Sandwich panels for wall insulation outside. Installation and features of insulated facade panels

Facade panels with insulation (thermal panels) combine two functions: heat-insulating and decorative.

The use of such products saves time and money, since instead of carrying out separate work on the insulation of walls and their cladding, it is enough just to mount thermal panels.

The market offers a wide variety of panels for the exterior of the house of various colors and materials of manufacture.

Common to all varieties of thermal panels is the presence of at least two layers: an external decorative coating and an internal heat-insulating layer. The decorative coating performs the same functions as the classic facade panels: protection from mechanical damage and from the effects of wind and moisture, giving the walls a complete look.

There are three-layer versions of products called sandwich panels. In them, the heat-insulating material is located between two facing layers made of metal.

For operation in conditions of increased fire hazard, four-layer thermal panels are produced, in which there is a refractory material between the outer tile and the insulation.

The main stages of production of insulated products with a decorative coating: preparation of block forms, foaming and drying of insulation granules, laying a decorative layer in a block form, adding granules, heating the structure with hot steam (it is necessary for the granules to expand and form a layer of insulation), cooling the panel.

The main purpose of using warm panels is to save on building heating, which allows you to recoup the costs of their purchase and installation as soon as possible, provided that you are at home in a region with relatively cold winters. They are more expensive than conventional panels, but in most cases, buying siding and insulation separately (and installing them) will cost even more money.

Products can be installed on most plastered and non-plastered surfaces, including block and wooden walls, unbaked bricks, expanded clay concrete.

NOTE!

Thermal panels not only retain heat inside the building during the cold season, but also prevent it from heating up in summer.

Decorative trim is made from the following materials:

Clinker.
Porcelain tile.
Aluminum.
Cink Steel.
Compressed wood chips.
Compressed marble chips.

The main materials of heaters are,. The average density of this layer is 40 kg 3 /m, thermal conductivity - 0.020 W / m * C, thickness - 6 centimeters or more.

The high density of the material not only allows better retention of heat, but also increases its resistance to mechanical damage. The operating temperature range is in the range - 170 / +170 C. Despite the high fire resistance, the possibility of ignition of the insulation is not completely excluded.

The mass of panels varies within 10-25 kilograms. The estimated service life depends on the climatic conditions of the region, as a rule, it is 10-30 years.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

Ease of installation: if the wall is fairly even, then you can install thermal panels even without first arranging the crate.
Reducing heating costs by 40-60%.
Increasing the fire resistance of the facade.
Protection of walls from the penetration of fungi and mold.
Although the connected panels form a single unit, individual products can be easily removed during operation in order to replace or repair them.
Moderate weight, which does not create significant loads on the supporting structure and foundation. For this reason, thermal panels are suitable for cladding old houses.
Variety of textures and colors.
A good option for wall insulation.

Flaws:

Insulation materials emit toxic fumes when burned.
When installing products on uneven surfaces, it is necessary to equip the crate, otherwise the panels will deform over time and lose their heat-shielding properties.
The possibility of condensation between the supporting structure and panels in case of violation of installation technologies.
The possibility of deformation of products during storage (relevant only for two-layer options).
When using cheap thermal panels, you need to rub the seams between the products with special solutions.

Varieties

Thermal panels are classified according to the types of decorative finishes and according to the materials of insulation.

Heaters differ in density and operational features.

Four materials are used in production:

Extruded polystyrene foam. Density - 35 kg / m 3. It has a relatively high moisture absorption coefficient, coupled with the presence of internal voids, this feature can lead to moisture ingress into the insulation and the development of colonies of microorganisms. Service life - 15 years.
Polyurethane foam (PPU). Density - 40 kg / m 3. It is characterized by non-combustibility, devoid of the shortcomings of expanded polystyrene. The service life of foamed polyurethane is 50-60 years.
Styrofoam. Density - 20 kg / m 3. The most affordable and common option. Due to the low density, it has the lowest thermal insulation characteristics. The advantages of foam panels include high elasticity.
Mineral wool. Density - 145 kg / m 3. Due to the very high density, it loses its shape over time, so it is advisable to use this insulation with a metal decorative layer.

