Exterior works & facade
The building envelope and exterior works determine a house's value, appearance and lifespan. At SB Bau-Sanierung we design and build the facade, terraces, driveways, retaining walls and garden landscaping as one connected system — not as isolated trades that don't end up fitting together.
Facade systems: ETICS and ventilated facades
We deliver both external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) and ventilated facades with rain-screen cladding in timber, fibre cement or metal. The choice depends on the desired appearance, budget and the building's physical condition — we advise you objectively, not based on what happens to be in stock.
Execution quality in insulation work
The most common cause of failed facades is incorrect adhesive application: spot-applied rather than using the frame-and-dot system. We apply adhesive using the frame-and-dot method, recess every dowel and cap it with an insulation plug, and reinforce every window corner with additional diagonal mesh against cracking.
Terraces, driveways and drainage
Natural stone or porcelain stoneware terrace surfaces are laid on a frost-resistant sub-base of at least 80 cm, with a slope for controlled drainage via soakaways and point drains. Standing water after rain is usually a sign of a too-thin or poorly compacted sub-base, not poor material.
Retaining walls and land shaping
On sloped sites or where the plot has level differences, we design retaining walls to be structurally correct, with drainage behind the wall to avoid water pressure. Garden design is planned in parallel with the house build, so services, lighting and irrigation don't need to be dug into an already finished surface afterwards.
Facade as a system with the rest of the house
The facade, terrace and exterior works are considered as early as the house design stage, not only after the shell is complete. This prevents junction problems between facade insulation and terrace structure — one of the most common causes of moisture damage at transitions between elements.
Frequently asked questions
How much does facade thermal insulation cost per square metre?
A complete system, including labour and certified materials, costs between EUR 120 and EUR 180 per square metre, depending on the insulator chosen and the building's architecture.
How long does it take to insulate the facade of a family home?
For an average family home, we estimate 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the condition of the substrate and the required drying times.
What insulation thickness do I need for passive-house standard?
To reach passive-house standard, insulation thickness usually exceeds 20 cm, depending on the masonry material and the required U-value.
Do you build terraces and driveways independently of a facade renovation?
Yes, we take on terrace, driveway and garden work as a standalone project as well, regardless of whether the facade is being renovated at the same time.
What do you do to prevent cracks at window corners?
We reinforce every window corner with an additional diagonally set mesh strip, exactly where most tension cracks occur.
How do you avoid standing water on the terrace?
We design a controlled slope, plus soakaways and point drains in the sub-base, so rainwater is directed away rather than pooling.
How long does facade insulation last before it needs replacing?
When properly executed with certified materials, facade insulation lasts 25 to 30 years. We provide up to a 30-year guarantee on our facade work.
Can I freely choose the facade colour, or are there restrictions?
In most residential areas, colour choice is free; in historically significant or heritage-protected zones, municipal rules often apply, which we clarify as early as the design stage.
Do you also pave driveways for larger vehicles?
Yes, we size the driveway sub-base according to expected load, for example for motorhomes or delivery vehicles, to prevent long-term settling.
How much time should I allow for garden landscaping?
Depending on scope, professional garden landscaping takes 2 to 6 weeks, plus plant establishment time, which can run several months depending on the season.