Facade cladding with porcelain stoneware on a frame. Facade porcelain tiles suitable for “ventilated facade” technology

It is difficult to come up with a material that could replace porcelain stoneware for the facade.

Porcelain stoneware tiles have begun to be used everywhere: from cladding the facades of private houses to cladding elite shopping and entertainment complexes.

She looks aesthetically pleasing, expensive and modern.

But the range of prices for different types of façade porcelain tiles will surprise you. Porcelain tiles have changed, and now few people use the standard dimensions of 600*600mm.

Now its new brother has entered the market - thin large-format porcelain tiles. Or they use a regular one, but with dimensions of 1200*600mm or meter by meter.

Porcelain tiles for facades can be mounted without visible products on the facade - this makes it an elite material and puts it on a par with natural granite.

The ventilation façade system made of thin porcelain stoneware gave a new round of fame and popularity in the country’s façade market to a material already familiar to us.

Porcelain tiles are hard, durable, but fragile. To install a suspended ventilated façade, everyone strives to use materials that exceed the strength parameters of porcelain stoneware.

After all, the facade is not only at its best, but first floor and entry group subject to more severe exploitation. Often it is necessary to replace a broken facade slab.

Porcelain tiles for installing suspended facades can be used in all climatic regions Russia. Because it has 100 freeze/thaw cycles.

Advantages and disadvantages

There are many advantages, but there are also disadvantages to the porcelain stoneware façade. The benefits are different for each person. For some, expensive is good, but for others it is bad.

The undoubted advantages of this ceramic tile include:

1. Increased abrasion resistance and durability. Thanks to specially developed production technology, it is practically not subject to abrasion. Even significant physical efforts do not damage the surface layer and structure.
2. Not flammable. It can be used in schools, kindergartens and hospitals.
3. Slopes on ventilated facades can be made from façade porcelain stoneware. At the same time, fire resistant cuts will remain behind the cladding on the slopes.
4. Aesthetics. It not only protects the task from the outside, but also serves as its decoration. A wide color palette and variety of textures allow the implementation of any design idea.
5. Ease of installation - achieved by dimensional accuracy and specially treated surface.
6. Easy care.
7. The relatively low price of porcelain stoneware for the facade compared to the use of other finishing building materials.

Types of facing porcelain stoneware

Porcelain tiles differ not only in the size of the tiles, but, most importantly, in the thickness of the tiles.

The slab on the facade can be extremely thin - only three millimeters.

At the same time, thin porcelain stoneware is also wide-format; it can reach a length of three meters. Why it doesn’t break is because of the adhesive method of fastening.

Let's look at the features of each type of façade porcelain tile separately.

Standard facade porcelain tiles 600*600mm

The standard façade includes porcelain stoneware of any size, but with a thickness of at least ten millimeters, as we have already defined earlier. This is the most common type.

It is excellent for cladding buildings with ceramic tiles for a wide variety of purposes: from schools to city administrations.

Size and dimensions

Porcelain tiles with a standard thickness of 10 - 12 mm can have dimensions of 600*600mm, 1200*600mm, 300*600mm.

Moreover façade porcelain tiles can be oriented either vertically or horizontally on the building.

Colors and surfaces

Porcelain stoneware surfaces come in different textures:

1. Matte coating. Essentially these are slabs without additional processing, so they are the cheapest.
2. Polished slabs. These are slabs that have been polished, but they still have some roughness on the surface.
3. Polished slabs. Such slabs are first ground and then polished.

Polished slabs reflect sunlight better than others, so they are most suitable for facades in hot climates.

The color of creamogranite can be quite varied. Acceptable colors are indicated in manufacturers' catalogs. But, the richer and brighter the color, the more expensive it is. For example, blue and red are the most expensive shades of porcelain tiles.

A pattern in the form of stone or wood can be applied to both polished and honed tiles. Such porcelain tiles will cost more.

Laying options

The layout of porcelain tiles may surprise you with the options:

1. You can place rectangular porcelain tiles vertically.
2. Can be combined different variants sizes of porcelain tiles on the facade.
3. You can play with flowers.

It is not recommended to make a multi-plane façade of porcelain stoneware. It is difficult to install and looks angular at transitions.

Mounting methods

A ventilated facade made of thin porcelain stoneware can be created using both visible and hidden fastening methods. The ventilated façade schemes are described in more detail in. Here we briefly outline the essence of each technology.

The visible fastening method involves the use of a clamp.

A clamp is an element of a system made of of stainless steel, which secures the tiles at the four corners. The clasp is painted in the color of porcelain stoneware. This option is considered suitable for inexpensive finishes ventilated porcelain tiles.

The hidden method of fastening porcelain tiles is of two types:

• using a Keil hidden fastening bolt;
• using a clamp with fastening into the end holes of porcelain stoneware.

Hidden fastening allows you to hide the mechanical fastening from the surface of the facade from view. This facade is considered elite. And it can compete in external properties with natural granite.

The method of hidden fastening is shown in detail in the video, the only thing is that the cladding in the video is a natural stone. But Porcelain stoneware is attached to the ventilation facade in a hidden way using exactly this technology, using a Keil bolt.

Main manufacturers

Porcelain tiles are produced all over the world. In Russia the following are considered popular:

• Italian Estima tiles;
• Italian tiles Kerama Marazzi;
• Russian porcelain stoneware “Ural granite”;
• More cheap option Russian production– “Shakhtinsky”
• Chinese “Foshan Ceramics”, etc.

The brands of Chinese manufacturers are not well-known, but they are also represented on the market.

An important parameter of a porcelain stoneware slab for a facade is its geometry. In inexpensive analogues of the slab, the geometry is often broken.

Price

“Salt/pepper” – the cheapest porcelain tile

The cost is directly proportional to the popularity of the brands. Italian manufacturers are more expensive than Russian ones. Russian ones are more expensive than Chinese ones.

Among other things, the price changes when choosing more rich shades of the slab.

Blue and red are considered the most expensive colors.

The price of porcelain stoneware varies depending on the degree of processing.

Polished is the most expensive, polished is cheaper, matte is the most affordable.

Cream granite “salt/pepper” - with inclusions, is the cheapest of all - from 450 rubles / m2.

The cost of elite porcelain tiles can reach up to 2000 rubles/m2.

Thin large format porcelain tiles

Now we come to the most interesting thing - new products on the façade market. Thin porcelain tile is called so because its thickness is significantly less than the standard one.

This . They are used in visible and hidden ways.

Characteristics

Thin porcelain tiles are made using similar technology to conventional porcelain tiles. Clay, feldspar, dyes and stone chips are mixed.

But Unlike ordinary porcelain tiles, thin ones are made by rolling.

Colors and surfaces

Each manufacturer has its own collections of colors and shades. Usually, there are catalogs with flowers of different shades, called “monocolor”. Also colors like wood and stone. The design surfaces are different from the rest.

Surfaces, by analogy with ordinary porcelain stoneware, can be glossy, matte, or rough.

Thickness

The opportunity to reduce the thickness of porcelain tiles so much appeared due to the technology of soldering with it reverse side special construction material.

The construction fabric allows the thin porcelain stoneware slab to be flexible. That's why thin porcelain tiles have a small radius, i.e. can be bent radially.

Mounting methods

Depending on the thickness, a special strip is selected for attaching it to the structure of the curtain wall. But in addition to the plank, the porcelain tile panel will also hold the glue on the back side.

The glue is applied to special elements, let's call them agraphs. Agraphs represent a hook. Those. These are some kind of hooks on the back side of the cladding that are hung on the horizontal profile of the system.

Adhesive fastening provides additional support, in addition to the strip, for thin porcelain tiles.

There is a hidden method of fastening a panel of thin porcelain stoneware, without visible fastening on the surface of the facade. The hidden method involves assembling a cassette from aluminum profiles , then thin porcelain tiles are glued onto the assembled frame. The frame has hooks - ikli.

The method is very similar to . The cassette is hung on a carriage fixed in the profile using a hook. This way there is no visible fastening left on the outer surface.

Main manufacturers

Thin porcelain tiles for ventilated facades are produced by the same Italians. They love porcelain tiles, apparently. This is, for example, the Graniti Fiandre brand.

In general, all brands of thin porcelain stoneware are represented in Russia by the Bars company. These are Graniti Fiandre, and Kerlit, and Laminam, and Archskin.

Price

When thin porcelain tiles for ventilated facades first appeared on the market, their cost was in euros. In terms of rubles, the price tag was cosmic - from 10,000 rubles/m2.

But time goes by, now it's like this Porcelain tiles can be purchased at a price of 2,500 rubles/m2.

Although the material has been on the construction market for several decades, it is still little known to some developers. In order to make a conscious choice, you need to familiarize yourself with porcelain stoneware in more detail.

Artificial stone is made from powders by pressing under high pressure followed by firing. Pressing pressure up to 500 kg/cm 2, firing temperature up to +1300°C. The powder contains quartz sand, clay, kaolins, feldspars and mineral dyes. To give an original appearance, other additives can be used. At first, porcelain stoneware was used only as technical tiles, later it began to be used for the manufacture of flooring and plumbing equipment. IN Lately Porcelain stoneware tiles are used to cover the facades of various buildings and structures.