The following decorative finishes are available:

Clinker tiles. It is made from highly plastic clay, it is characterized by increased wear resistance and low water absorption coefficient. Clinker tiles create an additional protective layer, which reduces the load on the heater. The only drawback is the high price (imported products are especially expensive). As a rule, polyurethane foam heaters are covered with clinker.
Porcelain stoneware. It is made from a special powder under pressure at high temperatures. The composition of the powder includes quartz sand, clay, dyes and other additives. It has good performance characteristics, but has a significant drawback - a lot of weight, which does not allow it to be used for finishing houses with a weak foundation.
Aluminum and steel. They are used in the production of sandwich panels. Are the only options used together with mineral wool insulation. Aluminum is lighter but more expensive, while steel is a relatively budget option.

The most popular textures of thermal panels are brick and natural stone.

Manufacturers

Both domestic and foreign companies are represented on the market. German manufacturers specialize in the manufacture of high quality and expensive clinker tiles.

These include:

TM A.D.W. - Klinker.
T. M. Stroeher.
TM Ammonit Keramik.

The prices of their products start from 1800 rubles per square meter of tiles.

Russian companies also produce clinker tiles; you can find other finishing options with them.

"Workshop of facade materials". Produces tiles imitating natural stone, brick and German clinker. Expanded polystyrene with a layer thickness of 50 mm is used as a heater. The average price of products is 1500-1800 rubles.
FTP Europa. Produces clinker and ceramic granite thermal panels. Used heaters - expanded polystyrene and polyurethane foam with a thickness of 60 or 80 mm. Prices of products are in the range of 1100 - 3600 rubles.
"Forska". Specializes in the production of budget options at a price of 1000 rubles. for 1 sq. m. Uses ready-made decorative trim, purchased from Western companies, and combines it with insulation from expanded polystyrene or polyurethane foam.
"Ermak". It specializes in thermal panels of the middle price category (1800 - 3000 rubles) based on expanded polystyrene (with a thickness of 40 mm) and clinker tiles.

Mounting

Thermal panels can be installed directly on the wall or on the crate (framework). Frameless installation involves nailing the tiles to the wall using dowels through the holes provided by the manufacturer in the product.

The wireframe method is more complex. It is used if there are significant irregularities on the wall that can deform the thermal panels.

Wall preparation

The crate is made of wood or metal, the second option is more preferable. If a tree is used, then the beams are treated with an antiseptic.

The length of the vertical and horizontal steps of the crate are chosen so that they correspond to the dimensions of the panels, and the location of their mounting holes coincides with the centers of the bars (or metal profiles).

The frame must create a flat plane, otherwise there is no point in installing it.

If there is a danger of delay in the space between the crate and thermal panels of heat and moisture, then it is filled with construction foam.

If there is no desire or opportunity to install a crate, then you can level the wall with cement mortar. In practice, this method turns out to be more expensive.

If there is a plinth near the building, special plinth panels are pre-installed on it, which are characterized by increased thickness and strength.

Panel mounting

If the installation is made directly on the wall, then the fasteners are carried out on the nails-dowels that come with the panels. Places for drilling holes in the tiles are marked by most manufacturers.

Start laying from the corners of the bottom of the wall. If there are corner panels in the kit, then they are installed first.

Installation of the main cladding panels on the crate is carried out using self-tapping screws. Their thickness should exceed the thickness of the product by 4-5 cm.

Before installation of the first and subsequent rows, the space between the wall and the tiles can be filled with polyurethane foam in order to give the structure additional frost resistance.

If necessary, seal the joints between products using silicone sealants.

Vertical seams should move when installing the next rows after the first. For this, additional or trimmed panels are used. A grinder is used to cut blocks.

Grouting work can only be performed during the warm season in dry weather.

Useful video

Video guide for the installation of insulated panels:

Conclusion

Facade panels with insulation are products consisting of a classic cladding and a heat-insulating layer of polyurethane foam, expanded polystyrene or mineral wool.

They are characterized by high performance and ease of installation. The disadvantages of such products include high price and the possibility of damage to materials during long-term storage.

In contact with

In recent years, facade decoration with the help of decorative thermal panels has become increasingly popular. The advantage of this solution, unlike siding, is that facade panels with insulation do not require additional installation of a layer of thermal insulation and mounting mesh. A huge selection of textures and colors allows you to decorate the facade of the house in any style, but the most popular is the sheathing of buildings under natural materials - brick or stone.

