Plastering a facade requires the installation of mesh, which is a necessary step in producing strong and eye-catching facades. By following this procedure, you can be sure that the plaster will stick to the surface properly and leave a smooth, durable finish. The mesh helps stop cracking and other common problems that can occur over time by strengthening the plaster. Knowing the features of laying mesh for facade plastering is essential whether you’re building a new building or remodeling an older home.
Plastering mesh serves as the plaster’s supporting structure, which is the first thing to be aware of. This lessens the chance of damage by equally distributing the weight and stress across the surface. In locations where there is a lot of movement or vibration, like near windows and doors, mesh is extremely crucial. The mesh contributes to the plaster’s integrity by giving it extra strength.
Mesh comes in a variety of forms, each appropriate for a particular purpose and surface. Fiberglass mesh, for instance, is perfect for a variety of external applications because it is chemically resistant and lightweight. However, metal mesh is more resilient and is frequently utilized in places that need stronger support. The outcome of your project can be greatly impacted by selecting the appropriate type of mesh.
Choosing the appropriate type of mesh is only as important as installing it correctly. There must be no spaces or loose parts in the mesh; it must be firmly fixed to the surface. To guarantee a solid bond, the wall must be meticulously prepped, cleaned, and primed. To further prevent any possible problems, extra stability is added by overhanging the mesh at the corners and seams.
Lastly, it’s important to remember that plastering mesh quality can have an impact on both application ease and outcome quality. While lower-quality products may result in uneven surfaces and decreased durability, higher-quality mesh is easier to work with and offers a better finish. Your facade will look better and last longer if you invest in high-quality materials and install them according to best practices.
- What is the facade mesh for
- How to calculate how much facade mesh is needed and what material to choose
- Features of fastening a metal mesh
- Algorithm for working with a metal mesh
- How to install facade fiberglass mesh
- Technology of laying fiberglass mesh
- Video on the topic
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What is the facade mesh for
Multipurpose material serves multiple purposes simultaneously. Primarily, it fortifies the layer of plaster and greatly increases its longevity. This is particularly true with regard to foam concrete buildings. Foam blocks are very advantageous, but their physical strength is also low. Furthermore, these building materials literally start to crumble as a result of humidity and temperature changes, which causes the plaster to quickly fall off.
Plaster is kept in place on the wall by the facade mesh reinforcement. Whether it is applied in a thin or thick layer makes no difference. Some people believe that a mesh like this is only necessary if a very thick layer of the plaster mixture is applied. This is somewhat accurate. However, keep in mind that you can use other, more accessible methods if you have more material. For instance, you could apply the solution in stages or simply boost its adhesion.
Additionally, because the material protects the insulation from mechanical damage, facade meshes are required. As a result, during the finishing process, the reinforcing mesh is used after the insulating boards are laid. This will ensure that polystyrene foam is consistently shielded from sunlight, as well as from reckless hits and birds, who just adore pecking at soft foam.
Facade mesh is therefore the best option for finishing. But you have to do more than just pick one (you can learn about the different kinds here); you also have to do all the math.
How to calculate how much facade mesh is needed and what material to choose
It is important to note, first of all, that some builders take great care to place the mesh around the walls’ whole perimeter. However, it makes sense to use the foam insulation at a height of 1.5 to 2 meters if you want to prevent damage from occurring. In any case, nobody will be able to reach higher and harm the material. But, as they say, the choice is yours. The mesh can be put in place all the way around the walls.
The area of the surfaces to be treated, the existence of irregularities on them, and the application technique of the mesh (it can be laid end-to-end or overlapping) must all be considered when determining the required amount of material.
It is also important to monitor how much of a particular material is consumed. For instance, 1.1 m2 of mesh will be needed for each "square" when using polymer layers, and 1.15–1.4 m2 will be needed when working with fiberglass. But regardless of the product type, it is worthwhile to take a 5% reserve into account.
However, the cell size, thickness, and manufacturing material of meshes vary. As a result, the following plaster layer’s thickness needs to be decided upon right away:
- If it is minimal and will be less than 20 mm, then in this case you can use the lightest and thinnest mesh or refuse it altogether.
- If the plaster will be applied with a thickness of 20-30 mm, then in this case the best option will be a fiberglass product.
- When laying a plaster layer of 30 mm or more, a metal mesh must be used. Only it can adequately prevent peeling of the facing solution.
- If the surface has large irregularities and serious differences, and the plaster layer should be more than 50 mm, then it is worth completely abandoning plastering in favor of other processing methods.
The choice of material for the reinforcing mesh will also affect the fastening system.
Features of fastening a metal mesh
With its heavy weight, special attention should be given to the metal mesh. The most dependable nail and screw fixation is needed for this. Some builders drill dowel holes beforehand, prior to installing the material. Installing fasteners comes in 25–30 cm increments. Consequently, about 16 fasteners will be needed for every square meter.
Practical! When using cement-sand plasters exclusively, metal mesh is utilized. Foam plastic insulation is completely inappropriate for such heavy and thick materials. It’s also important to keep in mind that a metal product will require a thicker plaster layer because it is difficult to level.
Algorithm for working with a metal mesh
The following is the work process:
- We clean the walls and dry them well. We degrease the mesh itself (if galvanized material is used, then just rinse it with a wet cloth).
- We measure the walls and cut the mesh, taking into account that it will overlap 10 mm. For cutting it is better to use special metal scissors. If they are not there, and the diameter of the wire is small (for example, less than 0.8 mm), then ordinary scissors will do, but they will have to be constantly sharpened.
