To minimise hidden costs during renovation, choose materials that are durable, easy and affordable to maintain. Remember to add labour and transport costs to the cost of purchasing raw materials and, in the case of renovation, also the cost of disposal and possible partial demolition. In the case of buildings where problems with dampness have arisen, the cost of drying walls should be added. In this case, regardless of fire requirements, it is worth using mineral wool for insulation, which has better vapour permeability than foamed polystyrene. Although this solution is more expensive, it will minimise problems with the appearance of dampness in the future.

An investment for the future

When choosing a dark façade colour, it is important to bear in mind the additional costs. In order to reduce excessive stress on the heated façade and thus avoid cracks, it is advisable to choose suitable products and take care to reinforce the substrate. Always choose system solutions, from insulation to mesh, plaster or façade paints. If you follow the manufacturer's recommendations, you can be sure that the guarantee will be honoured, and you will also avoid unnecessary repair costs and not expose the building to improper use.

Ensure optimum thermal insulation of the building envelope. This will minimise subsequent heating and hot water costs. Run simulations to assess the thickness of insulation in terms of the required heat transfer coefficients and the financial savings where they reach their maximum.

Hidden costs can also be reduced by eliminating thermal bridges. Any places in a standard installation that break the insulation can pose a risk of leaks, corrosion and heat pick-up. Use so-called warm fasteners, which allow for fault-free installation of façade elements such as balustrades and French windows.

A few tips

Pay attention to the choice of the type of plaster, which has a significant impact on the correct "ageing" of the façade and its cost. Façades which are particularly exposed to negative factors such as dust, dirt, soot, industrial and road pollution, rain and wind should be protected with Ceresit's Double Dry system. Double Dry technology protects against water soaking, and thanks to its vapour permeability, it makes the walls dry faster. Also take care of professional waterproofing of the foundations. Use foundation-specific waterproofing coatings, such as CR 65 for concrete structures and non-deformable substrates, CR 90 for non-deformable substrates and CR 166 for deformable substrates.

In the case of façades exposed to sunlight, care must be taken to protect them from harmful radiation. Use appropriate UV-resistant plasters, e.g. CT 76, CT 76 UV Protect. This will prevent colour fading, crumbling, cracking, separating and delaminating of the plaster. In addition, you will protect the façade against fungal and mould attacks, which will reduce possible hidden costs in the future.

How to reduce hidden costs?

Diversify insulation materials, e.g. use non-flammable material (e.g. mineral wool) in areas where it is necessary. Areas with lower fire requirements can be insulated with polystyrene, which is more economical. Order a façade design and, based on this, ask several independent bidders to provide an estimate. This will help you avoid costs that could not have been foreseen. You can also save money by replacing façade materials such as wood, stone or concrete with decorative plasters that imitate natural raw materials. Products from Ceresit's Visage palette are ideal for this.