Building mixtures for exterior use and water resistance. Types of plaster mixtures for exterior work. Features of the work

Plastering is one of the popular methods of finishing facades. Its popularity is associated with ease of execution, affordable price and a large selection of texture options. This type of finishing is universal - it can be used to decorate both a private home and an office building. In this article we will look at what types of plasters are suitable for finishing the outside of a house.

Advantages of facade plasters:

• simplicity of application technology; you can plaster the walls outside the house yourself, even without experience in such work;
• good level of heat and sound insulation;
• resistance to air temperature changes;
• high level of strength;
• moisture resistance.

But besides the advantages of many types of decorative facade mixtures There is significant drawback compared to others finishing materials- this is a rather high price. But at the same time they have a small consumption of 2–3.5 kg per 1 m2.

How to choose plaster for facade walls

When choosing facade plaster, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:

Compressive and bending strength. Indicators that determine the ability of a material to resist the appearance of cracks under the influence of loads and not collapse.

Color. Many types of plaster mixtures are already produced in several color options. There are also pure white compositions suitable for tinting at the time of preparing the solution, and plaster mixtures for painting. If you have a choice, it is better to choose tinting the plaster rather than painting. This is due to the fact that the paint layer may deteriorate over time, while the coloring pigments in the plaster will retain their color.

Texture. By using various types decorative plasters can be created on the surface external walls imitation of many natural materials(stone, wood) or relief (fur coat, bark beetle, mosaic, etc.). Usually the manufacturer indicates on the packaging what texture the mixture is intended to create.

The basis of the plaster mixture. It can be mineral, acrylic, silicate, silicone, silicate-silicone. Below we will look at them in more detail.

Drying time. For different types of mixtures it ranges from 24 to 72 hours.

Minimum and maximum thickness layer. When finishing various surfaces(wood, brick, concrete, etc.) a different thickness of the plaster layer is needed, which is provided by plaster mixtures of different compositions.

Viability of the solution. This indicator is important for an inexperienced master. It indicates how long the prepared mixture in the container is suitable for application.

Consumption. The amount of solution required to cover one square meter. m surfaces are taken into account when there is a choice between several options.

Frost resistance. This parameter is expressed in the number of freezing-thawing cycles that the plaster can withstand without visible damage.

Bond strength (adhesion). The higher this indicator, the better the plaster adheres to the base.

What method of application is the mixture intended for - manual or machine?

Now let's see how they differ finishing solutions by composition. All of the following types, except cement plaster, refer to ready-made decorative coatings.

Mineral plaster

The composition of mineral plaster mixtures includes marble or quartz chips. Advantages of mineral facade plaster:

• high vapor permeability;
• resistance to mold damage;
• frost and fire resistance;
• resistance to precipitation;
• the surface is easy to clean;
• ease of application.

The disadvantage of mineral plaster mixtures is the limited choice of colors, but this can be corrected by painting the plastered walls with paint. Overall this a good choice for finishing street walls.

Several brands of mineral plasters: Ceresit, Quick-mix, Weber-Vetonit.

Acrylic plaster

Produced on the basis of polymer acrylic resins. This type of finishing mixtures is not highly resistant, but has many advantages:

• plasticity, absence of cracks;
• good adhesion to mineral substrates;
• surface hydrophobization (repel water);
• ease of application;
• large selection of colors;
• service life up to 25 years.

Disadvantages of acrylic plasters:

• tendency to burn out;
• unsuitable for application to metal;
• attracts dust and gets dirty easily.

Another important property is low vapor permeability. That's why acrylic plasters cannot be applied to aerated concrete facades. This can lead to moisture accumulation in the pores and cracking of the walls.

Several brands of acrylic plaster mixtures: Ceresit CT60, Farbe Akryl, TERRACO TERRACOAT.

Silicate

The basis silicate plasters constitutes “liquid glass” - an aqueous solution of potassium and sodium silicates. Advantages of silicate plaster mixtures:

• suitable for finishing plasterboard, lime bases, concrete, etc.;
• no odor;
• high degree of vapor permeability;
• does not attract dust due to antistatic properties;
• suitable for application over polystyrene foam due to fire safety.

The disadvantage of these solutions is that they dry quickly. Use the open bucket immediately!