Unlike flooring, the thickness of porcelain stoneware slabs for facades does not exceed ten millimeters. Otherwise, the large weight of the structures has a Negative influence on the foundations of buildings. In addition, the requirements for the load-bearing performance of facade walls are increasing; not all of them are suitable for cladding with such material. There are no standard overall dimensions; manufacturers are guided by their own specifications. But for facades it is not recommended to use too small or large tiles, the size must be at least 40x40 cm and no more than 80x80 cm.

Unfortunately, domestic companies (Kerabud, Estima and others) cannot yet produce for facade finishing quality tiles large sizes. Professional builders strongly recommend purchasing products from Spanish or Italian companies: Alfa Ceramiche, AO Ceramicas Aparici, etc. You should not deal with the Chinese; the surface of the facade will be uneven due to problems with the accuracy of the slabs. The material belongs to the expensive category, you don’t need to throw away a lot of money and end up with crooked facades, even if they are made of fashionable porcelain stoneware.

Table of external surface options

Surface type	Features and manufacturing technology
	The cheapest option, porcelain stoneware slabs are not polished after firing, but only ground.
	A more expensive option, after grinding the surfaces are polished. Manufacturing requires sophisticated equipment. Dust does not accumulate on the surface, but microscratches are noticeable. Recommended for use on prestigious buildings.
	Before firing, mineral salt is sprayed onto the surface - due to the technology, one slab can have various colors. Satin porcelain tiles make it possible to create original geometric patterns on facade walls. In terms of cost, it belongs to the middle segment.
	During polishing, larger fractions of polishing materials are used, the technology is somewhat simpler, losses in stone thickness are reduced, direct production costs. Due to this, the cost is reduced.
	The surface has a matte appearance and imitates various types of natural stone.

Companies produce mosaic, glazed and other types of porcelain tiles, but they are not used for finishing facades due to their very high cost. To ensure that the edges of the artificial stone have ideal dimensions, they are cut with high-precision machines during manufacturing. The higher the quality of the tile and the smaller the deviation from dimensions, the easier it is to work with. But such material is not available to all consumers due to the high price.

Physical characteristics of porcelain stoneware

Name	Indicators
Frost resistance	At least 100 freeze/thaw cycles. According to these indicators, the slabs can be used in all climatic regions of our country without exception.
Water absorption	The high density of the material and the absence of micropores significantly minimizes the ability to absorb water. Water absorption does not exceed 0.05%, this is one of the lowest rates among all materials used for finishing facade walls.
Hardness	According to Mohs, the values ​​are in the range of 8–9, only glass has a higher value. But high hardness becomes a disadvantage - there is no ductility, the material becomes brittle.
Wear resistance	According to international standards, the material is divided into five groups. The first group is used for facades; in terms of wear resistance, it ranks last among all types of porcelain stoneware. Due to this, the cost of cladding the surfaces of facades is noticeably reduced, and for them wear resistance does not play any role.
Friction coefficient	Regulated by DIN 51130, minimum coefficient R9, maximum R13. For facing slabs, the coefficient of friction is not taken into account.

Prices for different types of porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles

Advantages of porcelain stoneware facade slabs

Relatively high cost facing material is fully justified by its excellent performance characteristics.

In all respects, porcelain stoneware for façade cladding exceeds traditional materials. The only problem is the price, but when you consider the additional savings on surface maintenance and excellent design performance, the high cost is justified.

Porcelain tiles for facade this moment- the most durable solution for building cladding

Step-by-step instructions for installing façade porcelain stoneware slabs

Important. Installation of façade porcelain tiles is a very responsible job. If you don't have any experience, don't take it. Poor quality execution will result in the loss of significant financial resources. In addition, a slab falling from a height can cause serious injury. Unconditionally follow all manufacturers' recommendations, use only those fasteners that are designed for a specific weight.

Wall cladding with slabs (ventilated facade system) consists of several structural elements:

• carrier system. It includes mounting brackets, vertical and horizontal guides. They are made of thick galvanized steel; special holes are provided to adjust the spatial position. They must not only withstand the weight of porcelain stoneware slabs, but also the wind load;
• thermal insulation layer, if you plan to install one. All modern buildings must be thermally insulated; this is provided for by current regulations. On old buildings the decision to additional insulation walls are accepted by each owner individually;
• facing finishing slabs. The dimensions and appearance of porcelain tiles are selected taking into account the planned design of the facade walls.

To carry out the work you will need an electric drill with a hammer drill, a device for installing rivets (if load-bearing frame collected with their help) spanners, plumb line and long precise level. If there laser level– great, marking will be done much faster and more accurately. If not, you will have to use a hydraulic level.

Before starting installation, remove near the wall, assemble scaffolding, and think about where to store materials. Be sure to work together, or better yet, three. The final number of people is determined taking into account the size and weight of the slabs. It is advisable to draw a wall on paper, indicate its dimensions and first think through a plan for placing the brackets, taking into account the linear dimensions of the slabs and the method of their fastening. Determine the locations for fixing the brackets, calculate their number and linear meters of horizontal and vertical slats. Taking into account the weight, choose dowels or anchors; the heavier the slabs, the stronger the hardware should be.

During pre-planning, count the number window openings and doors, determine the entry/exit points of utilities. They must be accessible for prompt elimination of emergency situations.

Step 1. Marking the wall. You need to immediately mark the location of the brackets on the wall. Drawings for the placement of brackets are included in the documentation for ventilated facades. Using them, determine the extreme control points.

Important. The brackets must be at a distance of at least 10 cm from the corner of the building, window and door openings, otherwise there is a risk of compromising the strength of the frame.

Secure the two uppermost brackets, lower a long plumb line from them and mark the lowest points. Use a rope with blue to beat off the vertical lines.

Step 2. Taking into account the dimensions of the porcelain tiles and the manufacturer's instructions, beat off the remaining vertical lines at the recommended distance. For most cases of finishing facades with porcelain stoneware slabs, the vertical distances between brackets are up to 1000 mm, horizontal distances are up to 800 mm. When calculating the quantity for the entire wall, round the resulting values ​​taking into account the dimensions façade wall.

Step 3. Use a laser or hydraulic level to make horizontal marks at the corners of the wall, and use a rope and blue to mark parallel lines. After marking, a grid with identical cell sizes should appear on the wall of the house. Check them in all respects, everything is fine - start drilling holes. Keep in mind that load-bearing brackets must also be installed around the perimeter of window and door openings.

Step 4. Use a hammer drill with a pobedit drill bit. The depth of the holes should be several centimeters greater than the length of the dowels or anchors. For porcelain stoneware slabs, it is recommended to use anchors; they can withstand significant forces. It is not safe to work with dowels.

Marking and drilling holes

Prices for popular hammer drill models

Hammers

Step 5. Immediately install the brackets within reach and carefully check the strength of the fixation. To prevent the appearance of cold bridges, gaskets can be installed between the wall and the brackets. Use only paronite ones, they have greater strength and do not deform under prolonged exposure to loads. Plastic ones can bend, which has an extremely negative effect on the strength of the entire structure. The design of the brackets has special holes for adjusting their exact position.

Step 6. After all the brackets are secured, proceed to insulating the walls. Building codes and the rules allow you to use only non-flammable materials, only those foams that do not support open fire are allowed. But it is better not to use it either; during combustion it releases deadly toxic substances. To lose consciousness, you only need to inhale the smoke a few times. Optimal solution– pressed mineral wool.

Practical advice. For insulation, take sheets at least 10 cm thick; thinner ones give little effect, and the labor costs are the same. But the final decision depends on the thermal conductivity of the wall.

Glass wool is secured with special dowels with large heads. Press the mats tightly against each other, install them in a checkerboard pattern, and do not allow any gaps to form. Any violations of technology lead to a significant decrease in heat saving efficiency. For one mat standard size there must be at least five fixation points. Remember that a gap of 2-3 cm between glass wool and the wall reduces the efficiency of heat saving by at least 60%. Air convection occurs in the gap due to the temperature difference, warm air goes outside, and the wall is cooled by incoming cold air.

Important. Do not cut large holes in the locations of the supporting brackets or create additional areas of heat loss. Figure out where the bracket will come out and only here cut the mat lengthwise or crosswise. How exactly to cut depends on the characteristics of the bracket.

Prices for mineral wool

Mineral wool

Mineral wool should be reliably protected from water. Cover it with a moisture-proof cloth; there is a huge selection of them on sale today. Polyethylene film do not use, moisture will accumulate under it, and condensation will appear in winter. Mineral wool is moistened, and as the relative humidity increases, the heat saving values ​​rapidly decrease.

At this point, the first part of the installation of porcelain stoneware slabs is completed, you can proceed to the second stage.

Step 1. Begin installing vertical and horizontal profiles. This is a very important moment; if all the elements are not located strictly in one plane, then great difficulties will arise during the fixation of the slabs. How to install elements correctly?

1. Fix the two outer supporting profiles strictly level and adjust their position in relation to the wall. Check the spatial position again.
2. Stretch ropes between them and mount the rest along them vertical elements. We have already mentioned that fixation can be done with rivets or bolts. Never buy elements that are fastened with self-tapping screws; they are made of thin steel and are not designed for heavy loads.
3. After the vertical slats are installed, fix the horizontal slats to them. The more often you check their position, the less disappointment you expect during the installation of porcelain stoneware slabs.

