What mesh is suitable for plastering walls: types and application features

Choosing the appropriate mesh can have a big impact on the outcome when plastering walls. Plaster is strengthened by the mesh, which guarantees that it sticks to the surface correctly and endures over time.

Mesh comes in a variety of forms, each ideal for a particular plastering application. The kind of plaster you intend to use and the particular state of your walls will determine which one is best.

To help you choose the right mesh for your project, we’ll go over the various kinds of mesh that are frequently used in plastering in this post, along with their application features.

Selecting the appropriate mesh is essential for plastering walls in order to achieve a smooth and long-lasting finish. Depending on the surface and kind of plaster being applied, different mesh types—such as fiberglass, metal, or plastic—have different applications. You can prolong the life of your plastered walls, enhance adhesion, and prevent cracks by being aware of the application features of each type of mesh.

Why do you need a mesh, and in what cases is it used

For a very long time, building solutions have been strengthened through the use of reinforcement. Prior to the development of contemporary materials like fiberglass and other polymers, reinforcing materials included wire, metal rods, and wooden slats, or shingles. Both the thick-layer application of plaster mortar and the bricklaying process, where a robust reinforcement mesh held the bricks together, required reinforcement.

With the development of plastic and basalt fibers, the plaster layer thickness needed to cover the mesh for plastering walls could be decreased without compromising the strength of the reinforced layer. Particularly in areas where there is a high likelihood of strong mechanical impacts, such as basements and facades, insulating materials (foam, mineral wool, and polystyrene foam) require a sturdy casing. Modern insulating structures, such as "wet facades" and aerated concrete walls that are not impact- or abrasion-resistant, are protected by plastering over a mesh.

When plastering ceiling slabs and plasterboard sheet joints, a thin strip of fiberglass plaster mesh is used to reinforce the joints and fix cracks. Reinforcement is especially necessary for protruding corners. A serpyanka is a thin fiberglass or lavsan mesh or fabric strip.

Types of reinforcing mesh and their purpose

Several materials were tested for the function of a power structure because the plastering mesh should act as a sort of frame. They needed to have additional qualities in addition to tensile strength, elasticity, and durability. Not every building material can withstand a rigorous examination.

The following have already shown their worth and are frequently employed out of those who have passed:

• metal mesh sheets;
• reinforcing meshes made of fiberglass, polyurethane, fiberglass, polypropylene, lavsan;
• products made of modified basalt glass;
• lath (for plastering wooden bases).

When working outside, they have particularly high standards for materials. We will delve deeper into the characteristics and attributes of products with reinforcing mesh composed of various materials.

Reinforcing meshes made of plastic

Compared to the original plastics, modern polymeric materials are very different. Because of this, mesh products with great strength have also emerged in addition to massive ones. This was the appearance of a new material for plastering and masonry reinforcement. Polypropylene or polyurethane (like plurim) are used to make polymer mesh fabric. These materials outperform metal ones in certain aspects.

For instance, the following are some benefits of plastic plaster mesh:

• no need for fastening to the base, since polymeric materials are lightweight;
• low weight of rolls, ease of transportation;
• moisture resistance (no corrosion or rust stains);
• no rotting;
• environmental friendliness;
• resistance to vibration loads and elasticity;
• retain properties when temperatures drop to -40 °C or rise to +100 °C;
• lower price than metal and fiberglass products.

• some plastics are not resistant to chemical "aggressors";
• a layer of mortar thicker than 6-8 mm cannot be applied over a plastic mesh product.

Because polyurethane plaster mesh is chemically inert, it can be used in industrial buildings.

Two primary factors differentiate products:

• shape and size of cells;
• density (this value determines what maximum load is allowed on the plaster coating).

Polymer mesh cells can be found in two different shapes. Cell-containing sheets are used as reinforcement:

• square (the letters PCF or SQ are indicated in the marking);
• diamond-shaped.

When plastering alone, the latter are simpler to manage. Mesh fabrics with 5 mm cells are used for interior work, and larger ones (starting at 10×10 mm) are used for facade work.

Products that have densities between 70 and 165 g/m2 are commonly utilized.m.

