Protection from moisture and cold
The plinth (base of the façade) is the most exposed part of the exterior. This is where water, snow, salt and dirt accumulate, and in winter frost is constantly at work. If the plinth is not properly insulated and protected, the house “pulls” cold from the foundation, damp areas appear, as well as efflorescence and peeling finishes.
Below we explain how to correctly insulate the plinth and why cladding with KORDEKO flexible tiles is one of the safest solutions for this zone.
Why plinth insulation is important
The plinth is the contact zone between the house and the ground. Through it, a large percentage of heat can be lost, especially in older buildings or foundations without insulation.
What plinth insulation provides:
- reduced heat loss through the foundation and ground-floor slab;
- warmer corners without condensation and mould;
- protection of waterproofing and concrete from temperature variations;
- a more stable microclimate in the basement or semi-basement.
Without thermal insulation and a proper finish, even an expensive façade will constantly suffer from freezing and humidity.
Splash zone, salts and de-icing agents: special working conditions
The lower part of the façade operates in extreme conditions:
- water and snow from walkways constantly reach the plinth;
- salts and winter de-icing agents destroy renders and paints;
- there are many freeze–thaw cycles;
- mechanical shocks (shoes, shovels, equipment) hit the finish directly.
That’s why materials for the plinth must be:
frost-resistant, moisture-resistant, impact-resistant and at the same time vapour-permeable.
Which insulation to choose for the plinth
The most common options are:
- Extruded polystyrene (XPS)
- very low water absorption;
- high compressive strength;
- ideal for the zone in contact with the soil.
- High-density mineral wool
- good vapour permeability;
- used in systems where wall “breathability” is important;
- needs careful protection from moisture and mechanical loads.
In both cases a reinforced basecoat is applied over the insulation, and the system is finished with KORDEKO flexible tile cladding.
Plinth insulation technology (step by step)
- Substrate preparation
- clean concrete or brick from dirt, old render, efflorescence;
- correct major unevenness;
- apply waterproofing in the area in contact with the soil.
- Installing the insulation
- mount a perfectly level starter profile;
- bond XPS or mineral wool boards with façade adhesive;
- above ground level, additionally fix the boards with anchors.
- Reinforced basecoat
- apply the first layer of adhesive;
- embed alkali-resistant façade mesh with proper overlaps;
- reinforce corners with special profiles.
- Final cladding with KORDEKO flexible tiles
- choose the texture (ROCK STONE, BUCHARDIZED, SLATE, WOOD, etc.);
- apply adhesive across the entire surface;
- press the tiles firmly, with neat, even joints;
- if necessary, grout the joints with frost-resistant grout.
In this way you obtain a warm, protected and aesthetic plinth, which works together with the façade as a single system.
Why KORDEKO flexible tiles are ideal for the plinth
In the plinth zone, classic render and paint deteriorate quickly:
they crack, flake and stain. KORDEKO flexible tiles solve several problems at once:
- Resistance to moisture and de-icing agents
- They do not absorb water, tolerate contact with snow and salt, and withstand repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
- High mechanical strength
- Thanks to marble granules and PletaFlex technology, the layer withstands impacts without chipping or delamination.
- Elasticity without cracks
- Even if the substrate or insulation moves, the cladding remains intact, unlike rigid panels and renders.
- Perfect colour match with the façade
- The ROCK STONE, BUCHARDIZED, SLATE and WOOD collections allow you to create a plinth that naturally continues the façade design.
- Minimal maintenance
- The surface is easily washed with water and a soft brush, with no need for regular repainting.
Foundation protection and façade aesthetics in one system
A correctly insulated and clad plinth:
- reduces heat loss through the foundation;
- protects the structure from moisture and chemical attack;
- makes the house look more solid and valuable;
- increases the service life of the entire façade.
With the KORDEKO insulation system and flexible tiles, you get comprehensive protection against moisture and cold, not just a nice picture.
KORDEKO Contacts
📱 Phone: +37368140333
🌐 Website: www.kordeko.com
📧 Email: kordeko.md@gmail.com