Step 2. Install the slabs. They are fixed using metal clamps.

Secure the two lower clamps, place the plate on them and fix the two upper ones. One clamp has two ears; they must hold two adjacent slabs. Thanks to this technology, their position is automatically adjusted; the edges will lie strictly on the same line.

It is important to maintain the gaps between the plates

The distance between the side edges of the slabs is controlled visually, but some types of clamps have special stops. Working with them is faster and easier, and the appearance of the façade wall improves.

Feudal attachment point on the outer corner of the building

Step 3. If there are pipe outlets on the wall or electrical cables, then technological holes should be made in these places in the porcelain slabs.

On the right way installed frame work is completed quickly. Remember that time lost on marking and installing load-bearing elements is always returned during installation.

Before choosing a specific installation method for porcelain tiles, consider the following factors:

• house dimensions;
• climatic features - temperature factor, prevailing wind direction, average annual precipitation;
• designer look and personal budget options.

The load-bearing elements of the frame must be made of the same metal, otherwise currents will appear at the contact points, accelerating corrosion. Never skimp on the strength of the brackets, always buy the most reliable ones. Porcelain tiles have a lot of weight, you need to constantly remember this.

Work only in good weather; if there is a chance of rain, protect structures from water ingress. Manufacturers claim that structures can be installed at air temperatures down to -15°C, but we do not recommend listening to them. Not because the structures won’t hold up, but because working in such conditions is very difficult. As a result, there may be a violation of technology, errors during marking or fixing frame elements. In addition, snow that falls on mineral wool will definitely melt someday. And increasing the humidity of the insulation by just 5% increases thermal conductivity by 50%. Mineral wool gets wet quickly, but takes a long time to dry. Moreover, if it is protected by façade membranes.

For porcelain stoneware slabs, be sure to install vertical and horizontal supporting profiles. The combined frame evenly redistributes bending and torsion, compression and tension loads. The design becomes very reliable and durable. If the strength of fixation of vertical profiles is impaired, the load is taken by horizontal ones and vice versa. The disadvantage of the combined system is the increased cost. But you shouldn’t skimp on safety.

Carefully make connections and frames; cover the side ends only with solid slabs. Special attention Pay attention to the plinth and places where it joins the roof. Eliminate the possibility of moisture ingress, but do not close the ventilation. Based on the results of the inspection of defective facades, it was found that 55% of problems were due to improper installation of porcelain tiles, 40% due to incorrect markings and 5% due to unprofessional selection of load-bearing elements.

Facade finishing - photo

Video - Installation of a ventilated facade made of porcelain stoneware

A ventilated facade made of porcelain stoneware allows for natural air circulation under the layer decorative covering. In addition, the use of this type of facing tile helps to increase the service life of the structure due to the high strength characteristics of the material. The finishing of the façade with porcelain stoneware is carried out using a special technology. In this case, the thickness of the decorative layer is much greater than when laying directly on the rough surface of the wall.

This is the name of the system of cladding an object, which simultaneously provides the ability to protect the surface from moisture and insulate the supporting structure; it also makes the walls more attractive. The curtain wall is based on a frame made of metal profiles, which can be made of aluminum, galvanized or stainless steel.

Experts believe that porcelain tiles can only be installed on aluminum construction. This option will serve for a long time, it is characterized by sufficient strength, lightness, and is less susceptible to corrosion, i.e. the service life of the structure is increased many times over.

The supporting profile is attached to the wall using brackets. When installing tiles, it is recommended to use a hidden fastening method, then the appearance of the coating will be further improved. Between the metal frame and load-bearing wall the object is insulated. It is laid on the surface, having previously been protected from moisture, and a windproof covering must be secured on top.

Thanks to the presence of insulation and membrane materials, heat loss is reduced. However, this is not a mandatory step when installing a ventilation facade. There is an option to install a frame without insulation. This reduces costs for Finishing work, however, the cost of heating the house increases. For this reason, a thermal insulation layer is still much more often included in the design of a ventilation facade.

There must be a gap between the insulation and porcelain stoneware. It is left to ensure natural circulation. The presence of an air gap also helps reduce heat loss. Thanks to this feature, it is possible to use thinner insulation. Its efficiency will not decrease, but at the same time the costs of purchasing heat will be reduced. insulating material(the price of slabs of small thickness is lower).

Which buildings are best suited for porcelain stoneware façades?

When this material first appeared on the construction market, it was used for finishing large commercial and administrative buildings: banks, restaurants, consulates, international hotels. Today, with the help of porcelain stoneware, facades of private housing of any size are faced shopping centers, small offices. The tiles provide additional fire protection in areas with increased fire hazard. The facade made of porcelain stoneware makes the buildings of schools, hospitals, kindergartens (mostly private) more attractive.

Types of facing porcelain stoneware

This type of material is represented by a small number of options, different in color and texture. The tiles are divided into groups according to dimensions:

• porcelain tiles for facades standard thickness— 10-12 mm;
• ultra-thin material 3-6 mm thick.

The last option is characterized by large dimensions, sometimes the side length of the product reaches 3 m. The composition of the material does not differ from its standard thickness counterpart, but is produced using rolling technology. This ensures a minimum thickness of porcelain stoneware. To fasten large slabs, an adhesive method is used; in order to strengthen the structure, a special strip is used.

Products of standard thickness (10-12 mm) have the following dimensions: 600x600, 1200x600 and 300x600 mm. The most common way to fix slabs is to use a clamp. This is a fastener for hidden installation. Thanks to these elements, it becomes possible to replace a deformed section of the coating.

Porcelain tiles for ventilated facades are distinguished by texture:

1. polished (glossy);
2. matte;
3. rough (using the grinding method).

The choice is made in accordance with operating conditions. Thus, polished products are more often used in areas with hot climates, since this type of porcelain stoneware reflects the sun's rays well.

Specifications

The facing material goes through several stages of production: pressing, firing, surface treatment. Thanks to this technology, it is possible to positive properties coatings such as:

• wear resistance (there are 5 classes, differing in the degree of susceptibility of the tile to mechanical stress);
• lower thermal conductivity coefficient of the material compared to natural stone, which makes it possible to obtain a more effective thermal insulation structure;
• frost resistance (facade tiles can withstand up to 50 freezing/defrosting cycles, thereby increasing their service life);
• minimum water absorption rate (0.05%). For comparison, most types of tiles absorb moisture more intensively (up to 4.5%), and it is recommended to use material for a ventilated façade that absorbs no more than 3% of water from the total volume;
• immunity to influence ultraviolet radiation(the material retains its color and properties throughout the entire period of operation);
• high strength(in this parameter the material is similar to granite, but is offered at a lower price than natural stone).

Advantages and disadvantages of use

Positive qualities there is quite a lot of material. For example, fixing porcelain tiles is carried out in different ways; the choice is made taking into account financial capabilities. In addition, the likelihood of future repairs is taken into account. If glue is used, the slabs can only be dismantled by breaking their integrity. Other benefits:

1. long period of operation, due to the properties of the material;
2. fireproof qualities;
3. high thermal insulation properties insulation (due to low thermal conductivity);
4. easy maintenance, no need to use aggressive agents to remove complex stains, since the roughness of the tiles is small, and polished porcelain stoneware is characterized by smoothness;
5. Relatively simple installation allows you to do the work of installing vertical guides and plates yourself.

There are few disadvantages to this type of coverage. Thus, the increased weight of the material is noted. If large slabs are used, the supporting structure is under greater pressure. In addition, the price of porcelain stoneware is higher than most modern analogues of artificial origin.

Step-by-step instructions for creating such a facade

At the initial stage, marking is made. It is necessary to indicate the beacon lines formed when drawing the bottom line and side mark, and intermediate attachment points.

Using this marking, the installation of load-bearing profiles (vertical U-shaped and horizontal L-shaped) is carried out. They are attached using brackets. When the holes are connected on 2 elements at the intersection of the profiles, fasteners are installed: screws and dowels. If you plan to install insulation, then the slabs of heat-insulating material are fixed to the wall using disc dowels before the horizontal and vertical guides are installed.

A wind barrier is attached on top of the insulation - a membrane material that does not allow moisture and wind to pass through. It must be taken into account that the thermal insulation must be between the bracket and the wall. Clamps are used to fix porcelain stoneware. These fasteners are installed on profile design using rivets.

The technology for arranging ventilated facades makes it possible to protect the facade of a building and insulate it, while preventing destruction of the load-bearing wall due to exposure to moisture and temperature changes. The key feature of the ventilated façade is the presence of an air gap.

Structurally, the ventilation façade structure can be imagined as a pie consisting of three layers: a supporting system of profiles (frame), thermal insulation material And protective screen(facing material).

Ventilated facade made of porcelain stoneware - cladding the basement of a private house

The ventilated facade system allows the use of a variety of facing materials from vinyl siding to metal cassettes. One of the modern materials that can often be found on the facades of buildings is ceramic granite (porcelain stoneware).

