoor climate even in the most severe frost.
But in order to properly finish the base, it is not enough to pay attention to one decorative coating. Before external, final finishing, a layer of waterproofing, insulation is required, then plastering takes place. And only after all these stages is the time for facing.
You may also be interested in information about what is
On the video, how is the cladding of the basement of the house:
Review of materials
We will find out all the pros and cons of various types of finishing materials suitable for decorating a basement.
Plaster
One of the most popular exterior finishes. The assortment range, the variety of the palette and the functional advantages of this material are constantly expanding, changing and improving. The best option for cladding the basement would be the choice of facade plaster, designed specifically for external decoration.
This is how plastering of the basement of the house looks like
pros
Frost resistance allows the use of facade plaster in areas with any climate - even in the Far North. The plinth covered with plaster will safely “survive” both dry summers and autumn with rains.
The inexpensive price makes this type of cladding one of the most affordable.
A huge palette of shades and textures allows you to choose exactly the plaster that best suits the look of the house. But how plastering under the lighthouse is made can be seen in this
Among other things, plaster is also quite easy to work with. It is possible to carry out facade cladding without hiring a hired labor force.
Plaster allows air to pass through, which has a beneficial effect on the internal microclimate of the house. The composition of the material is natural: sand and cement.
With the help of textured plaster, you can mask defects, pits and irregularities on the base, giving it a neat and even look.
Minuses
The disadvantages include not too long service life of the material. In order for the plinth to be reliably protected and the appearance of the building to remain attractive, the plaster will have to be reapplied approximately every four years. Often, in order for the material to last longer, it is covered on top with special facade paints that protect the plaster from moisture and precipitation.
The disadvantage is that this material by itself is in no way able to additionally insulate the building.
Tile
Excellent facing material for universal use.
pros
The material has a uniquely wide assortment: you can choose tiles of all colors of the rainbow, any texture, size and other parameters.
With tiles
This finishing material is durable, strong and reliable. The tile remarkably resists aggressive external influences, including weather and mechanical ones. And here is what a brick facing tile looks like, and how to install it. can see
Externally, the tiled basement looks very neat and elegant, perfectly decorates the house.
Minuses
The disadvantages are the relatively high price of this material. The average price for a package of tiles starts at 800 rubles, so not everyone can afford to purchase a decent amount of these packages for finishing the basement: especially if the latter is high.
The tile is capricious in installation. If the owner of the house does not have the skills to lay it, then it is better not to take up work on their own, so as not to spoil the expensive material. We'll have to invite a master, which will also cost a certain amount.
In addition to the tile itself, you will also need special glue, grout and other consumables, which will lead to even greater costs.
A natural stone
This is a unique material that is capable of making a representative and respectable building even from the oldest and most ordinary-looking house.
Most often, the following types of natural stone are used for finishing the basement:
- sandstone:
- granite;
- cobblestone;
- less often - marble.
pros
The material has an almost unlimited service life. If the owner of the house, being in middle age, decorated the basement of his home with stone, then for the rest of his life he will not have to worry about this problem.
The stone has a completely natural origin, which increases the environmental friendliness of the home, and has a beneficial effect on health. The design of the house will become unique, since nature has not yet created two identical stones.
The material is also surprisingly durable. Natural stone is able to withstand any external influences: chemical, mechanical, atmospheric. And if a stone suddenly fell off the wall during operation, it will not be difficult to glue a new one to this place. But how you can use a facing stone, and how to do all the work
On the video, facing the basement of the house with natural stone:
The assortment of natural stone is very rich: the variety of textures and colors makes it possible to choose the material for any shade and design of the building. The decoration of the basement with natural stone makes the building "expensive", representative and respectable. Anyone who looks at a house decorated in this way will have a similar impression. Therefore, if financial problems do not bother you, natural stone is perhaps the best choice.
Minuses
The disadvantages include the high price. Due to its strength, naturalness and high aesthetic properties, this material is unlikely to ever be cheap.
Natural stone is not easy to install. It is best to entrust this responsible business to a specialist with extensive experience in such work.
Stone is a heavy material, so the additional load on the foundation will be hefty. It is necessary to make accurate calculations in advance in order to find out whether the base of the building will cope with such a "load".
Read also about finishing the base of the pile-screw foundation.
Fake diamond
Outwardly, this material cannot be distinguished from its natural counterpart. The advantages are also very similar. There are some differences, and we will list them.
pros
Artificial stone is cheaper, which means that this type of material is available to more people. At the same time, technical characteristics and external decorativeness are not much inferior to the "original".
Synthetic stone weighs less than natural, so it will not create a large load on the foundation.
disadvantages
Of the minuses, you can still name the insufficient lightness of the artificial stone. Although it is certainly lighter than natural. 
To carry out the laying of the material, it is necessary to properly level and prepare the surface of the base. This will also require costs: time, power and financial.
Artificial stone must be treated after laying with protective compounds that will ensure its moisture resistance. It also adds money and time.
Siding
Modern finishing material that came to us from the Scandinavian countries.
pros
Siding, thanks to its multi-layer construction, reliably protects the facade from the weather. In addition, the finish looks very neat. 
Siding can be made from different materials, which gives a certain scope for choosing the most suitable type. Siding can imitate different textures: including brick, wood, stone.
This finishing material is very easy to assemble - it is not necessary to invite specialists. The panels are assembled according to an elementary scheme, which is easy to understand even for a beginner in construction.
In addition, the siding is quite durable.
There were no serious minuses to this material... Flaws and defects in the operation of siding can appear only if the choice fell on a low-quality material initially. But what a ventilated facade siding looks like, you can see
PVC panels
Also one of the modern, technologically advanced materials. The panels are widely used in interior and exterior decoration of buildings.
Facing the basement of the house with PVC panels
pros
The panels are designed to imitate different materials, which allows you to decorate the facade at a lower cost.
Can be used for base / plinths as well as for finishing the whole house: this material is characterized by rare versatility.
The panels withstand temperature fluctuations well, therefore they can be used in areas with almost any climate.
The ease of installation makes it possible to cope with the finishing of the basement on your own, without the need to hire specialists.
The downside is the unnaturalness of the material, and its somewhat "cheap" form.
Facing the basement of the house with porcelain stoneware
Among other things, this material is a wonderful heat insulator. Thanks to this quality, home owners will be reliably protected from the cold.
And no fundamental disadvantages were found in this material. The main thing is that it matches the exterior design of the building.
We examined the features of the choice of material for finishing the basement. As you can see, nowadays we can choose from many worthy, noteworthy options. And the richness of decor, colors and textures will help you choose the material for absolutely any exterior design of the building, making the look of the house unified and harmonious.