Advantages and disadvantages of facade concrete panels

Concrete facade panels are becoming a common option for contemporary building and remodeling projects. Many builders and homeowners find them appealing because of their sleek, modern appearance. These panels are a viable choice for a variety of climates due to their reputation for strength and resilience in the face of inclement weather.

The strength of facade concrete panels is one of their primary benefits. Because of its strength, concrete is resistant to deterioration from impacts and weather conditions like wind, rain, and extremely high or low temperatures. Because of this, facade panels are a great option for structures that must preserve their integrity and appearance over time.

An additional advantage is the design’s adaptability. Concrete facade panels are available in a variety of textures, hues, and finishes, enabling a personalized appearance that complements any architectural design. There are options to fit your preferences, whether you like a textured, rustic appearance or a smooth, polished surface.

There are, however, a few disadvantages to take into account. Because facade concrete panels can be heavy, additional structural support might be needed while they are being installed. This may raise a project’s overall cost and level of complexity. Furthermore, even though concrete is strong, improper installation or prolonged stress can cause it to fracture.

Upkeep is an additional consideration. Despite being generally low-maintenance, concrete panels are susceptible to discoloration or stains over time. To keep them looking their best, you might need to seal them sometimes and clean them frequently.

Concrete panels for facades have a combination of benefits and drawbacks overall. They are a desirable option for many projects due to their strength and adaptability in design, but potential issues with weight, installation, and maintenance should be carefully considered. You can determine whether facade concrete panels are the best option for your building or renovation needs by considering these factors.

Features of concrete panels

The reinforced concrete used to make the slabs is a labor-intensive process that involves multiple steps: first, the concrete mixture is thoroughly mixed with dye, and then the mixture is poured into molds that have been mixed with fiberglass. Subsequently, the concrete solidifies at a specific temperature and humidity level – this is the longest stage, lasting 28 days – and the surface of the slabs is coated with protective compounds, making the concrete moisture resistant.

There are numerous colors available for concrete fiber panels. To achieve maximum resistance to UV rays, natural coloring materials are used when painting.

Additionally, the building’s walls are protected for a long time by external cladding made of concrete components. Since these wall cladding slabs are a relatively new product on the construction market, there isn’t a lot of variety in concrete cladding options.

In addition, you can select the right kind of material by looking at its outside features.

Types of facade concrete panels

Concrete panels come in a variety of colors, but the following materials are typically categorized:

• brick. The surface of the panels is an imitation of brickwork. The size of the brick is close to the size of natural brick material, while the size of the panels can be different;
• imitation of stone cutting (otherwise – "noodles"). The decorative nature of this type allows the panels to be used both outside the building and for interior decoration. This type of panels is presented in a wide range of colors, the panel is covered with a layer of ceramics, which ensures its strength. The slabs themselves are quite large. This type is the most expensive, but no less popular;
• decoration in volumetric format. This type of concrete-fiber cladding is quite difficult to install, visually is presented as a seamless coating with a volumetric pattern. Installation is carried out using volumetric forms – compounds, which are assembled using silicone. Such panels can be attached directly to the sheathing or with glue;
• imitation of a board. These panels resemble a wooden board in size, shape and texture. Panels of this type are produced without edges and locks. Installation of such panels is carried out with an overlap or with a gap maintained by fastening to the sheathing;
• imitation of stone. This type of tile is characterized by low cost; additives from granite chips are used in its production. This type of concrete cladding can be presented in rectangular, square shapes, large and small sizes;
• volumetric decor. Presented in the form of slabs of different sizes, thicknesses, convexities. All panels of this type are shifted in the plane and form a three-dimensional design, and in this form it is the concrete structure that is emphasized.

Any imitation of a concrete product may differ in surface relief and texture. In this instance, you have the option to select the color of the sheet surface. Certain varieties are intended for painting, enabling you to apply the chosen color on the facade yourself.

Advantages and disadvantages of concrete panels

With confidence, we can observe the strength of this kind of panel given its composition and material.

The concrete facade also offers the following advantageous qualities:

• durability;
• resistance to temperature changes;
• moisture resistance;
• is not a place for the spread of fungus and mold;
• color preservation under ultraviolet irradiation;
• mechanical strength;
• preservation of properties at low and high temperatures;
• soundproofing;
• low thermal conductivity;
• fire resistance;
• decorativeness.

Such a coating is also relatively simple to apply and maintain: dust and debris can be removed from the surface using a brush and water, even though it has a bulky appearance. The surface can be cleaned in the rain.

One major disadvantage of concrete cladding is its weight, which necessitates the use of a reinforced foundation. Because of the material’s strength, processing and cutting the panels can be challenging.

