The base of a house or any other building is considered the most vulnerable and problematic part of an architectural structure. Therefore, the cladding of the house should also include protection of the basement space of the foundation. What material for the plinth is best to choose for the job? Any facing composition must be highly durable and resistant to various types of atmospheric influences: sunlight, moisture, frost. The decorative layer must also be protective.

Base finishing options

Finishing the basement part of the foundation with plaster is used quite often. Experts highlight the following advantages of the protective layer of plaster:

If we talk about the disadvantages of the protective and decorative layer of plaster, then it is characterized by its fragility of use. In just a couple of years you will have to refresh the coating.

When covering a house with plaster, its natural ventilation will be greatly hampered!

An important point is the choice of a suitable mixture for plastering the base part of the foundation. It is recommended to take into account the type of rough coating and the main component of the plaster.

Tiling

Plinth tiles are considered a practical and inexpensive product for decorating buildings. It can be used not only for protective and decorative finishing of new buildings, but also for restoration of dilapidated parts of the foundation.

The plinth tile has the following positive characteristics:

Clinker tiles are a good option finishing material for plinth

Even such a universal facing material has some disadvantages. These include a small term for the operation of tiles for the base part of the foundation.

Natural stone cladding

Cladding the base with natural stone is the privilege of wealthy people. The decorative material considered very expensive, but incredibly beautiful. Natural stone for the plinth has high levels of frost resistance, strength and water resistance.

Natural stone has one significant drawback- heavy weight. It will significantly increase the load on the building's floors.

Finishing is done using the following natural materials:

Natural stone will give the whole house even a slightly aristocratic look

• River or sea type of stone. Such natural material better to use where needed reliable protection from rain or melt water. This is facilitated by the natural mineralization of the stone;
• Dolomite or natural granite. Such a stone for a plinth is characterized by the highest strength. Cladding the base with granite looks great when properly combined with decorative plasters or bricks;
• Limestone, sandstone. They are no less durable than granite, but have a lower cost. The base of the house, lined with sandstone, must be treated with a water-repellent composition.

Why do so many people want to use it to finish the basement of the foundation? a natural stone? It's all about its undeniable advantages:

Despite all the uniqueness and advantages of natural stone, it has some disadvantages. These include the specific gravity of elements decorative covering, complexity of installation and the need to use special tools and devices.

The technology and step-by-step cladding of the plinth with porcelain stoneware is a complex process that can be completed without the involvement of professional help does not seem possible. Cladding the base with brick is considered a simpler operation.

Cladding with artificial stone

For many years, manufacturers of finishing materials have been looking for a worthy replacement for expensive and difficult to install natural stone. Therefore, artificial stone slabs were created to finish the basement of the foundation. They have similar characteristics, and in some respects are even superior to natural stone.

Among important advantages Builders distinguish the following artificial stone slabs:

Modern industry produces hundreds of types of artificial stone

• Ideal aesthetic characteristics, wide range of decorative coating shades;
• Artificial stone has a low specific gravity, so its installation is simpler and does not require additional creation of a structure that enhances the load-bearing capacity of the walls;
• Long service life with the ability to perform partial maintenance;
• The price is acceptable for clients with an average level of income.

If we compare the service life of natural and artificial stone, the first is significantly superior to the artificially created version. Also, the material imitating natural rock has a porous structure.

The technology of cladding with this material consists of several subsequent stages:

Technology for creating a decorative layer from natural stone consists of similar processes. The master will also need to cut the elements into the necessary pieces.

Artificial stone will interfere with the natural ventilation of the facade in the same way as plaster.

Facing with siding

Siding imitating natural stone

Siding is a special decorative material for facades, which can simultaneously perform a protective function. It is made from a composite polymer structure through high pressure casting.

Siding components also include various modifiers that make the material practical, durable and versatile for basement areas.

Advantages of siding:

• Even a small thickness of the siding panel can guarantee such strength and resistance to mechanical stress, which is comparable only with the similar characteristics of natural stone. If one of the panels is damaged, it can be replaced locally without organizing a major repair;
• Siding can be safely installed on any rough material for walls and foundations. Its specific gravity will not give the building a significant load;
• The polymer composition has unique resistance to any weather conditions. Siding can be used in any climate zone without losing its aesthetic appeal;
• The process of installing siding can be mastered even by a person who has minimal construction skills. The panels of the structure are connected to each other using special locks. Then the entire structure is fastened with nails to the pre-assembled frame. Work can be carried out not only in the warm season, but also in winter. Which fastening material should I choose? Buy decorative nails at a hardware store;
• Caring for basement siding is simple and does not require additional financial costs. It is enough to wash off the dirt with water or a regular cleaning agent without abrasive components;
• The facades of the building today are distinguished by a wide stylistic diversity. Basement siding is produced in the form of textures that imitate all kinds of natural rocks and materials. The appearance of the building after decoration will retain high aesthetic characteristics.

  
  An example of standard sizes of basement siding, depending on its type

Construction practice has proven that composite siding is not an insulator. You will have to additionally insulate the basement area.

Video

You can watch a video on how to properly cover the base of a house with tiles and sandstone (sandstone is a natural stone).