Types of thermal panels

Insulated façade panels for exterior finishing are seamless solid blocks that are attached directly to the facade of the building. Such thermal panels most often consist of two layers: a decorative layer and a layer of heat-insulating material. The average thickness of such products is 6-12 cm. They can be made on the basis of:

polyurethane foam (PPU);
expanded polystyrene foam;
mineral wool.

Products of improved design may also have a third rigid bottom layer, tenon grooves, built-in fasteners (metal embedded plates), plastic bushings for drilling fasteners, etc.

The decorative layer of such panels can be made of:

facade tiles (brick-like finish) made of clinker, porcelain stoneware or glazed ceramics;
pressed marble chips to simulate stone or marble;
glued-pressed wood chips;
aluminum or corrugated board.

Sometimes marble chips are also used in clinker products for a more realistic grouting.

To finish the corners of the house, corner curly elements are produced that imitate the texture of stone or brick, which are matched to the color of the main wall or, on the contrary, contrast with the general background.

Metal sandwich panels are essentially a kind of "pie", in the center of which there is a heater, protected on both sides by colored aluminum sheets or corrugated board. The corrugated board has a protective film on top, under which there can be a pattern imitating natural materials - wood, stone, brick, etc.

Advantages and disadvantages of thermal panels

The main advantages of facade panels with insulation include:

effective thermal insulation (a 65 mm thick polyurethane foam panel can successfully replace 180 mm bricks);
high resistance to low temperatures, chemical and mechanical damage and decay;
fire resistance;
very low moisture absorption coefficient;
light weight - most thermal panels for exterior decoration do not provide additional load on the foundation and load-bearing walls;
simplicity and speed of installation;
the ability to work with the material at any time of the year;
the absence of too laborious preparatory work - the panels can be fixed even on uneven surfaces on the crate;
long service life;
environmental cleanliness;
the widest range, the ability to choose any type of decor: you can finish the facade of the house under brick, stone, wood or imitate any other natural or artificial material.

The disadvantages of thermal panels, many include a higher cost compared to metal or plastic siding. However, the range of prices from different manufacturers is quite wide, especially since you won’t be able to save much, since along with siding you will need to not only purchase additional insulation, but also pay for the installation of each of the layers.

Preparatory work

On relatively flat walls, the panels can be mounted without a crate. To better fix the dowels, the peeling of the old plaster is removed. Small depressions or chips can be leveled with plywood pads or polyurethane foam.

If there are significant surface differences, you can use a leveling crate to quickly level the walls.

This design will help create additional ventilated space between the wall and the house. Installing it is easy:

lining is carried out from the bottom up from the left corner;
along the perimeter of the building, a lower aluminum guide is fixed strictly horizontally;
a crate of dry bars or metal profiles impregnated with antifungal compounds is mounted vertically on the wall using self-tapping screws or dowels;
if there is a plinth, a plinth profile is attached to it, which will later serve as a support for the insulation panels;
in order to avoid deformation during swelling of the soil, when finishing the basement, the lower starting rail is placed above the blind area.

Mounting Features

Installation of any type of facade thermal panels (including clinker and metal ones) is carried out as follows:

Important! Before installing the first row, a layer of frost-resistant polyurethane foam is laid in order to seal and strengthen the wall. Foaming is carried out after the installation of each row, as well as at the joints.

It is not necessary to completely fill the resulting cavities with foam before fixing each of the panels with dowels in order to avoid deformation of the structure.

Installation of panels with a tongue-and-groove connection is the simplest. They are attached to the grooves of the adjacent plate in a row. Such fastening is more durable and does not form seams and discrepancies at the junctions. If the installation is of high quality, and the grout is matched exactly in color, then it is almost impossible to distinguish the insulated facade panels for the exterior of the house from brick or natural stone.

After installation is completed, work is carried out on finishing windows and doors using:

decorative plaster, which is applied after a layer of insulation, seated on glue and primed glass mesh;
clinker tiles or sandwich panels: the procedure is similar to the previous one, but tiles or panels are attached instead of plaster.

