The basement is one of the most important parts of the building. This is a kind of support that is subject to constant negative influence environment. Finishing the basement of a private house not only gives it an aesthetic appearance, but also protects it from adverse factors. Therefore, finishing materials must be moisture-resistant, frost-resistant, reliable and durable.
Most of the building's foundation is below ground level and hidden from view. The protruding part above ground level is called the plinth. According to standards, the height of the plinth from the ground must be at least 20 cm. It is usually made of brick, stone or concrete slabs.
The construction of a stone plinth is the most practical solution, since the structure does not require additional finishing. However, it is worth considering that this is the most expensive method. Laying a brick plinth is more affordable. This material is environmentally friendly, has low and good characteristics strength.
Cladding the basement of a house is not only aesthetic. This is reliable protection of the building from external influences. Finishing materials that will be used to cover the base must have a high level of strength. Together with the plinth, its cladding will absorb the load created by the wall structures of the building and distribute it evenly over the foundation of the building. It must withstand pressure and protect the base from impact external factors such as precipitation, Sun rays, humidity, temperature fluctuations.
The finishing material protects the foundation of the building from damage by mold, mildew and various types of insects. The cladding of the base is carried out to insulate the building. This is also necessary to protect the foundation from severe frosts, under the influence of which its strength decreases and the process of erosion develops.
If you leave the surface of the base without covering, this will contribute to its slow destruction as a result of constant exposure to dry or liquid dirt containing aggressive chemicals and minerals.
Various options for finishing the basement of a private house, photos clearly confirm this, transform the building into a masterpiece of design art, making its appearance complete and unique.
Types of basement structures
There are main variations of designs that are used for house projects with a basement:
- protruding beyond the surface of the walls;
- flush with the building;
- sinking, relative to the wall.
Most often, when building a private house, a photo of the base of the house clearly confirms this; the first two options are used. A protruding base is recommended for use when a house is being built with thin external walls, a warm underground is used, or the building has a basement. In these cases, this type of base will provide the building with additional thermal insulation.
If you make the basement part flush with the building, when you use it for its construction thin walls, the occurrence of dampness and condensation in the interior is inevitable. Here the most problematic thing is to install thermal insulation and finish.
Important! When choosing these types of plinth, you should take care in advance about the arrangement of ebb tides.
The sunken base is less damaged by precipitation. Here you can easily hide waterproofing, install insulation and perform cladding necessary materials, which contributes to a longer service life. This type of plinth is recommended for buildings without a basement. Finishing materials for the plinth will absorb soil pressure, performing a supporting function, thereby maintaining the safety of the entire structure.
The procedure for finishing the basement of a house
All cladding works plinth design are carried out at the final stage of production - the exterior finishing of the building. It is better to carry out work in warm, dry weather. Sheathing the base consists of the following actions, which are performed in a certain sequence:
- A trench 20 cm deep and 50 cm wide is dug around the entire perimeter of the building.
- Fill the space with gravel to provide drainage. Additionally, the trench can be strengthened using reinforcing mesh.
- The surface of the wall, 50-70 cm high for the future plinth, is cleaned of dirt and processed. If necessary, all irregularities are eliminated.
- Arrangement of thermal insulation.
- Decorative cladding of the base.
The choice of facing material and the method of its installation depends on the design of the base and the method of casting it.
Arrangement of ebb tides for the foundation plinth
To protect the plinth from the negative effects of precipitation, you should install a flashing, which is fixed above the protruding part of the plinth, and is a kind of delimiter between the base of the building and wall structure. One part is in contact with the wall at a certain angle, and the other hangs over the foundation, covering it, collecting rain and melt water.
The flashings for the plinth are strips measuring 50-400 mm. The color, size and shape of the tides should be selected depending on finishing material foundation. You can make a water-repellent structure yourself using waterproof materials, or you can buy flashings for the foundation plinth in finished form at any hardware store.
Today the industry produces several types of ebb tides:
- plastic;
- metal;
- concrete;
- clinker
The type of tide is selected based on the finishing material for the facade of the building. Plastic moldings are most successfully combined with vinyl siding, which is used for cladding the building. Thanks to a wide range of colors, you can choose the most suitable option. The use of concrete or clinker flashings for the plinth is preferable for buildings that are lined with natural stone or brick. Metal canopies can be used with any type of finishing material.
Types of tides
The most budget option is the use of plastic moldings made of polyvinyl chloride. The cost of the product is 50 rubles. for 1 p.m. Despite the high level of water resistance, tides show increased sensitivity to physical impact, especially in winter, when they can crack and split from the slightest blow.