When tiling a house, special attention must be paid to finishing the basement. Depending on the construction technology, it can act as a separate element or be separate part foundation that rises above the ground. Unlike the main wall, it has direct contact with the ground, which is why a lot of attention needs to be paid to the finishing of this area. It is quite possible to finish the base yourself, but experts recommend taking into account some points and nuances.

Before studying materials and technologies for finishing the plinth, it is worth deciding on its type. So, depending on the location of the foundation to the outer plane of the wall, the following main types are distinguished:

1. Speaker. Such a foundation is poured for thin walls, so you should first worry about arranging a drain. Otherwise, water will accumulate on the ledge. This will result in destruction.
2. One level. IN modern construction This technology is rarely used, since in the process exterior finishing it will be too difficult to achieve the desired level of waterproofing.
3. Sunken. A common option that will be easy to protect from the effects of natural factors, since it does not require drainage. In this case, the cladding will be less deformed by snow and rain.

Decorative plaster

A fairly common method of finishing the foundation, moreover, it does not require special knowledge or abilities. The work is performed in the following order:

1. Cleaning the foundation surface from dust and dirt.
2. Application of deep penetration primer.
3. If there are clearly defined irregularities, it is recommended to fix the reinforcing mesh. Welded, woven or made of fiberglass are suitable.
4. Applying a layer of decorative plaster.
5. After complete drying, you can begin painting.

Giving preference decorative plaster, it should be remembered that this option is not suitable for finishing a protruding base. High loads on the material will soon deform the applied layer, and it will lose its attractiveness.

Imprints of a design or pattern are applied to the still wet layer of plaster, and structuring is also performed.

You can veneer the base with either natural or artificial stone. Let's take a closer look at the natural version. It should be borne in mind that it is heavy, so the finishing process will be quite labor-intensive. Despite the complexity of the process, many decide to do it themselves. The order of work is as follows:

1. Cleaning and priming the surface.
2. Selection of suitable elements by shape and size.
3. Apply the adhesive solution in a thick layer.
4. Laying stone starting from the bottom row. This will prevent the heavy stone from sliding down.
5. Coating with frost-resistant and water-repellent composition.

It is also worth considering that the stone will add load to the foundation. Additional calculations will need to be performed to ensure that such a finish can be used.

This artificial material is very common in modern construction and decoration. The list of its advantages includes:

• wear resistance;
• strength;
• resistance to temperature changes;
• low water absorption rate.

Thanks to the presence of the latter indicator, porcelain stoneware is insensitive to frost. Today, the hardware store offers a large assortment of porcelain tiles:

• matte;
• satin;
• polished;
• glazed;
• aged;
• imitating leather, stone and fabric.

Considering the process of finishing the base with the selected material, it should be said that it is fixed either to the frame or with special adhesive solutions. The frame method is provided for additional insulation. This method is more labor-intensive, but you can also do it yourself:

1. Foundation preparation: cleaning and priming.
2. The frame is made of metal slats with existing special fasteners. It is with their help that the slats are secured to the base. As a result, a small gap is formed between the wall and the grille for ventilation.
3. There should be a distance of 20 cm from the ground to the beginning of the frame. This will be enough to lift the soil to winter time.
4. Insulation of your choice is inserted into the resulting gap. It is best to give preference to polystyrene foam or mineral wool.
5. Using clamps, the frame is covered with porcelain stoneware slabs.

If we talk about adhesive solutions, then everything is much simpler: glue is applied to the prepared foundation and the stone is fixed on top.

It is prohibited to use cement mortar, since in this case the stone will simply peel off in the cold.

Vinyl panels

Among budget ways This plinth finish is the best. The whole secret lies in simple method installation: the elements are joined together using a tongue-and-groove method. The result is a durable surface. Thanks to siding, the foundation of the house will be reliably protected, since the innovative material has significant advantages:

• resistance to high and sudden temperature changes;
• durability;
• low sensitivity to moisture;
• present wide range colors and shapes of slabs.

In most cases, vinyl panels are used when external insulation is necessary. The algorithm of actions is quite simple and implies the presence of the following processes:

1. Waterproofing: the film is laid with an overlap of 10–15 cm and fixed with nails or construction tape.
2. Installation of horizontal lathing. Metal slats are used. The pitch is calculated individually according to the following scheme: 1/3 of the panel length. In this case, the lowest bar should rise above the ground at a distance of 15 cm. The resulting gap should correspond to the size of the insulation plus 3 cm for ventilation.
3. Installation of heat insulator and vapor barrier.
4. At the bottom of the sheathing, at the corners, the first strip (corner profile) is fixed.
5. Subsequent panels are secured to the starting strip and loosely screwed with self-tapping screws. There should be a 3 mm gap from the cap to the panel, since the material can change in volume under the influence of atmospheric phenomena.
6. For a protruding base, a special ebb is installed on top.

The unique siding production technology allows you to convey the texture of expensive wood, natural stone and other materials.

Ceramic tile

Clinker tiles can also be used as a facing material. On modern market building materials clinker tiles are very popular. The surface may be different:

• smooth;
• unprocessed;
• imitate brick;
• imitate paving stones.

