The use of masonry mesh is essential for improving the stability and strength of constructions made with aerated concrete blocks. Because of their insulating qualities and lightweight design, these blocks gain a great deal from the reinforcement that masonry mesh offers. Knowing the different kinds of masonry mesh and how to lay it correctly will help you, whether you’re a professional builder or a do-it-yourselfer, make sure your project is dependable and long-lasting.
Masonry mesh comes in a variety of forms, each intended to satisfy particular requirements in building. Fiberglass mesh, expanded metal mesh, and welded wire mesh are common types. Intersecting wires that have been welded together to form welded wire mesh offer sturdy support for large loads. Excellent strength and flexibility are provided by expanded metal mesh, which is created by cutting and stretching metal sheets. Fiberglass mesh is strong and lightweight, and it is especially resistant to corrosion, making it perfect for applications involving aerated concrete.
To get the best results, installing masonry mesh requires close attention to detail. In order to ensure that the mesh is properly embedded in the mortar, the process typically entails laying it between the layers of aerated concrete blocks. This method lessens the chance of cracks and structural failures while also helping to distribute loads evenly. To keep continuous reinforcement throughout the structure, it’s also critical to overlap the mesh at joints and corners.
Your construction will last longer and have greater structural integrity if you use aerated concrete blocks with masonry mesh. Buildings that are robust and long-lasting can be made by selecting the appropriate mesh type and applying it according to the right instructions. Masonry mesh is an important element that shouldn’t be disregarded when building a wall, a house, or any other kind of structure.
| Type of Masonry Mesh | Laying Technology |
|---|---|
| Galvanized Steel Mesh | Lay it flat on the mortar layer before placing the next row of blocks. Ensure it overlaps at the joints for strength. |
| Fiberglass Mesh | Embed in the mortar while laying the blocks, providing extra support and crack resistance. |
| Plastic Mesh | Place it between block layers to improve mortar adherence and distribute load evenly. |
- Use of masonry mesh: is it necessary or not
- Types of masonry mesh for aerated concrete
- Galvanized
- Plastic and polymer
- Alternative types of reinforcement for laying aerated concrete blocks
- Reinforcement locations
- Video on the topic
- Reinforcement of aerated concrete with basalt mesh
- Steel mesh for reinforcing GB
- How to properly install a masonry mesh in aerated concrete
- Laying foam blocks under the mesh
- Reinforcement of masonry from gas blocks using basalt mesh
- Why do we use basalt mesh instead of metal mesh?. Advantages of basalt mesh.
- Laying gas blocks and facing bricks. Masonry connections, ventilation gap, types of brick support on the foundation.
Use of masonry mesh: is it necessary or not
The process of producing gas blocks is continuously being improved technologically. Materials with a strength class of B 2.0 and a density of 400–500 kg/m3 are available from manufacturers.
You will increasingly encounter the belief that load-bearing walls can be constructed with blocks from this class without the need for additional reinforcement. Unfortunately, though, such claims are not at all true!
The load-bearing capacity of wall structures and the building’s service life are significantly reduced when masonry mesh is substituted for aerated concrete or other forms of reinforcement. The following factors are to blame for this:
- High water absorption capacity, leading to a decrease in the frost resistance of the walls without additional cladding. Accumulated moisture expands under the influence of temperature, which leads to cracking of blocks that are not additionally reinforced with masonry mesh.
- Poor quality of supporting foundations, leading to increased shrinkage of walls.
- Choosing materials of the wrong strength class and thickness, especially when it comes to the construction of 2 and 3-story buildings.
The use of masonry mesh for gas blocks increases the wall’s resistance to cracking under the influence of shrinkage forces and wind loads, but it does not significantly raise the cost of the structures. As a result, you shouldn’t forego using it.
Types of masonry mesh for aerated concrete
For aerated concrete, masonry mesh that is made in rolls is the most practical choice. Strips of the necessary width can be cut with a grinder or regular metal shears. It should be mentioned that manufacturers provide a variety of materials with varying performance attributes.