Several brands of silicate plaster mixtures:

Baumit SilikatTop Rille/Kratz - with different structure(rough, scratched), for interior and exterior use, for manual and machine application.

TM Green Line SilikatStone has a granular texture (in the form of densely laid pebbles)

ATLAS SILKAT N and R - ready-made decorative plaster with marble chips up to 1.5 and 2 mm thick

Silicone

The basis of silicone plaster is silicone resins, which impart self-leveling properties. Advantages of plaster mixtures:

• self-cleaning during rain;
• high vapor permeability;
• dust-repellent properties;
• strength;
• elasticity;
• moisture-resistant surface;
• tinted well;
• high degree of adhesion to all substrates to which it is applied.

The high price of silicone mixtures may determine the choice not in their favor.

Several popular brands: Weber Pas silikon, StoSilko MP, CAPAROL AMPHISILAN FASSADENPUTZ K15.

It should be placed in a separate group silicate-silicone plasters that combine the advantages of silicate and silicone mixtures. Examples: Ceresit ST 175, Weber.Vetonit.

Cement

The simplest type of facade plasters is cement. They are used mainly for leveling walls and creating a base layer for decorative coatings. But they can also be used as a finishing touch. For example, cement plaster can be used to imitate rough masonry.

Advantages of this type of finishing:

• Low price due to its simple composition - a mixture of cement, sand and a small amount of additives.
• Possibility of self-cooking. The composition of the plaster will depend on the brand of cement and the quality of the sand. For example, for 1 part of cement grade 400-PTs II take 5 parts of sifted sand. To increase plasticity, lime is added to the solution.
• High strength;

This type of plaster mixture is not suitable for finishing walls made of aerated concrete due to its increased vapor permeability. The disadvantages are the need for finishing and the rapid drying of the finished solution.

Brands of cement plaster mixtures: Osnovit, Yunis, Knauf, Perfecta FrontPro.

Gypsum mixtures

White gypsum-based plaster is not used for façade finishing due to its low resistance to precipitation and mechanical damage. Gypsum mixtures can be chosen for interior decoration.

Do-it-yourself technology for plastering external walls

First, let's look at how to level and prepare external walls for applying decorative finishes.

Preparing the surface of the building facade

1. Remove old finish.
2. Clean the walls with a stiff steel brush.
3. Inspect the surface to identify cracks and dents (roughness on the wood, burrs), etc. If there are any, clean them with sandpaper.
4. Wash the wall with a damp sponge (with soap if necessary) and dry.
5. Use a plumb line or level to check the verticality of the walls.

Wooden facades It is recommended to soak it with an antiseptic solution. If the walls are made of brick, stone, gas blocks, then use empty masonry (with incomplete filling of the seams on front side). This will ensure better adhesion of the wall surface to the plaster. If this has not been done, then before plastering, jointing is carried out (the seams are deepened with a chisel and hammer by 1 cm and cleaned with a brush). On concrete walls Using an ax or perforator, make notches 5 mm deep and 5 to 10 cm long in increments of no more than 4 cm.

jointing and notches for plaster

To improve the adhesion of the plaster to the surface of the facades, a primer is first applied. Its composition is selected taking into account the nature of the wall surface (concrete, wood, brick, etc.). The primed walls are left to dry for a day.

How to plaster: stages of applying a leveling layer

To obtain a good result, the plaster mixture is applied in three layers:

1. Spray (starting) - from 3 to 9 mm (depending on the nature of the surface, a thicker layer is needed on wood).
2. Ground - from 7 to 8 mm, if the plaster contains gypsum, then 9 - 12 mm.
3. Covering (finishing) - from 2 to 4 mm.

To strengthen the facades and ensure rigid adhesion of the leveling layer, the plaster mixture is applied to the reinforcing mesh. To do this, after the primer has dried, apply the first layer of plaster and embed the mesh in it. Wooden facades can be reinforced with the same mesh or shingles - narrow wooden slats nailed diagonally crosswise. If the walls are insulated with mineral wool or similar insulation, then an adhesive solution is applied to it to fix the mesh. For example, ARMIERUNGS-GEWEBEKLEBER 215, PALADIUM PalafiX 402, Glims KF and others.