- We fix the mesh using dowels (holes for them should be made in advance in increments of 20-30 cm). Hardware is selected in accordance with the thickness of the material so as to securely fix it. As a rule, it is permissible to use standard 80-90 mm nails for walls made of foam concrete. They are easier to use, they are cheaper, and the quality of fasteners is in no way inferior to dowels, which are usually used for brick and concrete surfaces.
Crucial! It is advised to place dowels at a maximum of 10 mm from the edge in areas where the mesh overlaps. These fasteners will be used to simultaneously hang two adjacent nets.
- Using a hammer drill or a drill with the appropriate attachment, make a hole for the dowel. Its depth should be 2-3 cm greater than the plastic insert. After that, pour some brick chips into the hole to strengthen the fixation.
Practical! To avoid complicating the finishing work, make sure the dowel’s protruding part does not exceed the plaster’s thickness.
- Drill the same holes along the line. Place a net on each dowel. At the same time, it must be slightly stretched to avoid unevenness. In this case, the material can be placed both horizontally and vertically (as you prefer).
- Check that the net lies flat. If there are any shortcomings, fix them.
- Install the next row of dowels, which should be placed in a checkerboard pattern under the first line. Since the mesh is usually 1 m wide, 3 rows of hardware will be needed for fixing.
- We cut out the mesh for door and window openings. Some people simply bend it, this is also acceptable. The main thing is that at the edges of the bent areas it does not turn out so that the material protrudes above the plaster.
How to install facade fiberglass mesh
Installing this kind of mesh is considerably simpler. Since the material is relatively light, the facing material alone can fix it. Self-tapping screws are, nevertheless, sometimes utilized for improved fastening. The mesh is fixed along its upper edge first, and then the rest of its perimeter.
Wholesome You should get a mesh of this kind made of material whose cells are no bigger than 5 mm. It is also important to consider the density, which should be between 110 and 160 g/m2. Additionally, the material must be resistant to alkalis in order to be used for facing work.
As with the first instance, the material must be cut into sheets before beginning work. Their dimensions are determined by the precise location of the mesh in the future (it can be laid across or along). It is preferable to distribute the material in a single piece if the surface has rustications. Any arrangement is acceptable as long as there are no significant flaws. Nonetheless, it is still advised to trim the material closely.
Practical! It is not required to purchase a more costly UV-resistant material when selecting a fiberglass mesh. This is merely a publicity stunt. The truth is that any material used for facing needs to be able to withstand sunlight. Since the mesh is inside, these qualities are completely unnecessary.
Although the mesh can be arranged in any convenient manner, professionals advise:
- Unwind the rolled material, and also fasten it parallel to the floor.
- Select one of the upper corners of the wall and start moving from it.
- Lay the material with an overlap, regardless of whether a metal or softer mesh is used.
- If possible, cut the canvas into large solid pieces. This way you can achieve greater strength of the finished coating.
Technology of laying fiberglass mesh
There are multiple techniques for applying the substance. It is thought that the first is the simplest.
- Apply the first layer of plaster to the walls (you can also use putty).
- Apply the plaster mesh, pressing it lightly.
- Apply the second layer of plaster material.
The mesh will be mortared in this manner. In this instance, the procedure can be finished in a single session. However, it is still preferable to hold off until the initial layer solidifies.
Builders frequently take a more meticulous approach. In order to accomplish this, the mesh is first fastened in place using dowels, screws, and staples. The plaster is then applied in two layers, with the reinforcing material positioned in the middle.
In this instance, the process is as follows:
- Apply markings along the beacons and drill holes. Insert dowels into them.
- Install the screw heads, checking that they go straight along the lines.
- Apply the first layer of plaster.
- Through the previously installed screw caps, lay the mesh directly onto the wet plaster. Repeat the procedure with the adjacent section. Don"t forget to overlap the mesh.
- Put on metal beacons and apply plaster over them.
Additionally, fiberglass mesh specific glue is available for purchase.
Feature | Description |
Material | Use fiberglass mesh for better durability and resistance to cracking. |
Placement | Install the mesh in the middle of the plaster layer for optimal strength. |
Overlap | Ensure mesh overlaps by at least 10 cm to prevent gaps. |
Attachment | Secure the mesh with a base coat before applying the finishing layer. |
Cutting | Cut the mesh with scissors to fit corners and edges precisely. |
In order to ensure that the plastered surface will last a long time and be durable, mesh laying is essential. By adding extra support, the mesh lowers the possibility of cracks and other environmental-related damage. The mesh contributes to the preservation of the building’s facade’s structural integrity by supporting the plaster.
Whether to use metal or fiberglass for the mesh depends on the project’s requirements as well as the surrounding conditions. Each type has advantages of its own; metal mesh is more durable and strong than fiberglass, which is easy to handle and resistant to corrosion. Choosing the appropriate mesh for the task can be made easier by being aware of these distinctions.
The mesh must be installed correctly in order to be effective. To maximize its reinforcing properties, make sure the mesh is firmly attached and sufficiently embedded within the plaster layer. This entails being mindful of the adhesive type, overlap, and tension. Plastered facade performance can be significantly improved by taking the time to get these details just right.
All things considered, mesh integration into facade plastering is a wise investment in a building’s long-term viability. It strengthens the external surface’s resilience and appeal while offering a strong defense against typical problems like weather damage and cracking. Any facade can have a high-quality, long-lasting finish by adhering to best practices in mesh selection and installation.
Enhancing the resilience and aesthetics of external walls requires the installation of mesh for facade plastering. It offers a solid base that keeps cracks from forming and guarantees a level, smooth finish. By reinforcing the plaster, the mesh increases its resistance to weather damage and normal wear and tear. Tightly fastening the mesh to the surface and making sure it’s completely embedded in the plaster are necessary for proper installation. This easy-to-do but effective step prolongs the facade’s lifespan and preserves its visual appeal over time.