Helpful advice! Due to the fact that plastic castings have increased fragility, preference should be given to more durable and expensive products.
The most durable and durable are ebbs made of metal: steel, copper or aluminum. Installation of products is convenient and simple, and is determined in the mount metal strips to the walls of the building using screws and dowels. When choosing this material from a wide range of types, special attention should be paid to the aesthetic appearance of the product so that it completes the overall design of the building. The price of the product starts from 100 rubles/rm.
Helpful advice! When installing base flashings, the planks should overlap each other by at least 30 mm. To avoid damage to the protective layer of the product, which will lead to corrosion and destruction of the material, do not cut the strips.
Metal castings are made from high-quality and frost-resistant cement M450 with the addition of river sand, granite crushed stone and plasticizers. The solution is poured into silicone molds of various geometric parameters. The result is an even and smooth product. These tides are attached to a special solution.
Flashings for the foundation plinth, the price of which is the highest and starts from 200 rubles. for 1 linear meter - these are products made from clinker tiles. This material has high strength properties, reliably protects the building from the negative influence of the environment and successfully emphasizes the design of the cladding.
Low tide installation technology
After selecting the low tide, you can begin its installation. Here it is necessary to take into account not only the material from which the ebbs are made, but also the design features of the building. So, for a wooden house, elements that will be fastened with self-tapping screws or other fasteners are suitable. Since wood has low adhesion and is susceptible to dampness, the use of adhesives is not advisable.
For buildings made of brick or facing stone, you can use flashings that will be fixed using polymer or cement-adhesive mortars.
Helpful advice! When using concrete or ceramic sills, their installation should be carried out simultaneously with the cladding of the base and walls.
If it is necessary to install flashings on a building already finished with facing material, then it is better to use metal or vinyl elements.
Before installing the drip sills, it is necessary to seal the joints between the walls and the plinth. All cracks and crevices should be treated with a water-repellent mixture or sealed with sealant. Next, you need to use a level to mark the wall. The highest point of the base is determined and a horizontal line is drawn along which it will be mounted. top part low tide The part of the foundation that protrudes must be cement screed compare with a horizontal plane. The lower part of the ebb will rest on it.
Important! The ebb plane relative to the wall should be located with a slope of 10-15%.
Installation of metal and plastic ebbs
Installation of ebb tides should begin from the corner, using special corner elements, which can be purchased together with planks of the same width and color. Next, you need to finish all the protruding parts of the building structure: columns, pilasters and others.
Related article:
What materials are used for low tides. Which of them is better to choose and in what case. Installation of ebb tides.
In the upper part of the ebb, holes are drilled using a drill at a distance of 40-50 cm from each other. Next, the element is applied to the previously marked line on the wall of the house and is attached to it with dowels and self-tapping screws. The lower part of the ebb is attached to the concrete base of the plinth with dowel nails in increments of 40-50 cm. The joint between the ebb and the wall should be sealed with putty or silicone compound.
Important! During installation of the ebb, it should be taken into account that it should protrude 2-3 cm beyond the edge of the base, which will provide better protection during precipitation.
After covering all the corners and protruding elements, you should begin installing the drip linings in straight sections. You need to start from one of the corners. Each subsequent element should be overlapped with the previous one by at least 3 cm. All joints should be treated with sealant to prevent moisture from entering.
Installation of concrete and clinker slabs
Flashings made of clinker and concrete should be installed at the stage of facing the facade of the building, since adjusting them to size during the installation process is a labor-intensive process.
These types of ebb tides are better combined with facing materials such as brick, clinker tiles, natural or. To attach them, you should use a special adhesive composition for ceramics and stone, which is intended for outdoor use. It is purchased in the form of a dry mixture created on a cement or polymer base, and with the help of water it is brought to the state of thick sour cream. The solution can be made independently using cement and construction sand in a ratio of 1:3 or 1:4.
Installation of concrete and clinker ebbs also starts from the corner. To avoid complex processing of concrete castings, they should be pre-positioned in such a way as to minimize their cutting. This can be achieved by using the correct size of the seam between the elements. You can adjust the dimensions of clinker products by using a tile cutter or grinder with a diamond cutting wheel.
An adhesive mixture is applied to the back side of each element. The ebb tide is attached strictly along the previously outlined line. After waiting some time for the solution to set, putty or putty is applied to the joints between the casting elements. silicone sealant. After the glue has completely set, you can cladding the walls of the building.
Waterproofing the foundation plinth
The base of the building is constantly in difficult conditions. It takes a significant load from the above-ground part of the building and is in contact with external environment when exposed to moisture. In order to protect an important part of the house from destruction, it is necessary to take a number of measures, one of which is the arrangement of waterproofing of the foundation base.