Advantages of finishing the facade with porcelain stoneware:

• aesthetic appearance. The porcelain stoneware facade gives the building a solid and stylish appearance;
• variety of decor. Wide range of colors, possibility of combining colors, different size facade tiles made of porcelain stoneware - all this allows you to implement your original project and make your house unique;
• possibility of replacement. Ease of installation makes it possible to replace part of the tiles or all of the facing material when changing design, style, fashion, and other factors;
• resistance to environmental factors;
• soundproofing properties;
• Fire safety;
• environmental friendliness;
• resistance to dynamic and static loads;
• ease of operation and maintenance;
• high maintainability;
• long service life.

In addition, porcelain stoneware makes it possible to cladding the facade at any time of the year with a high speed of work. Also, façade porcelain tiles are distinguished by their relatively low cost. The price of porcelain stoneware today is lower than the price of fiber cement or composite materials.

The disadvantages of a ventilated façade made of porcelain stoneware include:

• significant weight, which entails the installation of a powerful subsystem (frame);
• high total costs for arranging a ventilation façade (due to high weight)

Porcelain tiles for facade

Facade porcelain tiles belong to the group of artificial finishing materials. The following raw materials are used for the production of porcelain tiles: clay, sand (quartz), feldspar. The use of natural dyes makes it possible to obtain slabs different color or stylized “granite-like”.

The manufacturing technology of porcelain tiles is similar to tiles, only the tiles are fired at a temperature of 1200 °C, which gives it high strength characteristics. In terms of strength, porcelain stoneware is superior to natural stone.

Porcelain tiles for facades - technical characteristics

Analysis of façade porcelain tile parameters

Dimensions (length x width)	300x300, 600x300, 600x600, 1200x295 and 1200x600	The most optimal (popular) size of porcelain stoneware tiles for the facade is 600x600 mm.
Caliber	Actual size of porcelain tiles. Permissible deviation 0.5 mm.	There is a concept of “monocaliber”. In this case, the tiles undergo additional calibration to give them the same size.
Thickness	Minimum – 5 mm Maximum – 12 mm
Moisture absorption	not > 3.5%
Flexural strength	> 28 MPa
Frost resistance	> 25 cycles
Wear resistance of the coating	classes: PEI I, II, III, IV, V	Class PEI minimum wear resistance. Classes IV, V are intended for finishing facades on a busy street
Specific gravity	2400 kg/m3	Allows you to calculate the weight of one tile
Texture	– unpolished	The result of natural firing of clay. Distinctive characteristic: low cost
	– polished	Processing on a diamond wheel. Defining property: smooth sparkling surface.
	– polished (matte)	Additional processing. Main quality: ease of care
	– embossed	Transferring the texture of the material (stone, wood) Parameter: anti-slip properties.
Manufacturers	Italy, Russia, China
Price	4000-1500 rub. per m2

Dimensions of façade porcelain tiles

Which façade porcelain tiles are best to use?

In order for a ventilated facade made of porcelain stoneware to effectively perform its functions, you need to competently approach the choice of material, namely, pay attention to:

• multiplicity of tiles. To avoid unnecessary seams, you need to design the façade cladding in such a way that only whole tiles are used. The calculation is made taking into account the thickness of the seam;

• tile size. The smaller the tile, the more seams there will be, the more it will “ripple” in the eyes (subjective opinion);

• caliber. The greater the difference in tile sizes, the more difficult its installation will be and the lower the aesthetics of the cladding;

• color, texture, texture. It is important, both from the point of view of the identity of the tiles with each other, and from the point of view of compatibility with other elements of the facade;

• operational parameters (wear resistance, frost resistance);
• price.

Important. Porcelain tiles are purchased taking into account trimming, breaking, etc. When designing, the margin should be 7-10%.

Color palette of façade porcelain tiles

Installation of ventilated facades made of porcelain stoneware

The significant weight of porcelain stoneware leaves its mark on the installation of ventilated facades, namely on the subsystem of load-bearing profiles.

The frame for a ventilation facade made of porcelain stoneware consists of a complex system of profiles (main and intermediate), brackets and hardware.

A ventilated facade made of porcelain stoneware is mounted only on an aluminum profile system (manufacturers’ recommendation). However, in order to reduce the cost, installation is carried out on a galvanized system.

Fastening porcelain stoneware to the facade

The choice of porcelain tile fastening system is important for the aesthetics of the building. There are two methods of fastening:

1. Glue method - installation of porcelain tiles with glue

To fix the slabs, adhesives based on elastic polyurethanes are used. The elasticity of the adhesive composition allows you to compensate for the mobility of building elements under the influence of high temperatures and dynamic loads.

The specificity of adhesive fastening is the use of glue and double-sided tape, which are applied to the slab and allow it to be fixed to the profile. The tape performs a supporting function until the glue is completely polymerized.

1. Mechanical method - installation of porcelain stoneware on clamps

The technology for installing slabs involves the use of fastening elements - clamps.

There are two types of fastening here.

• hidden fastening of porcelain tiles to the facade. In this case, a guide profile is used, onto which porcelain stoneware is installed using a clamp for hidden fastening;

• visible fastening of porcelain stoneware to the façade. An ordinary clamp is used for installation. The disadvantage of this system is that the fasteners remain visible (clasp antennae). And the advantage is greater speed of work completion and lower installation costs.

Another way to attach porcelain stoneware to the facade using a rusticated profile.

Installation of ventilated facades made of porcelain stoneware

Facade porcelain tiles are used primarily for cladding large buildings (high-rise buildings and large areas): administrative buildings, shopping centers, entertainment complexes, etc. But finishing of low-rise buildings - country houses, private houses - is not excluded.

It should be understood that it is quite difficult to install a ventilated facade made of porcelain stoneware with your own hands; this requires knowledge and experience, as well as a clear understanding of the installation technology, the features of the device and the intricacies of this process.

Installation technology for ventilation facades made of porcelain stoneware

The installation of porcelain stoneware facades is carried out step by step in several stages:

Design of suspended ventilated facades

The number of porcelain tiles, the number of clamps, brackets, guides are calculated, and the location of their installation is also calculated.

Approximate consumption of materials per 1 sq.m. in tables

Preparatory work

It is assumed that the place of execution will be fenced installation work(distance 3 mp from the building), ensuring work safety, purchasing, delivery, sorting (if necessary) of material, etc.;

Preparation (façade) of the wall surface

Involves inspecting the wall surface, removing strongly protruding elements, eliminating falling elements, and priming. As part of this stage, the surface is marked and the points on which the brackets will be mounted are determined. In this case, the order of marking is carried out in strict accordance with project documentation:

• a horizontal bottom line is applied;
• The installation locations of the brackets are marked along the line;
• two vertical lines are drawn along the edge of the wall surface;

It is convenient to apply markings with paint rather than chalk. A level is used to control the accuracy of application.

Installation of brackets (supporting and load-bearing)

A 5 mm hole is drilled under the bracket for the ventilation façade using a hammer drill. less than the diameter of the hardware. A paronite gasket is placed between the bracket and the wall. The fastening of brackets is approached responsibly, because... This key element ventilation façade fastenings.

Installation of thermal insulation material

Soft insulation in slabs (for example, basalt wool) is placed between the brackets and fixed to the wall with umbrella dowels. At this stage, 2 fastening options are used: dowels or a plate can be fixed with foam glue. The main thing is that the sheet does not move.

It is worth noting that installation begins from the bottom row, while it is advisable to install the bottom plates on the starting or base profile. The purpose of the profile is to support the bottom row of sheets during installation and protect it from rodents and other pests. Subsequent sheets of insulation are mounted offset by half the sheet (slab).

Installation of film (membrane)

A diffusion membrane or helicopter protection film covers the insulation and prevents its destruction from the air flow that passes through the ventilation gap. The film is attached with an overlap of 100-150 mm along all edges. After installing the film, umbrella dowels are inserted through it, with which the insulation is thoroughly secured (nailed).

Installation of guide profiles

The procedure for installing profiles for a curtain wall:

• install the profile into the groove of the support and guide brackets;
• leave the profile unfixed in the support brackets, this will allow it to move, providing compensation for thermal expansion;
• in the guide brackets the profile is fixed with rivets;
• at the vertical intersection of the profiles, it is necessary to provide a gap of 10 mm. It is also designed to compensate for thermal deformations.

Installation of porcelain stoneware slabs

Cladding using glue is carried out according to the instructions of the glue manufacturer. Installation of porcelain tiles on the clamp is performed in the following sequence:

• determine the installation location of the clamps on the T-shaped profile (in accordance with the project);
• drill holes for them. Please note that the work is performed not with a hammer drill, but with a drill;
• secure the clamp with rivets;
• install porcelain tiles on the clamp.

Fastening facade porcelain tiles in a hidden way requires a slightly different procedure. The sequential installation of the frame is shown in the diagram.

And the plate is attached to the clamp by making cuts at its ends. This approach allows you to hide the porcelain tile fastening point and reduce the load on the frame. There must be at least four attachment points for the plate.

In conclusion, we note that the installation of a ventilated facade made of porcelain stoneware on a large building is really difficult task, requiring the involvement of professionals. However, in private construction it is quite possible to do it yourself. Because due to the smaller amount of work, the complexity of installation is reduced. In this case, it is advisable to consult a specialist when designing and calculating the material.

