Architectural decoration - decoration of facades

Long gone are the times when all the buildings were built according to the pattern, today every new house can be turned into a work of art, and all thanks to the architectural decor. It is made of different materials: gypsum, polyurethane, foam, it all depends on the preferences of the architect and the owner of the house.

Gypsum decor

In the pre-revolutionary period, when the pace of construction was accelerating day by day, they began to pour out the architectural decor from gypsum. Basically, it was used inside the building, and outside was in the form of sculptures. To get good material resistance to weather conditions, gypsum elements were impregnated with turpentine, drying oil and rosin, and enhanced protection with vitriol. If the weather conditions were severe, instead of gypsum, concrete was used, and for saving, sawdust and sand were placed in the solution. This decor was very durable and preserved in almost unchanged form to this day.

And in the Soviet years the strength of gypsum stucco slightly decreased and, nevertheless, manufacturing technology was considered the best in the world. Gypsum casting is used now, and is very popular.

Pros of gypsum decor:

• high material density;
• long service life;
• possibility of restoration;
• greater resistance to tectonic shifts;
• can produce very complex shapes;
• possibility of transformation;
• by changing the additives you can achieve the desired properties.

Cons of gypsum decor:

• complicated installation;
• requires special storage prior to installation;
• long production time;
• shrink when drying, and joints appear;
• sensitivity to moisture;
• heavy weight.

Despite a significant number of drawbacks, gypsum remains the leading technology in the production of complex elements of architectural decoration.

Polyurethane decor

Polyurethane has all the properties to become a good material for facade elements.

From the advantages of architectural decor of polyurethane can be identified:

• strength;
• light weight;
• resistance to moisture;
• quality surface.

There are not many drawbacks to polyurethane products, but they are:

• high price;
• you can only buy the finished parts.

In order to make a unique decor, you need to first make a mold, but it is expensive. Thus, this technology is suitable for non-fiction construction. But if you invite a talented designer and buy products not just one company, but several, you can create an interesting image of the house.

The leading manufacturer of polyurethane molds is Europlast, whose architectural decor has been used for decorating the interior for many years.

Foam polystyrene foam

Foam polystyrene or, as it is also called, polystyrene is a more versatile material than polyurethane, because it is possible to create various shapes thanks to the thermo cutting of profiles. This technology was developed in the mid-90s by Europeans for rapid construction. The potential of this material is only revealed, one thing is for sure: it is light and with the help of a computer it is possible to quickly cut out the necessary form from the raw material. A layer of special mortar with a reinforcing mesh is rolled on top to give a hardness surface and protect it from moisture. In the finished form, the architectural decoration of the facade is easy to transport to the building site, installation does not require material and physical costs. It can be carried out at zero temperature, without fear of dampness. And if you use a winter installation mortar, then you can work with stucco and frost.

The architectural decor of foam has several advantages:

• the weight of the material is much lighter than stone or gypsum, so the foam does not give a big load on the foundation and the floors of the building;
• long service life - thanks to the protective coating, the architectural molding can serve for decades;
• low cost is the cheapest material from which decor is made. Also much less with its use and installation costs.

Drawbacks of the architectural decor of foam:

• is not suitable for decor with stucco elements, does not give room for creativity. You can only buy ready-made forms;
• is a fragile foam structure and natural drying can affect shape loss;If the protective coating is of poor quality, then the product will last no more than two seasons.

Mounting of architectural decor

Store products for architectural decoration in a warm and dry place. The weather for installation must also be warm and not wet. On the wet surface, the installation of architectural decorations can not be carried out. Also, large temperature differences between storage and installation conditions should be avoided. Before starting the installation, it is advisable to leave all the decor elements and glue in place for installation for a day.

Tools required for installation:

• saw with small teeth;
• stool;
• glue gun;
• measuring tape;
• sandpaper( thin);
• pencil;
• sponge;
• finishing nails;
• anodized screws;
• glue;
• hammer;
• forms for architectural decoration.

You can perform the installation yourself, without calling the masters:

1. In the place where the decor elements will be installed, it is necessary to remove the remains of mortar, pollution, mold. This procedure is performed mechanically, but a special solution can also be purchased.
2. The base must be level. If there is a deviation of at least a centimeter, then the ground is leveled. Plaster must be taped to determine if there are voids, after which they are leveled with a solution. If the facade was painted, then the paint, which is peeling, is removed.
3. Decorative panels to the base are fixed with special glue. If the forms are heavy, then they are fastened on anchors and fittings. But glue is used in any case, since it provides the abutment of the material to the base without gaps.
4. On the whole back of the decor element, apply glue and tightly press the mold to the base, hold a few minutes in such a position that the glue is in contact with the wall. If you need to additionally strengthen the fasteners with dowels, then you need to drill holes for them only after the glue dries completely.
5. Seal the holes for the dowels and the connection points using a façade sealant.
6. After the sealant has dried, the décor is painted with acrylic based facade paints.

After installation, the foam decor is visually the same as that of gypsum and stone.