Waterproofing can be horizontal or vertical. Usually a set of works is performed that includes both methods. Horizontal waterproofing is performed before the construction of walls and is aimed at protecting them from moisture. However, in order to ensure a complete protective set of measures, it is also necessary to carry out waterproofing between the foundation and the base.
Vertical waterproof protection is aimed at preventing the negative effects of surface and groundwater on brick or concrete. Such insulation can be external or internal. The best effect is provided by double-sided moisture protection.
Today, pile foundations are predominantly used in the construction of buildings. Here the base plays not only a decorative role, but also protects the house from heat loss. Despite the fact that this element is not load-bearing and does not directly affect the durability of the structure, waterproofing the base is mandatory.
Materials for waterproofing the basement from the outside
Coating, roll and injection compounds with penetrating action are widely used as materials used for waterproofing the foundation plinth.
It is often used to protect the foundation from the effects of groundwater. roll waterproofing, which can be fused or pasted over. Fused insulation consists of a base in the form of fiberglass, polyester or fiberglass and applied mastic. The adhesive waterproofing is laid on the surface of the foundation using bitumen mastic, which is first applied to the rolled material and to the monolith, then the element is glued, pressed and smoothed.
The main advantage roll material for the plinth plate is its low cost and high speed installation However, this type of waterproofing does not resist mechanical stress well and has a short service life. It cannot be used in places where communications pass or connect. Before installation, the surface should be cleaned of dust and dirt and dried thoroughly.
Bitumen, polymer, bitumen-polymer mastics, astringent plasters and cement coatings are used as coating waterproofing materials, which are applied to the surface of the foundation using a brush or roller. This type of insulation is used for water pressure up to 2.6 kgf/cm².
Helpful advice! To ensure increased strength of waterproofing after the first layer of mastic, it is recommended to reinforce the surface with fiberglass and apply subsequent layers on top of it.
The material is low cost and can be applied to a surface of any configuration. However, it is not durable and requires preparatory work and creating additional protection from mechanical impact.
The use of injection and penetrating compounds is the latest technology for waterproofing structures. Penetrating material is applied to a wet surface concrete base. Reacting with water, the composition turns into crystals that penetrate the pores of concrete, making it waterproof. The penetration depth reaches 150-250 mm.
Injection waterproofing is carried out using a liquid solution, which is injected under pressure into the cracks, pores and seams of the structure. This method can be used for waterproofing buildings made of rubble and brick. The use of this waterproofing is a very labor-intensive process that requires cleaning the structure down to concrete or brick, and the complexity of the work itself requires the involvement of experienced craftsman. In addition, such insulation is the most expensive.
Features of waterproofing a brick plinth
Ceramic brick is most often used to build a basement. Its waterproofing can be carried out using various methods.
Solid red brick can be used to build walls. This building material has already undergone factory processing, where a layer of waterproofing was previously applied to it. Therefore, when using this brick for the construction of a building, there is no need to install external waterproofing. Despite the fact that the cost of this material is relatively high, these costs are offset by the fact that after laying the brick, no other work is required.
The next way to waterproof a brick plinth is to use bitumen lubricant, which is applied in several layers, cold or hot.
Spraying polyurethane foam is rarely used to insulate the base. This is due to the fact that to carry out this type of thermal protection it is necessary to use special equipment, certain chemical components and the involvement of highly qualified workers. The essence of the method is that polyurethane foam is sprayed onto any surface. Expanding, it penetrates into all voids and reliably adheres to the base, forming a dense coating. This material can be used not only for spraying, but also for filling individual voids and areas.
Do-it-yourself technology for insulating the foundation plinth from the outside with penoplex
At the preparatory stage, it is necessary to prepare the foundation surface by cleaning it from old insulation, dirt and dust. Next, you should install a layer of waterproofing to protect the structure from rain, groundwater and snow water. Any type of waterproofing is suitable for penoplex, with the exception of compositions with organic components.
Work begins with insulation of the underground part of the foundation. For this purpose, PPS boards are attached using specialized contact adhesive, which is applied around the perimeter of the product and in the center. The second level should be laid with the joints between the slabs staggered in relation to the lower level. After installation, all cracks are filled with polyurethane foam.
The base insulation layer with penoplex requires additional protection from mechanical damage. To do this, an alkali-resistant reinforcing mesh is fixed to the slabs, which is subsequently plastered with a solution containing hydrophobic additives. Also, as protection, you can use wooden pinches, which are attached to the slabs using dowel nails. Wood must first be subjected to antiseptic, anti-foam and hydrophobic treatment.
