DIY installation of facade panels - step by step instructions!

Not every homeowner allows his financial condition to improve the house with stone tiles or decorative bricks. It's not only the cost of materials, but also the complexity and high cost of the installation. There are special facade panels for insulation and making the house more aesthetic. Such panels have many advantages, including a low price.

The main advantage is an easy solution in building improvement.

Panels are very simple products that have become popular due to their external qualities. They are able to transform an ordinary building into a beautiful and well-kept home.

The difference between facade panels, bricks and stones

The first thing to pay attention to is the price. Facade panels are made of high quality and inexpensive polymer. The production of such panels is much cheaper than the production of facade bricks and decorative stones.

The installation method is different. While a few fasteners and screws are enough for the panels, much more is needed for brick and stone. Stone and brick are laid out much longer, due to the peculiarities of their installation - cement, sand, water are needed. In addition, the stones must be matched to each other. The panels are installed on a pre-installed frame.

Various mineral wool and foam insulation materials can be installed under them.

What are panels for?

First of all, panels were invented not only as a means to decorate the facade of a building, but also as a way to hide additional insulation. Their main advantage is that in the space between the panel and the wall, where there are frame wastelands, you can additionally put a layer of insulation.

Unlike decorative stones and bricks, this method of improving the facade additionally insulates and allows you to keep warm inside the building. In addition, as already mentioned, the panels are very easy to install with your own hands, without the use of third-party equipment, materials and people.

Advantages of façade panels

This method of façade finishing has been invented as a cheap alternative. In addition, it is much easier and faster to install this kind of facade and related structures on your own than to lay out a facade from tiles, bricks and other materials. In addition, the plastic from which the products are made is durable.

Convenience during operation is also noted. This facade can be easily cleaned with water from a hose.

In addition, this method of finishing the facade allows you to simultaneously insulate the building itself. Additional components or special panels are used.

A significant plus of polymer panels is giving any shape and visual design. The panels are painted to match different materials - wood, the same bricks and stones. This is their multifunctionality.

The most important thing is not only the cheapness of the panels themselves, but also of the accompanying materials. The work will require a minimum of materials and forces. The disadvantages include the susceptibility of some products to mechanical damage. Another drawback - in the event of damage to one of the components of the facade, it will be necessary not only to replace the corresponding part, but also to dismantle the entire facade. However, it is much better and cheaper than replacing and repairing a facade made of natural materials.

Basic rules for installing panels

Before installing the facade panels, you must select the material from which they will be made, design and shape. In addition, the preparation consists in the acquisition of consumables (screws, dowels) and tools (screwdrivers, grinders, screwdrivers). Here the main advantage over brick and stone is observed - there is no need to purchase cement or sand.

In addition, the panel itself can not only decorate the walls of the building, but also the foundation. The building will look solid yet elegant monolithic.

Next, you should carry out preliminary measurements of the house itself. This is necessary to determine the squaring of the panels, an approximate calculation of the number of screws and dowels. After measurements, it will be best to draw out the approximate location of the panels, the creation of the frame structure itself. This is a general scheme of work on the installation of the future facade of the house.

Schematically, the preparation is as follows:

The most important rule for installing panels is to follow the diagram.

The first layer, the first panel laid down, is the most important part. If it is installed incorrectly, then the entire structure will have to be redone in the future. Use a level to determine the angle of installation for each panel. In this way it is possible to avoid uneven laying of the panels.

Prices for popular models of screwdrivers

Screwdrivers

Types of front panels

Choose for yourself the material from which the panels will be made.

Today, in addition to polymer panels, there are metal panels that are more durable. At the same time, plastic retains heat better. At this stage, the question of the appearance of the facade is also decided. The panels can be styled like wood, decorative brick, stone and much more. There are a lot of design solutions.

These are the most demanded and popular panels. There are certain differences not only in the material, but also in the installation of the facade itself. Each of the types of the future facade will be different in appearance.

