Finishing or leveling walls by plastering is the most popular building technology. In order for the result of such work to be of high quality, experts use a mesh for plastering. This material greatly enhances the strength of the plaster layer, and also increases the service life.
Reinforcing meshes are used not only to strengthen the surface of the wall, but also in the process of finishing reinforced concrete foundations, plinths. With the help of these materials, bulk, attic and interfloor floors are strengthened. There is also a list of various operations where this grid is used. Therefore, it can be called one of the most needed materials in construction.
Varieties and purpose
Previously, the only way to reinforce a layer of plaster was wood shingles. Today, manufacturers of building materials have offered their customers the widest range of ready-made grids for wall plastering.
These products are made from a variety ofmaterials, they differ in characteristics and purpose of use.
Plastic reinforcing mesh
This material is also called masonry mesh. It is made mainly from technological polymer bases, characterized by a high level of strength. The mesh has different thicknesses. Cells can be either square or diamond-shaped. The cell size is different, which makes this material suitable for most construction applications.
Pros and cons of a polymer product
Since the polymer mesh has a high operational potential, it is really a versatile material with a lot of advantages. The grid is resistant to the influence of various negative factors and the external environment.
Due to the use of polymeric materials, this mesh is highly resistant to moisture. Polymers do not corrode, do not rot, which in the best way affects the quality of interior and exterior finishing works. Grid for plaster perfectly withstands seasonal temperature fluctuations. The material is environmentally friendly - it does not contain allergic or toxic substances. Due to all the same polymers, the mesh has elasticity, steadily withstands mechanical and vibrational loads.
Another advantage is that this product does not need to be fixed on the wall in any way using fasteners. The plastic mesh is held on a thin layer of mortar, which greatly speeds up the process. The middle is reinforced. Many are attracted by the affordable price. This is another factor that makes this product so popular.
Application
Reinforcing mesh for plaster is a good and affordable reinforcing option in the finishing process. It is widely used for work inside and outside the building. For example, for interior decoration, polymer mesh tapes are used to reinforce the joints of drywall sheets.
When the walls are insulated, nothing will work without this mesh - the necessary adhesion will be absent. The insulation material will not adhere to the base. If the grid is completely abandoned, then there is a risk of cracking the wall and shedding plaster.
A mesh with sufficient rigidity and thickness is well suited for working with insulating materials. It is able to provide a sufficient level of adhesion to the building material. The coating will be even, smooth, strong and durable.
Since this material is produced with a cell of different sizes, the most popular is a grid with a square of five by five millimeters. Rarely used for outdoor work is a product with a cell of nine by ten millimeters.
Fiberglass
This plaster mesh also has all the above advantages. But it's better than plastic. The product is in demand because of its characteristics - the material can withstand severe loads. Strength compared to a polymer product is higher. The breaking load capacity is also higher.
As for the main characteristics, they depend on the level of surface density. It is this parameter that determines how reliable and durable it will bematerial. Mesh density is usually measured in grams per square meter.
This material is divided into three different groups. So, for interior finishing work, there are products with a density of 50-160 grams per square meter. This type is divided into painting and plaster mesh. Painting is less dense. Cell size is 3x3, 2, 5x2, 5 and 2x2 mm.
Glass fiber mesh for plaster is produced with a mesh size of 5x5 mm or more. The density is higher - painting. The product is used on the facades of buildings and for other outdoor finishing works. For finishing facades, the density will be from 160 to 220 grams per square meter. The cell size can be 5x5 and 10x10 millimeters. There are no other product sizes.
For the decoration of basement floors and buildings underground, more dense products are used. So, special anti-vandal solutions are used. They can withstand significant loads and work in extreme conditions. Density - from 220 to 300 grams per square meter.
Material purpose
Fiberglass Facade Plaster Mesh can be used in various construction works. Naturally, the main task is to reliably strengthen the layer of plaster. With the help of a mesh, adhesion can be significantly increased - the material has a relief structure.
The product is also used in the process of reinforcing joints and in finishing seams. Here the grid is needed to level the surfaces. The material is widely used in works with drywall andfoam, as well as for finishing sheet and block materials. The mesh reinforces door and window blocks.
Metal
These solutions are used not only to strengthen the plaster layer as reliably as possible. Often, a metal mesh for plaster also serves to strengthen the walls themselves. This is the most popular and affordable material for outdoor work. It is also popular for decorative finishing applications.
For different types of surfaces, a different grid is used. It differs in thickness, strength of the plaster layer to be applied. Below we will consider the most popular types of products that are used by builders when finishing.
Metal Woven Mesh
This stucco mesh is so named because it is made on the same principle as fabrics. Weaves are the same, only from wire. Weaves can be plain, where the mesh size is 1 × 1 mm, or twill with a size of 1 × 2 mm or more. The material used is galvanized, stainless or carbon steel wire.
Rabitz
This is the most demanded mesh for wall plastering among all metal products. Such a specific name comes from the inventor. Karl Rabitza first showed this product in 1878. For production, carbon, high-alloy, galvanized steels are used in the form of wire. Often a modern grid has a coating ofpolymers. Such a product is more durable, as it does not corrode and is able to withstand external influences well. The mesh is produced using the technology of twisting the wire into a spiral. Then a solid canvas is obtained from these blanks.
This material is often covered with walls built of clay, adobe before plastering. The mesh creates a strong reinforcing layer that can withstand a large volume of mortar. The thicker it is, the larger mesh should be the reinforcing mesh for wall plastering.
Welded net
This material is obtained by spot welding wire. For production, wire or reinforcing bar of different diameters is used. The cell can have a different size. The grid is used in the process of laying walls, as well as for work to strengthen the foundation. Often this product is also used in finishing work on load-bearing surfaces.
Galvanized and non-galvanized wire as well as polymer coated component are used as material. For plastering, a galvanized product is used. However, if it concerns the basement on the foundation, and then a decorative layer will be applied to the plaster, then the option without zinc coating can also be used.
Masonry net
This product is also produced by welding. Such a mesh is more often used to strengthen walls during their construction, in the process of pouring floors. However, it is often used in plasterworks.
Metal plaster mesh
This material, unlike other metal counterparts, was originally designed for plastering. It is made from galvanized, thermally treated wire. The mesh is designed so that the layer of plaster can be applied as evenly as possible, and losses would be minimal.
Features of choice
The cost of metal reinforced mesh for plaster and other options may vary. The appropriate option is selected based on the following parameters:
- It is important to pay attention to the quality of the metal. By using quality steel, manufacturers incur higher costs than if plain steel were used. This also increases the price. When purchasing a mesh, you need to find out what alloy it is from.
- The cost of the mesh will be lower if the material is purchased directly from the manufacturer. Mass production at large enterprises is more profitable, hence the low price.
- The wire can be galvanized and without zinc layer. In terms of strength, these two options are the same. However, the facade mesh under the plaster will quickly begin to corrode. Rust may appear on the facade after a while.
- The wire connection method is important. The mesh made by welding is more durable. It reliably reinforces the plaster mortar. As for the thickness of the rods, they do not differ and are regulated by state standards.
Conclusion
Thus, you need to take into account the place where theplastering (outside or inside), and the materials from which the walls are made. It is also important to know the thickness of the layer. But if you want to ensure reliable adhesion of finishing materials, their strength and resistance to cracking, then you can’t do without reinforcement using meshes. This is an affordable and reliable material designed to make the facade aesthetic.