The final stage is finishing the base with facing materials.
Cladding the basement of a house: which material is better to choose
Do-it-yourself finishing of the base various materials, which reliably protect and decorate its surface. This process must be performed before wall cladding in order to be able to hide the ebbs under the finishing material for the walls.
The material for cladding the plinth must have the following performance characteristics:
- have low thermal conductivity to avoid heat loss from the building;
- provide reliable and strong adhesion to the base;
- have a high level of strength and wear resistance to mechanical damage;
- have low hygroscopicity and vapor permeability to avoid moisture penetration into the foundation and wall panels.
Today, when the question is raised about how to decorate the basement of a house, they use following materials, which fully meet the above requirements:
- clinker or porcelain tiles;
- natural or fake diamond;
- brick;
- PVC panels or basement siding;
- profiled sheet;
- decorative or mosaic plaster.
Any finishing material can be used to cover the base of a strip foundation. But when the question arises of how to close the basement of a house on screw piles, you should give preference to brickwork, siding or corrugated sheets.
Before deciding how to decorate the outside of the house’s basement, you need to take into account some nuances:
- when covering the base with thick material, it is necessary to install an ebb above the protruding part;
- If you want to expand the foundation, it is better to use brickwork;
- When installing or corrugated sheeting, you should first install a frame, the space of which can be filled with a heat insulator for additional insulation of the foundation;
- Frame-cladding technology allows work to be carried out at any time of the year.
Using plaster to cover the base
When the question is: how to inexpensively decorate the basement of a house, the answer is obvious - use plaster. However, this option is the least durable, and also has an unaesthetic appearance. Such cladding is easily damaged by any mechanical influences and does not provide adequate protection of the base from external factors. However, this method is widely popular due to its low cost. It is also acceptable in the case of erecting a brick plinth on a strip foundation.
Plastering itself is not the final stage. To protect the layer from moisture and environmental influences, acrylic, alkyd, silicone paint, water-based or oil composition, which in turn decorates the base. The photo of the house decoration clearly demonstrates the various options for using plaster.
Helpful advice! It is not recommended to use enamel paints to paint the base. They do not allow air to pass through and are environmentally unsafe.
Decorative plaster is often used, which creates the effect of a fur coat and can be colored using dye. The use of mosaic plaster allows you to create a multi-colored mosaic on the surface, which occurs due to the presence of fine chips in the composition of the original mixture. The presence of resin as a binder gives the composition increased water resistance.
Using a special silicone stamp, which is used to make impressions on the plastered surface, will help you solve the question of how to make a plinth around the house with your own hands with the effect of natural stone.
In private homes, finishing the base with corrugated sheets is widely used. The material has a high moisture resistance, is resistant to temperature fluctuations, durable, easy to process and easy to install on wooden sheathing. However, corrugated sheeting is not suitable as a finishing material for wooden buildings due to the fact that it is susceptible to corrosion when exposed to high humidity, which can lead to wood rotting.
Profiled sheets are often used to finish the base of a pile- screw foundation, where it must be closed for reliable protection from atmospheric influences.
Features of using bricks for finishing the base
One of the most expensive finishing materials is brick. However, having high strength and performance characteristics, it allows you to create strong, reliable and durable protection. This material is suitable for any type of foundation. For brickwork, slotted, hollow, hyper-pressed or ceramic brick. Work begins with arranging the foundation for the masonry.
If the brick is used to build the base itself, it does not need additional finishing. However, here you should choose quality material, in order to immediately solve two problems: utilitarian, by protecting the walls of the house from external influences, and aesthetic, by giving the building decorative look. When deciding which brick is better for the foundation plinth, you need to give preference to red baked brick, which is resistant to aggressive environments.
In the case of finishing the base of a pile-screw foundation using brickwork, it is necessary to install a base in the form of a strip of reinforced concrete or metal profile. Brick laying occurs with bandaging. Used to connect elements cement-sand mortar. The thickness of the seams is 10-12 mm.
Cladding the basement of a private house is important, so you should carefully consider the choice of material for the work. It acts not only as a decorative element, but also provides reliable protection for the entire building from the effects of atmospheric and mechanical factors.
An important element of the house is the base, which protects bottom part external walls of the building. It must be manufactured accordingly, and must be durable and resistant to various adverse factors. You should think carefully about how to finish the plinth so that it is stable and at the same time architecturally attractive. External walls below are most often finished with ceramic tiles or clinker, but sometimes decorative stone and other materials are also found.
How to veneer the basement of a house and with what?
The base is the upper part of the foundation wall, which is usually located above the ground level at a height of 30-50 cm. This height depends on the location of the house, the groundwater level and the design of the foundation. Higher plinths can be made in a foundation structure partially buried in the ground, if there is a basement.