Finishing the facade of a private house with porcelain stoneware will allow you to get a modern and reliably protected facade with a long service life.

Tags: Facade Ventilated facade Porcelain tile

To reliably protect a building from the effects of weather factors, a ventilated curtain façade made of porcelain stoneware is increasingly being used. With its help, the appearance of the building is improved, heat saving is increased, and good temperature regulation is ensured. The design is a complex system, the functionality and durability of which depends on precise adherence to the technology for installing a ventilation facade made of porcelain stoneware.

Curtain facade of this type consists of a frame and cladding, the role of which is performed by porcelain stoneware. In rare cases, tiles made of natural stone, metal or plastic are installed instead. The frame is made of a metal profile attached to the wall, onto which porcelain stoneware is hung. The structure is assembled using a guide profile, brackets, anchors, inserts and rivets, and when assembled it consists of the following elements:

• Metal profile frame.
• Thermal insulation material.
• Vapor barrier and ventilation gap.
• External cladding.

Preparatory work

Before starting work, the vertical and horizontal deviations of the plane on which the work will be carried out are checked with a plumb line or theodolite. This will let you know where shortened or extended brackets will be needed. Marks are made on the location of the cladding on the wall, taking into account the thickness of the seams, which will allow you to approximately calculate the consumption of the tiles.

There is a zero mark for the building so that you can use it to guide you when checking the horizontal seam on the façade cladding. Vertical axes equal to the size of the tile plus the thickness of the seam are broken down.

Subsystem

Installation of the structure begins with the installation of brackets. This is the most loaded part of the system, and the stability of the entire structure depends on the strength of its fit. It consists of a fixed part, attached to the wall through a gasket, and a movable part, where a vertical profile is mounted. The parts are bolted together through an oblong hole in the moving part, which serves to adjust the length.

The second type of bracket is a movable corner bracket; it is assembled in the same way as a simple one and is attached to the outer corners. The choice of the length of these parts depends on the unevenness of the wall and the thickness of the insulation layer. If the length of the bracket is more than 1100 mm, use a reinforcing washer installed under the anchor. A thermal break plate must be placed under the bracket itself.

The length of the bracket is calculated so that between the slab and the vapor barrier there is air gap 50 mm.

Almost always the walls of a building are uneven. But installation of panels requires a leveled plane, for this:

1. Two brackets are nailed to the upper corners of the building and plumb lines are thrown.
2. A cord is pulled between the brackets to check the curvature of the wall, and it is measured relative to this indicator.
3. The brackets are aligned with the plumb line vertically and along the length of the overhang while simultaneously fastening them to the wall. This creates an even vertical on one side of the wall. The same operation is repeated on the other side.
4. The remaining fasteners are mounted in the resulting plane. The first row is mounted 50-60 cm above ground level, so that a subbase is placed in this place, which is recessed to a depth of 2.5 cm.
5. The distance between the brackets in the horizontal and vertical directions is specified by the design and depends on the type of system.
6. For the lower subbase, additional brackets are installed in a horizontal position.

Porcelain stoneware façade installation diagram

Thermal insulation installation technology

After attaching the brackets, begin installing the insulation. For this:

1. Under the brackets, holes are cut in the insulating material board through which the metal parts pass out. After placing the insulation, the cracks are sealed with pieces of material used for insulation.
2. Accommodation thermal insulation boards on the wall and fixing them with special fasteners with wide caps. The joint between the slabs must be filled.

If the insulation needs to be placed in two layers, it is unacceptable to combine the seams. At the corners, the slabs overlap, completely covering the corner.

After installing the insulation, the facade is protected from the penetration of moisture and wind by a breathable vapor barrier film, which does not let moisture in, but allows it to evaporate from the insulation. From above and from the side it is folded between the insulation and the wall. It is fixed using insulation fasteners with a consumption rate of 5 pcs/m². At the junction, the lower layer overlaps 10 cm under the upper layer to prevent draining condensate from getting inside. All overlaps are pierced with insulation fasteners.

Installation of vertical profile

Parts of the vertical profile are divided into 3 types:

• T-shaped, for slab joints;
• L-shaped, for the middle of the slab;
• Corner profile, placed on the openings of windows and doors, and corners of the building.

Before starting installation, pay attention to the joint of the vertical profile. It should not be allowed to be docked on the bracket. This is done between the brackets using a mounting rail. The connection must be secured with all rivets.

Fastening porcelain stoneware

Ceramic slabs are fastened using clamps, which come in four types:

• Single clamp side;
• Double-clamp side;
• Double-clamp upper and lower;
• Four-clamp.

A sealing gasket is inserted between the tile and the clamp. If you install it without it, there will be no rigidity of fastening. The procedure for fixing tiles is as follows:

1. According to the previously applied mark relative to the “zero”, the first clamp is set, and through drilled hole connected by riveting.
2. A tile is placed on it, and the next one is attached to it. All other tiles are installed using this principle.
3. Installation of slopes and ebbs that go under the tiles. Fire cut-offs must be installed.

A ventilated façade made of porcelain stoneware is a reliable, practical and durable type of exterior covering. At the same time, its installation is complex, which will not allow a person without experience to carry out all operations without a qualified outside help. High-quality work is impossible without phased implementation the entire installation process in full accordance with design documents by experienced specialists.

Although the material has been on the construction market for several decades, it is still little known to some developers. In order to make a conscious choice, you need to familiarize yourself with porcelain stoneware in more detail.

Facade porcelain tiles

Installation of a ventilated facade

Manufacturing technology and main types

Artificial stone is made from powders by pressing under high pressure followed by firing. Pressing pressure up to 500 kg/cm2, firing temperature up to +1300°C. The powder contains quartz sand, clay, kaolins, feldspars and mineral dyes. To give an original appearance, other additives can be used. At first, porcelain tiles were used only as technical tiles, but later they began to use them for the manufacture of flooring and sanitary equipment. Recently, facades of various buildings and structures have been covered with porcelain tiles.

Porcelain tiles allow you to implement complex architectural projects

One of the options for porcelain stoneware finishing

Unlike flooring, the thickness of porcelain stoneware slabs for facades does not exceed ten millimeters. Otherwise, the large weight of the structures has a negative impact on the foundation of buildings. In addition, the requirements for the load-bearing performance of facade walls are increasing; not all of them are suitable for cladding with such material. There are no standard overall dimensions; manufacturers are guided by their own specifications. But for facades it is not recommended to use tiles that are too small or large; the size should be at least 40x40 cm and no more than 80x80 cm.

Porcelain tiles for facade

Porcelain stoneware facing tiles

Unfortunately, domestic companies (Kerabud, Estima and others) are not yet able to produce high-quality large-sized tiles for facade decoration. Professional builders strongly recommend purchasing products from Spanish or Italian companies: Alfa Ceramiche, AO Ceramicas Aparici, etc. You should not deal with the Chinese; the surface of the facade will be uneven due to problems with the accuracy of the slabs. The material belongs to the expensive category, you don’t need to throw away a lot of money and end up with crooked facades, even if they are made of fashionable porcelain stoneware.

Table of external surface options

	The cheapest option, porcelain stoneware slabs are not polished after firing, but only ground.
Glossy (polished)	A more expensive option, after grinding the surfaces are polished. Manufacturing requires sophisticated equipment. Dust does not accumulate on the surface, but microscratches are noticeable. Recommended for use on prestigious buildings.
Satin	Before firing, mineral salt is sprayed onto the surface - due to the technology, one slab can have different colors. Satin porcelain tiles make it possible to create original geometric patterns on facade walls. In terms of cost, it belongs to the middle segment.
Semi polished	During polishing, larger fractions of polishing materials are used, the technology is somewhat simpler, losses in stone thickness are reduced, and direct production costs are reduced. Due to this, the cost is reduced.
Structured	The surface has a matte appearance and imitates various types of natural stone.

Features of porcelain tiles for facades

Companies produce mosaic, glazed and other types of porcelain tiles, but they are not used for finishing facades due to their very high cost. To ensure that the edges of the artificial stone have ideal dimensions, they are cut with high-precision machines during manufacturing. The higher the quality of the tile and the smaller the deviation from dimensions, the easier it is to work with. But such material is not available to all consumers due to the high price.

Physical characteristics of porcelain stoneware

Frost resistance	At least 100 freeze/thaw cycles. According to these indicators, the slabs can be used in all climatic regions of our country without exception.
Water absorption	The high density of the material and the absence of micropores significantly minimizes the ability to absorb water. Water absorption does not exceed 0.05%, this is one of the lowest rates among all materials used for finishing facade walls.
Hardness	According to Mohs, the values ​​are in the range of 8–9, only glass has a higher value. But high hardness becomes a disadvantage - there is no ductility, the material becomes brittle.
Wear resistance	According to international standards, the material is divided into five groups. The first group is used for facades; in terms of wear resistance, it ranks last among all types of porcelain stoneware. Due to this, the cost of cladding the surfaces of facades is noticeably reduced, and for them wear resistance does not play any role.
Friction coefficient	Regulated by DIN 51130, minimum coefficient R9, maximum R13. For facing slabs, the coefficient of friction is not taken into account.

