Although the term "reinforcing mesh" may seem technical, it is an essential part of construction. Fundamentally, it’s a steel or other robust material grid intended to reinforce concrete. Consider it your concrete’s skeleton, supporting it against abrasion and strain.
Concrete may eventually weaken or crack after it is poured, particularly in situations with high loads or harsh weather. Reinforcing mesh can help with that. By incorporating this mesh into the concrete, you’re providing it with more support and guaranteeing its continued dependability and durability.
We’ll discuss when and why to use reinforcing mesh in this article. When working on a larger project, installing a new driveway, constructing a foundation, or performing other tasks, knowing the function of reinforcing mesh can help you make better decisions and get better results.
What is a Reinforcing Mesh? | A reinforcing mesh is a grid of steel bars or wires used to strengthen concrete. It helps to prevent cracks and ensure the concrete holds up over time. |
When is it Needed? | Reinforcing mesh is needed in concrete slabs, walls, and pavements to improve their durability. It is especially important in areas with heavy loads or where the concrete might be subject to stress. |
- What is a reinforcing mesh used for
- Types of mesh used for reinforcement
- Application, types and advantages of metal mesh
- Types, uses and advantages of plastic mesh
- Fiberglass reinforcing mesh
- How is reinforced mesh used to reinforce building structures
- Reinforcing mesh – recommendations for purchasing
- Video on the topic
- Reinforced mesh, why is it needed?
- Why do you need a reinforcing mesh ?
- Plaster mesh for what and how to use it
- Reinforcement mesh. How not to overpay? Nuances.
- Reinforcing mesh under the screed.
- HOW DOES REINFORCEMENT MESH WORK IN CONCRETE
- Plaster with reinforcing mesh
What is a reinforcing mesh used for
In construction projects, cement mortars, concrete mixes, and finishing compounds are frequently utilized. They become stronger once they harden, but they can break when subjected to bending loads, deformations, and torques brought on by the building’s shrinkage and other influences. You can strengthen and increase the resistance of the structures being built by using reinforcing mesh. It boosts the mechanical strength of the binder or finishing composition by guaranteeing its integrity after hardening.
Specialty stores provide a wider selection of mesh reinforcement with small and large cell sizes for use in finishing and construction projects.
Meshes are used for a variety of purposes, depending on the cell size and the manufacturing material:
- increase the strength characteristics of foundation bases. Without additional reinforcement, the foundation cracks under the influence of natural factors, gradually causing shrinkage of individual parts of the building;
- prevent cracking of the screed when pouring floors. The use of mesh is especially relevant when using fragile foam sheets as a heat insulator. The mesh ensures the integrity and durability of the array, preventing the formation of cracks;
- increase adhesion between the finishing composition and the wall surface. The mesh provides improved contact of the plaster mortar applied from the outside or inside of the building. When finishing wooden, metal, and painted surfaces, the mesh is necessary;
- ensuring increased reliability of fastening finishing materials and decorative coatings to the surface. Mesh reinforcement acts as a binding element, ensuring strong contact with the base of facing materials and various types of finishing;
- improving the contact of the plaster mixture applied to the surface of sheet foam or plasterboard. The finishing operation will not give the desired effect without mesh reinforcement. Without reinforcement, cracking of the plaster mortar after hardening is inevitable when performing plastering activities.
Because the finishing composition is thicker—more than 20 mm—mesh reinforcement prevents damage to the integrity of the decorative and protective layer that forms after hardening. The mesh can be used for much more than this. When building walls, mesh for laying blocks is needed to strengthen the aerated concrete or foam block masonry. Additionally, mesh material is utilized to roughen ceiling surfaces.
Types of mesh used for reinforcement
Meshes that are utilized in construction to solve issues and carry out finishing tasks are categorized based on the material, cell size, and production technology utilized in their creation. Every variety offers unique benefits, varying in terms of functional attributes, particular uses, and expenses.
Meshes are generally classified into the following categories:
- mesh reinforcement made of metal;
- plastic materials for reinforcement;
- fiberglass reinforcement.
Let’s delve deeper into the characteristics, variations, and applications of each kind of mesh material for reinforcing.
Application, types and advantages of metal mesh
Metal mesh reinforcement is a common material used to fortify different surfaces.
Steel mesh is used for a variety of applications.
- arrangement of a reliable screed when pouring floor bases, including for heated floors;
- ensuring reliable contact of the plaster material when eliminating significant defects on the surface of the walls;
- preventing peeling of the binder from the treated surface and preventing local swelling;
- increasing the stability of walls, the masonry of which is carried out from cellular aerated concrete and foam block blocks.
Depending on the intended use of the reinforcing material, the wire’s cross-sectional diameter and the cell’s side dimensions vary:
- for plastering activities, mesh reinforcement made of steel wire with a cross-section of up to 1.5 mm is used. The cell has the shape of a square, its side does not exceed 30 mm;
- reinforcement of the screed is carried out with a reinforced mesh. The diameter of the wire exceeds 3 mm. A mesh with a square cell is used, the side of which is more than 100 mm.
The mesh used for reinforcing walls is the same size as plaster mesh in terms of wire grade and cell size.
Steel mesh is available in different formats:
- roll. This mesh is used for plastering;
- sectional. The material is used for screeds and masonry.