The main function of the plinth is to protect the lower part of the external walls of the building from mechanical damage (to avoid damage to the waterproofing layer) and preserve the walls from high humidity. Wetting can be caused by heavy rain and melting snow, which is thrown directly under the walls of the building. If built correctly and lined correctly, the plinth will protect the walls from water and will be an attractive architectural accent to the home. However, in any case, you should avoid the accumulation of large snow drifts near the building.
Is the base recessed or protruding?
In most cases, typical private houses are built with a sinking base, which is hidden under the facade of the building. In this solution, water flowing from the façade will flow away from the wall, which will provide a higher degree of protection of the walls from moisture.
The decision on the type of base must be made already at the stage of constructing the foundation, in order to correctly construct the base and select individual layers of external walls.
In the case of a sinking base, a special profile is used that is resistant to rainwater and protects the lower part of the house from mechanical damage and moisture.
In case of thermal insulation of external walls with mineral wool or polystyrene foam boards You can also use special starter strips located in the lower protruding part of the facade.
A protruding base is performed less frequently. However, he can be interesting sometimes architectural element building. In the case of a plinth protruding from the facade of the building, its upper part must be reinforced with appropriately selected steel profiles or ceramic tiles.
It is important that the height difference be made by approximately 6-10%, which ensures a smooth outflow of rainwater without its deposition on the wall (facade). In no case should the upper surface of the plinth be horizontal, without a slope, as this will quickly lead to dampness of the walls and damage to the facade at the point of its connection with the plinth.
If we want to cover the entire base with decorative stone, we must choose its thickness correctly so that appropriate water drainage can be achieved.
The protection of the upper surface of the base should protrude approximately 2-5 cm, which will ensure that rainwater drains from the surface without causing dampness to the wall.
The least rare are plinths that are made flush with the wall, that is, in the same plane as it or a smooth façade right down to the ground. Such solutions must be designed individually and require very precise selection of all materials. It is important in this case to ensure proper execution of all façade cladding connections and the selection of durable and frost-resistant materials.
Ceramic tiles or clinker tiles are quite common materials for plinths. In this case, the frost resistance parameters of the finishing material are very important.
Make sure that the tiles have sufficient resistance to low temperatures in winter and have a water absorption of no more than 8% (for ceramic tiles). Materials that do not meet these requirements may be too fragile for finishing.
Ceramic and clinker tiles can be especially useful in the case of finishing a base that protrudes in relation to the plane of the building facade. Available in various thicknesses, shapes and designs.
For the strength of the base it is even more important right choice glue. In this case, it is imperative to use elastic and frost-resistant high-quality glue to prevent individual tiles or even entire arrays from peeling off. The tiles must be glued to the plastered surface. Before gluing, it is recommended to lay a special mesh, which will increase the elasticity of the entire structure.
It is also necessary that the grout used is resistant to water and frost. In the case of clinker tiles, it is necessary to use adhesive and grout specifically designed for clinker, which protect against so-called fading (white spots on the surface of the clinker). There are also adhesives and grouts available in the market that are available in a variety of colors, allowing you to choose the color of your tile grout.
If you want to tile the basement of your home, you have a very wide range of colors and patterns to choose from, allowing you to match the finish harmoniously with the building's façade.
An important advantage finishing made of tiles or clinker is that such a surface is easy to keep clean, clean and wash without damage. The tiles are also resistant to mechanical damage, although to a lesser extent than surfaces finished with natural stone (which are more durable than ceramics or clinker).
If you want to cover the base with stone, you should keep in mind that this is a very labor-intensive and therefore more expensive method than finishing with ceramic tiles or basic plaster. This is due to the fact that the correct choice of stone is necessary so that it is possible to maintain approximately equal joint thickness over the entire surface.
To perform this type of finishing, it is usually used:
- large pebbles, although in this case difficulties arise in selecting flat stones close to each other in size;
- crushed stone;
- stone tiles.
Natural stone tiles are characterized by a very impressive external surface.
Stone tiles and stone are characterized by good properties drainage of rainwater and the ability to easily keep the surface clean. The stone is also very resistant to mechanical damage, which will provide good protection thermal insulation and the lower part of external walls from moisture.
Due to the high labor intensity, finishing the plinth with natural stone is a relatively expensive solution. In addition, it is worth making sure that this type of finish will look harmonious with the architecture of the rest of the house (stone is not always suitable for houses in modern style). In order to save money, the base is often finished with stone panels that imitate the pattern and pattern of natural stone.
