Plastering on facade insulation

A crucial method in contemporary building that blends aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency is plastering on facade insulation. In order to increase a building’s energy efficiency, insulation of the exterior walls has gained popularity among builders and homeowners. But plastering the facade is necessary to seal the insulation and give it a polished appearance.

This procedure not only increases the insulation’s longevity but also yields a sleek, appealing surface that can be painted or distressed to fit the building’s architectural style. In addition to improving the property’s overall appearance, the plaster serves as a barrier to protect the insulation from the elements.

Knowing the proper methods and supplies for plastering on facade insulation is essential whether you are building a new structure or remodeling an existing one. We’ll walk you through the crucial actions and factors to make sure your application is successful and durable in this post.

Advantages of the technology

Think about the benefits of directly plastering the wall insulation:

• this is a relatively simple job, available for independent implementation;
• a large selection of facade colors due to the use of ready-made colored plaster or painting the walls after plastering;
• low price compared to other types of house cladding;
• coating strength: the base layer of plaster on the insulation is reinforced with a fiberglass mesh, due to which the thermal insulation is protected from mechanical damage;
• versatility, suitability for buildings of any configuration;
• resistance to bad weather conditions.

Required materials

Wall insulation

The following are the primary kinds of insulation for exterior walls:

• Mineral wool. This is an inorganic fibrous heat-insulating material. It is produced in rolls and slabs. Only the second option is suitable for facades. A distinction is made between glass wool, stone (basalt) and slag wool. It is recommended to insulate the facade with basalt mineral wool. It has the lowest thermal conductivity, almost does not absorb moisture, but is vapor-permeable (“breathes”), which allows it to be used for rooms made of aerated concrete. Heat retention is ensured by the air inside the slab. To increase moisture resistance, mineral wool is impregnated with a water-repellent agent. For the “wet facade” technology, slabs with a density of 130-160 kg/m3 are chosen so that they can withstand the weight of the plaster.
• Foam plastic. The most affordable insulation. 98% consists of air, the rest is foamed polystyrene. Available in the form of rectangular slabs with smooth edges or with a groove at the end. The second option is more convenient for installing exterior decoration of the house. Polystyrene foam can be easily cut with a regular hacksaw or construction knife, is lightweight, and is a good sound insulator. Service life up to 50 years. Disadvantages – flammable, produces toxic smoke when ignited, susceptible to damage by rodents. There is a whole list of substances that cause polystyrene to melt upon contact, but they are not used when installing on facades under plaster.
• "Penoplex". It is an improved foam (expanded polystyrene). Has all its advantages, but much stronger and almost waterproof. Water can penetrate only through mechanical damage to the sheets.
• Shelter EcoStroy Facade. 100% polyester fiber. High rigidity, resistant to rotting, fungi and mold. DOES NOT absorb moisture.

Here are a few instances of companies that produce mineral wool and polystyrene foam:

TechnoNIKOL, Penofol, Penoplex, Isover, Ecover, Knauf, URSA

Facade plasters for thermal insulation

Ordinary cement-sand plaster mixes will not adhere well enough to the insulation surface, making them unsuitable for building a "wet facade." Instead, they will peel off the insulation quickly. Many manufacturers of building mixtures have specific compositions for plastering on thermal insulation layer slabs. For mineral wool, they are referred to as plaster on polystyrene foam or foam plastic. Among them are compounds that promote adhesion. Their purpose is to form the primary layer (not the final layer) on the thermal insulation slabs’ surface. There are a few companies that carry these mixes:

"Warm plasters" are a kind of plaster mixture. Unlike regular ones, these contain powders made of expanded clay, pumice, perlite sand, vermiculite, polystyrene granules, or other materials that lower heat conductivity in place of plain sand as a filler. When it comes to finishing and insulating walls with the "wet facade" system, this is the best choice.

Mixtures for decorative plastering

Use specific decorative plasters for the "wet facade." Brand examples include:

1. Ceresit. Acrylic pebble mixtures ST 63, 64 or 60 (for tinting, color of choice), mineral ST 35 (bark beetle) or ST 137 (pebble), silicate-silicone ST 174 or 175 (pebble) are suitable for plastering over insulation. Decorative plaster versions: white, for painting and winter.
2. Knauf. For insulation, use mineral structural decorative plaster of the Diamant brand. It is suitable for painting. Compressive strength 3.5 MPa, frost resistance 50 cycles. It is intended for use in combination with a base layer of Knauf Sevener.
3. Stolit. The plaster mix of the AF brand belongs to structural acrylic, gives the surface a "lamb" relief.

The most resistant plasters to atmospheric effects are made of acrylic.

To achieve a long-lasting and visually beautiful finish, it’s imperative to make sure that all procedures are meticulously followed when applying plaster over facade insulation. Timely detachment or cracking of the insulation can be avoided by properly prepping the surface beneath it as well as the insulation itself.

Selecting the appropriate plaster and tools is crucial because various materials react differently based on environmental factors and the kind of insulation being used. It’s advisable to adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines in order to guarantee compatibility and durable outcomes.

Finally, it will be worthwhile to take your time applying the plaster securely and evenly. A well-done plastering job adds to a building’s overall durability and energy efficiency in addition to improving its appearance and offering additional protection to the insulation and the underlying structure.

A practical way to enhance a building’s appearance and energy efficiency is to plaster on facade insulation. In order to create a decorative and protective finish, a layer of plaster is applied over insulation boards that are fastened to the exterior walls. It improves the building’s aesthetic appeal in addition to keeping homes warmer in the winter and colder in the summer. Plastering over insulation in a facade requires careful surface preparation as well as material selection to guarantee longevity and a smooth, even finish.

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