The foundation load-bearing structures of the building are mainly underground and hidden from the eyes. The socle is, in general terms, part of the structure or its foundation, which acts above the zero level. This is the area that we see, literally, the foundation on which the house stands. The basement area is visible in most buildings, even if the finish masks it under the main color and texture of the building.
The base is trimmed to make it look harmonious with the house without getting out of the general style. Untreated surface looks like a flaw, worsens the impression of the object as a whole.
However, the creation of decorativeness is not the only function of finishing. The task of plating the basement area is similar to the task of the base itself - the maintenance of wall structures, the reception of the load, its distribution and subsequent transfer to the base. Lining, like the base itself, is subject to constant pressure. It protects the basement level from the impact of negative factors.
Characteristics of the plinth and material for its finish
If the height of the socle is less than 0.4 m, it will be difficult to equip the waterproofing layer that is able to protect the wall from moisture. The plinth can be flush with the surface protruding or sinking. Most often there are protruding and even types of socle area, although the above-ground sinking parts of the base serve longer, since they are less susceptible to the effects of precipitation. The destructive factors permanently acting on the plinth are moisture, the temperature difference, the deforming forces of the off-season.
Materials from which the socle can be made - reinforced concrete, natural stone, brick. The beauty of natural stone allows it not to be lined. But the brick and concrete surfaces imply an exterior finish. The face materials can be: plastic, marble chips, ceramic tiles, siding, granite.
What is the finish of the
socket? When choosing the finishing materials, it is necessary to realize that decorativeness is important, but secondary, in relation to the resistance of the lining and its functional characteristics. The protective functions of facade materials must be taken into account first. For example, in houses where there is no underground, the plinth finish becomes a full support for the wall structures, taking on the pressure of the ground masses. Therefore, the choice of quality materials is not only a matter of beauty, but also of security.
In the presence of an underground room, the cladding is a chance to improve the thermal insulation properties of the basement area. Finishing, combined with insulators, improves the heat preservation in the room by an order, because it does not go outside through the cold plinth.
It is also necessary to pay attention to the performance characteristics of finishing materials, because wear resistance, strength to mechanical damages, and thermal conductivity, and low hygroscopicity are also important during use. It is impossible to allow the foundation of the house to be vulnerable to water, to pass through moisture, to lose heat.
However, not all materials have the necessary parameters. To solve this problem, polystyrene is used, combining it with finishing. The surface is insulated with foam plates, and then the installation of other coatings is carried out. Polyfoam complements the facings.
What materials can you trim the socle
Moisture transfer - the main thing that you want to avoid using facial decoration. To water vapor, passing through the wall into its outer layers, and encountering an insurmountable obstacle - the finish of the house, did not disturb your rest, the materials used must be of high quality. This will help avoid the condensation of moisture, drips, freezing, peeling of different layers of finish. The cladding should be protected from the penetration of water from outside and ensure the escape of vapors from the premises. It is important that its adhesion to the cap surface is reliable. Such materials as:
- siding comply with these requirements;
- special coatings;
- brick;
- natural stone;
- other materials( PVC, sand, polymers, decorative plaster).
Material compatibility rules
Finishing the socle with your own hands must take into account those materials that are already applied at the base of the design. For example, paint, suitable for the protection of brick products, for concrete - is unacceptable. By the way, modern paints do not shine with water, because they have additives that allow them to serve for a long time.
Siding finish of socle
When using siding, the exterior finish will be reliable and durable, it does not interfere with the normal passage of fumes. The main thing is to choose a siding, the purpose of which is the lining of the socle. Substantially different from others is the technology of mounting this material. It is required to simply install the finishing panels, with the expectation that their surface will not have to be painted. They are already smooth, beautiful and not corroded. The temperature range of siding application is from minus 50 to +60 degrees. Private and housing construction in most regions of Russia just fits into this gap.
Types of siding for finishing the basement area:
- lining, block house;
- metal siding;
- vinyl siding.
Molded board is a thin board for plating of premises. Block-house - lining in the form of a segment of cylindering. Materials are used for external or internal works. Despite the popularity of wood trim, the use of wood has a number of drawbacks, among which:
- poor tolerance of temperature changes and high humidity;
- susceptibility to burning;
- susceptibility to putrefaction and attack of insects;
- the need for frequent care( at least once a year).
Single layer, created by the details of the lining, provides high-quality sound insulation. Ecological cleanliness, convenience of finishing the board and accessibility, contribute to the popularity of wood.
Sandwich panels made of metal - fire resistant, not attractive for rodents and insects, are not very exposed to light burn. A considerable price and the need to use protective special coatings to avoid corrosion can be attributed to the negative properties of sandwich panels made of metal. Expensive and loading / unloading of material, because the panels have a lot of weight. Therefore, we advise you to use the skin with metal siding.