There is also the possibility of finishing the surface of the plinth with plaster. For this purpose, acrylic and mineral plasters are used. Despite the fact that both types of plaster masses can be used for external walls, it is still not recommended to use acrylic plaster.
Acrylic and mineral plasters differ significantly in price (not in favor of mineral ones), but when choosing, you should not take into account only the price criterion.
Acrylic plasters come in a much wider range of colors and can also be painted without any major problems in any color you choose. In the case of mineral plasters available on the market, the choice of color is more limited.
Several years ago, mineral plasters were sold as a dry mixture that had to be diluted required quantity water. In the absence of experience, it is not always possible to make the right solution. Now, however, they are available on the market in ready-made masses, which allows them to be applied directly from the container to the walls, as is the case with acrylic plaster. These masses are more expensive than dry mixes, but after adding the cost of labor, it often turns out that the cost will be the same. Ready-made compounds do not require as long drying and protection from water as dry plasters, which often require protection for approximately 3-5 days.
Mineral plasters are more durable than acrylic plasters. However, it should be noted that no plaster will be as resistant to impacts and dents as ceramic or stone.
The advantages of acrylic plasters are that they are more elastic and thus better suited for finishing surfaces exposed to variable temperatures. However, they are less resistant to moisture, which can accumulate in some places and damage the surface.
The basement floor gives the owner of a private house many advantages: here you can place a garage, a sauna, a workshop and even living room. Structurally, the basement is a semi-basement floor, partially located above ground level. Therefore, finishing the basement of the house is part exterior finishing the entire building.
However, due to its architectural features, the materials for finishing the base of the foundation differ from the finishing materials for the walls of the house. Therefore, facing the basement of a house has a number of technological features.
Features of the basement
Basement floors have been gaining popularity recently Unlike the ground floors of private houses, the ground floor is partially buried in the ground. The base of the foundation in this case acts as walls for the plinth. According to building regulations, it can be considered an underground room, the top floor of which is located at a height of less than two meters from the ground level.
This design is very popular in last years is caused by a significant increase usable area to the total size of the interior: even for a relatively small building measuring 8 x 10 m it will be 80 sq. m.
By and large, the cladding of a concrete plinth can be made of the same materials that line the walls of the house. You can cover the base of the house with ceramic tiles, plastic panels, siding, natural stone and porcelain tiles.
Also, facing the base of buildings can be done by plastering the outer surface. However, the proximity of the floor to the ground makes adjustments to the technology of work and the choice of finishing material.
In this article we will try to take a closer look at all the options for finishing the base and which material is better for cladding the base of a house.
Preparatory work
Before finishing the basement of the house, you should make whole line preparatory work.
Drainage device
Drainage keeps the basement dry Both the wooden plinth and the plinth brick house requires the construction of waterproofing protection. First of all, a drainage system should be created along the entire perimeter of the foundation.
Good and properly executed drainage allows you to remove excess moisture from the foundation, which is especially important if the site is low or if the groundwater level is high.
Excess moisture, penetrating through pores and tiny cracks into the thickness of concrete, leads to its gradual destruction.
Drainage diagram around the building In addition, dampness creates a favorable environment inside the basement for the growth of mold and mildew. A trench is laid around the foundation, at least half a meter wide and about 20–30 cm deep. At the bottom of the trench, a drainage cushion of gravel, crushed stone or expanded clay is poured, with the help of which melt and rainwater will be drained from the foundation.
Preparing the foundation wall
The wall needs to be cleaned It is cleaned of dirt, all seams and cracks are carefully sealed using putty.
If there is such a need, then finishing the base at the preliminary stage should include leveling the walls using plaster solutions.
For plastering external walls, plaster solutions should be used cement based, intended for external decoration. WITH technical specifications Applications can be found on the packaging.
Stone cladding will require you to pre-plaster However, the labor-intensive option of plastering will be necessary only if you are going to use stone, porcelain stoneware, clinker for cladding the base of the house - that is, those materials that are attached with adhesives directly to the foundation wall.
If you are finishing the outer surface with materials mounted on the internal frame (siding, PVC panels, etc.), then it will be much more expedient to level directly with the frame elements.
Next, before covering the base with decorative finishing materials, the surface of the wall will need to be treated with water-repellent compounds. Finishing the base of a wooden house, if its above-ground part is made of timber or logs, should also include treatment with antiseptic and antifungal drugs. This useful video will help you avoid mistakes when facing:
Clinker
Clinker brick strong and durable This material for cladding the plinth has a number of positive qualities:
- High quality and durability. Clinker tiles are made from special types of clay, pressed into molds and fired at high temperatures.