Different types of steel mesh are used, depending on the manufacturing technology and design features. These include:
- welded. It is made by fixing perpendicularly located steel rods by spot welding at the intersections. Wire of various cross-sections is used for manufacturing. The welded mesh number corresponds to the side of the wire cell. To protect the mesh from corrosion, the wire is galvanized or a polymer coating is applied. Non-galvanized mesh is also used in the construction industry;
- expanded metal. It is produced on special equipment by stamping a solid sheet metal with subsequent drawing of the stamped sheet. Expanded metal is used for reinforcement when performing masonry work, as well as in the process of facing activities. To prevent corrosive destruction of the steel mesh, the material is subjected to galvanic treatment;
- chain link. It is made from carbon steel by forming zigzag wire segments and then joining them into a single piece. For the manufacture of chain-link, wire with alloying additives and a protective zinc coating is also used, which increases the corrosion resistance of the material. Chain-linking is traditionally used to reinforce walls, onto which an increased layer of plaster mixture is applied.
The primary benefits of steel mesh are:
- ease of use;
- material flexibility;
- increased safety margin;
- resistance to temperature changes;
- maintaining integrity when cutting.
Low weight sectional elements and the convenience of rolling material transportation are further benefits. Steel mesh is utilized in the construction industry to address a variety of issues because of its many benefits.
Types, uses and advantages of plastic mesh
Durable polymeric materials are used to make plastic mesh.
Different kinds of plastic are employed in production:
- polyurethane;
- polypropylene.
The thicknesses of the mesh base vary. The reinforcing material is shaped like a square or diamond and has a different cell configuration. Building maintenance can be done both inside and outside using plastic mesh. There is no need for any specific preparation when installing plastic reinforcement. The mesh is pressed into the surface after a thin layer of plaster has been applied. The principal domains of utilization are facade reinforcement and plastering.
The primary benefits of plastic mesh are:
- increased resistance to stretching;
- resistance to breaking loads;
- resistance to high humidity and temperature changes;
- environmentally friendly;
- affordable price.
The material is safe to come into contact with electrical wires, can be easily shaped into radius surfaces, and has no negative effects on radio signal reception.
Fiberglass reinforcing mesh
Plastic mesh and fiberglass mesh are comparable in terms of performance when used as reinforcement materials. The density of fiberglass fabric affects its performance characteristics.
This indicator establishes the area of use, dependability, and safety margin of the reinforcing material:
- finishing work inside the premises is carried out with a mesh, the density of which does not exceed 160 g / m2;
- for facade finishing and external plastering, a fiberglass mesh with a density of up to 220 g / m2 is used;
- reinforcement of the basement part of the building and reinforcement of loaded structures is carried out with a reinforced mesh, the specific gravity of which reaches 300 g / m2.
You can purchase fiberglass mesh in rolls or tapes. It is intended to strengthen plasterboard joints, enhance finishing material adherence, and guard against cracking.
Fiberglass mesh benefits include:
- increased strength;
- increased moisture resistance;
- reasonable cost;
- harmlessness to others.
The resistance of the mesh to alkalis and working solutions is increased when it is manufactured using glass fibers resistant to harsh environments.
How is reinforced mesh used to reinforce building structures
When using reinforcing mesh, you should familiarize yourself with installation techniques and fastening guidelines. On construction sites, there are instructions for using mesh material.
Options for mesh fastening:
- using electric welding, which allows you to attach a steel mesh to a metal base;
- stapler, which ensures reliable fastening of the plastic mesh to the wooden surface with staples;
- bent nails, self-tapping screws or screws that allow you to press the thick mesh to the base;
- special dowels designed for attaching reinforcing material to brick or concrete walls;
- by pressing into the plaster mixture when performing finishing activities.
When completing a screed, it is possible to install the mesh without fixing.
A grid of steel bars or wires embedded in concrete to strengthen it and keep it from cracking is known as a reinforcing mesh. It is essential for concrete projects that require additional support, such as walls, floors, and driveways. Reinforcing mesh is an essential part of many construction and repair projects because it guarantees that the concrete will remain sturdy and stable under pressure.
Reinforcing mesh – recommendations for purchasing
Once you’ve made the decision to reinforce the mesh, speak with a sales representative at a specialty store or seek the knowledgeable counsel of licensed builders.
Take note of the following features of the content:
- base material;
- diameter of the lintels;
- cell dimensions;
- presence of a coating;
- strength properties;
- quality of the material;
- manufacturing method.
Select a substance that is stronger and more resilient to the negative effects of an alkaline environment. Errors in mesh selection result in cracks because the mesh reinforcement is destroyed or is not strong enough.
For everyone involved in construction, it is imperative to comprehend reinforcing mesh. This substance is essential for fortifying concrete and making it resilient to a range of loads and stresses. Concrete structures can be made more resilient and stable by incorporating a reinforcing mesh, which lowers the likelihood of cracks and failures.
Reinforcing mesh helps create a more durable end result when working on projects like slabs, driveways, and foundations. It’s especially crucial in places where there is a lot of traffic or inclement weather. The precise specifications of your project should always be taken into account when choosing the right kind and location for the mesh.
To sum up, reinforcing mesh is an essential part of contemporary concrete construction. By using it, structures that withstand the test of time become safer and more resilient. The longevity and general quality of your concrete projects can be greatly improved by using and comprehending this material properly.