Hercules cement plaster
Traditional sand-cement mixtures are gradually superseded by modern finished construction compounds, which easily eliminate defects, are characterized by good performance, and are convenient to prepare and use.
Consider one of the most popular products for surface plastering today - a mixture for finishing the facade of the Siberian brand "Hercules".
The content of the article
Description
Hercules cement plaster is a material of the Russian manufacturer, which uses only high-quality components for the manufacture of its products, using the latest German equipment. The scope of the mixture is plastering building facades, including the basement, as well as indoor walls with a high degree of humidity.
Plaster is a mixture of cement, lime, silica sand and special binders (plasticizers). Additional strength to the product is given by a polymer fiber having increased strength.
Specifications
Hercules plaster is a cement mixture, therefore it has a gray color. Technical characteristics of the composition:
• maximum particle size - 1.2 mm;
• bulk density - 1700 kg / m3;
• average consumption of dry mix with a layer thickness of 1 mm - 1.67 kg per square meter;
• recommended layer thickness - 8 mm;
• permissible layer thickness - 35 mm;
• strength grade - M100;
• storage - in a dry room 12 months from the date of manufacture, subject to hermetically sealed packaging;
• application temperature - from -5 to +25 degrees;
• application method: the Hercules plaster mix can be applied manually or using a continuous mixing mortar pump, as in the photo below.
Pros and Cons of Plaster
Plaster front "Hercules" has the following advantages:
• high vapor permeability coefficient;
• resistance to moisture and other precipitation;
• durability - the layer of plaster maintains 50 seasons;
• simple application - Hercules facade plaster is characterized by good adhesion, easily eliminates defects and potholes;
• dry composition is explosion and fireproof;
• cost savings - Hercules plaster (consumption per 1 m2 is 1.67 kg) makes it possible to cover a large area for relatively little money, compared with similar products from other manufacturers;
• products are not toxic, do not contain asbestos fibers, environmentally friendly;
• all varieties of the dye fall on this type of plaster; it can also be added to the mixture itself;
• good combination - price / quality.
Facade stucco "Hercules", despite its many advantages, has a significant drawback - the likelihood of microcracks, but only if there is a violation of the technology of applying the composition.
We also highlight some more disadvantages of cement-lime plaster for the facade:
• the diluted mixture must be used in 2 hours;
• it is undesirable to apply the mixture in small portions with a long time interval, since cracks may appear between such areas after some time.
The stages of plastering
1. Before applying the Hercules lime-cement plaster, the base is preliminarily prepared. It must be cleaned of dirt, dust, oil stains, residues of old paint and other substances, dried.If the surface has loose and crumbling spots, then they must be thoroughly cleaned. The porous surface must be primed.
2. Preparation of the mixture. Hercules cement plaster (mixture consumption is indicated on the package) is prepared as follows:
• Pour 1 bag of the mixture (25 kg) into a container and pour 7 liters of water;
• mix thoroughly by hand or using a construction mixer until a homogeneous, lump-free mass is obtained. The prepared composition is recommended to withstand 5 minutes and then re-mix;
• Ready-made Hercules plaster can be used for its intended purpose.
3. Application - a stage requiring skills in working with plaster mixes.
The prepared Hercules plaster of lime-cement is applied to a dry and clean foundation with your own hands or mechanized method, according to previously installed beacons, with the obligatory subsequent leveling by the rule. It is recommended that you preview the video in this article.
The layer should be 8-12 mm thick, but not more than 35 mm. If it is required to apply a layer of greater thickness, then the work is carried out in several stages, provided that the previous layer is completely dried and the facade mesh is used.
Proper plastering of the facade, especially when it comes to dry and hot weather, provides for periodic wetting of the surface for 2-3 days. The manufacturer's instructions indicate: the applied plaster should dry for 1-2 hours, then the surface is moistened.
4. When the layer is dry, it is recommended to remove defects using a metal grater or sandpaper. To give greater aesthetics and additional protection of the surface from precipitation, the plastered facade is covered with paint.
Errors when working with the Hercules plaster mix
Even a professional when working with plaster mix is not immune from mistakes, especially since a beginner in construction can make them. Consider the frequent mistakes when applying the facade plaster "Hercules":
1. Unprepared surface - not cleaned from the old coating, with traces of dust or contamination. Cement plaster "Hercules" (mixture consumption indicated above) will not "lie" on the surface evenly, there will not be sufficient adhesion. The result is a heterogeneous wall, unsightly in appearance.
2. Carrying out work at a temperature above 30 degrees - the plaster dries quickly, as a result, cracks may appear.
3. Plastering a frozen wall. In such a situation, even if the mixture adheres well to the surface, after the wall has completely thawed, there is a risk that the plaster will peel off.
The average price of plaster for the Hercules facade is 250 rubles, that is, it refers to the budget price segment in the line of similar products. However, low cost does not affect the quality of the mixture, so the material is in demand among professionals and amateurs.