The procedure for plastering facade technology:

1. The reinforcing mesh is installed on the street wall or on the insulation.
2. If necessary, guide beacons made of metal profiles are attached. They are fixed to the wall with plaster mortar, and verticality is checked with a level.
3. Apply the plaster mixture with a spatula or paint bucket, starting from the bottom and gradually moving upward. With the machine plastering method, a compressor and a pneumatic bucket are used for this.
4. The applied layer is leveled using the rule. When using beacons, the rule rests on two guides and rises up, leveling the plaster layer.
5. The second layer begins to be applied after a day. On the fresh layer you need to make notches or grooves to ensure better adhesion to the finish. You can use a notched trowel for this.
6. After another day, apply the last layer - the covering. Dilute the plaster for it to a creamy consistency.
7. After the finishing layer has dried, use a special trowel to grout. Press the device tightly against the surface, making circular movements clockwise. After processing the entire facade, rub it again in a straight line. If you need to achieve a perfectly flat surface, then wrap the grater in felt or felt.

If the decoration of the facade is carried out on the basis of leveling plaster, then immediately after applying the last layer, without waiting for it to dry, they begin to create a pattern or relief.

To do this, use special rollers with patterns, stencil stamps or a trowel. Options for drawings can be very diverse. The stamps are not very convenient, since they have to be washed frequently, the expression of the pattern is different places turns out different due to different strengths pressing. With a trowel, you can create a stone texture on the wall by simply making chaotic movements with it. If the plaster is planned to be painted, then after creating the texture and drying it is primed again and after that the paint is applied.

Decorating the facade of the house

After the walls are leveled and the insulation is closed, you can begin applying textured coatings. Consider frequently encountered textures:

• Bark beetle. Using plaster, the surface of wood worn away by insects is imitated. Ready-made bark beetle mixtures contain mineral grains (for example, marble) 2 mm in size. When leveling the mortar on the wall, rounded grains leave grooves. The direction can be arbitrary, as you like.

• Pebble. It is created with ready-made plaster, consisting of mineral chips and a binder base. The size of the stones is 1.5-2.5 mm. The mixture must be applied to the wall and smoothed with a trowel.

• Imitation of stonework. Here a lot depends on the skill of the master and working methods. The material can be cement-sand mortar both in pure form and with the addition of fine mineral grains. The stone surface of the facade goes well with the smooth sections of the walls. Often only the base of the building is finished with stone.

Plaster mixtures for exterior use are one of the oldest methods for finishing the exterior walls of a building. With the advent of new technologies and various universal materials for exterior finishing, plaster mixtures only improved, but remained just as popular.

Currently, construction stores offer quite a lot of varieties of compounds specially produced for outdoor use. These mixtures are reliable and resistant to various influences, such as moisture, temperature changes, and wind.

The easiest way to have a beautiful front lawn

You've certainly seen the perfect lawn in a movie, on an alley, or perhaps on your neighbor's lawn. Those who have ever tried to grow a green area on their site will no doubt say that it is a huge amount of work. The lawn requires careful planting, care, fertilization, and watering. However, only inexperienced gardeners think this way; professionals have long known about the innovative product - liquid lawn AquaGrazz.

Types of plaster compositions

“Facade” plaster (for outdoor work) has enough varieties and can be used both as an element for decoration and as a fundamental element.

There are “warm” plasters; they contain cement particles. Such plasters are a barrier that saves the building from freezing temperatures, but when applying such compositions it is necessary to reinforce the base.

For facade plaster, such indicators as the ability to transfer high humidity air, high adhesive properties, tolerance for shrinkage of the façade and the like.

If we divide plasters that are intended for external use by type, then the following stand out:

1. Mineral.
2. Acrylic
3. Silicone.

Mineral mixture

The group of plasters based on minerals includes cement plasters; their advantage is their incomparable strength and relative cheapness.

Finishing the outside of the house with such a composition will give the walls vapor permeability, will not allow condensation to accumulate, which means that the coating will not quickly deteriorate from dampness.

The disadvantages include the “non-decorativeness” of this type of plaster: color scheme it loses to absolutely all other species.

Mineral plasters also include silicate types, which are more resistant to moisture than concrete plasters. But such a coating will be more fragile.

Acrylic mixtures

Such mixtures are sold ready-to-use. Plasters of this group are characterized by elasticity, so if shrinkage (especially significant) of the facade is expected, then the choice is obvious - it is better to choose this option - acrylic compositions.