A very detailed installation instruction for panels can be found in the video below:

Calculation of the required material

To find out the exact number of panels required for sheathing, you should calculate the total area of \u200b\u200ball the walls of the building, subtract from this value the total area of \u200b\u200bdoor and window openings, and then divide the resulting amount by the area of one thermal panel. Since some of the material will be cut, it is recommended to purchase them with a margin of 10-15%.

When landscaping private buildings and industrial facilities, one of the most important stages of work is the external cladding of walls and the basement. For this, modern finishing materials are used. They provide a reduction in heat loss, improve the appearance, protect against the negative influence of natural factors. Among the wide range of building materials, decorative facade panels stand out, the insulation of which is modern heat insulators with unique properties. Let us dwell in detail on the advantages of the application, the specifics of installation.

Insulated facade panels for the exterior of the house

Used for external cladding and thermal insulation of various buildings, insulated wall panels are high-tech cladding materials that are distinguished by the following properties:

increased thermal insulation characteristics;

attractive appearance;
environmental safety;
long service life.

Foamed polystyrene is used as a thermal insulation layer, which is the leader in terms of performance and quality among various materials used for thermal insulation. Expanded polystyrene retains its properties throughout the period of operation, is fireproof, and is not affected by natural factors.

Insulated panels are used for various purposes:

design finishing of modern cottages;
cladding and thermal protection of private houses;
restoration of previously built facilities;
external improvement of industrial buildings;
facade cladding of public buildings;
thermal insulation of the basement of buildings.

Design features and fastening technology of thermal panels allow them to be installed in various positions:

in the horizontal plane;
on vertical surfaces;
on bases with a convexity.

Installation is carried out on various surfaces made of the following materials:

reinforced concrete;
bricks;
wood.

The appearance of thermal panels imitates various types of finishes:

a natural stone;
ceramic tiles;
various types of bricks;
valuable types of wood.

To perform finishing and thermal insulation measures, various types of thermal panels are used:

metal panels with insulation for the facade;
sheet siding based on polyvinyl chloride;
insulated wood siding;
thermal protection lining for tiles or plaster;
decorative panels based on fiber cement;
insulated decorative plastic elements;
plinth finish with reinforced thermal insulation.

Due to their light weight, facing thermal panels can be mounted without major surface preparation. This allows, at low cost, to qualitatively change the appearance of the building without increasing the load on the base of the building and the main walls. A small mass is especially relevant for buildings whose foundation is not capable of absorbing additional loads from the weight of the material used for cladding.

Facade panels with insulation - the main advantages of the application

Polyvinyl chloride, fiber cement, plastic and metal panels with insulation for the facade of the house are the best solution for changing the appearance of the building, providing reliable thermal insulation. The use of modern finishing material is characterized by many advantages, the main of which are:

a significant reduction in the cost of maintaining a comfortable temperature in the room. The level of costs associated with heating the building is reduced to 35%;
reliable protection of the walls and basement of the building from moisture absorption. Among the many facing materials, modern thermal panels are characterized by reduced hygroscopicity;
increased strength characteristics, long service life and reliability. High-quality facade finishing can be used for more than fifty years;
resistance to external factors. The facing material together with the heat insulator retain their properties under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, temperature and humidity changes;
no negative impact on human health. The use of environmentally friendly raw materials ensures the absolute safety of facing elements for others;

Fire safety. The materials used for the manufacture of thermal panels retain their characteristics during prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures and open flames;
possibility of installation on any grounds. Installation of heat-insulating elements can be carried out on curved surfaces, as well as bases from various types of building materials;
quick and easy installation. There is no need for special preparation of the base, which allows you to quickly perform finishing and thermal insulation measures;
the ability to perform installation work regardless of climatic conditions. Installation can be carried out in rainy weather, with increased humidity and low temperature;
improved ventilation performance. The properties of modern thermal panels and installation technology prevent the formation of condensate, protect the surface from moisture penetration;
no cold bridges. The design and method of installation of heat-shielding elements prevents the penetration of cold air masses, as well as moisture that destroys walls and plinth;
effective protection against external noise. The heat-insulating layer, together with the decorative finish, provides an increased degree of sound insulation, making it difficult for sounds to penetrate into the room.

