Plastering walls from arbolite: features of interior and exterior decoration

Because of the particular characteristics of the material, plastering walls composed of arbolite calls for a special technique. Arbolite is a lightweight concrete with good soundproofing and thermal insulation that is made of cement and wood chips. However, plastering is made more difficult by its porous nature.

Selecting the appropriate plaster and application method is essential for interior decoration in order to guarantee a smooth, long-lasting finish that sticks to the arbolite surface. Enhancing the inherent insulating qualities while delivering a polished appearance is the aim.

However, there are other factors to take into account when plastering outside, like weather resistance and moisture protection. Arbolite walls can be made to look better and last longer by using the right materials and construction techniques.

What is arbolite

Arbolite is regarded as lightweight concrete because of its density. Two ingredients make up the organic filler: wood chips and cement. Waste from sawmills and the processing of wood is utilized in the production of this raw material. Owing to its composition, the material maintains the qualities of both concrete and wood, which allows it to retain heat and provide soundproofing.

Fascinating! Because of its qualities, arbolite was frequently used to construct homes in the Soviet Union, even in Antarctica.

There are analogues of arbolite blocks in Germany, Japan, and the USA that differ slightly from them because of additional compositional elements. Both high-rise and low-rise buildings use it there.

Features of wall finishing

Arbolite walls insulate against heat and sound, but they break down fast in the presence of harsh environmental elements. Therefore, it is protected with other compounds before a decorative coating is applied. It is possible to finish an arbolite house both inside and out.

Facade

Plaster or brick is used to cover the walls in an arbolite house before finishing the exterior. While the second option muffles sounds and better retains heat, the first option is thought to be less expensive. Brick has two drawbacks: it needs to be maintained regularly and a gap needs to be left when installing it over arbolite.

Because plaster absorbs moisture as well, it is a better choice for arbolite facades. You will need to add ventilation in the case of brick in order to prevent liquid buildup and the formation of mold.

Internal

Only in cases where there are aggressive external factors is plaster unsuitable for finishing an arbolite-based interior house. Clapboard is also used, but it is pricy, necessitates extra lathing installation, and is regarded as fire hazardous.

Advantages and disadvantages of plastering arbolite walls

The material is shielded from moisture, wind, UV light, and temperature fluctuations by plaster. The benefit of this composition is that air exchange will be maintained and the arbolite finishing of the house—whether inside or outside—will not be harmed. This is not provided by other materials.

Arbolite wall plaster is appropriate for multiple purposes at once.

• it does not reduce the level of adhesion to other materials and at the same time retains elasticity;
• does not absorb dirt;
• the dried composition protects the material from mechanical and atmospheric influences;
• does not emit toxins and does not require special care.

The short 10-year material service life of arbolite plastering, whether done inside or outside the home, means that the process needs to be redone after that.

Take note! The only exception is silicone-based mixtures, which can be applied to coatings for 20 to 30 years without losing quality.

How to plaster arbolite outside

Four primary categories of materials are utilized for processing on the exterior of the house.

Cement

The mixture is made on its own by combining cement and dispersed sand, or by purchasing a solution. It suffices to dilute premade compositions with water to use them later. Using a construction mixer, combine the mixture with the container first, followed by the water.

For arbolite, cement plaster works well when surface reinforcement is needed. It will be able to bear loads more effectively in this way, but vapor permeability will also drop.

Lime

Only pure sand and lime are present in these mixtures. Only after being pre-slaked is it combined with another ingredient. There are ready-made compositions that contain gypsum, clay, and cement. Because it is unstable when damp, only gypsum should not be used to decorate the outside of a house built of arbolite.

Silicone

These solutions are more costly than others, but they have the longest service life. This is because silicone forms a protective layer that keeps the material elastic, preserving other qualities as well.

Decorative

Acrylic, silicone, and epoxy resin are used to create decorative compositions. When these elements are mixed together, there are additional variations.

Take note! Arbolite walls are not suited for decorative plastering; instead, a base coat should be applied before considering aesthetics.

Because of the special qualities of the material, arbolite plastering calls for extra care with both exterior and interior finishes. Arbolite is a lightweight, porous concrete that provides good thermal insulation; however, to ensure longevity and a smooth finish, proper surface preparation and plaster selection are necessary. When plastering the inside or outside of your home, knowing the characteristics of arbolite will help you select the best methods for long-lasting results.

Plastering arbolite

You should shield an arbolite house from the effects of outside bad influences before considering how to sheathe it from the outside. Prior to beginning work, beacon profiles, corners, plaster, and reinforcing mesh are ready.

Preparation

The outcome is contingent upon the caliber of this phase. All wiring is de-energized and the wall surface is cleaned of debris, grease, and mold during the preparation process. Polyethylene is used to cover windows, doors, and outlets to prevent composition from getting on them. In the event that paint is present on the blocks, they are thoroughly cleaned and any leftover nails or hooks from the manufacturer are removed.

Next, a level is used to verify and adjust the wall’s geometry. Plaster is applied along the beacons if the error is greater than 3 cm. Only in basement areas where extra reinforcement is needed or with a thick finishing layer (greater than 5 cm) is reinforcement used.

Installation of beacons

They are employed to level the wall and make an additional space. They are only put in place temporarily when plastering interior spaces, and when an arbolite house’s facade is completed, materials sheets or some other type of wind-borne structure are affixed on top of it, keeping the beacons in place.

Applying plaster

Counseling! Even with the high adhesion, covering the arbolite requires multiple layers of material.

Rough layer

It is necessary to prime or moisten the wall before applying the composition. Apply the solution after letting the moisture absorb for ten to twenty minutes. The layer is applied fairly thinly, and before it has had a chance to fully dry, the main mass is applied and spread out using a spatula. Before the mixture dries, the beacons are removed, the plaster is leveled, and the remnants are removed.

Finishing

The purpose of the rough plaster layer is to seal the structure; it is not necessary to level it perfectly. It is covered with soil, and once it dries, ornamental plaster is applied.

The wall is puttied before using textured material or Venetian plaster. It is also required prior to wallpaper application.

Arbolite wall plastering necessitates careful consideration of environmental factors as well as material compatibility. Because arbolite has special qualities, like breathability and insulation, it’s critical to select the appropriate plaster type to preserve these advantages.

Using a breathable plaster for interior finishes preserves arbolite’s inherent ability to regulate moisture. On the other hand, exterior plastering should concentrate on shielding the building from the elements while still allowing the walls to breathe.

Understanding the unique requirements of arbolite and using the right plastering techniques will help you achieve a long-lasting and visually beautiful finish that improves the look and feel of your walls.

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