Fade or paint the base of the house? Advantages and disadvantages

If the base of the house is to be protected from splash water and driving rain, there are various options available. Each variant has its own advantages and disadvantages. We explain how sealing is possible in different ways, what needs to be considered and where the advantages and disadvantages of the selected method lie.

Why does the base of the house have to be sealed?

The base represents a weak point of the house. Splash water, frost or ground frost, surface water, driving rain and other precipitation can cause moisture to penetrate the masonry. The possible consequences of this are:

• mold growth
• depreciation of the house
• Damage to the masonry, resulting in follow-up costs
• Water (damage) in the basement
• high cost of draining the masonry

In order to avoid these consequences and the associated problems, the base should be sealed accordingly. In order to find the right variant, however, a few factors should be considered. Because the choice is not only dependent on the desired look and the required effort.

Paint base

The simplest variant of sealing is a water-repellent coat of paint. The costs and the associated effort are low. However, some points must also be considered. The following steps will help with this:

1. choose a colour

A pure acrylic latex that is free of solvents is ideal. However, other impregnating base colors are also suitable. In addition to the selection of the color, the right preparation is particularly important.

2. preparations

The base must be prepared accordingly so that the paint has a good hold and can serve as protection against penetrating moisture. It must be free of tears and holes and dry. Damage is therefore made with a repair mortar. This must dry out before the primer is applied. It is important with this that it is selected to match the impregnating paint. A consultation can be useful here if there is uncertainty. If the primer has been applied, it must also dry completely before the actual painting.

3. painting

The painting itself requires little effort. Most of the work usually goes into preparation rather than painting.

Advantages and disadvantages of painting

The cost of painting is comparatively high due to the individual steps. The cost is also relatively high compared to cladding the base. But the difference is usually rather small. On the other hand, touch-ups and painting over are very easy. In addition, there are many color and design variants, so that there is a great deal of freedom of choice.

Clinker bricks, clinker brick slips, sheet metal or plastic - costs and effort can vary greatly when cladding the base. Again, there are a few similarities that should be noted. These include:

1. Existing insulation of the house

If your home already has insulation, cladding is usually much cheaper. Whether you choose foil and sheet metal or clinker brick slips - as long as no additional insulation has to be achieved, the costs are quite low. However, the effort can be similar.

2. Preparation

The cladding should also only be attached if the subsurface is level, free of cracks and holes and dry. The use of repair mortar and sufficient drying time are therefore crucial for adhesion. If sheet metal is applied, a special film should have been installed underneath. In the case of clinker brick slips, an appropriate adhesive that is combed is sufficient.

3. Advice

Professional advice can be useful in order to find the best possible solution for the individual case. Nobody has to shy away from this, because the costs for an individual consultation are very limited - but it can save follow-up costs if the recommendation is taken into account.

Pros and cons of disguise

There is a very large spectrum in terms of properties and appearance when it comes to fairing. Clinker slips, clinker bricks, insulating clinker, sheet metal and plastic are available. The customization options are a definite benefit. However, the installation of the paneling can mean a lot of effort. Even the planning can be very comprehensive. However, this step is necessary in order to achieve an accurate distribution and to achieve a meaningful result. Another advantage is that additional insulation can be achieved with the cladding. This is not possible with one coat of paint.

Painting or cladding - what should it be?

The advantage of a coat of paint is that it can be applied comparatively easily on its own. With the fairing, this is more difficult and more complex. The costs are surprisingly similar. They alone should not be a decision criterion. Whether it's dressing up or painting should be based on professional opinion.

Impregnate yourself or have it impregnated?

Many people would like to do most of the work themselves to save on costs. It's a little easier to paint than to cover the base. In any case, the professional opinion should be decisive. A price comparison and cost estimates are also useful to find the cheapest option.

Learn more about pedestals