Facade Decoration Guide

Facade decoration is the craft of giving character to a building's exterior with architectural elements such as surrounds, sills, columns, corbels, string courses and panels. A well-planned facade visibly increases the value of the building. In today's applications, lightweight, waterproof, ready-profiled polyurethane elements are the standard; this guide covers facade design step by step.

- Surround: The main element framing windows and doors; it sets the rhythm of the facade. - Sill (bottom surround): The sloped profile under the window that drains water away from the facade. - String course / facade moulding: Creates a horizontal line between floors, proportioning the facade. - Column and pilaster: Adds monumental emphasis to entrances and facade corners. - Corbel: Gives a support look under balconies and along eaves lines. - Keystone: A classical accent element at the centre of window arches. - Wall panel and cladding: Gives texture (stone, brick) to large surfaces. Choosing these elements in harmonious sizes and models is the foundation of facade design.

1. Define the architectural character: Classical, modern or mixed — all elements must match this character. 2. Analyse the window layout: Surround model and width are chosen according to window proportions; they must be consistent across all windows. 3. Set up horizontal lines: String courses and eaves mouldings proportion the facade into floors. 4. Create a focal point: The entrance door is emphasised with columns, a wide surround or an arch. 5. Plan the colours: Contrast between the facade background and profiles (dark background + light profiles) highlights the elements. Marking models and dimensions on a facade drawing before application reduces the risk of errors.

Facade elements must withstand outdoor conditions: - Polyurethane: Waterproof, frost-proof, lightweight; details are crisp from the mould. It is the facade standard. - EPS (styrofoam): Light and economical but low in impact resistance and detail sharpness; used with coating. - Plaster: Not recommended on facades — it absorbs moisture and crumbles. - Stone / concrete (precast): Durable but very heavy; transport, installation and structural load costs are high. In the balance of weight, durability and detail, polyurethane is the most practical facade decoration material. See our Polyurethane or Plaster guide for a detailed comparison.

1. Facade preparation: Plaster and insulation (if any) are completed; the surface must be dry and clean. 2. Marking: All element lines are marked on the facade; window axes are checked. 3. Horizontal elements: String courses and mouldings are applied first (creating reference lines). 4. Surrounds and sills: Window frames are completed. 5. Vertical and single elements: Columns, pilasters, corbels and keystones are installed. 6. Joints and paint: All joints are filled and at least two coats of facade paint are applied. Paint is the final step providing both protection and the integration of elements with the facade.

Facade decoration cost varies with the number of elements, profile sizes, model complexity and facade length. The practical way to manage the budget is prioritisation: the highest visual impact is in window surrounds and entrance emphasis; string courses and single elements can be added in a second phase. Our products are made to order; prices are given per project, cover only the product cost, exclude shipping and installation, and products are ex-works.

It starts with analysing the architectural character and window layout; horizontal lines (string courses) come first, then surrounds, and single elements last.

Window surrounds are the most visible and effective element of the facade; on a limited budget, surrounds and entrance emphasis should come first.

Polyurethane elements are very light and add no significant load to the facade or structure; stone and precast elements require structural calculation.

Yes. Lightweight polyurethane elements are installed over insulation with PU adhesive and suitable dowels; heavy materials are not recommended over insulation.

The common approach is contrast: light (white/cream) profiles on a dark facade background highlight the elements. Colour choice should follow the architectural character.

Yes; in facade renovation projects, polyurethane elements are easily applied to the existing facade thanks to their light weight and give the building a new character.

The number of elements, profile sizes, model complexity and facade length determine the cost. Because products are made to order, the price is given per project.