Prices for various facade panels

Facade panels

Installation of metal siding

Everything starts identically: materials are prepared, the future structure is drawn schematically, and installation is carried out.

The profiles are installed in accordance with the drawn diagram at right angles to the base of the house with a pitch of 50 cm. The supporting profiles must be fixed with dowels.

After installing the vertical profiles, it is necessary to install transverse bulkheads. Here you need to make legs on each side of the panel for attaching to the profile. There are immediately ready-made frames, but such structures have a clear drawback - they must be fixed directly to the walls of the house.

If the wall is made of foam concrete, then such a frame may collapse. Also, the frame is not recommended to be installed on a silicate brick. Red brick walls are also not suitable for a prefabricated frame. In addition, such designs are more expensive than self-installed ones.

After the bulkheads have been installed, various types of insulation can be inserted into the formed rectangles.

Once the insulation is installed, the panels can be fixed to the frame. Each panel has holes for screws. This allows you to hide the seams and not violate the aesthetic appearance of the facade.

Schematically, the installation looks like this.

Stage 1 .

Drawing up a diagram of the house and the future frame for the panels.

Stage 2. Cleaning the building from unnecessary decor elements.

Stage 3 . Making an external frame on the walls of a building or installing a ready-made one.

Stage 4 . Installation of the ebb, starter bar and the very first row of panels. A level is used to determine the correct angle.

Step 5. The following rows are installed and then fastened to the frame.

Stage 6 ... Installation of the final plank, spotlights and decor elements.

In the future, similar installation elements are saved for each type of panels.

This is also a plus of the panels - their installation is similar, which means that you can easily learn how to install the facade.

Metal siding is a good option for a summer residence and a one-story house. These panels perfectly replicate the wood effect. In addition, the products are perfectly processed without unnecessary tools.Easy maintenance - just wash the polluted part of the house with water.

File for download. Metal siding installation work

Instruction

Prices for popular models of multifunctional cutters

Multifunctional cutter

Decorative panels for tiles (clinker)

A relatively new material that gives an aesthetic look to the facade and insulates the house at the same time. Such panels have two components - a base made of insulation and an outer coating. The covering can be stylized for any material - brick, stone, etc.

Such panels are attached very quickly, due to a simple method.

For fastening, you will need a spatula, construction glue, a prepared frame. The latter is not necessary, since such panels can be attached immediately to the wall. The frame serves to install an additional layer of insulation.

The panels are attached as follows - a mortar of building glue is applied to a notched trowel. With regard to mortar, each tile manufacturer indicates the proportioning formula required for installation.

The adhesive is applied to the product, which is applied to the exterior wall or frame. After that, the panel comes off after three minutes, and is again attached to the surface. This method is necessary in order to increase the bond strength.

Between the joints, the panels can be glued with building glue, and for extra strength the panels are fixed with screws. The only drawback of such panels is their high cost.

In return, you get not only a beautiful facade, but also a warm home.

Most likely, this is the best option not only to improve the appearance of the facade of the building, but also to heat insulation. Such panels look the most attractive because they take the form of various materials and products from them. The house can turn into a stone fortress.

In addition, in case of damage to one of the parts of the facade, there is no need to disassemble the entire structure.

It is enough to select the required size of the panel, remove the damaged one and install a new one.

The main recommendation is to install in the warm season, as the glue may not cure properly at low temperatures, and the whole structure will not adhere firmly to the wall. Each manufacturer indicates on the packaging at which air temperatures the panel is most correctly fixed.

Video - Installation, insulation with thermal panels

Video - Installation of facade thermal panels (PPU) with clinker tiles

Fiber cement panels for plaster

Such products have a number of advantages over others:

• the weight of such products is insignificant, on the walls and frame no load;
• high thermal insulation.In addition, it is additionally possible to install insulation between the frame and the panel;
• good condensation drainage.

  The walls of such a facade seem to "breathe".

However, such panels are not without drawbacks. The most important of these is fragility. Products are subject to mechanical damage. At the same time, replacing one panel entails recycling the entire frame.

