Facade: lifespan and cost
The facade protects the whole house, and most of the cost is upkeep rather than replacement. The table shows how long the materials last and what a replacement or repaint usually costs.
The ranges apply to a normal house. Actual cost depends on size, access and region. Lifespan means technical lifespan with normal upkeep.
| Component | Lifespan | Replacement cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wood cladding | 40 yrs (30-60) | 150 000-450 000 kr |
| Brick facade | 80 yrs (60-100) | 200 000-600 000 kr |
| Rendered facade | 40 yrs (25-60) | 120 000-350 000 kr |
| Eternit (asbestos cement) facade | 45 yrs (35-60) | 180 000-500 000 kr |
| Painting of a wood facade | 10 yrs (6-15) | 40 000-150 000 kr |
How often does a facade need repainting?
It depends on the paint type and which way the wall faces. Wood cladding needs regular painting to keep water out, and a south-facing wall wears faster than a north one. Render and brick need less recurring upkeep, but cracks in the render let in moisture if they are not sealed. The table shows typical intervals.
What does replacing a facade cost?
Replacing cladding or re-rendering is a bigger job than painting, and the price follows the size of the house and how much scaffolding is needed. Brick is nearly maintenance-free but expensive to replace, while wood cladding is cheaper but needs recurring paint. The cost in the table applies to a normal house.
What the age of the house tells you
Some build years carry known risks for exactly these parts. Here are the most common ones.
Asbestos Houses built 1930–1985
Asbestos was used in floor coverings, eternit (cement) sheets, insulation and pipe lagging.
PCB in sealant Houses built 1950–1975
PCB was used in the sealant around windows and in facade elements.
Plastic wind barrier in walls Houses built 1970–1990
Plastic used as a wind barrier can cause condensation and moisture damage.
Is an eternit facade a risk?
Older eternit boards can contain asbestos, and then they must be handled and disposed of as hazardous waste when replaced. The boards are safe as long as they sit whole and undisturbed, but removal needs professionals. This mostly concerns houses from a certain period. See the age note below.
Is repainting enough, or must the cladding be replaced?
Sound cladding that has only lost paint just needs scraping and repainting. Cladding that is rotten or split needs replacing in part or fully. A moisture reading and a close look at the south wall and near ground level usually settles which.
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