What Materials Can Be Used to Renovate a House Facade?
When renovating a facade, the choice of material should not be based on appearance alone. Important factors include the condition of the existing substrate, whether the old finish needs to be removed, the weight of the new cladding, the installation method and whether the finish needs to be combined with a thermal insulation system.
Several types of facade finishes can be considered for renovating houses in Chisinau and other locations in Moldova.
| Facade finish |
What to consider during renovation |
Installation considerations |
| Decorative render |
The existing substrate must be sound. Loose or damaged areas should be removed and repaired before the new finish is applied. |
Applied to a properly prepared surface and can be used as part of an insulated facade system. |
| Clinker tiles |
The condition of the substrate and the additional weight of the cladding should be taken into account. |
Typically installed with adhesive on a solid, properly prepared substrate. |
| Facade panels or siding |
These systems can cover an existing wall with new cladding and can also be combined with thermal insulation. |
Many systems require a frame or supporting substructure. |
| Natural or artificial stone |
The weight of the cladding, the condition of the wall and the strength of the substrate should all be considered. |
The installation method depends on the type of material and the facade system used. |
| Smart Stone flexible stone |
It can be used for both new facades and the renovation of existing ones. Whether the old finish can remain in place depends on its condition. |
Installed with adhesive on a solid, properly prepared substrate. The material is approximately 2 mm thick and weighs about 2 kg/m². |
When Is Flexible Stone Suitable for Facade Renovation?
Smart Stone flexible stone can be installed on an existing facade when the substrate is sound and suitable for adhesive installation. Before work begins, the existing finish should be inspected: loose or unstable sections are removed, defects are repaired and the surface is prepared for cladding.
Smart Stone is approximately 2 mm thick and weighs about 2 kg/m². This makes it possible to add a relatively thin and lightweight finishing layer during renovation without installing heavy stone cladding.
When Is New Cladding Alone Not Enough?
Flexible stone is a finishing material and does not replace repairs to a damaged wall or substrate. If the facade has structural cracks, deteriorated areas, an unstable substrate or persistent moisture problems, the cause of the defect should be addressed before installation.
Can Smart Stone Be Used with Facade Insulation?
Yes. Smart Stone is used as an exterior finishing layer and can be installed over a properly prepared insulated facade system. Flexible stone should not be considered a substitute for a dedicated thermal insulation layer: the need for insulation and its required thickness should be determined separately according to the construction and characteristics of the building.
What Should Be Considered When Renovating a Damp Facade?
If an existing wall is repeatedly exposed to moisture or shows clear signs of dampness, the source of the problem should be identified and addressed before new cladding is installed. A new facade finish should not be used simply to conceal underlying moisture problems.
What Determines the Cost of Facade Renovation?
The cost of renovating a facade with Smart Stone depends on the area to be finished, the selected texture and material format, the condition of the existing substrate, the architectural complexity of the building and the amount of preparation required.
If the existing finish is damaged, the estimate may also include local removal of affected areas and preparation of the substrate. The exact quantity of material and scope of work are determined after the facade has been measured and assessed.
Planning to Renovate Your House Facade?
If you are looking for a material to finish or renovate the facade of a house in Chisinau or elsewhere in Moldova, Smart Stone specialists can help assess the condition of the existing substrate, select a suitable texture and calculate the required amount of material.