The polymer mesh does not require any additional devices to be attached to the base. Applying a layer of plaster or adhesive solution to the wall, aligning the canvas, and using a spatula to gently press down on the top of the product to "drown" it in the layer are sufficient steps. No part of the surface should be left uncoated with plaster mixture.

The thinnest of the meshes is serpyanka. The previously mentioned cases are not the only ones that can be used. The areas where window and door units are fastened to the wall are covered with serpyanka.

The differences between tapes are:

• material;
• weave density;
• the presence of an adhesive layer (self-adhesive or without glue);
• strip width;
• place of application (indoors or outdoors).

It is not necessary to fasten the serpyanka to the base separately. It is put on top of a putty or plaster mixture layer, smoothed with a spatula, and then, if required, a thin layer of the composition is added on top. Fiberglass is occasionally used in place of serpyanka; the main distinction is that it lacks cells.

Cells on the tape designed for interior work have a maximum side measurement of 4 mm. Serpyanka for facades has 5 mm cell sizes and thicker threads.

Fiberglass plaster mesh

Melting aluminum borosilicate glass yields thin elastic threads. Durable fiberglass, which is used to create a variety of meshes, including glass wallpaper, is made from flexible, non-brittle threads. Rolls of fiberglass canvas are delivered to stores. The mesh typically has a width of 100 cm and a length of up to 100 m per roll. Fiberglass mesh with cells that have a side of 2, 5, and 10 mm is commonly used for plastering.

The primary benefits of the product are:

• increased adhesion to solutions;
• resistance to high and low temperature operating conditions;
• high tensile strength, as well as resistance to various mechanical loads;
• resistance to rotting, corrosion, highly aggressive chemical influences;
• fire resistance;
• low weight (which is especially good for the ceiling);
• flexibility, allowing you to reinforce even uneven surfaces.

The drawbacks of using fiberglass mesh

• high absorbency of the liquid component of the solution;
• possible formation of glass dust, which causes allergies;
• work must be done by two people to properly stretch the mesh (which is especially important for reinforcing ceilings);
• increased price.

The most crucial characteristics of fiberglass plaster mesh are surface density, area of application, and type of impregnation. The initial two parameters have a close relationship.

Fiberglass is unique in that it:

• In internal works, a fiberglass grid is used with a density of 50 to 160 g/m2 (materials with less density go for painting, with a larger one – for plastering purposes);
• For outer plaster, more dense products are used – up to 220 g per square meter. meter;
• For underground structures and basements, the most dense fiberglasses are used – up to 300 g/m2.

Determine the correct fiberglass network in the roll with the aid of labeling.

The meaning of marking letters is:

• SS – fiberglass;
• B – for internal, N – outdoor works (reinforcing facade nets);
• Y – reinforced products;
• A – anti -vandal fiberglass networks;
• W – painting or putty mesh products.

Similar to plastic material, additional web fixation to the base prior to plastering is not necessary for the installation of a fiberglass mesh.

Basalt plaster mesh

The durability of basalt plaster mesh, which is composed of basalt roving, a relatively new material, is superior to that of fiberglass. Additionally, tests show that this material is 30% more alkali-resistant than fiberglass plaster mesh.

Reinforcement mesh made of basalt has a strong adhesion to plaster and putty compositions and is resistant to corrosion and breakdown. Basements, interior walls, and facades all have plaster layers that are reinforced with alkaline mesh. Cell sizes range from 5 to 25 mm, and web widths range from 0.5 to 5 m.

• environmental friendliness;
• good moisture and heat resistance;
• fire safety;
• high strength;
• wide range of operating temperature conditions;
• resistance to UV radiation;
• cost is lower than that of metal meshes.

Cons: Compared to fiberglass, basalt reinforcement is more expensive.

It is preferable to use basalt mesh to reinforce the foam block masonry because adhesive compositions have a tendency to rapidly erode the protective galvanization.

Metal meshes are distinct from the ones mentioned above. We will discuss them in more detail.

Metal plaster mesh

Plastering materials with metal reinforcement are widely available from manufacturers.

Additionally, mesh canvases vary in:

• method of weaving or manufacturing;
• method of processing the surface of the wire or rods;
• cell sizes;
• thickness of the constituent elements;
• raw materials.

As a result, there is a large variety of mesh canvases, and every modification has unique characteristics.