The installation method can also be attributed to the pluses. Such panels are installed in the same way as the above metal siding.

Step by step, the whole installation looks like this:

• the installation site is being prepared. The facade must be cleaned and the interfering decor removed;
• an installation diagram is created. The scheme is necessary for further planning of purchases of materials in order to accurately calculate the number of panels themselves, additional elements and fasteners;
• the frame is made.

  It can be made of wood or profile. The frame can also be pre-ordered. The uprights must be installed 50 cm apart. Between them - transverse;

  

  The frame under the panel

• is the first panel from the bottom. Correct and even installation is the main stage in the work;
• panels are alternately exposed, which are attached to the frame with screws;

  

  Photo - the process of installing panels

  

  Installation on a wooden frame

  

  Installation of panels

• heaters are inserted into the space between the wall and the panel.

  It can be mineral wool or foam.

Video - Installation instructions for facade panels

Wooden siding

Perhaps one of the most expensive types of panels, but the most beautiful. The panels are made from pressed sawdust, treated with special solutions for strength and durability. However, if you do not take care of such a facade regularly (every two seasons), then it quickly deteriorates. In addition, this finishing method is only suitable for one-story houses, since the panels are heavy, the frame may not withstand.

As in the case of metal siding, wooden panels are attached to a prepared frame. The installation methods are identical:

• the frame is made of wooden blocks. But it is possible to install from a metal profile to facilitate the construction. The first post is installed at right angles to the base of the building, and the rest after half a meter are parallel.Between them, racks are installed across;

  

  Diagram of the device of a wooden lathing for siding

• a wooden frame must be treated with insect and moisture repellents;
• the resulting space between the racks can be filled with insulation.

  For insulation, mineral wool is recommended, since it will not only keep the heat in the house, but also allow condensation to drain out;

  

  Wall cladding block house

  

  Technology of facade cladding with wooden siding

• panels are fixed to the frame using clamps or screws.

The above panels can be replaced with longer ones. The advantage of such panels is that they are fixed directly to the wall one after another in a row. The length of such products is 6 meters. This is a faster way to install.

But in order to complete the work on the facade, at least two people are required. One person will not be able to cope with this work, since the panels may be installed incorrectly.

In order to cut off the unnecessary part of the panel, it is recommended to use a grinder. She will most quickly cope with such a product and cut off a part of the panel exactly.

The complexity of such products lies in their mass.

It is best to call an assistant for installation. So, the process will be optimally fast and correct.

Polyvinyl chloride panels

PVC siding is the easiest and cheapest way to decorate a building facade. Such panels are popular for several reasons: ease of installation; low cost; huge color options. Of the shortcomings, it is worth noting that such panels are made of plastic and any facade will look plastic even at the farthest distance.

This type of panel is installed exclusively horizontally. For work, you will need a construction knife or any other knife. In addition, a punch will be needed. You will also need a level to determine the angle of the panels, as well as a hammer for hammering in nails.

The initial stage of installing PVC panels is a preliminary inspection of the house.

The location of the first row of panels needs to be determined. In the case of a new building, it is recommended to install the panels from the beginning of the foundation. Also, PVC panels can be installed from the initial row of old finishes.

Next, the initial frame should be installed, namely: corners, both external and internal, platbands, first strips for fixing panels. Installation starts from the corners.

The gap between them and the cornice should not be more than 6.5 mm.

The most crucial stage on which the further fate of the entire facade will depend is the installation of the first strip of panels. It is important to install the first strip of fasteners as correctly as possible, since the fastening of the panel itself depends on it. If the strip was laid flat, then the panel will be flat.

It is necessary to install platbands, sills and linings on windows and doors. And after the steps taken, the installation of all the other rows of the facade begins. The top panel is inserted into the profile and hammered in with a nail, but not completely. There should be a spacing of 0.4 cm between the panels, and no more than 6 mm between other components.

