Every experienced home master at least once faced with the need to work with a facade mesh. This material can be divided into two subgroups, namely plaster and facade meshes. Each of them performs its own functions, and is also made of different materials, which is why it is necessary to consider its characteristics and features before using the material.
Protective nets
Facade mesh can be protective: the main role that this material performs is to prevent the free fall of debris from scaffolding. However, it can be used as a decorative cover, to prevent dust dispersion, as well as to protect facades from external influences. If we talk about a decorative purpose, then the grid can be used when there is a need to repair a building located on the main street. At the same time, the reconstructionand facing can be carried out for a long time, while the described material will give the building a neat appearance. A mesh is also used to prevent the dispersion of dust that is generated during construction work. At the same time, it should have small cells in order to ensure the retention of minor particles. As the material that underlies, the most durable polyethylene is most often used. Special weaving prevents arbitrary material unraveling in case of damage or cutting along the edge. During the production process, special compounds are used that exclude rotting.
Plaster mesh
Facade mesh is used in the construction process as a reinforcing layer. Such materials eliminate the occurrence of cracks and improve the mechanical strength of the base, which was covered with a layer of plaster. During production, synthetic fiber or metal can be used. Before starting work, it is important to choose the right mesh thickness, this parameter will depend on the thickness of the plaster layer.
Varieties of plaster mesh
Front mesh for plaster must be selected according to certain criteria. Thus, synthetic material is suitable for the thinnest layers, which are applied in 3 cm or less. Some of them can also be used in facade insulation systems. This refers to the mesh, which is produced under the brand name ssa1363 4sm.
If you spendcomparing plastic and fiberglass meshes with metal meshes, the first two options are not able to form cold bridges. Building facade metal mesh is most in demand, it is used for massive layers, the thickness of which exceeds 3 cm. Unfortunately, when carrying out reconstruction work on the external walls of old buildings, it is quite rare to level the base with a thinner layer. Building facade mesh can be used not only for finishing external surfaces, but also, if necessary, for leveling walls inside the premises. This material is also used when pouring floors, as well as in the implementation of a number of other works.
Mounting recommendations
Facade mesh, reviews of which are consonant with the characteristics presented in the article, can be fiberglass and synthetic. The main parameters by which the material is selected are alkali resistance and tensile strength. It is important to pay attention to the quality of weaving, this is due to the fact that the simplicity and ease of installation will depend on this. The breaking load acts as the greatest force that the material will be able to undergo when stretched until it breaks. If you choose a facade mesh for plastering, which will be applied to flat and even areas, then you should prefer a material with a breaking load of at least 1800 N. As for decorative facade elements, this figure can vary from 1300 to1500 N.
Advice from an expert
If you will use a reinforced facade mesh, then you need to consider that its tensile strength will depend on the density indicators. A number of unscrupulous manufacturers mention a greater density than it actually is. This can be analyzed by weighing the roll and then dividing the resulting weight by the area. It must be indicated on the packaging. Thus, with material dimensions equal to 4 x 25, the area will be equal to 100 square meters.
Alkaline resistance reviews
If you will use a plaster facade mesh during work, then you should take into account that the alkali-resistant material must be able to perfectly withstand this environment. This indicator is important for the reason that most plaster and putty compositions have an alkaline aggressive environment, which can reduce the strength characteristics of the material. That is why you should not buy low-quality cheap mesh, which will lose durability and strength in a short time. Consumers claim that it is possible to independently analyze how strong the alkali-resistant mesh is. To do this, as buyers mention, you need to immerse a piece of material in a concentrated solution of laundry soap for several days. If after this the fibers do not begin to spread and do not lose color, then you can use such reinforcement with confidence that it will last induring the warranty period.
Feedback on additional selection factors
If you buy a facade mesh, you should be especially suspicious of the material that was produced in China. Some consumers note that such manufacturers sometimes supply goods whose footage does not correspond to the declared one. If you want to be sure that you are purchasing a high-quality mesh, then you should prefer dealers and manufacturers who have managed to establish themselves in the building materials market. Thus, excellent customer reviews can be heard about the facade fiberglass mesh, which is produced on the domestic market under the name "Krepiks".
If you have to work with the facade of a multi-storey building, then you should purchase a particularly strong armored mesh. This is due to the fact that the zone of the first floors and the basement of these buildings undergoes significant mechanical loads.
Metal nets
Metal facade mesh can be produced by expanded metal or welded method. The latter type of material is based on non-galvanized or galvanized wire, the diameter of which varies from 0.6 to 3 millimeters. In the intersection zones, the material is connected by welding technology. Facade mesh, reviews of which are quite often only positive, can be made, as mentioned above, by the expanded metal method. During the production process, it is possible to obtain a homogeneous mesh, which is devoid of weldedseams for durability and strength. Such material is chosen by those consumers for whom the quality characteristics are higher than the high cost. The rough edges of the described mesh are able to provide reliable adhesion of the plaster and the reinforcing layer. During operation, the material itself is not subjected to destructive influences and corrosion.
Installation reviews
If you will use a fiberglass facade mesh, then before starting installation, you must definitely familiarize yourself with the technological process. The fastening of the material to the surface of the walls can be done with self-tapping screws, a stapler, dowels or nails. This will depend on the material of the facade. Experienced craftsmen emphasize that the mesh should not be stretched, this is the only way to ensure a snug fit without the formation of bubbles. Consumers who have had the opportunity to use this material mention that the fastening should be done with an overlap. Installation should be done from the bottom up. Facade corner with mesh should be used when it is necessary to strengthen the external and internal corners. Among other things, it helps to form a perfectly even angle on the surface with less effort. After completing work using this element, you can be sure that the surface will not be covered with cracks.
Features of working with a corner
During installation work, you will certainly have to use a corner, it is made using a perforated PVC profile. An alkali-resistant mesh is fixed on both sides. Installation technology involvessetting the corner using the building level. The fixation of this element in a predetermined position is carried out by recessing the grid into the previously applied plaster layer. In the process of plastering the corner, the mixture must be applied through the perforation, which will ensure a secure fixation on the walls.
Additional areas of use for facade mesh
Facade decorative mesh can be used not only as a reinforcing layer, but also for other tasks. Most often, this material finds its application in the dacha economy. Thus, it is used for arranging fences, as well as fences. The mesh is excellent as a support for climbing plants. Gardeners actively use it as a shading fabric for greenhouses and greenhouses. In construction, it is indispensable for screening bulk materials. In agriculture, it is used to form enclosures in which domestic animals and birds live.
Conclusion
Facade mesh has found its application in many areas of construction, agriculture and industry. It is used as a fence for sports fields or areas that are dangerous. In air cleaning systems, this material allows you to create a screen for ventilation openings. Thus, at almost every stage of construction, the material described in the article turns out to be indispensable for carrying out certain works. You can also use it for your own purposes, for example, when arranging a personal plot.