Galvanized
Welded steel masonry mesh was the first to be sold. It was applied to strengthen walls composed of different kinds of bricks and blocks. The low resistance to corrosion of this material is one of its main drawbacks. The solution to this issue partially consists of protecting the zinc surface. Metal wire that has a diameter of three to five millimeters is welded into the reinforcing mesh.
- The highest tensile strength, ensuring the integrity of the masonry even with large shrinkage deformations.
- Affordable cost and availability in almost all hardware stores.
- Significant service life, exceeding 15 years.
However, in order to fully appreciate the benefits and drawbacks of welded masonry mesh, the following details should be kept in mind:
- If the laying technology is violated, it can become a cold bridge, since the metal has high thermal conductivity.
- In places where steel rods are connected, the thickness exceeds 5-6 mm, which leads to an increase in the consumption of glue or mortar due to the increasing thickness of the seam.
Galvanized metal masonry mesh has been used extensively despite these drawbacks because of its strong and reinforcing qualities.
Plastic and polymer
A relatively new class of materials that have already greatly replaced conventional steel in reinforcement applications.
- Does not create cold bridges.
- Resistant to corrosion processes, due to which the service life is increased without loss of strength characteristics.
- Has less weight, due to which it is convenient for delivery and does not create unnecessary load on the foundation.
The most common materials used to reinforce aerated concrete walls are fiberglass masonry mesh and basalt. But because of their unique strengths, they have varying applications:
Similar to galvanized, basalt mesh is made with various cell sizes. You should consider the following when making your selection: the material’s strength increases with decreasing cell size. In actuality, extra reinforcement is carried out using meshes of sizes 25 x 25 or 50 x 50 mm and other comparable sizes.
Alternative types of reinforcement for laying aerated concrete blocks
Please be aware that using the material on a level surface is advised when using aerated concrete. Steel or fiberglass reinforcement rods are used to reinforce aerated concrete blocks with grooves.
- Reinforcement elements do not protrude in height and do not lead to an increase in the seam.
- Due to the location inside the wall, the reinforcement does not create cold bridges.
- In terms of strength characteristics, such reinforcement is superior to reinforcement with a mesh.
It is important to realize that this class’s reinforcement will come at a much higher cost. This is a result of the wall’s material and reinforcement costing more money.
Reinforcement locations
The strength properties of the aerated concrete are the main determinant of the reinforcement plan. The number of reinforcement zones increases with decreasing strength class. The following zones should have mesh laid on them to ensure that the structure resists cracking when using aerated concrete blocks B 2.0 and higher:
- First row of masonry.
- Area under window openings.
- Area above window and door openings.
- Last row before the reinforced belt under the ceiling.
Every fourth row of masonry is additionally reinforced on long walls and areas subject to maximum wind load. Reducing the reinforcement step and laying the mesh every two to three rows is necessary when using materials of inadequate strength class.
Ensuring the strength and stability of aerated concrete block constructions requires careful selection of the appropriate masonry mesh type. Whether you’re using stainless steel, fiberglass, or galvanized steel mesh, each kind has particular benefits and uses. To get the best results, it’s important to match the mesh type to your project’s requirements.
Choosing the appropriate mesh is not as crucial as using the right laying technology. A strong foundation is ensured by starting with a level, clean surface and using a consistent mortar mix. In order to prevent cracking and distribute loads evenly, mesh is placed within the mortar joints. By taking these actions, you can greatly increase the construction’s longevity and durability.
Ultimately, you can significantly improve the quality of your build by learning the proper laying techniques and comprehending the various types of masonry mesh. You can make sure that your aerated concrete block structures are sturdy and long-lasting, offering dependable performance for years to come, by paying attention to these little details.
When building walls with aerated concrete blocks, masonry mesh is essential to increasing the structure’s strength and longevity. This article examines the various kinds of masonry mesh that are available, such as fiberglass, galvanized steel, and plastic alternatives, and it offers a detailed installation guide that guarantees best results. Aerated concrete block constructions can be made more stable and long-lasting by using the proper mesh and installation techniques.