The disadvantage of this group of compounds is that the plaster is applied in a thin layer and only before finishing work on the surface.

Silicone mixtures

Such mixtures, like acrylic ones, are characterized by sufficient elasticity; their use is even possible for wooden buildings where significant shrinkage is expected.

Silicone mixtures have a wide selection of color shades to suit every taste. However, their cost is much higher than that of previous options.

Subtleties of choice

When choosing a material, certain points must be taken into account:

Plaster parameters

You should consider in detail all the parameters of the plaster in order to make the right choice. It is important to know what this or that characteristic means.

• Vapor permeability

Most often, due to what elements are included in the plaster, its ability to vapor permeate can be different. For example, cement, gypsum and lime mixtures provide sufficient evaporation of moisture from any work surface, and this leads to a longer service life of the building lined with such plasters.

• Price

Probably one of the defining parameters of a particular plaster mixture. To make a choice in favor of the most affordable option for you, you should carefully read all the pros and cons. You can often come across a misconception that cheap plaster is better, despite the fact that bags of mixtures weigh the same. It is worth paying attention to such a parameter as specific gravity. Thus, gypsum will weigh 50% less than its counterpart with cement components. Therefore, when you see a low price, do not rejoice, because in your work you need to take into account not only the price, but also required consumption. In general calculation, it may turn out that the expensive option will be more profitable.

• Consumption

If we talk about gypsum solutions, then at their low price they are also characterized by low consumption. To cover an area of ​​one square with a layer of one centimeter, you will need about ten kilograms finished plaster. For cement mortars consumption can become impressive: from 15 to 20 kilograms for the same working area. With all this, if you conduct a fairly thorough analysis, it will become obvious that price is not an indicator.

• Working hours

The work time refers to the speed at which the composition hardens. Gypsum-based mixtures are the fastest-drying ones, but this is not always an advantage, because the sooner our cladding dries, the smaller the portions with which we mix our mixture, and the sooner the work will need to be completed.

Read more about heat-saving mixtures

Since currently the issue of heat conservation in homes is particularly acute, especially for the northern regions of the country, the use of heat-saving dry mixtures is becoming relevant. More and more often, these types of plaster are used in diverse construction, often replacing the usual insulation. And in combination with it, such plaster will give excellent results.

The secret of this plaster is that additional elements such as polystyrene foam balls or particles of so-called “perlite” (it is a light suspension of rock) are included in its mixture in advance.

It is worth noting the effectiveness of using this type of plaster for exterior work, because with its use you can achieve truly high thermal insulation rates.

Workflow Features

Before directly performing plastering work on the facade of a building, it is important to complete all other work: laying out communication connections, installing the roof, and also wait for the building to shrink.

Before plastering work, the work area must be cleared of all inclusions, inclusions and foreign substances, such as dirt, dust particles, grease stains, paint or oil stains. Only after these conditions are met will the plaster lie securely on the surface and hold firmly.

When working with plaster mixtures that contain cement or lime elements, you should remember that you will most likely have to apply several layers in stages. The first layer is applied thin layer and gets overwritten. Next, a thicker layer is applied, it acts as a primer, and only at the end is the finishing layer applied - the thinnest one.

When using warm external plaster, a reinforced mesh or a special plaster network should be installed. If plastering work is carried out on top of foam plastic, then it is recommended to use a special two-component mixture, which includes an adhesive element and a protective coating.

Decorative plastering with dry mixture

As soon as it comes to finishing the facade of the building, we buy a mixture for applying printed plaster. This type of plaster is purely decorative. On the construction market, mixtures are presented mainly in bags of 25 kilograms; this volume is practical and convenient. Don't forget to take into account climatic features location of the room.

If we are talking about cement-based decorative plaster, then the following layers will need to be applied:

1. Spray layer.
2. A layer of adhesive composition.
3. Application of colored plaster.
4. Disconnector layer.
5. A layer of acrylic impregnation.

For such work we will need:

1. Container for stirring the composition.
2. A drill with an attachment or another tool adapted for mixing the mixture.
3. Spatula (preferably several - of different widths).
4. Polyurethane matrix.
5. Brushes to help apply primer and decoupler.

