Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about facade renovation

Are you planning to renovate your facade? Then you've come to the right place. At Cleys, we often hear the same questions. In this blog article, we compile the most frequently asked questions and supplement them with additional information that many people are curious about.

Is there a price difference between crepi and sprayed cork?

Yes. Sprayed cork is usually slightly more expensive than crepi. This is because the material is more durable and ecological, and the processing is slightly more intensive. Crepi remains a popular choice due to its sleek appearance and favorable price, but sprayed cork offers additional advantages such as vapor permeability and a natural look.

👉 Read more about sprayed cork as a facade finish

Does crepi get dirty quickly?

Crepi shows dirt more quickly than brick, especially in light colors. But that does not mean that it also gets dirty more quickly. Visibility depends on the surroundings, such as trees or busy streets, the side of the house exposed to the weather (such as the side exposed to driving rain), and the substrate. A flat white crepi shows dirt more quickly than a rough brick facade. Fortunately, every facade can be cleaned, and at Cleys we also offer self-cleaning crepi.

👉 Discover everything about crepi

Do I need a permit?

In many cases, yes, especially if the appearance of the building changes or if you install external insulation. Additional rules also apply to listed buildings or buildings in special urban development zones.

👉 Everything you need to know: Do I need a permit?

What is the average cost of a facade renovation?

The cost depends on the type of finish, the accessibility of the facade, any insulation, and the condition of the substrate. You can quickly get an initial estimate using our online tool.

👉 Calculate it using the facade calculator

Can I receive a subsidy for facade insulation?

Yes. Anyone who has their exterior walls insulated is eligible for subsidies from the Flemish government. There are also additional benefits if you renovate together with your neighbors or if your home is older.

👉 You can read all the information in our blog article about subsidies for facade insulation.

How much VAT do I pay on renovation work?

For homes older than 10 years, the reduced VAT rate of 6% applies.
For newer homes and new builds, 21% applies.
In specific B2B contexts, 0% VAT applies in some cases.

How thick does my insulation need to be to meet the 2050 standard?

To meet the Flemish long-term target, you must insulate exterior walls to a minimum R-value of 4.16 m²K/W. For a facade, this corresponds to an insulation layer of 14 cm EPS and for a roof approximately 12 cm PIR. We always advise based on your type of home, finish, and desired subsidy.

How long does a facade renovation take?

That depends on the project and the weather!

Insulating and finishing a front facade takes an average of one week.
A complete four-facade house takes about three weeks.
If you combine facade and roof insulation in a detached house, we usually talk about four to five weeks.

What if I want to whitewash or plaster my facade?

The surface must always be properly prepared before applying lime wash or plaster. This means removing old layers of paint, hosing down moss and dirt, and moistening the surface for optimal adhesion. Lime wash has a beautiful rustic look! Keep in mind that it can discolor slightly faster than sprayed cork, for example.

Are all facades suitable for exterior insulation?

Almost every facade can be insulated on the outside, although there are exceptions. Homes with limited building boundaries or protected views may have restrictions. At Cleys, we always look at customized options, including urban planning requirements.

Can I combine my facade with other works?

Absolutely. It is wise to combine façade renovation with roof renovation or window replacement. This way, you avoid double costs and ensure an energy-efficient whole. At Cleys, we offer total projects with a single point of contact for all your renovations.

Wat zijn populaire gevelafwerkingen?

In addition to crepi and sprayed cork, stone strips are also very popular, especially for those who want to combine an authentic or brick look with insulation. Other finishes such as limewash or wood are also popular choices. At Cleys, we focus on sustainable, low-maintenance finishes with insulation!

What determines whether a facade can be cleaned?

The cleaning technique depends on the type of brick and the type of dirt. Brick, crepi, sprayed cork, or natural stone each require a different approach. Depending on the material, we choose steam cleaning, soft wash, or a water repellent. We always analyze the surface first!

Is an anti-graffiti coating necessary?

Not always. But if your home is in a visible or sensitive location (such as a school, station, or busy street), a protective coating against graffiti can be useful. There are invisible, vapor-permeable coatings that protect the facade without changing its appearance.

How long does a new facade finish last?

A well-installed and maintained facade finish will easily last 20 to 30 years, sometimes even longer. Sprayed cork has a long lifespan and retains its color well, while crepi requires slightly more frequent maintenance or a new coat of paint over time. Maintenance and orientation play a major role in this.

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Herman Fistels (Edegem) - “Highly professional installation of facade insulation at a competitive price. Rarely have I seen so much effort made to minimize disruption and tidy up so thoroughly after the work. Top-notch work!”

Johan Bergmans (Deurne) - “Cleys bv professionally insulated our rear facade and made it presentable again with crepi.”

Isabel Nuyttens (Sint-Niklaas) - "This company has many strengths: Speed: communication, site visit, quotation, and delivery. Communication: friendly and quick response to questions via email. Focus on a personal approach and customer service. Reliability and solid quality. Simplicity: the quote is clearly laid out, options can be easily adjusted, and they give clear advice about the materials and options. Customer friendliness: all staff are very sympathetic and take your wishes into account. Payments: are transparent and made in installments. This company is the right choice if you prioritize good communication, clear agreements, sustainable, long-term solutions, and quality without any headaches."

Christine Heremans (Ghent) - “From quotation to delivery, everyone provided perfect support... friendly... helpful with our questions... a top company... the end result is superb, thanks to everyone.”

Laurent Peeters (Edegem) - “Insulation of apartment facade, more than satisfied with this company! From quotation to completion: professional approach, always willing to provide more information. The installation team works extremely punctually and competently.”

Ellen Van Landeghem - “Very satisfied with this ‘young’ company. After visiting the site, we received a very clear and accurate quote. Excellent value for money. They respond very quickly to emails. The work was carried out very smoothly. Hats off to the team that came to work for us. The site was also left very tidy afterwards. We definitely recommend Cleys!”

Anke Decoster (Kruibeke) - “Very satisfied with this company, very quick, friendly, and personal contact, our side wall was sprayed with cork in record time.”

Thomas De Baets (Gent) - "Cleys exceeded all expectations with the renovation of our terraced house's facade! We appreciated the smooth communication with everyone involved, the manager, site supervisor, and craftsmen, as well as the accurate planning. Diego, our site supervisor, doesn't sell empty promises, but sound advice based on practical experience."

Greet Debusschere - “We had our facade insulated and covered with crepi. We are very satisfied with our collaboration with Cleys. A professional team from quotation to delivery. Everything was cleaned up nicely at the end of the work. Good guidance from site manager Diego. And a fantastic end result. Thank you, everyone.”

Bert De Hertogh (Beveren) - "We would like to express our sincere thanks and admiration for the CLEYS team. From the first contact to the final finish, the collaboration went smoothly. They carried out both our facade renovation and roof renovation with the utmost care and craftsmanship, and the end result is simply beautiful! The CLEYS team excels in professionalism and customer focus. They kept us informed of every step in the process and always worked according to plan, without delays. What's more, we immediately noticed how meticulous and detailed their work was. Their eye for detail made all the difference and ensured a finish that exceeded our expectations."

FAQ