When finishing the basement of a house ceramic tiles The following work is expected:

1. Surface cleaning and leveling with special mixtures.
2. Padding.
3. Prepare the adhesive composition according to the instructions on the package. Applying a 4 mm thick layer to the foundation.
4. Laying should begin from the outer corner. Special attention pay attention to vertical seams, which should not coincide. To make it easier to create even seams, it is recommended to use special crosses, which are then removed.
5. The final stage is grouting the joints with special frost-resistant compounds.

To emphasize the unity of the created design of the entire house, clinker tiles are used not only for decorating the base, but also for the corners of the walls.

When applying the solution, care must be taken to ensure that no voids are formed. Otherwise, in winter they will expand and the tiles will fall off.

Other materials

Actually the list possible materials for decorating the foundation several times more. Thus, it is possible to decorate the base of the house with glass, flagstone or fragments of ceramics. For these cases, it is recommended to perform the process this way:

1. Cleaning and leveling the surface.
2. Carrying out calculations of the required amount of material, according to the allotted area for cladding.
3. Priming the base with concrete carbonate. Removing excess cement from the foundation.
4. Applying tile adhesive or cement (depending on the chosen material for cladding). It is applied in stages.
5. Fixing flagstone or colored glass to the prepared base. Secure with light tapping to release air.
6. Filling voids between large pieces with small broken elements.
7. Cleaning seams.
8. Coating the dried surface with varnish and installing a protective canopy over the protruding part of the foundation.

Thanks to the finishing of the base, several problems can be solved at the same time: direct protection, additional thermal insulation, and also giving a complete look. Pick up best option Only the owner himself can do it, since the choice will depend on personal preferences and desires. Doing the cladding yourself is not as difficult as can be seen from the above article.

Video

How to finish with plinth tiles, see below:

Photo

Reading time ≈ 9 minutes

Many owners of private houses are wondering how to sheathe the foundation of a house from the outside, and at the same time do the procedure cheaply and beautifully. If you don’t know how, then we will not only tell you, but also attach a photo to make it more effective.

The base is the part of the foundation that is above the ground. Therefore, the same finishing features are used here as for the rest of the base. This includes many actions:

• creating a blind area;
• primary plastering (not in all cases);
• waterproofing actions and much more.

But individual characteristics arise from the terrain conditions and the characteristics of each individual building. A beautiful foundation goes well with.

Nice option finishing

After the construction has seemingly been completed, many are wondering: how to finish the basement so that it is beautiful and at the same time not very expensive? The modern construction market is replete with finishing materials, but often their cost is very high. And often such work will require not only experience, but also professional tools. Therefore, if we talk about inexpensive cladding, the choice is not so great. Let's look at each of these options in more detail.

Options for beautiful foundation cladding

If you are looking for something to cover the outside of your house’s foundation cheaply and beautifully, as in the photo, then explore the options below. They are quite inexpensive in terms of costs, but no less beautiful than expensive cladding options. In addition, to work with such materials, you do not have to spend money on equipment and look for craftsmen with experience. You can do everything yourself.

Preparing the base for finishing

Before covering the base, it should be properly prepared for this. Since it is very important for the entire building, care must be taken to ensure its safety. To do this, it should be well insulated and waterproofing materials should be installed. Also, before this, you should take care of choosing the material for cladding the house, for example, choose.

The entire structure is adversely affected by atmospheric phenomena such as rain, wind, snow, change temperature conditions. The main task is to prevent cold air. It should not leak into the building. Otherwise, it will displace warm air. Another unpleasant phenomenon will be condensation, which is sure to appear at the point of contact of cold and warm air masses.

Base finishing

Condensation is very dangerous, since moisture provokes the appearance of various mold and fungal growths. So it is important not to skip the preparatory work.

1. If the house is not new and was built quite a long time ago, then it is worth carrying out work to free the basement from the ground. You will have to remove the soil to the required level.
2. Then the walls should be left for a while to dry thoroughly.
3. After this, it should be cleaned and leveled work surface to ensure that the finishing of the base is as smooth and correct as possible. This way the slabs of insulating material will lie flat and tight to the foundation.
4. Installation of insulation boards occurs from the bottom up.
5. To secure, use special long dowels.
6. After laying the slabs, they are often reinforced. For this purpose, a construction mesh is used. The cladding is installed directly on it.

The lower part of the foundation walls should be covered with earth. Waterproofing actions occur before insulation and cladding work takes place.

Foundation treatment scheme

Important: if the building is built on a plot with high humidity soil, then a drainage system should be installed around the perimeter of the house. And the foundation itself is covered on both sides with a special solution that does not allow moisture to pass through.

Preparation begins with a thorough inspection of the foundation:

• it must be durable and have a smooth surface;
• you need to remove all dirt, dust and debris so that it does not interfere;
• if you notice any recesses and other defects, then use special means to remove them and level the entire surface of the base as much as possible; you can also use plaster for this;
• after everything is done, let the surface dry thoroughly;
• now you should treat everything with a primer to increase the adhesion between the finishing layer and the facade itself;
• if panels are used in the finishing, then preliminary lathing is indispensable.

Plaster

Foundation finishing

The simplest and most affordable option for finishing the foundation is plaster. The versatility of this material allows it to be used for finishing works buildings that are built from any material - brick, cellular concrete, foam blocks and so on. The exception is wooden houses. After all, harmony between plaster and wood can hardly be achieved.