Work order

Execution order finishing works dry decorative plaster as follows:

Conclusion

Now that the main properties and types of plaster mixtures have been discussed, you can safely proceed to your plan. And do not forget about the peculiarities of using certain types of mixtures, because one small mistake can nullify all finishing work. It is better to spend a little more time choosing, taking into account the specifics of this or that coating, and then do everything at once, but efficiently and soundly, rather than spending money and effort on re-cladding or restoration work in the future. Good luck and success in finishing work!

Facade plasters are very popular for exterior finishing of residential buildings, industrial facilities and public buildings. The coating is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also durable. This combination of practicality and beauty, as well as a huge variety of design options, make plaster solutions very in demand.

Plaster must not only withstand all the vagaries of nature with dignity, but also reliably protect walls and external insulation from their harmful effects. Hence the basic requirements:

1. Hydrophobicity - should not be destroyed by moisture or absorb it.

2. Insulating properties - participates in maintaining heat in the house and partially prevents the penetration of noise.

3. Frost resistance - compositions that can easily withstand at least 30 freeze-thaw cycles are suitable for exterior finishing.

4. Plasticity – primarily hides wall unevenness and other defects.

5. Adhesive properties - in order for the coating not to peel off from the base, it must adhere well to the surface.

The advantages of plastering compositions for external work include the possibility of application to insulated facades, thereby ensuring reliable protection thermal insulation materials. The main disadvantage of façade finishing is, oddly enough, its unpredictability. Final result will depend not only on the quality of the solution, but also on many other factors: preparation of the base, chosen technology, weather conditions during work, knowledge and experience of the master.

Classification by purpose

Depending on what goals need to be achieved with the help of plaster, it is divided into two groups:

• Starter - performs the functions of a rough leveling compound, used for sealing seams, cracks and chips. To obtain a flat and smooth surface, fillers of the smallest fractions are used in starting solutions.
• Finish - represents outer covering, which performs both protective and decorative functions. The most popular in this category is the textured Bark Beetle, and the most economical is the traditional Fur Coat.

Most solutions can simultaneously act in both roles. But to reduce the cost of facade finishing, it is better to buy two different mixtures, choosing them from the line of one manufacturer.

Varieties

Depending on the binder taken as a basis, several types are distinguished:

1. Mineral.

It is made of cement, which provides the facade coating with excellent performance characteristics: strength, water resistance and durability. Since cement mixtures do not have sufficient plasticity, various plasticizers are added to them for working with external surfaces.

The cement mortar can penetrate quite deeply into the thickness of the base, especially if the first layer is applied by spraying. This property allows it not only to be securely held on the wall, but also to further strengthen it.

Mineral facade plasters for exterior use have good air permeability, which is extremely important for buildings made of “breathable” materials. They also compare favorably in price - despite the high consumption (18-20 kg/m2), the cost of cement mortar is much less than polymer compositions.

The disadvantages include only a meager selection of shades, so to obtain decorative covering You will also need to purchase a decent amount of silicate paint. Durability is relatively short - only 10 years, during which cracks will still appear on the surface of the finish.

Today's best façade mineral mixtures are produced by:

• Bolars based on white cement.
• Ceresite sets the tone in the production of cement mortars with the Bark Beetle effect.
• Knauf - for some time now the company has also joined the production of compositions for exterior finishing (Unterputz and fiber-reinforced Sockelputz).

2. Acrylic.

Very elastic plaster based on water-soluble polymer resins, which has good resistance to temperature changes and UV rays. Special biocidal additives are also introduced that prevent the growth of mold fungi and microorganisms on the façade. You can buy it in the form of a ready-to-use composition in the product line of Ceresit, Weber and other well-known companies.

Service life - at least 15 years, but with normal conditions operation, it easily increases to 25. This is a very reliable coating, not subject to cracks and has high mechanical strength. It is electrostatic and attracts dust, but maintenance does not cause any special problems, since dirt sticks but is not absorbed - it is simply washed off with water, and the bark beetle is removed from the texture with a soft brush.

Sometimes problems arise during the application of acrylic solution, as it sets immediately. After a break in work on the border, the plaster painted in the mass will differ in color. Therefore, you need to do everything quickly, completely covering the surface of the wall from corner to corner.

3. Silicate.

It is made of liquid glass - an effective waterproofing material. At the same time, silicate facade plasters “breathe” freely, but have average ductility. The latter property of a silicate solution, when hardened, often leads to the appearance of microcracks on the surface.