High-quality thermal insulation cladding, which has decorative characteristics, is currently enjoying increased popularity. After all, it provides an opportunity to create a favorable microclimate in the room and, at the same time, radically change the visual perception of the building. Due to the improved thermal insulation characteristics, the payback period of thermal panels is reduced.

Panels with insulation for finishing the basement of the house

The basement of the building is the supporting part of the building, protecting the facade from mechanical damage and dirt. Decorative cladding and thermal protection of the basement is the most important stage in the thermal insulation of the entire building. That is why it is necessary to pay special attention to the decoration of this part of the building. Qualitatively executed facing of the supporting part of the building provides a long service life, wear resistance, helps to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room.

Socle elements have a number of advantages:

immune to high humidity and precipitation;
resistant to mechanical factors;
resistant to corrosion processes;
are not afraid of temperature changes.

Special panels designed for plinth cladding are distinguished by the following characteristics:

thickness, which is 4-8 cm;
color performance;
invoice solution.

Insulation with decorative panels made from wear-resistant, environmentally friendly materials allows you to reliably protect and ennoble the plinth:

prevent the negative impact of external factors on the foundation of the building;
thermally insulate the base of the structure associated with load-bearing walls;
significantly improve the aesthetic characteristics of the supporting structure.

For thermal protection of the basement, the following are used:

traditional finishing materials for the facade, with increased strength characteristics;
special plinth cladding panels produced in the form of panels imitating natural building materials.

The use of cladding panels of darker shades for facing the supporting structure of the building than for the facade part of the walls improves the overall aesthetic perception.

Insulation with facade panels - installation features

Installation of thermal panels can only be carried out on a planned, previously prepared base. Therefore, at the initial stage of work, it is necessary to carefully prepare the surface of the walls and the plinth for fixing the cladding:

remove old plaster;
beat off the existing tile;
strengthen the facade surface with special compounds;
repair cracks, plan for irregularities.

Remember that the reliability and strength of the fastening of the exterior finish depends on the quality of the preparation of the base. Regardless of the facing material used, carry out further installation work on finishing the facade of the building according to the general algorithm:

Mark the location of the thermal panels using a plumb line and level.
Mark the level of the bottom row of facade elements.
Fix the support profile in the plinth.
Beat off the height of the lower tier of the cladding.
Install vertical strips (beacons) in the joint area.
Determine the installation location of the first element on the left side of the building.
Treat the plinth profile with mounting foam.
Prepare blanks of the required dimensions.
Install the bottom row of thermal insulation trim.
Drill holes for fixing in the area of the joints of the lining.
Fasten the facade cladding with special dowels.
Seal cavities and crevices with polyurethane foam.

Laying of the remaining rows of finishes in the facade and basement parts of the building is carried out according to the above technology.

Insulation with decorative panels - general recommendations

Measures for warming the building with decorative thermal insulation can be carried out independently. This will significantly save financial resources, given the increased cost of heat-insulating elements. However, it is advisable to consult with a specialist who will advise a specific heat-insulating material that has the required thickness, as well as an appropriate decorative texture.

To perform the installation work quickly, the following steps should be taken:

calculate the required number of facade and basement thermal panels;
purchase a thermal insulation finish corresponding to the estimated area;
purchase a complete set of mounting, additional elements, as well as fasteners.

Pay special attention to the following points:

design of grooves and ridge fastening, providing ease of alignment, lack of gaps, fastening reliability;
the correct fit of thermal insulation to the required size using a grinder equipped with a diamond disc;
careful sealing of seams with the help of facade grout, corresponding to the overall color scheme;
the use of frost-resistant materials that are intended for external work and temperature changes;
compliance of the basement cladding with the facade finish, providing optimal aesthetic perception of the entire structure.

When fixing, please note that the heat panels can have ready-made markings, according to which holes for fasteners are drilled. In the absence of ready-made attachment points, it is necessary to independently calculate the location of the holes and mark up.

Summing up

Performing insulation with facade panels, you can give the old building a second life, make it more attractive, and reliably keep the heat in the room. The use of heat-shielding elements in the construction of a new building allows you to save money by combining insulation and exterior finishes in the facing material. The finish imitating brick walls or stone looks attractive. In specialized stores, you can easily purchase finishing elements that will match the texture and color scheme of your home.