The advantages of this material are:

• high vapor permeability;
• withstands large fluctuations and temperature changes with large differences;
• has good maintainability;
• the material is easy to work with and does not require special skills or equipment;
• resistant to moisture and liquids - the level of moisture permeability is determined depending on the presence of certain additives and their quantity added to the plaster solution;
• the color of such cladding can be changed quite often, and the cost of changing the palette will be small;
• plaster allows you to imitate a variety of finishing materials, for example, you can create an imitation of natural stone or tile (the skill and imagination of a craftsman can do wonders);
• the costs for this material are minimal.

Plastered basement of the house

But naturally, this type of finishing also has some disadvantages that should not be overlooked:

• the strength of the material is not at its best high level, so the service life is quite short;
• caring for such a coating has its own difficulties - if dirt gets on the plastered foundation, it can only be cleaned when it dries; decorative mixtures for plastering are more unpretentious in terms of maintenance, however, such compositions have a high cost;
• If the plaster is applied superficially, then the paintwork will have to be renewed periodically.

1. If you did not plan to insulate the foundation separately, then it is still recommended to lay polystyrene foam boards before covering with plaster. This will not only insulate, but also level the base.
2. A plaster mesh is mounted on the slabs.
3. After applying the plaster, it can be painted. Choose the right paint for this. But here opinions differ. It is still recommended to introduce paint into the plaster solution itself. This will make the composition uniform in color. On the other hand, painting the top will clog all the pores and then moisture will not get inside. But at the same time, vapor permeability suffers.

Artificial stone

If you choose the right stone, it will become excellent option for facing the foundation. This is a durable and relatively inexpensive material. And the appearance allows you to achieve a beautiful aesthetic effect.

The advantages of the stone are:

• stone (artificial) is quite easy to create yourself, this way you will spend more time on construction works, but less money;
• many facing options;
• long service life;
• high strength;
• maintainability;
• the weight of such material is not very large;
• ease of work (just stick the stone onto the base).

Base finished with artificial stone

The disadvantages include:

• finishing work is carried out only in the warm season - this is justified by the characteristics of the adhesive solution;
• This method requires the worker increased attention and accuracy, and the work itself takes a lot of time and effort.

So, when choosing this method, you should be prepared for a difficult work process. Moreover, this finishing option is combined with.

Another option for stone finishing

Brick

Brick is also an affordable material, and its cost is quite reasonable. It has many advantages over other foundation cladding materials:

• a large selection of decorative brick color palettes;
• resistance to temperature changes - resists high and low temperatures equally well;
• does not absorb water well;
• as a cladding it also provides good sound and thermal insulation;
• long service period (within 20 years).

Despite these positive qualities, brick also has several disadvantages:

• the weight of the brick for cladding is quite decent, so this will create additional load on the foundation of the house;
• to sheathe the base with brick you will have to choose special compounds for gluing the brick;
• the walls must be perfectly smooth, since it is almost impossible to stick it on an old and cracked wall.

But still, this material is one of the most popular methods in comparison with stone and other artificial materials.

Brick cladding foundation

Tile

Before you start finishing the base with tiles, you should decide on its type. There are several types of such facing tiles.

1. Clinker tiles. Its thickness and weight are slightly less than brick. Installation occurs by gluing. In this case, it is worth applying a special frost-resistant solution to the tiles and the base itself. The advantage is high speed work. It almost does not absorb water and gives a beautiful aesthetic appearance to the building.
2. Stone tiles (natural). It will look chic and impressive. These tiles are made from marble or limestone. Its cost will depend on this.
3. Sand (polymer) tiles. Made from composite tiles. Lightweight, therefore does not create additional load on the building. Screws act as fasteners. Has good moisture resistance.
4. Tiles with added resins. Has flexibility. The tile can imitate clinker tiles and other materials. It can be cut with scissors, so it is very easy to work with.

Tiling with resin additives

To clearly see the process of sheathing the base, watch the video, which describes this process in detail.

Now you know how to cover the outside of a house’s foundation, doing it cheaply and beautifully, and so that everything looks like in the photo. The main thing is to go beyond your own desires and individual characteristics of the building. After all, facing the foundation is not just an improvement of your home, but also additional protection for the base itself. By correctly selecting and combining materials, you can keep the building in its original form for as long as possible. And then you can have a stove in the bathhouse!

Before deciding what the base should consist of, you need to know what it serves.

The base is not just a protruding step, not a design element, it is a continuation of the foundation, therefore, first of all, it must be solid and protect the house from moisture, temperature changes and possible groundwater. It is very important that not only cold and moisture do not penetrate into the room, but also that steam is removed from inside the house.

If you're going to do it, do it first. A common problem in the fight against humidity in the house is neglect of preparatory work. It is very important to carry out all work on installing and finishing the base in dry, warm weather. So, drainage is everything!

1. We dig a trench around the perimeter of the building, 50 cm wide and 20 cm deep.
2. We fill the trench with gravel, which ensures drainage. If desired, it can be reinforced with reinforcing mesh.
3. The surface of the wall of the future plinth - 50-70 cm from the ground - is cleaned of dirt, treated with water-repellent primers, so-called water repellents, and, if necessary, smoothed out unevenness.
4. If you are a perfectionist, you can additionally line the wall with synthetic carpet material with an air layer. This layer forms near the wall and ensures the evaporation of some of the moisture.
5. We make thermal insulation. It can be insulated with polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam, extruded polystyrene foam and mineral wool. The last option is not very good because mineral wool Over time, it loses its insulating properties.
6. Now we proceed directly to cladding the base.