Vinyl siding - is used for facing the socle at least a tree. Ease of installation, reasonable price, ease of panels contribute to the use of this material in private construction. Up to 80 percent of the weight of the siding panel is the weight of polyvinyl chloride. And it's easy. But, high combustibility means observance of safety precautions, control over the state of the surface during welding and similar work. This type of siding is prone to seasonal changes. Panels have the property of decreasing or increasing their size, depending on the ambient temperature.
Special coatings for finishing the socle
Special coatings, it is primarily about facade paints, with the properties of high vapor tightness, special plasters. The application of these mixtures is convenient and easy, but the service life is short. But they well meet the needs of protection, suitable for the sinking base. The best solution in this category is siloxane plaster. The material showed itself perfectly, as a coating for the socle and its parts. Masking of defective surfaces, high "breathing" abilities, as well as the ability of plaster to provide moisture protection with rapid temperature changes, are appreciated by builders. The plaster mass is spread on a metal grid, equaling and reinforcing the surface. On top, the plaster can be painted.
Brick trim
Facial decoration with bricks is a classic of the genre. The main disadvantage of the method is high cost, compared with siding and special coatings. Another minus sign is a significant increase in the load on the base of the supporting structures. And the advantages include the strength of the brick and its durability. In addition to the brick, we will also include clinker tiles. External similarity with less weight, sometimes plays a big role in the choice.
Finishing with natural stone
The natural stone has the highest strength and excellent appearance. Stone trim of the socle is presentable, solid and status. The stone is laid if the base is monolithic or made of concrete slabs. Small cobblestones, flagstone, granite or marble - the type of stones is chosen by the owner. The installation of natural stone is complex, expensive and takes a lot of time, requiring specific skills. If there is no desire to tinker with individual stones, you can purchase a lightweight stone panel for the plinth.
Video - finishing the socle with natural stone
Other materials in the finish of the basement area
Other materials. Speech about panels or tiles, the main material of which is sand, polymers;special PVC panels, mosaic plaster, marble chips. In principle, there are no restrictions on the finish. If only the material gave the confidence that it will not break down from moisture and cold.
When laying a non-natural stone, as well as a tile on a monolithic, concrete or brick plinth surface, the installation is done by gluing / doweling. Mount an artificial flagstone is somewhat heavier than siding. It will be necessary to hang the steel guides, stretch the network of wire with certain cells that can hold the stone. Only then they produce the styling itself.
Facing materials are fabricated from mixtures: asbestos + cement, stone crumbs + cement, expanded polystyrene mixtures. An unnatural tile is made by mixing the ground stone with cement.
How to make a blind area of the basement area
The blind area also decorates the building, giving it solidity. Around the perimeter is a playground, which is covered with rubble or gravel, so that the water does not get a spray on the walls. The width of the blind area is determined, first, the size of the eaves from the eaves( on the roof), and secondly, the composition of the soil of the site. If the soil is not characterized by subsidence, the stand is widened by 10-15 cm. The minimum width of this perimeter platform is 0.6 m.
The blind area allows to establish the waterproofing of the cap. The mesh structure is concreted, then the concrete is finished.
General rules for finishing the socle
- Choosing color combinations for the decoration of the house, it is worthwhile to know that the darker lower part of the house that has a shade similar to the color of the roof is better perceived.
- Usually in design use either the principle of a similar color palette, or a combination of contrasts.
- In the case where above the section of the plinth wall, logs or simply the surface is smooth enough and smooth, the lining of the basement is suitable for stone elements capable of visually giving the structure a solidity.
- An example of self-facing plinth: we make the decoration of the socle with our own hands step by step - stone- "plastushka"
Determine the amount of material, color and thickness.
- Calculate the surface area under the lining. When buying a plate-plaster, you need to take 5-10% more to make it fit.
- The color of the stone should be in harmony with the appearance of the house. The dark roof is a natural sandstone with a red tinge, a light yellow color. The cheapest is a gray stone. The shades of red, green or blue will be more expensive.
- Thin stone - centimeter-one and a half - is more affordable than all.
Now, the procedure for working with natural stone. Given: flat base, for finishing which is suitable sandstone thickness of 15 mm, which can be laid on the cement slurry.
- It is necessary to prepare the surface where the stone is planned to be laid: remove the cement deposits in the seams, and ground the wall with concrete contact, applying it with a roller or brush.
- Selection of pieces of limestone with a flat side, which will be fixed to the cement. Application of cement on the wall. Instead of cement, you can take glue for tiles.
- Tightly glue the stone to the base and the adjacent stone. Tapping to let out air from under the flagstone.
- Pick the next piece, chipping excess if necessary. We paste, trying to get into the level with the previous one.
- The stone cladding is reminiscent of a mosaic collection. On approach to horizontal or vertical lines, we cut off stones that are not entering the horizon.
- Fill the small parts of the hole between the large stones, fill and clean the seams before the solution dries.
- We use a varnish to cover the dried surface, protect it with a visor over the plinth so that the rain does not destroy the material.