Insulation of the house should carry not only practical benefits, but also have a pleasant appearance. Many for these purposes perform the finishing of the fixed insulation. It really looks beautiful, but requires considerable effort. There is an easier way - using ready-made thermal panels. Most often, they already have a certain texture or pattern that makes the facade attractive.

The nuances of using panels

Before you give preference to ready-made panels for wall cladding at home, you need to know about their positive and negative sides. This will make it possible to conduct a comparative analysis in comparison with other finishes. Among the positive aspects according to user reviews are:

reduction of heating costs;
pleasant appearance;
high finishing speed;
light weight;
a wide selection of patterns;
no need for additional insulation;
protection of walls from destruction.

Thanks to the use of panels with insulation, you can significantly reduce the cost of heating your home in winter. Savings of 30 percent or more were noted in some cases. This is due to the characteristics of the insulation, which is used in thermal panels. Thanks to a wide selection of patterns, you can focus on exactly what is best suited for a particular building. Plates with insulation differ in size, but they are finished much faster than using insulation and applying decorative plaster to it. Front panels with a heater have small weight. This means that they will not put much pressure on the foundation. Their relevance is not lost when using a screw or columnar base. The outer layer of panels with insulation is highly durable, therefore it is able to protect the walls from destruction due to exposure to various weather conditions. The disadvantages of such panels are much less, but they are. Here are some:

the need for some processing after installation;
the possibility of deformation during long-term storage;
low-quality components of the panels;
high cost of some types of panels.

Some types of panels, such as those made to look like clinker bricks, require grouting after installation. This applies to cheap options and does not apply to expensive products. Some types of panels are made in two layers, which implies the presence of insulation and finishing. If they are stored for a long time, they may undergo deformation due to the heterogeneity of the materials. Before buying, you need to clarify not only the date of manufacture, but also look at the certificate for the products. It will be a guarantee that high-quality components were used in the panels. At a cost, some types of panels with insulation may be more expensive than conventional finishes with insulation.

What are thermal panels

Thermal panels can be produced using the same insulation, but finishing materials will vary. An overview of the main options available will allow you to better navigate your choice.

Sandwich panel

Sandwich panels are three-layer, so there are no problems with deformation during their storage. The inner layer is a heater, mineral wool, foam plastic or foamed polyurethane foam can act in its role. The external elements of the sandwich panels are metal or wooden sheets. If we are talking about the first, then this is most often corrugated board, which is fastened by hot forming. As a wooden cladding, chipboard or wood-fiber boards are used. Panels where OSB boards are used have a separate name. They are used not for finishing the facade, but for the construction of walls and ceilings in the construction of frame houses using Canadian technology.

On sale you can find sandwich panels with a pattern that imitates various natural or artificial materials. In some types of panels, an additional layer of polymers is applied to the external elements, which is designed to extend the service life and also prevent the paint from fading. Such products are used during the construction of hangars and shopping centers, as well as for finishing private houses. The width of the sandwich panel is limited by the width of the sheet material from which it is made, and the length can easily reach 12 meters. This will cover the walls of the building as soon as possible. The thickness of the insulation inside varies from 5 to 25 cm. The installation of the plates does not cause any particular difficulties, since they have a well-thought-out locking system.

With clinker tiles

Thermal panels with clinker tiles have an attractive appearance. Such panels stand out from other types of thermal panels. More it resembles a facade cladding with decorative bricks. Clinker tiles are an environmentally friendly material. It is made of clay and has excellent water-repellent properties. Insulation in the form of expanded polystyrene is welded onto the back part. Its thickness can be different, on which the thermal insulation properties will depend. The size of the insulation can reach 10 cm in thickness.

The dimensions of the panels can be varied, it all depends on the manufacturer. Due to the fact that the clinker tiles in the panels are used in tandem with foam, the weight of the elements is significantly lightened. The installation of such panels with insulation does not cause difficulties, since they usually have special butt ends, which are made in a special way. If the installation of thermal plates is carried out directly on the wall, then they are fastened with dowels and self-tapping screws. There are cases when the plane is not even enough, then you have to use a crate to achieve the best result.

