When it comes to renovation and maintenance care, homeowners usually focus more on interiors. However, your house’s exterior also requires proper and diligent upkeep. Below, we’ll discuss several ways to enhance the appearance of your home’s facade.
But before that, let’s briefly tackle the significance of a structural facade as a house feature.
The Importance of a Facade
A facade is often pertained to as the building shell of an architectural structure. Its primary role is to boost durability by protecting walls and surfaces from harsh weather elements and conditions. In addition to safeguarding the building, a facade also helps reduce energy consumption by providing thermal insulation.
Moreover, it delivers an optimal indoor climate, heightened fire protection, and proofing against external noises. Aside from its functionality, facade cladding also improves the aesthetic value and character of a building. In fact, you can incorporate different designs and styles and customise your facade in any way you want.
For instance, you can use an assortment of accents and details to craft visual statements that match your desired look. Various types of panels also suit an array of buildings, from modern business infrastructure to traditional houses.
Top Tips in Designing and Maintaining Your Facade
1. Upgrade the profile’s panels. For facade renovations, you can choose from an extensive selection of materials such as wood, render, sheet metal (copper, zinc, aluminium, etc.), stone (natural or sandstone), glass, fibre-cement, slate and high-pressure laminate.
Each one can be used to create unique patterns. You may also combine different sized panels in varying arrangements to make artistic and distinct designs. Additionally, you have to ensure that the cladding material is suitable for your type of facade.
For example, aluminium is an excellent option for curved walls, as its flexibility allows it to adapt to any orientation and dimension style seamlessly. As for high-pressure laminate panelling, these flat facade sheets are available in an assortment of finishes, colours and patterns, which can be interchanged and cut to allow the creation of more eye-catching and interesting facades.
Popular choices include mirror, patterned metallic, shiny silver and brushed. There are also several grades available, including wear and chemical resistant for heavy-duty applications.
2. Wash the facade. Cleaning your facade is like giving your house a bath. Accordingly, a thorough wash helps you eliminate grime, dust and dirt, which can accumulate and be destructive to your masonry over time. As a tip, schedule your wash day in spring, for the assurance of a dry and pleasant climate.
What you will need are plastic sheeting (to cover hedges and the ground with), a siding cleaning kit, a water hose, and some mild detergent. Be careful in choosing your detergent, avoid harsh chemicals, and only use it sparingly so you will not harm the material.
Moreover, do not utilise a power washer, especially if you are not skilled in operating it, as you may damage the masonry. Remember, not all materials can handle a lot of pressure and certain types of chemicals.
3. Add a fresh coat of paint. To add a splash of colour, paint over your panels using a composition that is appropriate for the material. A good example is an epoxy resin, or alternatively, a powder coating that attaches well to metal sheets.
You can also add a protective coating of chemical-resistant material to safeguard your panels.
Before performing a major renovation, it is important to compare the pros and cons of different methods and materials. This will help you find the best possible solution for your home improvement project. You can also consult an expert contractor for advice.
