ᐅ Facade Renovation

Hello,

I live in a semi-detached house located on the edge of a field with a southwest orientation. After 15 years of continuous exposure to the weather on the facade (external thermal insulation composite system with synthetic resin render), it now looks a bit unattractive.

Of course, a fresh coat of paint would probably be the simplest and cheapest solution, but why choose simple and cheap when it can also be elaborate and expensive 😉

My question is: Does it make sense, or is it technically possible (considering the potentially required ventilation cavity), to clad the facade with natural stone or porcelain stoneware?

Thanks in advance for your contributions

Your Sandsieber 🙂

Sandsieber schrieb:
to clad the facade with natural stone or porcelain stoneware?

.. nothing is impossible 😀

Of course, existing facades can be clad with natural stone. A ventilated facade generally has the advantage of allowing additional thermal insulation to be added if needed. There are different systems for attaching natural stone panels, such as "pin-supported" or with "undercut anchors." Mortar anchors and rail systems are also available. During renovations, the substrate (adhesion tensile strength) usually needs to be checked as well. Compliance with DIN 18516 is required. Thorough planning and the correct choice of materials with extensive sample testing are essential to achieve the desired result. A ventilated natural stone facade is sustainable and increases the value of the property.
Good luck

Hello Naturstein,

thank you for your comment. However, it seems that a natural stone facade really costs a lot of money. I have also noticed that many, or rather most, contractors who carry out facade work have no experience with this material. Or have I simply asked the wrong ones?

Hello Sandsieber,
Cladding a facade is no problem for an experienced natural stone specialist. Unfortunately, truly skilled professionals are becoming increasingly rare. I won’t go into the reasons here.
My recommendation:
Obtain comparable quotes including the following information:
- Your requirements (material, color, texture, surface finish, etc.),
- Quantity,
- Method of installation,
- Substrate and wall construction,
- Height of the area to be clad (needed for fastening regulations),
- Windows, doors, pipes, floor connection, upper edge, side edges, gutter or similar, connection to adjacent buildings, etc., including photos,
- Accessibility, material storage area,
- Scaffolding (pay attention to scaffolding class),
- Time frame,
- Cleaning and maintenance (presence of trees nearby is important for surface finish and treatment),
- A proper professional plan is half the battle (planning and surveying costs),
- Structural engineering (if required).

Contact suitable specialists, not necessarily local, and request a detailed offer. Often, not all required services are included in quotes, which can lead to unexpected price increases. Many rely on this. Therefore, the cheapest offer is not always the best value.

Hello Naturstein,

thank you very much for the helpful assistance. With this checklist, I can start a new attempt. But not until after Christmas.