Why carry out a façade renovation?
Several reasons may motivate a façade renovation:
- Improve aesthetics: a façade renovation gives your home a fresh new look.
- Protect the façade: the façade is exposed to the elements, and renovation allows it to be protected.
- Improve thermal insulation: combined with external insulation, it reduces heat losses.
- Increase property value: a well-executed renovation increases the value of your property.
- Address moisture problems: it can solve moisture or crack problems.
Why carry out a thermal study before the work?
Here are the problems you may encounter if you do not request a prior thermal study.
Poorly managed thermal bridges
- Energy losses and cold zones may appear if the insulation is not properly installed.
Appearance of mould
- Cold surfaces can cause condensation, leading to mould and health risks.
Medium to long-term structural problems
- Moisture can weaken the structure of the walls.
Poor choice of materials and poor installation
- A specialised study helps to choose the right materials and ventilation systems.
How to assess the condition of a building's façade and exterior walls?
Evaluating the façade requires methodical observation. Here are the points to check:
General visual inspection
- Overall appearance: look for signs of problems such as stains or cracks.
- Uniformity of colour: variations may indicate moisture problems.
- Presence of vegetation: moss and lichens can damage the façade.
Detailed inspection of the various elements
- Coating: look for cracks and peeling.
- Masonry: check the condition of the bricks or stones.
- Windows and doors: check the joints to prevent infiltrations.
The different techniques of external thermal insulation (ETI)
- Insulation under coating: the insulation is glued or fixed to the façade.
- Insulation with ventilated cladding: the insulation is placed between the façade and a cladding creating ventilation.
- Insulation with sandwich panels: pre-assembled panels are fixed directly to the façade.
Materials for carrying out façade renovation work
- Coatings: varieties of finishes and colours available.
- Paints: to protect and decorate the façade.
- Claddings: modern and durable in wood, metal, PVC or composite.
- Natural stone: noble material, but more expensive.
The necessary steps to renovate an exterior façade
- Site preparation: installation of scaffolding.
- Cleaning the façade: various methods to remove old dirt.
- Repairing cracks: filling and treating damaged areas.
- Laying thermal insulation: installation of the insulation.
- Laying the finish coating: application of the necessary finishes.
- Finishing and cleaning: installation of finishing elements and cleaning of the site.
Choosing the right professional
Call on qualified professionals to guarantee the quality of the work. Take certifications and references into account.
Available subsidies and financial aid
Financial aid exists in Switzerland for energy renovation work; check with your canton.
EDIREX: your partner for a successful façade renovation
EDIREX supports you in your project, helps you find qualified façade workers and compare quotes.