Panels with porcelain stoneware tiles

Porcelain tile is one of the most durable tiles. It has excellent qualities that allow it to be used in panels with insulation. The manufacturing process of the tile itself takes place under the influence of pressure and high temperature. The result is a smooth surface with a minimum of pores. This is important so that moisture does not penetrate through the thermal panel. According to these indicators, no natural stone can be compared with porcelain stoneware tiles. Thanks to such panels with insulation, the facade is not only qualitatively insulated, but also presentable. The tiles are placed on panels with insulation in such a way as to create the illusion of brickwork.

Some types of panels are made using tiles that are glazed. This type of thermal panels is gaining a trend. Most often, this cladding is used in low houses. Such panels give the building an unusual look. They also do not require special skills during installation, like the previous version. At one time, ceramic tiles were already popular for exterior decoration.

Stone finish

In a separate group, it is worth highlighting thermal panels that have the appearance of natural stone. They can also be made using various heaters. Most often it is polystyrene foam and polyurethane foam. The front part of the panels is made of polymeric materials, on which the corresponding pattern is applied. Such panels have a long service life due to the fact that plastic is not exposed to moisture, and also perfectly resists sudden temperature changes. Unlike natural stone, such panels are lighter, so they do not exert much pressure on the foundation. They are perfect for finishing walls made of foam concrete or foam blocks. The surface, which is finished with such panels, does not require additional insulation.

How to fix thermal panels

Installation of thermal panels on the facade has several nuances that a beginner should know. Before proceeding with any action, it is necessary to carefully examine the plane on which the installation will be carried out. If this is a concrete wall, then it is important to eliminate all cracks. In addition, it is necessary to assess the condition of the top coating. If the plaster has peeled off, then it is better to knock it down and apply a new one. In the case where the finish was paintwork, then it may have to be removed so that it does not create problems under the panels. A layer of antiseptic is applied to the concrete wall, which prevents the appearance of mold, as well as several layers of a primer, which will strengthen the outer layer.

Note! Before starting the installation of insulation panels, it is necessary to assess how parallel the vertical lines of the corners are. If the difference exceeds 3 cm, then it will not be possible to mount the panels directly on the wall and it will be necessary to make a crate.

If the installation will be carried out on the crate, then it is necessary to prepare wooden slats or a metal profile in advance. It is necessary to fasten the vertical strips with a distance that will depend on the width of the panel. It can be in the range from 30 to 50 cm. To facilitate the initial stage, there is a starting bar. It is a small metal box. With the help of a level or a laser level, a line is marked around the entire perimeter from which the installation will be carried out. Using dowels and screws, the profile is fixed. Installation starts from the corner, so the special corner panel is fixed first. It is from it that it is necessary to build on when carrying out further work.

When installing panels, it is worth moving from the bottom up, so the basement is lined first. The panels are fixed with self-tapping screws through the holes in the seams. Sometimes they are provided by the manufacturer. All seams are tightly joined so that there is no noticeable uneven coverage. As you move forward, the remaining corner elements are mounted. The latter are made in the same style with the panels and also have insulation under the cladding. When using thermal panels with natural finishing material for cutting, you will have to use a grinder with a diamond blade. If the cut passes through the joint, then it is necessary to give the cut the shape of a ridge. Special elements can be used to finish door and window openings. In addition to them, a regular tile or cement mixture is perfect. But at the same time, it is worth remembering that slopes also need insulation.

As the wall is finished with thermal panels, you can rest against the eaves. If there are still a few centimeters left before it, then you should not worry and trim the panels with insulation, but it is better to use a special decorative element. The installation of the rainwater gutter system is carried out after panelling. In this case, the panel must be drilled through to the wall, and the self-tapping screw must be selected so long that it is enough to fix it into the base. The final stage of finishing with brick-like panels or with clinker tiles is the processing of seams. For this, a special composition is used. It can be applied with a gun or by hand. It is worth remembering that work must be carried out at positive temperatures. A video on the installation of thermal panels with insulation can be viewed below.

Conclusion

As you can see, the use of panels with insulation for finishing solves many problems. The result is always excellent. With due patience, lining with thermal panels can be done independently. To do this, it is important to follow the basic rules of installation. One of the main requirements is the correct installation of the launch pad.