Like a mineral mixture, a silicate mixture additionally strengthens the base, but this occurs at the expense of chemical reactions potassium glass. Therefore, it is excellent for walls made of fragile materials (aerated concrete, silicate blocks or shell rock).

An unpleasant property is that the color changes when wet, although the shade is restored as it dries. They are also quite capricious in application. To work, you will need a special silicate primer, as well as the ability to plaster quickly and efficiently, since the solution does not “live” for long.

4. Silicone.

The most expensive and practical. These universal mixtures are suitable for outdoor and interior work, since they have excellent performance characteristics, an extensive palette of light-resistant colors and are completely safe. Another plus is that it’s easy to apply, so you can do everything yourself, saving on the services of specialists.

The main advantages of silicone coatings include their antistatic and dirt-repellent properties. And the viscous base allows not only the plaster itself to reliably adhere to load-bearing wall, but also to retain aggregate particles of any size. That is why it is most often found in the form of a decorative structural composition such as Bark Beetle or Lamb.

Silicone plaster is not only very expensive in itself, it will also require no less expensive soil on the same basis. But the resulting coating will faithfully last for decades without losing its original appearance.

These compounds must have maximum resistance to all adverse events environment, since they are the first to receive a “blow” from the outside. She is also required to be visually attractive. For such a coating, complex solutions are made with various fillers that give an original texture. But the most luxurious effects are obtained when smooth surface relief patterns are superimposed.

Since plaster is expensive, it is necessary to reduce its consumption to a minimum. To do this, the walls are leveled to perfect smoothness using a cheaper starting mixture. After that decorative composition applied in a thin layer - about 5 mm.

Characteristics of mixtures

For light walls building materials with very high vapor permeability, exterior decoration home plaster should have the same high characteristics. Therefore, buildings made of gas silicate blocks and cellular concrete It is best to veneer with silicate solutions.

Pebble or structural compounds with a “lamb” effect are best used on surfaces that are destined to last for a very long time without refinishing. The reason is that the designated “set and forget” types of coating last for decades, and dismantling them is long and difficult.

Not all plaster mixtures can boast of color fastness, so before choosing plaster, it is worth considering the location of the house. On facades exposed to sunlight, use light shades. Too dark surfaces in such conditions will absorb better thermal energy, will quickly lose their original attractiveness and may even crack.

For old buildings that require external restoration of walls, silicate solutions are best suited. But if funds allow, you can also use silicone ones.

If fine-grained plaster is required, from cement compositions It's better to refuse. Suitable option easier to find in the assortment of acrylic mixtures.

Modernity has made noticeable adjustments to this ridiculous stereotype. Today, every self-respecting builder knows that truly high-quality facade plaster is designed to protect the walls of buildings from:

• exposure to moisture;
• low and ultra-low temperatures;
• aggressive chemical reactions;
• harmful emissions from urban road transport;
• fading from direct sunlight.

In addition to the functions mentioned above, a high-quality plaster mixture must have excellent fire-resistant properties, and also serve as a high-quality sound and heat insulator.

Moreover, modern thin layer plaster, intended for building facades, is positioned by manufacturers as a good alternative to what has already become familiar to us cement-sand plaster, reinforced mesh, puttied and painted.

It is known that a layer of facade plaster with a thickness of only 9 millimeters successfully withstands the load exerted on the facade temperature changes(compressions and expansions).

When working with facade plaster, the main thing is to choose a high-quality mixture. There is no point in skimping on choice by leaning toward cheap mixtures from artisanal producers. The fact is that accurate dosing of the mixture components is only possible in the factory. Namely, precise dosing contributes to the formation the most important qualities plaster mixture, such as:

• ideal adhesive properties;
• increased hiding power of the mixture;
• longer shelf life of the mixture;
• the most convenient indicators of water permeability and vapor permeability (high or low, depending on the need);
• ease of use.

How to choose the right plaster mixture

When choosing a plaster mixture, keep in mind: modern industry does not provide a universal solution “for all occasions”, and therefore, plastering your particular surface should be approached individually. It all depends on the material from which the walls of the building are made, on the degree of its wear, on the specific climate, environment and a number of other factors.

The most important factor influencing the choice of facade plaster is the following: the mixture must guarantee maximum reliability and durability of the coating under current conditions.