Facade ventilated porcelain stoneware with wood effect

Advantages of porcelain stoneware facade slabs

The relatively high cost of the facing material is fully justified by its excellent performance characteristics.

1. The material is completely non-flammable and is recommended by fire organizations for creating barriers.

   The material is absolutely non-flammable

2. Minimum service life is 50 years. But if you follow the manufacturers' recommendations, the period increases significantly.
3. Excellent technological characteristics. It is easy to cut and does not crack or chip. During the cladding of buildings, non-productive waste approaches zero.
4. The specific gravity is less than that of natural stone, and only a professional builder can distinguish the materials by the appearance of the front surfaces. Due to their low weight, the scope of use of the slabs is expanding; they can be installed not only on new buildings in which this type of finishing is provided for by the project, but also during overhaul old Of course, the residual load-bearing capacity of the walls must withstand the additional load. The same requirement applies to foundations.
5. Fast installation. Due to the use of special fastening structures, manufacturability and low specific weight, worker productivity increases by at least 40% compared to finishing facades with natural stone.
6. Wide range of textures of external surfaces, variety color solutions. By using this material, architects and designers can create facade walls in various styles.

   Original facade solutions

7. Easy to care for. Porcelain stoneware inhibits the proliferation of various microorganisms; mosses and lichens do not grow on it.
8. Chemical resistance. The material is not afraid of the effects of aggressive chemical compounds and city smog. The surface does not absorb moisture - porcelain stoneware does not change its original properties after repeated freezing/freezing.
9. Environmental friendliness. Unlike plastic materials, porcelain stoneware does not release chemical compounds into the air that are hazardous to the health of others. It can be used without restrictions for both external and internal work.

   Ventilated façade properties

In all respects, porcelain stoneware for facade cladding is superior to traditional materials. The only problem is the price, but when you consider the additional savings on surface maintenance and excellent design performance, the high cost is justified.

Porcelain tiles for facades are currently the most durable solution for cladding buildings

White and black exterior, porcelain stoneware finish

Step-by-step instructions for installing façade porcelain stoneware slabs

Important. Installation of façade porcelain tiles is a very responsible job. If you don't have any experience, don't take it. Poor quality execution will result in the loss of significant financial resources. In addition, a slab falling from a height can cause serious injury. Unconditionally follow all manufacturers' recommendations, use only those fasteners that are designed for a specific weight.

Wall cladding with slabs (ventilated facade system) consists of several structural elements:

• carrier system. It includes mounting brackets, vertical and horizontal guides. They are made of thick galvanized steel; special holes are provided to adjust the spatial position. They must not only withstand the weight of porcelain stoneware slabs, but also the wind load;
• thermal insulation layer, if you plan to install one. All modern buildings must be thermally insulated; this is provided for by current regulations. In old buildings, the decision on additional wall insulation is made by each owner individually;
• facing finishing slabs. The dimensions and appearance of porcelain tiles are selected taking into account the planned design of the facade walls.

Facade system

To carry out the work, you will need an electric drill with a hammer drill, a device for installing rivets (if the supporting frame is assembled with their help), wrenches, a plumb line and a long, precise level. If you have a laser level, great, the markings will be done much faster and more accurately. If not, you will have to use a hydraulic level.

Fasteners for installing porcelain tiles

Before starting installation, remove near the wall, assemble scaffolding, and think about where to store materials. Be sure to work together, or better yet, three. The final number of people is determined taking into account the size and weight of the slabs. It is advisable to draw a wall on paper, indicate its dimensions and first think through a plan for placing the brackets, taking into account the linear dimensions of the slabs and the method of their fastening. Determine the locations for fixing the brackets, calculate their number and linear meters of horizontal and vertical slats. Taking into account the weight, choose dowels or anchors; the heavier the slabs, the stronger the hardware should be.

Assembly diagram of substructure elements and porcelain stoneware slabs. Option 1

Option 2

During preliminary planning, count the number of window openings and doors, determine the entry/exit points of utility lines. They must be accessible for prompt elimination of emergency situations.

Any installation of a ventilation facade must first be correctly calculated

Step 1. Marking the wall. You need to immediately mark the location of the brackets on the wall. Drawings for the placement of brackets are included in the documentation for ventilated facades. Using them, determine the extreme control points.

Important. The brackets must be at a distance of at least 10 cm from the corner of the building, window and door openings, otherwise there is a risk of compromising the strength of the frame.

Secure the two uppermost brackets, lower a long plumb line from them and mark the lowest points. Use a rope with blue to beat off the vertical lines.

Mounting bracket to the building wall

Step 2. Taking into account the dimensions of the porcelain tiles and the manufacturer's instructions, beat off the remaining vertical lines at the recommended distance. For most cases of finishing facades with porcelain stoneware slabs, the vertical distances between brackets are up to 1000 mm, horizontal distances are up to 800 mm. When calculating the quantities for the entire wall, round the resulting values ​​taking into account the dimensions of the façade wall.

Step 3. Use a laser or hydraulic level to make horizontal marks at the corners of the wall, and use a rope and blue to mark parallel lines. After marking, a grid with identical cell sizes should appear on the wall of the house. Check them in all respects, everything is fine - start drilling holes. Keep in mind that load-bearing brackets must also be installed around the perimeter of window and door openings.

Step 4. Use a hammer drill with a pobedit drill bit. The depth of the holes should be several centimeters greater than the length of the dowels or anchors. For porcelain stoneware slabs, it is recommended to use anchors; they can withstand significant forces. It is not safe to work with dowels.

Marking and drilling holes

Dowel installation

Step 5. Immediately install the brackets within reach and carefully check the strength of the fixation. To prevent the appearance of cold bridges, gaskets can be installed between the wall and the brackets. Use only paronite ones, they have greater strength and do not deform under prolonged exposure to loads. Plastic ones can bend, which has an extremely negative effect on the strength of the entire structure. The design of the brackets has special holes for adjusting their exact position.

L-shaped bracket for installation of guides

Bracket Attachment

Step 6. After all the brackets are secured, proceed to insulating the walls. Building codes and regulations allow the use of only non-combustible materials; only foam plastics that do not support open fire are allowed. But it is better not to use it either; during combustion it releases deadly toxic substances. To lose consciousness, you only need to inhale the smoke a few times. The optimal solution is pressed mineral wool.

Schematic diagram of insulation installation

Schematic diagram of installation of two-layer insulation

Practical advice. For insulation, take sheets at least 10 cm thick; thinner ones give little effect, and the labor costs are the same. But the final decision depends on the thermal conductivity of the wall.

Glass wool is secured with special dowels with large heads. Press the mats tightly against each other, install them in a checkerboard pattern, and do not allow any gaps to form. Any violations of technology lead to a significant decrease in heat saving efficiency. One standard size mat must have at least five fixation points. Remember that a gap of 2-3 cm between glass wool and the wall reduces the efficiency of heat saving by at least 60%. Air convection occurs in the gap due to the temperature difference, warm air goes outside, and the wall is cooled by incoming cold air.

Installation of insulation

Sequence of fixing plates

Fastening insulation with dowels

Installation of insulation

Important. Do not cut large holes in the locations of the supporting brackets or create additional areas of heat loss. Figure out where the bracket will come out and only here cut the mat lengthwise or crosswise. How exactly to cut depends on the characteristics of the bracket.

Mineral wool should be reliably protected from water. Cover it with a moisture-proof cloth; there is a huge selection of them on sale today. Do not use plastic film; moisture will accumulate under it and condensation will appear in winter. Mineral wool is moistened, and as the relative humidity increases, the heat saving values ​​rapidly decrease.

Wind-hydroprotective membrane installation diagram

At this point, the first part of the installation of porcelain stoneware slabs is completed, you can proceed to the second stage.

Step 1. Begin installing vertical and horizontal profiles. This is a very important moment; if all the elements are not located strictly in one plane, then great difficulties will arise during the fixation of the slabs. How to install elements correctly?

Installation of guides

Adjustment

1. Fix the two outer supporting profiles strictly level and adjust their position in relation to the wall. Check the spatial position again.
2. Stretch ropes between them and mount the remaining vertical elements along them. We have already mentioned that fixation can be done with rivets or bolts. Never buy elements that are fastened with self-tapping screws; they are made of thin steel and are not designed for heavy loads.
3. After the vertical slats are installed, fix the horizontal slats to them. The more often you check their position, the less disappointment you expect during the installation of porcelain stoneware slabs.

Step 2. Install the slabs. They are fixed using metal clamps.

Porcelain tile fastening diagram

This is what the clamps for installing porcelain tiles look like

Attaching starting clamps

Secure the two lower clamps, place the plate on them and fix the two upper ones. One clamp has two ears; they must hold two adjacent slabs. Thanks to this technology, their position is automatically adjusted; the edges will lie strictly on the same line.

Installation of porcelain tiles

Installation of porcelain tiles

It is important to maintain the gaps between the plates

The distance between the side edges of the slabs is controlled visually, but some types of clamps have special stops. Working with them is faster and easier, and the appearance of the façade wall improves.

