How foundation plastering is done
If the aerial part of the foundation is not protected from mechanical and atmospheric influences, it will gradually collapse. The formation of cracks and leaching of masonry mortar from seams and joints will lead not only to a weakening of the structure, but also to the appearance of dampness in the house, and the deterioration of the microclimate in it.
DIY plastering of the foundation is the most effective and inexpensive way to avoid this, at the same time giving the base a decorative look and ennobling the facade.
The content of the article
Mortar for plaster
Before talking about how to plaster the foundation of the house, you need to understand how to do it, what composition to apply. It should be borne in mind that the base carries a huge load. And the point is not that the building stands on it and presses with its weight - the foundation itself is responsible for this, and not its decoration.
Under the load in this case is meant the aggressive effect of the atmosphere - precipitation, temperature extremes, sunlight, etc. As well as mechanical influences, which cannot be avoided due to the location of the structure.
Based on this, we can conclude that the plaster should be strong, resistant to moisture and other harmful environmental factors. The answer to the question of how to plaster the foundation is unequivocal: cement-based compounds. Only they possess the listed characteristics.
Note. Silicate and silicone compounds also have excellent protective properties and strength characteristics. But their price in comparison with cement is very high, which entails high costs for decoration.
Ready plaster
Manufacturers of dry building mixtures offer many ready-made compositions for base finishes. In addition to sand and cement, they include various additives: plasticizing, waterproofing, increasing the frost resistance of plaster, etc.
Among the most popular are the following:
- Volma Cap. Water and crack resistant high-strength plaster based on Portland cement reinforced with fibers.
- Eunice Silin Basement. Water-repellent, frost-resistant, weather-resistant cement mixture.
- Sockelputz Knauf. High-quality base plaster with high adhesive properties. Water resistant, frost resistant.
In addition to the main leveling, there are cement plasters, with which the base can be given a decorative look. They can have a different color and structure.
Decorative compositions are applied after the base layer has completely dried.
Home made plaster
The most affordable and affordable way foundation finishes - prepare the solution and plaster it with your own hands. In order for the coating to turn out to be of high quality and durable, it is necessary to strictly observe the proportions of cement and sand and add water-repellent additives to the composition.
Tip. As such an additive, you can use PVA construction glue, which is added to the water for mixing. It gives the solution plasticity and improves its adhesion. A more modern tool is the dispersion of the synthetic polymer Latex Profi, which is perfectly compatible with cement.
Instructions for the preparation of plaster mortar:
- Sift dry quarry sand through a fine mesh wire mesh to get rid of dirt, plant debris and coarse fractions;
- Pour it into a mixing container or concrete mixer;
- Add cement. If it is brand M500, then the ratio should be 1: 4 (for 1 part cement 4 parts sand), and if M400, then 1: 3;
- Thoroughly mix the dry ingredients so that the mixture acquires a uniform color without streaks and stains of pure cement;
- Before preparing a solution for foundation plaster, dilute waterproofing additives in clean water;
- Add water, constantly mixing the solution and achieving the desired density. Its amount depends on the type of work: for the first primer layer, the solution should be liquid, and for the main covering layer - plastic, not fluid.
Note. It is necessary to prepare the solution after all the preparatory work for cleaning the foundation is completed.
Stucco steps
Before plastering the foundation of the house, you need to examine it for cracks, crumbling areas, deformation protrusions and other defects.
Preparatory work
Preparation of the foundation for plastering consists in removing poorly adhering materials from its surface. For example, if it is made of bricks or blocks, you should clean the seams from the destroyed solution. If it is a concrete tape with cracks, then they are embroidered in width and depth to reach strong sections.
You also need to knock down all the protrusions so that you do not have to make a too thick leveling layer.
The final stage of preparation before plastering the foundation is its primer (see Why do we need a primer: technological nuances of finishing work) To do this, it is advisable to purchase a special composition suitable for your base.
Main works
Now you can talk in detail about how to properly plaster the foundation. Compliance with this technology will allow you to get a strong and even coating, on which you can subsequently apply a decorative composition or stick tiles, natural stone, and other facing materials.
So:
- Moisten all masonry seams, cracks and potholes with water and seal them with a solution, roughly leveling the surface;
- Fasten the reinforcing mesh or Chain-link with small cells to the base. To do this, you can use special staples or dowels with a wide hat;
- Using a level, draw a straight line along the foundation, departing from the most protruding part by 2-4 cm, set vertical long pegs on it;
- Gaps between the pegs and the base are filled with mortar, constantly checking the vertical level. Let the resulting tubercles dry well - you get lighthouses that make it convenient to level the plaster;
- After removing the pegs, moisten the entire surface with water from a spray bottle or spray with a broom, then apply a liquid primer cement mortar to it;
- When the primer is set, you can start leveling: with a trowel, with a trowel, a plastic working solution is poured with a thick layer, which is leveled by the rule for beacons;
- Since it is necessary to plaster the foundation of the house so that it looks aesthetically pleasing, the finished surface should be wiped. This is done after the start of setting the plaster, but while it is still wet. To do this, use a wooden grater, on which you can install the grid;
- Immediately after grouting, if desired, you can "embroider" the surface under a stone or under a brick by drawing grooves on it.
If you want to clad the base with tile or stone, then you need to wait for the plaster to dry completely, which will take about two weeks.
Tip. To ensure that the coating dries evenly and does not crack, cover it with plastic wrap and protect it from direct sunlight.
Conclusion
You can learn more about the process of plastering the foundation from the video in this article. In principle, this is not a complicated matter, minor flaws are perfectly acceptable, so even an amateur will cope with it. The main thing is to observe the proportions in the manufacture of the solution and the technology of its application.
