In order for the brick structure to last longer, you should use a special masonry mesh. Among other things, it allows you to reduce the consumption of the material used in the work. On the market, this product can be found in the form of cards or rolls. The sizes of masonry nets will be mentioned below, which will help you make your choice. It is worth considering that the described material is most often used when working with hollow bricks.
General Description
Reinforcing mesh is a product in which wire rods of different diameters are welded together perpendicularly. The main difference from other meshes made of metal is the use of reinforcing wire, which belongs to the BP-1 class, it has a corrugated surface. Thanks to this structure, reliable adhesion of the material to cement and brick is ensured.
Additional Features
The dimensions of the masonry nets must be selected before purchasing the goods. The latter is made of highly bendable high carbon steel. The rods are coated with PVC or zinc during production for more impressive strength. A number of experts prefer galvanized mesh. Recently, however, fiberglass coating options have become more common, which give the product better quality characteristics. The mesh in the latter case is lighter, its strength is increased, and the top layer protects against corrosion. If you want the reinforcement to last longer, then you should use a product that is coated with fiberglass.
Sizes of masonry mesh for bricks
The sizes of masonry nets can be completely different. Specifications will depend on which document was used as the main one in production. It can be technical specifications or state standards. The main dimensions of the mesh are the diameter of the bars, which can vary from 2.5 to 8 millimeters. The size of the holes is also important, it varies from 30 to 250 millimeters. The latter can be square or rectangular in shape. Manufacturers use the following dimensions as a standard size for one solid sheet: 380x1500 millimeters.
Using different mesh sizes in construction
The dimensions of the masonry nets werementioned above, however, the most popular among buyers are products whose cell dimensions are 50x50 or 100x100 millimeters. It is important to consider the diameter of the wire. Specialists most often use products whose bar thickness varies from 4 to 5 millimeters. Manufacturers, in order to reduce the final cost of goods, deliberately produce products with a more impressive cell size. When buying a mesh in a store, it is important to pay attention to the cell sizes, which must necessarily correspond to the parameters declared by the manufacturer.
The difference between the types of mesh according to manufacturing technology
Masonry mesh for bricks, the dimensions of which were mentioned above, may differ in the manufacturing method. Thus, the result can be a welded, twisted, prefabricated or woven mesh.
GOST 23279-85
Masonry mesh, the dimensions, the photo of which you can find in the article, is made according to the above GOST. In the production process, class A III fittings are used. Oversized products of this type with a square cell of 50 millimeters are used to reinforce brickwork. Larger cells, equivalent to 100-200 millimeters, are used for arranging floor screed, pouring concrete, as well as reinforcing all kinds of solutions. The thickness of the bar also has its own meaning, so in multi-storey buildings on the lower floor it is recommended to use a mesh using a wire of 5 millimeters. This isdue to the fact that it has maximum strength characteristics. On the upper floors, a 4 mm mesh is applied. For a cottage that is supposed to have two floors, a 3 mm grid will suffice.
Dependence of mesh size on wall thickness
The size of the masonry mesh for brickwork will depend on the intended thickness of the wall. Thus, for a wall of 1.5 bricks, a map with the following dimensions will be needed: 0.38x2 meters. When increasing the thickness to 2 bricks, you should use a grid with dimensions equal to 0.5x2 meters. The dimensions of the masonry mesh cells in all these cases can remain unchanged. For a brick wall of 2.5 bricks, use a card with dimensions equivalent to 0.63x2 meters.
Positive features of the grid
If you have not yet decided whether to reinforce the masonry, then you need to consider the benefits that the mesh provides. It is resistant to the negative effects of chemicals and moisture, exhibits tensile strength, and also retains its original shape even if the integrity of the structure is compromised. The material has a very low thermal conductivity, serves for a long time, and also shows the ability to quickly cope with the vibrations that have arisen. You can count on reliable adhesion to the materials, and transport can be carried out independently, without involving additional transport.
Features of using the grid
Masonry nets, the dimensions, GOST of which were mentioned above, should be laid every 5 types. However, the frequency of laying, as well as the consumption of material, the master can change on his own, everything will depend on the purpose of the building and the established standards. If during the work process a material is used that can be subject to corrosion, it is necessary to carefully protect the rods with a layer of cement mortar. Above the masonry surface, the rods should rise by 3 millimeters.
Conclusion
If you have not yet decided which reinforcement method to use when laying bricks, then experts advise using mesh, as it takes much less time compared to other methods. With the help of sheets, you can cover a fairly impressive surface area. It is impossible not to note the insignificant diameter of the wire, which can be drowned in cement mortar. This is especially important to do if you want to extend the life of the entire structure. However, the latest products in this area are coated with special substances that perform a protective function, making the material more stable and durable, as well as durable.