- Excellent decorative qualities. Clinker is able to imitate high-quality facing brick, stone tiles and other more expensive finishing materials.
- Low weight. Clinker tiles have much less mass than real brick or granite. Therefore, the base lined with it will not exert excessive pressure on the base of the building.
Typically, clinker tile cladding begins from the bottom of the foundation. Initially, you should determine this very lowest level, from which the work will begin. To do this, measure the height of the base and divide it by the width of the tile (plus the width of the seam).
Using these calculations, we determine the bottom line along which the first row of tiles will go so that the top row is level with the top edge of the foundation wall, or slightly above it.
After the lowest point is found, we draw a line from it along the entire perimeter of the basement wall. In this case, it is better to use a water or laser level.
Before gluing the tiles, the wall must be treated with primers. This will significantly increase the adhesion of the adhesive composition to the concrete or brick surface of the basement. For more information about the clinker base, watch this video:
To stick clinker tiles, you should use specialized construction adhesives polymer or cement based. When choosing an adhesive, you should pay attention to the area of its application - it must withstand changes in humidity, temperature and other natural influences well.
Dry adhesive mixtures are diluted with water in accordance with the recommendations on the packaging, ready-made mixtures can be used immediately at work. The clinker is glued row by row either along the entire perimeter, or only along one wall with the obligatory entry into adjacent walls with corner elements.
After completion of the work, the seams between the tiles are sealed with special acrylic or cement-based fillers.
Plastering
Plaster is easy to apply and repair Using plaster, you can finish the base of a brick or wooden house if the walls of the basement are made of concrete or brick. Finishing walls with plaster has the following positive aspects:
- weather resistance. Plaster solutions designed for external use have excellent resistance to temperature changes and changes in air humidity;
- breathability. Due to the presence of tiny pores, the plaster coating makes it possible indoors"breathe";
- high decorative qualities. A large assortment of colors and textures of plaster mortars opens up wide possibilities for decorating foundation walls in any style;
- ease of application. Plaster solutions are quite easy to use - it is quite possible to plaster the surface of a wall with your own hands without the involvement of a team of professional finishers.
Selection of plaster mortar
The most budget option is to use traditional plaster mortar based on cement. It is characterized by high strength and durability in operation. You can buy it in the form of a dry mixture at a hardware store or prepare it yourself. To do this, you will need to mix 1 part of cement with 3 – 5 parts of fine sifted sand. Next, the mixture is diluted with lime water to a thick sour cream and applied to the wall.
Special shapes allow you to create the effect of masonry on the plaster More expensive, but also more aesthetic option the ground floor will be decorated with decorative plaster mixtures, made on an acrylic or silicone base with the addition of synthetic resins and mineral additives. Such compositions can differ in a wide variety of colors and textures.
The great plasticity of the solution allows you to create all kinds of three-dimensional patterns on its surface, as well as imitate the finishing of a marble or granite slab.
Decorative plaster is presented on the market both in the form of a dry mixture and in the form of ready-to-use compositions. The table shows the ratio of components various types plaster solutions.
Plastering the surface
For better adhesion to the surface, it is better to apply the solution onto a metal mesh Before starting work, you should clean the wall surface from old finishing materials, dirt and dust.
Then we cover the wall with primer solutions for better adhesion (adhesion) of the plaster to the wall.
When plastering wooden wall To improve the coupling, the base will need to be covered with a metal or fiberglass mesh.
A similar mesh is also used for plastering basement floors covered on the outside with heat-insulating materials: polystyrene foam, penoplex, etc.
Plastering work should be carried out in the temperature range +5...+25, preferably in calm weather. The fact is that low/high temperatures prevent the natural “setting” of the solution. In the same way, wind contributes to the rapid dehydration of the mixture and, as a result, its cracking and peeling from the wall surface.
After application decorative plaster the surface is treated using a texture roller or grout. As a result, the plastered surface is covered with a voluminous decorative pattern. Surfaces plastered with a simple cement-based compound can be painted using exterior paints or whitewashed with lime mortars.
Stone cladding
Modern artificial stone is almost as good as natural stone The stone is magnificent decorative material, capable of serving for tens, if not hundreds of years. On the modern construction market there are options for facing slabs made from artificial stone.
This material (porcelain stoneware) is practically in no way inferior to natural stone: neither in aesthetic qualities, nor in long-term use. The foundation covered with porcelain tiles is practically indistinguishable in appearance from a wall lined with natural stone.
Stone laying begins from the bottom of the basement wall. As in the case of clinker tiles, we determine the lower level from which the cladding will begin. The stone is attached to a concrete or brick surface using cement mortar or special adhesive building mixtures.