A short story about facade plasters from a specialist

No less important criterion The choice is the so-called “texture” of the mixture. This concept includes many factors, such as grain, smoothness and pattern of the finished surface.

Make the most rational choice of plaster mixture without advice professional builders It's unlikely to succeed. The fact is that mixtures with the same properties, but released under different brands, can vary significantly in their cost. Taking into account the fact that the cost of the product does not affect its quality, there are certain risks of overpaying for it.

Most often, already prepared mixtures are delivered to construction sites, diluted to a certain density and colored according to the project.

Mineral plaster mixtures for decoration

Mineral plaster mixtures are produced at cement based, therefore manufacturers label them as “polymer-cement” mixtures. These mixtures owe their high adhesive properties to a component such as redispersible powder made from polymers.

Mineral plaster mixtures are usually sold dry in special bags. Before use, the mixture is diluted with water according to the instructions. Ready-made decorative plaster mixture is used as a finishing finish for base plaster or pre-primed concrete or brick surfaces.

Polymer-cement mixtures are characterized by the following qualities:

• relatively low cost finishing;
• high vapor permeability rates;
• good moisture resistance;
• good strength indicators (including anti-vandal strength);
• long service life (with subsequent treatment with special compounds that increase the moisture resistance of the plaster, its service life increases significantly);
• excellent fire resistance.

In addition to the above qualities, which can safely be attributed to the advantages of polymer- cement mixtures, they also have some flaws. Among them it is worth noting:

• low elasticity of the coating;
• some difficulty in pre-tinting the mixture.

But despite these disadvantages, the main advantage of mixtures of this series is the ease of working with them - to carry out high-quality finishing façade is completely within the capabilities of anyone.

Read also about it on our portal.

Acrylic-based facade plaster

Synthetic decorative plaster mixtures made on the basis of acrylic dispersion are very popular among domestic builders. They are sold in ready-to-use form, in liquid state, and do not require any additional preparation before use. However, before use, you should definitely read the operating instructions - the synthetic substances included in the mixture may vary depending on the technology of the manufacturer.

Acrylic plasters have the following advantages:

• high rates of adhesion to various surfaces;
• excellent moisture resistance of the finished coating;
• increased resistance to various types of mechanical stress (low tendency to deformation);

Along with the advantages, acrylic mixtures also have some disadvantages:

• low vapor permeability (if the base under decorative plaster is mineral wool, the insulation can constantly get wet, which over time will lead to its complete destruction);
• fairly high flammability rates.

Silicate plaster mixtures

The silicate mixtures are based on potassium liquid glass. As a rule, ready-to-use (diluted) mixtures are sold. If the façade of your house is insulated with mineral wool, you simply won’t find a better finish for it. Among the most important advantages silicate mixtures are worth noting:

• very high levels of water resistance and vapor permeability;
• excellent elasticity of the finished surface;
• resistance to mechanical stress (including abrasion);
• good antistatic properties.

Flaws these mixtures also have. The main one is “sprint” grip. After the package with the mixture is opened, the master must quickly use the entire mixture for its intended purpose, otherwise the mixture will dry out. Besides this inconvenience, there are two more disadvantages.

When constructing external walls, as well as leveling or cladding facades, solutions characterized by certain properties are used. Dry building mixtures for outdoor use and water resistance contain special additives, increasing the effectiveness of protecting various surfaces from precipitation and temperature changes, as well as from destruction of the structure of materials under the influence of ultraviolet radiation or for other reasons.

Features of building mixtures

The main advantage of dry compositions relative to self-mixed solutions is the stable ratio of components and their relative purity. This is a guarantee of support for a given brand of ready-made mixture. The additives, in turn, purposefully improve specifications masonry or facing mortar and reduce binder consumption. Compositions for plastering works, for example, must have increased adhesion and have plasticity, and mixtures for pouring floors must spread without leaving sagging.

An important factor is the possibility of batch preparation of the composition for the required amount of work. Material losses, in this case, are minimized due to the fact that there is practically no unused solution left. Bags of dry mixtures are neatly stored. Bulk material mixes easily using the mixing attachment inserted into a regular drill. At the same time, it does not require any preliminary sifting.

