House facades have a lifespan of 30 to 50 years, a simple facade plaster lasts 10 to 25 years (see "Service Life: How Long do Components, Devices and Installations Last?"). A new façade cladding with façade panels or façade systems made of wood, plastic or stone is more than just a visual measure:
As a rule, suspended façade cladding makes more sense. The cladding material, for example metal, wood, plastic, natural stone or fiber cement, is fixed to a substructure that is attached to the exterior wall. An insulating layer can be fitted between the cladding and the wall to increase the building's energy efficiency.
Facade cladding with wood is an attractive and sustainable solution for many houses. One of the biggest advantages is the natural beauty of wood. It gives buildings a warm, inviting character and blends harmoniously into the surroundings. In addition, wood is a renewable raw material that is environmentally friendly when properly managed. Another advantage is the good thermal insulation of wood. This can lead to energy savings as less heat is lost. Wooden facades also provide good sound insulation, which is particularly beneficial in noisy environments. However, there are also disadvantages. Wood needs regular maintenance to protect it from the elements such as rain or sun and pests. This maintenance can involve additional costs and effort.
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Clinker brick cladding is a popular method of giving buildings a durable and attractive appearance. Clinker bricks are fired clay tiles and are characterized by their robustness and resistance. Their durability is a major advantage. Clinker brick façades are extremely weather-resistant and low-maintenance. They can withstand rain, wind and even frost without any problems. Another advantage is their good thermal insulation. Clinker brick stores heat and thus contributes to the energy efficiency of the house. Sound insulation is also a plus point, as clinker bricks insulate noise effectively. One disadvantage of clinker brick is its high purchase price. Material and installation costs are often higher than for other façade claddings. In addition, laying clinker bricks can be time-consuming. Ceramic is an inexpensive alternative to clinker.
Plastic façade cladding is modern and cost-effective. A major advantage is the variety of designs and colors. This means that the appearance of a house can be customized. Plastic façades are light and easy to install, which saves time and installation costs. Another advantage is their low maintenance requirements. In contrast to wood or clinker brick, plastic does not require regular maintenance such as painting or sealing. Plastic facades are weather-resistant and retain their color and shape for a long time. However, there are also disadvantages. Plastic is less environmentally friendly, especially in terms of production and disposal. In addition, plastic façades offer less thermal protection than materials such as stone or wood and are more susceptible to damage from extreme temperatures or UV radiation.
Facade cladding made of fiber cement or Eternit is becoming increasingly popular for modern buildings. A major advantage of fiber cement is its durability and resistance. The material is resistant to moisture, mold and rot. This makes it ideal for areas with harsh climates. Another advantage is its fire protection. Eternit is non-combustible, which offers additional safety. Another advantage is the ease of maintenance. Fiber cement panels are low-maintenance and look good for a long time. However, there are also disadvantages. Installation is time-consuming and usually requires professional craftsmen. In addition, the purchase costs for fiber cement are higher than for some other materials.
Facade cladding with metal such as aluminum, copper or zinc is modern and elegant. Their greatest advantage is their durability and weather resistance. Metal façades do not corrode easily and are low-maintenance, especially when made of aluminum. Another advantage is the low weight of metals such as aluminum. This makes installation easier and is ideal for renovations. The variety of designs is also remarkable. Metal façades can be manufactured in many colors and shapes, which allows architectural freedom. One disadvantage of metal façades is the cost. Metals such as copper are expensive to purchase. Installation can also be more complex than with other materials. In addition, metals are good heat conductors, which can lead to energy losses without additional insulation.
Facade cladding with natural stone such as granite, sandstone or slate is timeless and elegant. Natural stone offers a unique aesthetic because no two stones are the same. The greatest advantage of natural stone is its extreme durability. Stone lasts for decades without losing its beauty and is very weather-resistant. Another advantage is its ease of care. Natural stone is low-maintenance and easy to clean. It is also fireproof. But there are also disadvantages. The biggest is the price. Natural stone is more expensive to purchase and install than most other materials. Installation is also labor-intensive and requires specialist knowledge. Another disadvantage is the weight. Natural stone is heavy and places particular demands on the statics of the house.
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Facade cladding with plaster is traditional, versatile and widespread. One major advantage is the freedom of design. Plaster can be applied in different colors, textures and patterns, which offers individual design options. Another advantage is the cost savings. Compared to other materials, plaster is often cheaper to purchase and process. In addition, plaster offers a certain breathability of the walls, which can contribute to a pleasant indoor climate. However, there are also disadvantages. Plaster can crack, especially if not applied properly or in extreme weather conditions. This requires regular maintenance. In addition, plaster offers less protection against moisture and can lead to mold growth if not applied properly. That's why plastering is a job for professionals.
If you are re-cladding the façade of your house and the façade is not yet insulated, you should definitely do both. Poorly insulated or uninsulated façades are responsible for a quarter to a third of the heat loss in a detached house. That's a lot of energy and therefore money. This is why thermal insulation is the most effective single measure for energy-efficient refurbishment. A facade renovation has an energy and cost saving potential of 10 to 20 percent. It protects the environment, eases the strain on your budget and pays for itself in just a few years. In addition, façade renovation improves living comfort and increases the market value of your property.
In our article "Insulating the Facade: Costs for a Facade Renovation" you can find out everything you need to know about the energy-efficient refurbishment of house facades.