In order to properly cover the base with stone, a number of technological nuances must be observed.
In particular, after laying each row of stones or tiles, you will have to wait for the mortar to completely harden before proceeding with the installation of the next row.
The seams between individual stones are also filled with grout or acrylic sealant.
The stone for finishing the basement of a house must comply with building regulations, be sufficiently hard, not delaminate and not have cracks. Its quality largely determines its longevity, resistance to changes in temperature and humidity.
Siding
Recently, finishing buildings with siding has become increasingly popular. This is due to high decorative properties this material, affordability, as well as the relative ease of installation. Siding is also a fairly durable material - its service life, according to statements from manufacturing companies, is 50 years or more. The materials used for making siding are polyvinyl chloride, acrylic or galvanized sheet steel. For more information about installing siding, watch this video:
Installing siding is quite simple - any owner can install it themselves. First of all, you should install a frame made of wooden bars or a metal profile around the entire perimeter of the basement wall. The siding panels are positioned horizontally, so the sheathing must be installed vertically.
Siding is mounted on metal or wood profile Its installation begins with the installation of frame bars at the corners of the building; A twine or fishing line is stretched between them, along which the remaining vertical bars of the frame are mounted in increments of 0.5 - 0.8 m.
After the sheathing is ready, we attach sheets of siding to it, starting from the lowest.
The design of the panels involves joining them into grooves and attaching them to the frame using self-tapping screws.
The panel joints at the corners are covered with decorative corners, and slopes and trims are installed around the basement windows.
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 light in weight and have a textured surface that imitates a natural stone Large fractions look great with facade tiles, harmonizing not only with their shade, but also fitting into the overall design of the architecture. The finishing of the plinth 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 is added to the plaster, refreshing general form Houses
Types of materials for finishing and cladding
Today, the following are used to finish foundations:
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
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 the foundation wall, covering 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:
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. This creates a textured surface that 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:
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 increased requirements for strength and resistance to weathering are imposed on the finishing of the base, 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.
To cover the base with stone you will need finishing material and an adhesive solution. The solution is made from ready-made dry mixtures, but it can be replaced with a homemade cement-sand mixture. The thickness of the adhesive solution should be 0.3–0.5 mm.
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 facing material for the base, and at the same time it has certain rules selection The right brick will protect the base from destruction and the foundation from overload.
So, for monolithic foundations you can use standard material. But for tape or columnar foundations It is advisable to complete the finishing using special bricks.
The brick is installed using 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 noted experienced builders, wire knitting when facing with bricks must be done at a rate of 0.5–0.7 m per 1 m2. In other words, for greater strength of the cladding, 4–6 ties will be required to attach to the main surface.
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 the above-ground part of the foundation from the destructive effects of frost and moisture for a long time.
We will send the material to you by e-mail
In order for the finishing of the basement of a private house to last as long as possible, it is necessary to choose not only aesthetically attractive, but also practical materials intended for use during humid environment. It will be better if they can withstand mechanical impacts.
The base of the building takes on a different appearance after cladding
The part of the foundation that protrudes beyond the ground usually carries not only an architectural, but also a functional load. With its help, it is possible to raise the walls of a building to a certain height, leveling and protecting them from negative influences. The distance from the ground to the top edge should not be less than 40 cm.
The plinth can be erected using:
- monolithic reinforced concrete;
- building brick of a suitable brand;
- ready-made reinforced concrete blocks.
Metal sheets can be attached directly to horizontal purlins using self-tapping screws. Availability additional elements in the form of junction strips allows you to improve the appearance of the cladding.
Fiber cement panels for finishing the basement of private houses
The products are made from cement and wood fibers using hot pressing. The outer surface of the panels is laminated or covered with a layer protective composition. In terms of design capabilities, panels are a promising option, as they can imitate other materials.
A photo of the finishing of the basement of a private house demonstrates the aesthetic capabilities of the presented products. In the production of fiber cement panels, dyes with increased resistance to ultraviolet radiation are used, so the colors do not fade even after prolonged use.
Finishing the side surfaces with decorative plaster
Not very costly in financial terms, but quite a labor-intensive method of facing the base is plastering. First, the surface of the structure is leveled using cement-sand mixture, after which a decorative layer is applied on top. If necessary, dried plaster is painted with moisture-resistant paints.
High-quality has the following advantages:
- resistance to temperature changes;
- immunity to ultraviolet radiation;
- increased moisture resistance;
- possibility of tinting;
- long operational period;
- efficiency.
Note! Cement, acrylic and silicone plasters are suitable for external use. As for gypsum compositions, they should only be used for work inside dry rooms.