Of course, before even starting preparatory work, you need to select the cladding material.

When choosing a material, you need to take into account a number of factors: price, durability, degree of protection, lightness, appearance. The base can be non-protruding or protruding. If you choose the second option, you must use ebb tides. We'll consider different types plinth cladding with pros and cons.

Finishing the base with plaster

The simplest option is plaster followed by painting.

pros- an economical and relatively easy to implement option. This work can be done independently, without resorting to the services of specialists. If you choose a good one facade paint, you can give a very well-groomed look to your home.

Minuses– unstable to chips and cracks, short-lived.

Stages of work:

• Clean the work surface from dirt and uneven surfaces.
• We treat the wall of the future plinth with a primer. It is necessary to carefully coat all cracks and chips. It is important not to rush to the next step and allow the primer to dry completely. This may take more than two days.
• Apply plaster to the wall with a spatula. You can make a stone effect from plaster, but you still need to have modeling skills to do this, but you can look quite impressive, especially after covering it with paint. If you do not have such skills and work on your own, just smooth it out with a spatula, let the composition dry, also for about two days, then sand it and paint it. Most often used acrylic paint. It is waterproof, and at the same time vapor-permeable and frost-resistant. Polyurethane, alkyd and silicone paints are also used. Enamel paints It is not recommended to use it because it is environmentally unsafe and does not allow air to pass through.

If you decide to make a plinth using the mesh plastering method, you need to add a layer of plaster after applying adhesive composition and about a third of the way press a polymer mesh into it, which is smoothed on top with a metal trowel.

After another two days, coat the resulting base with acrylic primer.

But that's not all. If you are not a sculptor, but want to create the effect of natural stone with your own hands, rejoice, modern technologies solved this problem too.

So, we first apply a cement solution to the pre-treated surface, then a decorative layer of plaster, level it with a spatula... and make an impression using a special mold. The downside, of course, is that you need to purchase it. But everyone will mistake your plastered base for stone.

Finishing the base with concrete

This method of finishing the base is more reliable than conventional plaster. It is also suitable for subsequent finishing of bricks, PVC panels and tiles. But you can do it even simpler. After concreting, paint the base with concrete paint.

Stages of work:

• fix it on the plinth metal mesh. It is better to choose a mesh with a cell size of no more than 1 cm with a three-dimensional structure. This will allow for a larger area of ​​contact between the mesh and the solution, which will improve the reliability of the base. We fasten the mesh with quick-installation dowels or nail dowels.

• we make formwork. When preparing the formwork, we install guide boards and secure them with pegs that are driven into the ground. Next, we fasten the shields in a vertical position, first on one side, then on the other. Every half a meter we fasten the shields with spacers and additional clamps; they will prevent the formwork from opening when pouring concrete. The outside can be secured with spacers or pegs.

• pour the concrete, wait for it to dry, remove the formwork, paint it and voila - your base is ready!

Stone finishing

Finishing with stone certainly looks better, although the taste and color... But still, stone, natural or artificial, will last much longer and will protect better from external influences.

Let's consider options for finishing the base with stone.

A natural stone

The natural stone that is used to finish the base can be sandstone, limestone, granite and even marble.

Marble, of course, looks rich. But this one has a very expensive material there is a big disadvantage - it absorbs moisture and dirt. It can be washed, but it is also very difficult. Therefore, marble is rarely used. But that's not all. There are options that are more expensive than marble, generally with exorbitant prices. This is, for example, labradorite. It combines the uniqueness of color and durability of granite, creating different lighting colorful reflections. Your home will literally sparkle with colors! different time days. But you will have to pay a lot for this.

Pros: House with stone plinth looks much more solid and impressive. Longer service life, no need to repaint or finish anything, resistant to chips.

Minuses: Natural facing stone will cost you more than plaster with painting and finishing with other materials. Another disadvantage is stone - the material is quite weighty not only externally, but also in its mass, and this puts an additional load on the foundation. In such cases, a reinforced connection of the drainage pad with the foundation is mandatory. Often, stone requires complex installation and, therefore, entails an increase in installation costs. For example, granite blocks must be reinforced in addition to the mortar and special stops must be used.

Stages of work:

Since natural stone is very heavy, we need to strengthen the surface of the plinth:

• Using special fasteners, we mount the mesh to the wall.

• then we apply a solution of concrete or plaster for finishing work onto the mesh.

Applying the solution to the mesh

• After the surface has completely dried, treat the base with a primer using a roller or brush.

• The next stage, again after drying, is to apply a special high-strength glue.
• We attach the stone with glue in much the same way as tiles, without the use of cross-shaped beacons. Natural stone does not require the same distance between the seams, since the stones can also differ in size from each other. Be sure to wipe off any escaping solution.

• After complete drying, apply grout.

Fake diamond

The material is made on the basis of cement-containing mixtures with the addition of expanded clay crushed stone. There is simply no limit to imagination here. This material is manufactured in various sizes, profiles, color shades. That is, you can choose the design, color, size to match the style of the whole house, and ideally select the base cornice. Artificial stone can have a rough or smooth surface. All of the above can be attributed to the advantages of this coating. The downside is the high price of the material.