Requirements for mixtures for outdoor use

External surfaces are treated with moisture-, frost- and heat-resistant compounds. The hardened solution must have:

• a certain plasticity;
• permissible vapor permeability;
• impact resistance;
• strong adhesion to the base.

Heating as a result direct action sun rays should not lead to softening of the hardened layer or destruction of its structure, and under the influence of ultraviolet radiation - to fading of the color.

Lime and gypsum compositions are not recommended for exterior use.

Types of building mixtures for exterior finishing

The mixtures used for plastering facades are conventionally divided into several groups:

• mineral;
• polymer - anhydrous or water-based;
• silicate;
• silicone.

TO mineral compositions include traditional cement-sand mixtures. They contain additives that increase the resistance of the applied layer to moisture, temperature changes, and also improve the frost resistance of the coating. Mineral plaster has high vapor permeability, allowing the walls to “breathe” and the owners to forget about the appearance of condensation. The advantages of cement mixtures include their low cost, good paintability and fire safety. But at the same time, mineral plaster doesn't hold up well flat surfaces, has low elasticity and insufficient hydrophobicity.

Polymer mixtures diluted with water are characterized by good adhesion and optimal moisture resistance. Treated surfaces are not afraid of ultraviolet radiation and are not subject to cracking, but acrylic and polyvinyl acetate compounds poorly tolerated. The disadvantages of aqueous polymer mixtures include their quick drying during the application process, as a result of which, if the work is performed incorrectly, streaks may appear at the joints of the plastered areas. Another disadvantage of such compositions is their “attractive power” towards dust and dirt, which accumulate on surfaces quite quickly. But this disadvantage is compensated by low absorption - a dirty wall can be easily washed with ordinary water.

Acrylic plasters are produced ready for use.

Polymer compositions with epoxy and polyurethane binders form a durable layer that can withstand mechanical and weathering. The mixtures have:

• excellent adhesion to various materials;
• hydrophobicity;
• the ability to create facades in different colors;
• non-flammability;
• versatility.

Despite all the undeniable advantages, water-based polymer mixtures have a serious drawback. With a significant increase in temperature (more than 140 degrees), the plaster layer begins to release toxic substances. This factor determines the scope of application of polyurethane and epoxy compounds.

Liquid potassium glass is present in silicate mixtures for finishing work. They are produced in ready-to-use form, and their properties meet most of the requirements for building mixtures for outdoor use. The disadvantage of the finished coating is low vapor permeability and low elasticity, which contributes to the appearance of microcracks on the surface. Most often, silicate mixtures are used for walls made of cellular concrete and shell rock.

Silicone compounds are among the most expensive mixtures for outdoor use. Silicone gives the layer elasticity, and therefore cracks and chips do not appear on the coating during operation. The surfaces are able to self-clean in the rain, so the facades do not need to be washed. Plastered walls “breathe”, thanks to the good vapor permeability of the layer, and do not get wet, as they have excellent moisture resistance. Mixtures can be applied to substrates of different quality and materials. For better adhesion, the surfaces are pre-treated with appropriate primers.

According to their intended purpose, plaster mixtures for external work are:

• leveling;
• decorative;
• insulating.

Leveling compounds are used, as a rule, as a basis for further finishing of the facade. They are used to seal seams and cracks, smooth out cavities and various types of bulges. At the same time, the leveling layer is performed protective function, protecting the surface from moisture and other negative phenomena.

Decorative plaster is intended to improve appearance facade. A wide selection of textures allows you to realize various design ideas. The most original representatives of decorative mixtures for exterior work are considered to be such compositions as “bark beetle” and “pebble” plaster. When applied, a structured surface is formed due to the presence of granular components.

“Warm” plaster contains fillers with low thermal conductivity. These include:

• paper;
• cellulose;
• cork chips;
• expanded polystyrene granules, etc.

The heat-insulating mixture is applied in a thick layer. For greater reliability, in this case, a reinforcing mesh is applied to the wall.

Choice

When purchasing building mixtures, certain nuances should be taken into account, namely:

• climatic features of a particular region;
• the presence of complex structural elements - more plastic compositions may be required;
• the need for additional wall insulation;
• compliance with the requirements established by the manufacturer - temperature, humidity, etc.

When applying thick layers of plaster, care should be taken to purchase reinforcing mesh. Construction mixtures need to be purchased with a small reserve, since during the work they may be overused for obvious reasons.