The primary benefits of metal materials are:

• special strength due to the mechanical characteristics of the metal;
• versatility of use with different types of rough solutions and bases;
• the use of hardware does not limit the thickness of the plaster mortar;
• when strengthening the plaster layer on a metal base, hardware is attached to the structure by welding;
• when cutting, metal scissors or nippers (hand tool) are enough;
• sufficient intrinsic rigidity allows the network to be fixed in only a few places;
• withstands vibrations and building subsidence.

Additionally, there are drawbacks:

1. The metal web weighs more than webs made of other materials, which does not allow gypsum boards or weak foundations to be reinforced with metal.
2. Susceptibility of uncoated metal to corrosion.

Metal mesh webs come in various types:

1. All-metal expanded metal network (SMEM) is made of sheet metal with a thickness of 0.4 mm by cutting slots in a checkerboard pattern and subsequent stretching. Characterized by the cell height (starting from 1 mm), cell width (slot length – from 3 mm), as well as the thickness of the lintel (starting from 0.5 mm).

Cold-rolled or galvanized rolled metal is utilized for expanded metal web reinforcement. Shape of the cell: rhombic or scaly. accessible in bags or rolls.

1. A woven net is made by weaving wires of the same diameter, similar to fabric threads.
2. Chainlink.
3. Welded network.
4. Plaster mesh hardware.

Regulations and standards apply to all mesh fabrics, ensuring their dependability in use.

Criteria for choosing a metal mesh

When selecting products made of metal reinforcing mesh, consider:

1. Material from which the wire or rods are made. The nets are made of three types of metal: stainless steel, ordinary carbon iron, galvanized iron.
2. Surface finish quality of components. If the wall material and plaster are vapor-permeable, choose galvanized plaster mesh. The galvanized surface protects the base metal from the moisture of condensation formed. A galvanized network will cost more, but will last longer.
3. Mesh type – expanded metal, woven, braided, welded — the choice is determined by the goal and the planned budget.
4. The thickness (diameter) of the components is selected according to the operating loads and area of ​​application. Sometimes reinforcement is performed in two layers.
5. Cell size. The less reliable and loose the base, the smaller the cells of the selected product.
6. Manufacturer. It is better to purchase materials from reliable manufacturers.

Woven metal mesh

Stainless steel or low carbon (galvanized or not) are used to create reinforcement mesh that resembles fabric. Both the diameter of the wires and the size of the cells vary. The plain or twill weave creates the square or rectangular shape of the cells. We offer rolled rolls of woven plastering mesh.

Galvanized wire woven fabrics have square cell side sizes of 2, 5, 12, and 14 mm and wire diameters of 0.4, 0.7, 0.8, and 14 mm, respectively. Mesh sizes for low-carbon wire meshes range from 0.8 mm (diameter 0.32 mm) to 14 mm (diameter – 0.8 mm) in production.

Rabitz mesh

By carefully twisting adjacent wires, an inventor-named plastering mesh that is widely used in construction can be created. High-alloy or carbon wire (which can be galvanized) are used to make rabitz. There are also chain-link nets, but these are typically used for fencing. The wire in these nets is coated with PVC.

A wire that is 1-3 mm thick is screwed into the shape of a spiral to create a chain-link net. The spirals are then joined to form a single web. Because working webs are thicker overall, thick layers of plaster mortar can be reinforced by them. The diameter of the wires and the cells increase with increasing layer thickness. The minimum and maximum cell sizes are 6×6 mm and 20×20 mm, respectively, with a wire diameter of 1.2 mm and 1.8 mm, respectively.

• high price;
• the need for frequent fastening to the base;
• complexity of installation.

The netting’s exceptional stretchability and mobility under load make it unique. Consequently, two persons must be added to the base to reinforce it.

Welded mesh for plastering

Welded plastering mesh is another type that’s used a lot. This kind is constructed from spot-welded, cross-shaped wires. This establishes the plane’s metal mesh’s rigidity. offered in bundles or rolls.

In load-bearing structures, welded mesh is used to reinforce plaster, strengthen the foundation, and create a "shell" for sheet insulation. constructed from varying-sized rods or wires. Meshes may be rectangular or square in shape.