Stages of work:

It would seem, what is the difference? Both are stone. But in in this case The weight of artificial stone is still lighter and we can take two installation routes. The first, as in the case of cladding with natural stone, we strengthen the surfaces of the base; the second way does not provide for such a solution:

• leveling
• padding
• gluing the stone to the surface.
• applying grout.

Clinker brick finishing

This material is made from fireclay - fireproof clay, this is its advantage and advantage over ceramic bricks And facade plaster. Water-repellent and frost-resistant. Manufacturers provide a 50-year warranty on bricks. Cons: quite heavy weight and high price.

Stages of work:

The brick finishing technology is almost similar to the technology using artificial stone. Only cross-shaped beacons are used without fail.

It is imperative to take into account the hardening and drying time of the adhesive mixtures used.

Important: start work from the corner and lay out brick and stone from right to left.

Clinker tiles

By size and appearance you can't tell the difference between tile and brick. But most big difference tile is its thinness and lightness. Tile thickness from 8 to 21 mm. It's also convenient that there is corner elements, which allows you to perfectly close the corners of the plinth. pros finishing with clinker tiles - it is frost-resistant, moisture does not penetrate into it, it is very durable and has long term services.

When installing clinker tiles, as well as other similar finishing materials for external use, it is important to use frost-resistant adhesive solutions and mixtures for joints.

Stages of work:

• prime the surface

• Apply special frost-resistant glue. Here it is important to apply a layer of glue no more than 1 sq.m., because after 30 minutes the glue hardens and you simply will not have time to glue the tiles. In this case, we use cross-shaped beacons to create equal distances between the tiles.

• After gluing all the tiles, fill the seams.

Basement finished with clinker tiles

Basement siding or PVC panels

PVC panel finishing can be considered one of the cheapest options, which is its advantage. This material is also convenient because it is easy to install, convenient to clean, it is very light, frost and moisture resistant, and it does not burn well. Here, as in the case of clinker tiles, there are also corner elements, which is very convenient. Manufacturers offer many design solutions. You can install siding under brick, stone, mosaic tiles, tree. By the way, what is remarkable. This material can be used to decorate not only the basement, but the entire house.

The method of attaching the panels to the base is completely different from the previous ones. There are no adhesive solutions; metal or wood sheathing is used, which allows the house to “breathe.”

Don't forget to purchase connecting elements with plugs and guides.

The disadvantage of such material is debatable. Some people believe that it contains substances harmful to human health, but the manufacturers assure that this is not the case.

Stages of work:

• The first step in this case will be the manufacture of the sheathing. The materials for lathing are usually special profiles with wooden slats. Of course, all materials must have the main characteristic for the base - moisture-repellent. Therefore everything wooden surfaces treated with moisture-proof impregnation. When making the sheathing, we use a water level and a plumb line. The material is large in area, so it is necessary to avoid distortions in the structure.

• Waterproofing film can be used as waterproofing
• We install the insulation using special clamps or tape.

• Using self-tapping screws, we attach plugs and joints around the perimeter of the entire structure to which the panels will be attached.

Installation diagram of siding panels

Base thermal panels

Manufacturers are not standing still; they are coming up with more and more economical and ergonomic solutions. Plinth panels are clinker tiles or artificial stone tiles, mounted on a thermally insulating polyurethane foam base with precise adherence to the “brick laying” rows. Plus is a more convenient fastening, since the panel consists of about 12-14 “bricks”. The downside is artificial materials, as with PVC panels.

Base thermal panels made of polystyrene are very short-lived. This is a temporary solution to the problem. The best material for thermal panels in terms of durability is polyurethane foam. Therefore, when choosing this material, be sure to inquire about its basis.

The work steps for installing thermal panels are identical to basement siding made of PVC panels.

Mosaic plaster

This plaster is completely different in its properties from ordinary plaster due to the binding element - resin. The resin imparts a very important property to the base - it becomes waterproof and vapor permeable. And this is exactly what you need! The advantages of this material include resistance to low temperatures and ease of application. The plaster contains small grains from 0.8 to 3 mm in diameter and looks like a multi-colored mosaic.

The downside is that it cannot be applied to calcareous, heat-saving surfaces, as well as artificial stone surfaces. It may also require adjustments during its operation.

Stages of work:

• clean and prime the surface of the base
• Apply a layer of regular plaster. You can do without it, but it will serve as an additional leveling step.
• using a grater of stainless steel apply mosaic plaster. It can be applied to lime-sand, gypsum, cement plastered surfaces and concrete.

Porcelain tiles

This also includes quartz agglomerate - a slab of quartz or granite chips, again based on resin. The advantage of these materials is their high strength and resistance to external influences. You could even call it eternal, it would be perfect option. If not for the minus - high cost.

Stages of work:

• We install the metal stainless frame to the wall using self-tapping screws, starting from the bottom of the structure, then the guides and side strips. The distance between the wall and the frame is 2-5 mm. This is necessary for ventilation.
• We fix a waterproofing film on top of the frame between the guides.

• We attach the tiles to the frame, having previously applied a thin layer of concrete mortar. The solution should be thick enough. We install the tiles on the frame using fasteners on the tiles.