Porcelain tile fastening unit in the guide

Porcelain tile fastening unit on inner corner facade

Feudal attachment point on the outer corner of the building

Step 3. If there are outlets for pipes or electrical cables on the wall, then technological holes should be made in these places in the porcelain stoneware slabs.

With a correctly installed frame, work is completed quickly. Remember that time lost on marking and installing load-bearing elements is always returned during installation.

Before choosing a specific installation method for porcelain tiles, consider the following factors:

• house dimensions;
• climatic features - temperature factor, prevailing wind direction, average annual precipitation;
• designer look and personal budget options.

The load-bearing elements of the frame must be made of the same metal, otherwise currents will appear at the contact points, accelerating corrosion. Never skimp on the strength of the brackets, always buy the most reliable ones. Porcelain tiles have a lot of weight, you need to constantly remember this.

Work only in good weather; if there is a chance of rain, protect structures from water ingress. Manufacturers claim that structures can be installed at air temperatures down to -15°C, but we do not recommend listening to them. Not because the structures won’t hold up, but because working in such conditions is very difficult. As a result, there may be a violation of technology, errors during marking or fixing frame elements. In addition, snow that falls on mineral wool will definitely melt someday. And increasing the humidity of the insulation by just 5% increases thermal conductivity by 50%. Mineral wool gets wet quickly, but takes a long time to dry. Moreover, if it is protected by façade membranes.

For porcelain stoneware slabs, be sure to install vertical and horizontal supporting profiles. The combined frame evenly redistributes bending and torsion, compression and tension loads. The design becomes very reliable and durable. If the strength of fixation of vertical profiles is impaired, the load is taken by horizontal ones and vice versa. The disadvantage of the combined system is the increased cost. But you shouldn’t skimp on safety.

Window frame installation diagram

Assembly of the façade to the window opening, lower

Junction of the facade to the window opening, side

Assembly of the façade to the window opening, upper

Carefully make connections and frames; cover the side ends only with solid slabs. Pay special attention to the base and areas where it joins the roof. Eliminate the possibility of moisture ingress, but do not close the ventilation. Based on the results of the inspection of defective facades, it was found that 55% of problems were due to improper installation of porcelain tiles, 40% due to incorrect markings and 5% due to unprofessional selection of load-bearing elements.

Facade finishing - photo

This is what a ventilated porcelain stoneware façade looks like

Video - Installation of a ventilated facade made of porcelain stoneware

The technology for constructing ventilated facades is quite complex and does not tolerate free interpretations of certain principles underlying it. When constructing such a facade, one must strictly adhere to those rules and standards, the implementation of which is required according to the technology.

Installation of a ventilated curtain-type facade using finishing in the form of porcelain stoneware slabs

Stage No. 1 - Preparatory

Porcelain stoneware slabs can give the facade a unique exterior

To erect a ventilated façade, a number of preparatory works are required. Moreover, all work should be carried out in a certain order, which is recorded in the relevant requirements of the sanitary and epidemiological service for the organization of any construction production.

Read also the article about installing facade tiles with metal fastenings yourself and find answers to your questions.

The preparatory stage should include the following steps:

• the border should be marked construction work at a distance of about three meters from the walls along the entire perimeter of the building;
• on this area all materials necessary for construction and finishing work should be placed;
• here you should also equip a place for work related to assembly and installation frame structure;
• in unfavorable weather conditions, any construction and finishing work should be completely excluded.

Read also about finishing the facade with putty in addition to this material.

This spectrum preparatory activities more relevant for cladding multi-storey buildings. However, it is necessary to adhere to them when arranging the facade of a one-story private house - this approach will serve as a guarantee of safety for you and your household from any force majeure situations and surprises.

Stage No. 2 - Marking walls for installation of fasteners

Before installing the sheathing, markings are made on the facade

Before you begin constructing a frame structure, you should make precise markings on the walls of the house in those places where the support and load-bearing mounting brackets will be installed, onto which the ventilated system itself will be fixed. In this case, you must adhere to the developed design and technical documentation.

Marking should be done in several stages:

1. First, you should mark beacon lines: a horizontal line along the bottom edge of the facade and 2 vertical lines along the edges of the wall.
2. Using paint along the drawn lines, draw all the points in those places where it is planned to install supporting and load-bearing fasteners-brackets on the last vertical lines.

Scheme of fastening profiles for porcelain tiles

Stage No. 3 – Fixing fasteners-brackets on the walls of the house

The brackets should be fixed according to the instructions for installing the ventilated façade. First you need to drill holes in the wall - this should be done using a hammer drill. Then paronite gaskets should be installed in the resulting holes. Installation of load-bearing type brackets is carried out using a screwdriver and dowel anchors.

Stage No. 4. – Laying heat-insulating material and organizing protection from wind and moisture

At this stage, the following manipulations should be performed:

To insulate and protect the facade, insulation and several layers of insulation are laid

• the insulation is “hung” directly on the wall of the building through the slots for the supporting brackets;
• A moisture-proof membrane film should be hung over the insulation layer and temporarily fixed. Adjacent strips of moisture-proof film should be overlapped and secured, with the edge of one strip overlapping the other by at least 10 cm.
• through the film and insulation, drill holes in the wall of the building to install dowel plates;
• install the heat-insulating material - this work should start from the lowest row (starting profile or building base) and move upward;
• heat-insulating boards should be laid end-to-end, without leaving through gaps or cracks;
• if the need arises, the heat-insulating boards can be trimmed using hand hacksaw with small teeth;

If according to the project, it is required install thermal insulation material in two layers, then you need to do it as follows:

• the bottom layer of insulation is attached to the wall using dowel plates; in this case, each layer of insulation must be secured with at least two dowels;
• The top layer of insulation should be mounted in a checkerboard pattern and also secured using dowel plates.

Stage No. 5 - Installation of guides

At this stage, installation should be carried out vertical profiles to load-bearing brackets. For this purpose you need:

Fastening scheme for porcelain stoneware slabs

• install and fix metal profiles in the corresponding grooves of the supporting fasteners-brackets;
• Using rivets, secure the metal guides to the supporting fasteners-brackets.

In those support brackets that can be adjusted, the profile is installed freely, without tightening. This ensures that the profile does not deform during sudden temperature changes.

In those places where adjacent vertical guides join, a small gap should be made (7-10 mm). This is done for the same purpose - to avoid deformation of the guides as a result of seasonal fluctuations in temperature.

Profile for fastening porcelain tiles

In addition, at this stage it is advisable to fix the cutoffs, serving to prevent fire (you should learn more about their installation from professionals).

Stage 6 - Finishing of the ventilated facade with porcelain tiles

The ventilated façade should be finished with porcelain tiles in strict accordance with the project documentation. This needs to be done in several stages:

• With help electric drill drill holes in metal profile(holes are marked in accordance with the project documentation);
• Insert clamps into the drilled holes and securely fix them with self-tapping screws to the frame profile.

Be sure to study the tips for installing a ventilated façade made of porcelain stoneware and get other answers to similar questions.

Video story telling in detail about the installation of porcelain tiles on a curtain wall

Installation of porcelain tiles can be carried out in two ways - with a seam visible to the eye and without it (We recommend studying the article on the use of façade porcelain tiles within this material). The first option is much simpler to implement, the second is more complex, but the result will be more aesthetically attractive.

The seamless installation method is as follows: the tile is fixed to two adjacent profiles using a horizontal cut. In this case, the load on the frame is significantly reduced.

In conclusion, let's summarize

Constructing a ventilated curtain-type façade yourself is enough difficult process. However, if you approach the matter in strict accordance with the design documentation and follow all the recommendations step by step, you can achieve an ideal result without resorting to the help of professional builders and finishers.

Properly executed façade finishing with porcelain tiles will reliably protect your home from all adverse natural factors for many years! Good luck with your work!

Curtain facades made of porcelain stoneware are very popular due to their functional qualities and durability

Exterior decoration of buildings - important stage in construction. Not only the overall appearance, but also durability, comfort of living or working inside depends on quality. One of the common options is a ventilated facade made of porcelain stoneware. It is mounted on buildings of different heights. You can cladding a low-rise building with your own hands, but you will need certain construction skills. Let's figure it out in order.

What is a ventilated facade

Buildings are exposed to adverse factors external environment. Walls are destroyed by temperature changes and moisture penetration.

In addition, the materials from which houses are built have a certain thermal conductivity. That is, they will be colder in winter and hotter in summer.

A ventilated façade is a method of exterior finishing that solves both problems. It consists of several layers:

• thermal insulation that is adjacent to the wall;
• an air gap through which excess moisture evaporates;
• fastening subsystems;
• outer layer made of material resistant to destruction.

The technology for installing a ventilated facade made of porcelain stoneware is the same for both multi-storey and private houses. But it is important to strictly follow the sequence of steps and perform each of them correctly.