In order to avoid vertical overlaps, it is recommended to install the panels at half the factory mark. So the joints will not be visible from the front side.

When installing panels, remember that parts of the products will need to be cut off. For this, a construction knife is used. You also need a ruler and a level to more accurately measure the angle and draw a straight line on the product.

We draw a line on the panel in the place where you want to cut a piece, carefully draw it several times with a knife. Plus plastic - it is ideal for such manipulations.

It is necessary to be extremely careful, since mechanical damage is very visible on such material.

Such panels are most in demand due to their ease of installation and low cost. In addition, PVC products are installed at different building heights because they are very lightweight.

Installation of such panels is simple and does not take much time.

The final step is to install the top row of panels. The top row only needs whole panels. In addition, the last panel is closed with a special watercourse profile.

Video - Installation of basement siding

Prices for thermal insulation materials

Thermal insulation materials

General recommendations

If you pay attention to the installation methods, there are no fundamental differences.

There are certain nuances that should be taken into account when installing the panels yourself:

1. The bottom layer is the most important. An evenly laid or installed panel is the key to correct and successful work. In the case of an incorrect installation, there is a high probability of replacing the entire structure.

   

   Installation of the first siding panel and correct engagement of the profile lock

2. The frame is an important component. In addition to clinker panels, other products require a frame.

   It will minimize the load on the walls of the house and distribute it correctly. In addition, various insulation can be installed in the space between the wall and the tile thanks to the frame.

   

   Wooden frame for siding

   

   The easiest way to insulate

3. The seams of the panels hide perfectly behind each other when correctly installed.

   

   Extension (joining) of siding panels along the length

4. Minimum number of tools - a building (preferably) knife is required to cut off excess parts of the panels , screwdriver, level, ruler. In addition, the installation of the panels will not take long.

5. If you feel difficult to install the panel yourself, without a specialist, hiring one person is enough. In the future, observing the work, you can easily repeat all the work done for other buildings.
6. Large field for design solutions. Most of the products are stylized like stone, wood and decorative brick. The house will look rich and elegant.

   

   Finishing the facade of the house

This is what a person needs to know if he independently decided to start installing panels. The process is not distinguished by its technical complexity. It is necessary to act carefully and carefully to achieve the desired result.

It is recommended to use high-quality products and materials, since such components will last for more than a dozen years. Low-quality panels deteriorate even during the installation of the facade itself.

Comparison of different panels

There are both pros and cons of each type of facade panel. We all have strengths and weaknesses.

The fundamental differences will be in the price and durability of the products. Of course, each of the above options has its own individual characteristics, for which such panels are chosen.

It should be noted that the panels are created not only to improve the appearance of the building, but also to hide various kind of heaters. Moreover, the panels allow you to hide not one, but even two or three layers of insulation.

It all depends on the type of products, the height of the frame and the correctness of its installation.

In addition, panels can and should be used to insulate not only living quarters. Such a move as insulation and the use of panels for the facade of a building is used in industrial enterprises. For large rooms, this is a huge plus in terms of saving heat inside the building. For the industry, PVC panels are most in demand due to the value for money.

Recommendations for installing panels

First of all, it is necessary to prepare the place of work. It is necessary to dismantle the elements of the stormwater system, lamps, and more. This is necessary in order not to damage the panels themselves and related products.

The installation of the panels must be neat. They must move on top of each other in order to easily install the corresponding panel in the correct position.

After all the panels are installed and secured, the result is obvious - a smooth and beautiful wall.

It is not necessary to seal the formed overlaps. It would be most correct not to use such sealants, since they will disrupt heat transfer and condensate drainage from the building.

A knife is one of the most essential tools. With its help it is necessary to adjust the length of the panels.

In the case of metal siding and wood panels, the knife is replaced with a grinder. It must be remembered that even corners are necessary for the correct joint of the panels.

After installing the facade, the most important thing is maintenance. If you take care of the panels properly, the structure will not lose its appearance and will serve for a very long time.

Video - House cladding procedure