Important: Be careful when working with porcelain tiles. Despite its strength, the edges of the tiles may break off during installation, which will result in a loss of tightness between the seams.

Flat slate

Flat slate is made from a mixture of asbestos, water and Portland cement. Slate can be pressed or unpressed. In our case, it is better to use pressed one, it is more durable. This material has a lot of advantages. Due to the asbestos in its composition, it is very durable and fireproof, does not corrode, is quite flexible, is not subject to temperature changes, is durable, and does not heat up in the sun. It has good sound and thermal insulation, and is resistant to aggressive environments. And most importantly, it has a low price. Disadvantages - when sawing slate, harmful asbestos dust is formed, it is inconvenient to install it alone, assistants are needed.

Stages of work:

• We prepare the surface of the base, prime it, and insulate it.
• preparing wooden sheathing.
• fasten flat slate to wooden sheathing, as well as to drywall using self-tapping screws. We start from the corner of the house.
• We must cover the slate fastening points at the corners with galvanized iron corners using screws.
• We paint the slate, preferably with acrylic paint.

Important: Before installation, it is necessary to treat the slate sheets with an antiseptic composition. If the thickness of the slate is more than 1 cm, the sheet should only be cut with an electric saw in order to avoid large quantity asbestos dust.

So, when everything is ready, we proceed to install the ebb and flow sills to prevent damage to our base by flowing water. Otherwise, all efforts will go down the drain.

Installation of ebb tides

They can be metal, aluminum, plastic. A more beautiful, but expensive, ebb can be installed from clinker shaped bricks or beveled clinker tiles, but the installation method is quite complicated, so you can’t do it without a professional.

Stages of work:

After cladding the base and before cladding the walls of the house, it is necessary to strengthen the flashings.

• for better adhesion of the ebb to the surface of the base, we make slopes at an angle of 15 degrees, level the top line horizontally, if necessary. Cement mortar should be thick.
• We wait a few days, the cement should dry thoroughly.
• We attach the sills directly to the wall using dowel nails.
• if the facade of the wall is sheathed along guides, then the ebbs must be attached to these guides with self-tapping screws.

Important: ebbs should protrude at least 50 mm above the base. The planks are attached to each other overlapping each other, with obligatory coating with frost-resistant sealant.

If you use wide metal ebbs, you will additionally need to use brackets for mounting to the wall.

The process of finishing the base is quite labor-intensive, so it is important to use a huge selection of building materials for finishing it. quality materials, so that you don’t regret anything later, since the basement is a very important part of the house for preserving the heat and strength of the building. And don’t forget about the exterior of the building, everything should be harmonious.

Video - instructions for finishing the basement of a house

When the frame of the house has already been built and finishing work remains, the question arises: how best to finish the external surfaces, including the foundation of the house, what materials to use for finishing and cladding? In this case, saving money on materials is undesirable, since protecting the basement walls is one of the primary tasks when building a house. What to choose: aesthetics or practicality?

Since the base is the above-ground part of the foundation structure, it, like the outer walls of the house, needs protection: from moisture, temperature changes and frost. In addition, both the facade of the house and its basement should look aesthetically pleasing and be in harmony with each other. Various finishing materials meet all these conditions.

Photo gallery: types of basement decoration

Bulky in appearance, the panels are lightweight and have a textured surface that imitates natural stone. Large fractions look great with facade tiles, harmonizing not only with its shade, but also fitting into overall design architecture The finishing of the base is distinguished by the neatness and discreetness of the tiles. In this case, the shades of the siding fit perfectly into the overall architecture of the house. Pigment dye has been added to the plaster, refreshing general form Houses

Types of materials for finishing and cladding

Today, the following are used to finish foundations:

• plaster;
• siding (panels);
• tile;
• stone (natural and artificial);
• brick.

Each type of finish has its own advantages and disadvantages, presented below. In addition, the methods of finishing work differ.

Table: comparison of finishing materials

Material	pros	Minuses
Plaster	Affordable price, easy finishing	The need to level the surface
Panels/siding	Easy to use, light weight, no need to level the surface	The need for additional work on the manufacture of a frame for installation of elements
Clinker tiles	Aesthetic appearance, luxurious finish, strength and durability of the material, long service life	A labor-intensive process to perfectly level the surface, labor-intensive preparatory work
Polymer sand tiles
Porcelain tiles
Artificial stone
Natural stone		High cost of material, labor-intensive finishing process, heavy load on the foundation
Brick	Strength, Durability, Overall harmonious look with facade finishing	Large load on the foundation, labor intensive work

Important: finishing of the foundation must be carried out, since concrete will absorb moisture, which will have a destructive effect on it due to temperature changes.

Before finishing work, it is necessary to prepare the surface: remove dirt, level foundation wall, covering up cracks and chips. After leveling, the surface is primed so that the finish adheres better to the main surface.

Plaster

It is the most affordable and simple finishing material. For it, sand and cement are used, filled with water and mixed in a ratio of 3: 1: 0.5. In this case, cement grade M400 is sufficient. The solution itself is applied to a reinforcing mesh, which acts as a fixative. The mesh is attached to the above-ground surface of the foundation with fastening dowels.