Advantages and disadvantages of a ventilated facade made of porcelain stoneware

The advantages are related to the features of the device and technical characteristics materials. Benefits include:

1. Strength and wear resistance.
2. Aesthetic appearance.
3. Wide range of colors and several texture options.
4. Fire safety (porcelain tiles do not burn or melt).
5. Environmental friendliness - does not emit harmful substances(including when heated).
6. Soundproofing.
7. Resistant to high and low temperatures(withstands 100 freezing and thawing cycles).
8. And to the effects of precipitation.
9. Thermal insulation.
10. Reduced noise levels.
11. Ventilation of the surface, thanks to which the wall does not rot and mold does not grow in it.
12. Fast installation.
13. The specific gravity is lower than that of natural stone. This reduces the load on the walls and foundation.
14. Possibility of replacing individual plates.
15. Chemical resistance - the material is not afraid of aggressive chemical compounds, city smog, etc.
16. No need to update or maintain the coating.
17. The ability to hide uneven walls.
18. Reducing overall building operating costs.
19. Long service life - at least 50 years.

The disadvantages include:

1. High price.
2. The weight is noticeably greater than that of plaster, siding, etc.

Characteristics of porcelain stoneware for facades

Main properties of the material:

1. Low water absorption coefficient (up to 0.05%).
2. Wear resistance.
3. Specific gravity is about 2400 kg/m3.
4. Density up to 1400 kg/m3.
5. High hardness (8-9 on the Mohs scale).
6. Bending strength - from 28 MPa.
7. Fire resistance (withstands up to 1300ºC).

Dimensions and thickness of porcelain tiles for facades

Tiles are produced in different sizes. The length and width can be as follows (in cm):

• 20x20;
• 30x30;
• 60x30;
• 60x60;
• 120x29.5;
• 120x60;
• 120x180.

Dimensions may vary within 0.5 mm. Thickness finishing material- from 5 to 12 mm.

How to choose the right porcelain tiles

The following parameters are important:

• length;
• width;
• thickness;
• surface structure;
• color.

There is also the concept of caliber, which refers to how much a specific porcelain stoneware slab may differ from the specified dimensions. The indicator reaches 0.5 mm. It must be taken into account when calculating the material.

Features: Mono-caliber tiles are available. Porcelain tiles are additionally selected by size, and the dimensions are much closer to ideal. But such material is more expensive.

When choosing the height and width of facade tiles, take into account the following features:

• the larger the dimensions, the more difficult the installation;
• if the dimensions are too small, the façade gives the impression of a “checkered sheet”;
• It is advisable to select it so that you do not have to trim;
• If you clad a building with porcelain stoneware of different formats, it is difficult to calculate and install guides.

The most convenient and common option is 60x60 cm. The facing tiles are chosen with minimum thickness so that the load on bearing structures was lower.

Based on surface type, porcelain tiles are divided into:

• matte (untreated) - this is the cheapest option;
• polished (glossy) - does not collect dust, used on luxury buildings;
• semi-polished (processed with a larger fraction and not for as long) - cheaper than the previous option, the shine is not so pronounced;
• satin (before firing it is treated with mineral salt, an unusual texture is obtained, patterns of different colors are possible);
• structured - imitates natural stone or even wood.

There are many shades of porcelain stoneware available - from white to black. Brighter colors (such as blue or red) are more expensive. The tone and texture are chosen depending on style, budget and personal preference. A combination of two contrasting or complementary colors looks interesting.

Methods of attaching porcelain stoneware to the facade

During installation, one of two options is used:

• visible fastening;
• hidden.

The first method uses clamps, which remain visible after installation. With the second, the fasteners are invisible. But this option is more complex and expensive. Sometimes they are combined: the clasps are placed only at such a height that they are not noticeable.

Hidden mount

The installation takes place in two stages:

1. Slots are made in the side of each tile (along the entire length or pointwise).
2. Latches are inserted into the holes and secured to the profile with bolts or rivets.

Important: Fasteners that use self-tapping screws are not suitable, as they are too thin and will not support the weight of porcelain stoneware.

Clamps

Installation is carried out as follows:

1. The lower clamps are secured to the guide profile.
2. The stove is being installed.
3. The two upper fasteners are fixed.

Features: Each clamp has 2 “ears”. Due to this, it holds a pair of adjacent tiles. The positions are automatically aligned relative to each other. As a result, if the installation is carried out correctly, the ventilated façade made of porcelain stoneware is smooth.

Components for installation of a ventilated facade

In the process you will need:

• brackets;
• slats;
• clamps (starting and main, selected in accordance with the plate fastening system);
• dowels (regular and plate);
• anchor;
• bolts;
• rivets;
• self-tapping screws

Components are made from:

• galvanized steel;
• stainless steel;
• aluminum

Important: All elements used in installation must be made of the same type of metal. Otherwise, currents arise between them, due to which the parts are destroyed faster.

The sizes of components are selected depending on the project. The thickness of the thermal insulation layer, the weight of porcelain stoneware slabs and structural features are taken into account.

Standard brackets have the following dimensions:

• length from 50 to 400 mm;
• width - 50 mm;
• thickness - 1.2 mm.

Reinforced ones are also available:

• length is 90-350 mm;
• width - 90 mm;
• thickness - 1.2 or 2 mm.

Hardware is selected depending on the weight of the slabs that they will need to hold.

Calculation of materials per 1 m2

The exact quantity is determined after drawing up the drawing. But you can first estimate the approximate consumption of materials and fasteners. On square meter you will need:

• 1.05 - 1.1 m2 porcelain stoneware;
• 1 m2 of stone wool;
• 1.1 - 1.25 m2 of moisture-proof membrane;
• 5 support brackets;
• 1 starting clamp;
• 3 main;
• 2 linear meters of vertical profile;
• 1.8 - horizontal;
• 5 paronite gaskets;
• 8 self-tapping screws;
• 16 bolts.

Some manufacturers have calculators on their websites. You can enter the dimensions of the building and calculate how many slabs of each size will be needed.

Options for laying out porcelain stoneware on the façade

It largely depends on how exactly the plates are positioned. appearance building. In this case you can:

• use porcelain tiles of different sizes;
• or colors (it is advisable to choose no more than 2-3);
• lay rectangular slabs not horizontally, but vertically (this will make the house appear taller).

In all cases, the following layout options can be used relative to other facade elements (windows, doors, parapets, decorative parts):

• strict, in which the seams between the slabs are on the same straight line as the elements;
• not strict (either the horizontal or vertical edges of the porcelain stoneware are flush with the elements);
• trimming at an angle (there is no such correspondence on either side);
• mixed.

Installation instructions for curtain façade

The process involves at least 2-3 people, especially if large-format slabs are used. Before starting work, fence off the necessary space - three meters from the building. From here, everything unnecessary is removed, tools, materials and components are brought. Scaffolding is placed next to the house. For multi-storey buildings Lifts with cradles are required.

Attention! In case of strong wind, rain or frost, it is impossible to install a porcelain stoneware facade! This is dangerous for construction workers and bystanders.

The work includes several stages:

• creating a drawing of a ventilated facade;
• calculation and purchase of materials and components in the required quantity;
• marking of attachment points;
• installation of brackets;
• wall insulation;
• installation of moisture protection;
• assembly of guides;
• fastening of porcelain stoneware slabs.

Let's look at all the steps in detail.

Design

The first step is to draw each wall on paper or in a computer program. Mark the location of all windows and doors, entry and exit points for utilities.

Then they indicate where the brackets will be located. Provide access to communications in case of an emergency. When calculating the number and size of fasteners, loads from wind, snow and ice are taken into account.

Important: The drawing is a mandatory document that is checked during installation. In accordance with it they calculate required amount components and materials.

During marking, the following requirements are taken into account:

• minimum distance from a corner, window or doorway- 10 cm;
• the maximum gap between vertical brackets is 100 cm;
• and between horizontal ones - 80.

Required tools and materials

The work will require:

• laser or hydraulic level;
• roulette;
• hammer drill with pobedit drill;
• electric drill;
• rivet gun;
• screwdriver or screwdriver;
• beating cord (replaced with thread impregnated with blue).

The materials you will need are:

• paronite gaskets (others are not suitable because they are not strong enough);
• sheets mineral wool for insulation;
• vapor barrier;
• porcelain stoneware

Surface preparation

The wall is carefully examined. Remove poorly adhering pieces of plaster, paint, etc.

Then they proceed to preliminary marking (while checking with the drawing):

• Fix two brackets at adjacent top points.
• Lower the plumb line and mark the lowest points.
• Vertical lines are marked with a chop cord or rope with blue.
• The remaining areas are marked in the same way.
• On a line near the corner of the building, find the location of the remaining attachment points and mark them.
• Using a level and tape measure, the marks are transferred to other vertical lines.
• They beat off the horizontals.

As a result, a grid should appear on the surface. The nodes will contain fastenings.

Installation of support and load-bearing brackets

Installation takes place in this order:

1. Holes are drilled at the marked points using a hammer drill.
2. An anchor dowel is inserted into them.
3. Metal parts running from the outer sheathing to the wall conduct heat. To reduce losses, install paronite gaskets.
4. The bracket is attached.

Wall insulation

For insulation, it is necessary to use materials that do not burn and do not emit toxic substances when heated. These include stone wool. It is mounted on the façade in sheets.

The installation process starts from the bottom:

1. In those places where the brackets pass, a small incision is made in the mat.
2. The insulation is pressed tightly against the facade.
3. Then it is fixed with dowel plates (with large caps). For reliability, at least five are required for each mat.
4. The following sheets are laid end to end, without cracks or gaps.