Concrete facade panels are a contemporary and long-lasting option for building facades, offering benefits like improved fire resistance, soundproofing, and thermal insulation. They also come in a range of finishes to complement various architectural styles and are low maintenance. The drawbacks, however, are the comparatively high cost and the requirement for specialized labor during installation. Their hefty weight can also make handling and transportation difficult. Overall, depending on the particular requirements of a construction project, facade concrete panels offer a balanced combination of advantages and disadvantages, making them a suitable option.

Specifications

Because concrete and fiberglass are mixed together, concrete facade elements have strength. Durability and resistance to frost define the concrete facade.

A m2 of plate for a suspended structure can weigh up to 32 kg, and plates can get as thick as 13 mm. Some manufacturers produce concrete slabs that are 21 cm wide.

Furthermore, based on quality indicators, tangible components

• withstand more than 30 years of operation;
• withstand hammer blows;
• do not burn;
• retain color;
• popular size – 300×500.

If a concrete structure comes from a high-tech company, it has high quality indicators.

While fakes of this kind of material are still uncommon, it is still best to buy concrete cladding from vendors who have the necessary licenses and studies to support their claims.

Application area

In addition to being utilized in private construction, concrete slabs for facade cladding are also used to adorn the walls of commercial and institutional structures, such as shopping malls, hotels, offices, entertainment centers, and swimming pools.

Because of this, a concrete curtain wall not only offers dependable security but also aids in hiding old, uneven walls that would otherwise cost money to level and decorate further.

Because concrete is fire resistant and non-combustible, it is advantageous to sheath buildings with a high fire hazard with a coating of concrete.

Certain slabs are used to adorn interior walls, particularly in structures with expansive hallways and rooms.

Preparation of sheathing for concrete facade panels

Prior to installing concrete panels, the walls must be cleaned, any unevenness must be removed, cracks must be sealed, and priming must be done. Installing a vapor barrier film beneath the concrete structure is advised. Installing insulation is necessary on occasion. Installing the guide battens is the next step.

Wood is not an exception; therefore, because of the weight of the coating, you should carefully handle the elements and select boards with a larger cross-section.

The frame parts should then be installed in the following order:

• measure the walls, writing down the dimensions;
• install horizontal strips first, then vertical ones;
• make lathing around the openings with a gap of no more than 3 cm, which is subsequently foamed.

Remember that concrete panel installation must be done at least 15 centimeters above the ground. The width (vertical strips) and height (horizontal guides) of the slabs themselves must match the spacing between the guides.

It is imperative that the lathing be done precisely with a level; uneven walls should not be repeated.

Installation of concrete facade structures

The process of installing concrete cladding is very easy to do; just follow these steps:

• The first plate should be fastened starting from the corner. The panel is fastened with self-tapping screws located in the middle of the profile, of which there must be at least two;
• to join corners, it is necessary to cut the edge of the slab at an angle of 45°;
• the second row is overlapped by 3 mm, overlapping the first row, and the arrangement of the plates should be calculated in such a way that the joints followed a checkerboard pattern;
• joints should be sealed with sealant and painted (often the dye may be included with the panels);
• to cut the material, use a grinder with a diamond cutting disc;
• the design of openings is made with the calculation of reducing or increasing the overlap between the rows;

Installation should start with the concrete exterior corners if they were purchased as decoration in a different design.

Thus, you can give the building a whole new shape and flawless, dependable design by covering the entire façade with concrete panels. Installation does not require the assistance of outside parties and can be completed on its own.

The fundamental strength of the structure, its longevity, and its aesthetic preservation are guaranteed by the concrete coating’s quality properties in any weather and under any circumstance. The original facade design, which will endure for many years, will complement the building’s decorative effect.

Because they combine strength, adaptability, and aesthetic appeal, facade concrete panels are a common option in contemporary architecture. Buildings have a longer lifespan thanks to these panels’ reputation for strength and resistance to inclement weather. Their ability to withstand fire also adds another degree of security, enhancing the building’s overall security.

The range of available design options is another benefit. Concrete facade panels are available in a variety of textures, hues, and finishes, inspiring imaginative architectural designs. They can provide an elegant appearance at a lower cost by imitating the appearance of more costly materials like stone or wood. This creative freedom allows architects and builders to create the desired aesthetic without sacrificing performance or cost.

Nevertheless, there are certain disadvantages to take into account. Facade concrete panel installation can be labor- and time-intensive in the beginning, which could result in higher upfront costs. Furthermore, the weight of them necessitates a robust supporting structure, which could raise the total cost of construction. Even with minimal maintenance, problems like discoloration or cracking over time can be avoided.

To sum up, facade concrete panels are a durable and visually beautiful choice for building facades. They are an investment worth making because of their durability and adaptability in design, but initial installation and maintenance requirements should not be disregarded. Builders and homeowners can make well-informed decisions that suit their unique needs and objectives by carefully considering the advantages and disadvantages.

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