The work progress when plastering is as follows:

1. A mesh is attached to the prepared surface.
2. The first layer of plaster is applied to the base. The layer thickness should be 0.8–1 cm. The primer coating can be given decorative form using a scraper or wire brush. To do this, the solution is applied to the surface in wavy lines.
3. After the first (primer) layer has set, at least a week should pass, after which it can be applied finishing. The thickness of the decorative layer can vary from 0.3 to 0.5 cm.

Note: the primer (first) layer must be constantly moistened throughout the week. Wetting with water should be carried out up to four times a day, covering the surface with a film each time after wetting.

Pigment dyes can also be added to the finishing layer solution. In addition, the plaster is decorated with a rasp: contours are cut on the surface as when laying brick or stone.

And to imitate a “fur coat”, the solution for the decorative layer is not applied, but thrown on in small portions. So it turns out textured surface, which can hide minor irregularities and defects in the foundation.

Panels

This includes siding - the material is modern, comfortable, lightweight. In addition to its affordable price and variety of colors, siding is distinguished by the fact that it does not have to be glued to the surface of the base - it is enough to use fasteners and a frame to install the panels.

Note: special profiles must be used to make the frame.

Finishing the siding with the foundation is as follows:

1. The prepared surface of the base is dried.
2. A sheathing frame is manufactured and attached to the foundation. Fastening is carried out using self-tapping screws with dowel inserts.
3. The panels are connected to each other using special locking grooves, after which the cladding is attached to the sheathing with self-tapping screws.

Important: there should be a small air gap between the panels and the main wall of the plinth for air circulation. This is necessary to prevent the main wall from becoming moldy when condensation forms.

Siding is also distinguished by the fact that for its installation it is not necessary to perfectly level the main surface.

Tile

Strength, aesthetics and durability - these are the three components that can characterize tiles. Today, facing tiles are divided into three types: clinker, polymer-sand and porcelain stoneware. They are distinguished by production technology, size and weight. And the laying technology is similar to stone cladding.

Clinker tiles are similar in appearance and production technology to bricks, but their thickness is only 2 cm. The tiles are laid using a special adhesive, which manufacturers offer in the form of a ready-made dry mixture. The installation technology is the same as for artificial or natural stone; after installation, it is necessary to use grout for the tile joints.

Tip: for the best effect, you can choose a tile grout in a contrasting color, very different from the color of the finish.

Polymer sand tiles are made from waste plastic and sand, and therefore have less weight than clinker tiles.

It can be mounted either on self-tapping screws or mounted on tile adhesive.

The advantage of such tiles is that there is no need to grout the joints between the tiles - just cut the required amount of tiles and stick the fragments onto the frame

Note: polymer sand tiles are usually used for foundations with low load-bearing capacity.

Porcelain tiles are made from fired clay. Since the tiles are pressed, the density of the material is increased, as a result of which such finishing is quite heavy. The thickness of one element can vary from 0.3 to 3 cm. However, the moisture absorption coefficient of porcelain stoneware is quite low. Porcelain tiles are mounted only on a special adhesive solution that can withstand the adhesion of the element to the surface. However, since the finishing of the base requires

increased requirements

strength and resistance to atmospheric influences, then the tiles are placed on glue, additionally fastening its fragments with brackets and clasps.

Stone, artificial and natural This type of finishing is considered not only the most expensive, but also the most beautiful. The difference between the materials is only in different costs and service life.

The facing stone is laid on a previously prepared surface with an adhesive solution already applied. The stone fragments are also covered with a thin layer of mortar on the reverse side and pressed against the main surface. After installation, the remaining mortar is removed from the finish.

Note: a perfectly flat surface is required for installation; otherwise the finish will not last long.

For natural stone, it is advisable to use a high-adhesion adhesive solution to more firmly hold the finish.

The foundation is considered completely finished when, after laying the finishing material, a slope is fixed along the top to protect the base from the accumulation of rainfall

Tip: after gluing, natural stone can be dried and covered with a protective layer - varnish or hydrophobic solution. This achieves the effect of a “wet” cladding of the base; in addition, the coating protects the finish from moisture entering the stone and destruction of the material during low temperatures.

Brick

Perhaps this is the most durable cladding material for a plinth, and at the same time it has certain selection rules. A correctly selected brick will protect the base from destruction and the foundation from overload.

Yes, for monolithic foundations standard material can be used. But for strip or columnar foundations, it is advisable to finish it using special bricks.

Brick installation is carried out on anchor bolts connecting the main wall with the finishing. To be on the safe side, you can use a dowel tied with wire as a fastening. The wire is secured at the ends in the finishing seams.

Important: There should also be a small gap between the brick and the main wall for air circulation.

The air gap will avoid the accumulation of condensation, which has a destructive effect on the main wall.

As experienced builders note, wire tying when facing with bricks must be done in increments of 0.5–0.7 m per 1 m2. In other words, for greater strength of the cladding, fastening to the main surface in the amount of 4–6 ties will be required.

Tip: for laying bricks, use a solution of cement with sand, cement grade - M500.

Video: finishing the base with siding

The choice of foundation cladding will depend on the owner and his budget. Some people will like to use panels, others will prefer tiles, and some owners will decide to make the cladding “forever” and choose natural stone. The essence of finishing the base is to protect aboveground part foundation from the destructive effects of frost and moisture for a long time.