The primary characteristics of welded reinforcing mesh are marked using the following formula: X C D b x L, in which X represents the mesh type, C: welded (or, occasionally, rolled after the addition of C p), L is the length, b is the hardware width, and D is the wire diameter (one digit if the wires are the same, or d1/d2 if the wires are different, the steel grade is additionally indicated).

Plastering wooden walls requires the use of welded galvanized mesh, with each cell measuring 40 by 40 mm. Fastening components made of stainless steel are used to secure the network. Stapler and staples can be used to secure thin products to wood.

Masonry mesh

According to GOST, 3-6 mm wire is the recommended size for metal mesh used in masonry. In addition to providing bandaging, the product keeps the mortar mixture out of the brick voids. It is employed not only for masonry but also for plaster coating reinforcement in thick layers.

The material is the primary distinction in the construction masonry network. Apart from the fiberglass and basalt products previously mentioned, the mesh masonry web is made of steel wire.

Plaster metal mesh manier

Plastering does not require a different kind of metal mesh as a result. Every species listed meets this requirement. Furthermore, there is still more to discuss regarding the twisted manier mesh. The cells in this material are hexagonal. An elastic fabric is created by a particular wire connection and is used to reinforce surfaces with intricate curved shapes.

When comparing manier to chain-link, the latter is different in that the fabric does not unravel when a wire breaks. Its design is also more appealing. The network has a broad range of applications and is universal.

Low carbon steel that has undergone thermal treatment is used to make the wire. Manier is made with wires coated in polymer or galvanized, or without insulation. Ideal for work on facades.

Galvanized mesh cannot be cut with a grinder. The protective layer burns off in high temperatures, which makes corrosion in this area more active.

Conditions of use

Several factors determine how the mesh reinforcement will function during operation. Based on its composition, the plaster mesh needs to be chemically "compatible" with the mixture’s binder components as well as with different additives that are added to the solution. As a result, when selecting a mesh, the kind of plaster compositions used must be considered. As a result, even after hardening, some plastics are "dissolved" by cement mortars. Since gypsum composition has no such effect, meshes made of any material can be used with it.

The location of the reinforcing mesh application, the plaster layer’s thickness, etc., are also crucial considerations when plastering walls.

An overview of the selection criteria for the intended purpose is as follows:

1. Meshes are used for outdoor work, plastering pools and baths, as well as when the thickness of the leveling layer is more than 3 cm.
2. Plastic products are chosen if the plaster mixture or putty is gypsum-based.
3. In the decoration of fireplaces and stoves, chain-link mesh is used to reinforce the clay or cement composition, and fiberglass is used for thin plaster.

For outdoor work

The variety of materials available for plaster facade mesh is restricted by harsh weather. Fibreglass and basalt sheets may be used to reinforce the facade above the insulation. Metal reinforcement is preferred for the basement that is subjected to the greatest external mechanical influences.

The product labeling indicates that meshes are produced by manufacturers for plastering the facade, taking into account the severe operating conditions. These meshes can tolerate exposure to UV light and abrupt temperature changes.

For indoor work

Because plastic wall reinforcement meshes are lightweight, they are frequently utilized for ceiling finishing. They work well when done indoors. Additionally, OSB and chipboard-based internal walls and partitions are plastered using Lavsan meshes. The articles in the sections on plastering and decorative plaster provide a description of the technology used for reinforcement.

For the ceiling

Particularly when plastering a ceiling with gypsum, lightweight meshes are ideal. Synthetic product threads overlap more readily during thin-layer plastering, resulting in a lower plastering material consumption.

Old-style houses frequently have rusticated ceilings that are "decorated" with mortar and serpyanka reinforcement, or a mesh cloth that is positioned in line with the direction of the grooves. A cloth covering the entire ceiling surface is required (joints must overlap by a minimum of 10 cm). Additionally, there is overlap to reinforce the corners where the wall and ceiling plane meet.

Mesh Type	Application Features
Fiberglass Mesh	Lightweight and resistant to alkali, ideal for interior walls, helps prevent cracking in plaster.
Metal Mesh	Strong and durable, used for exterior walls and heavy plaster layers, provides excellent adhesion.
Plastic Mesh	Flexible and rust-resistant, suitable for areas with high moisture, easy to cut and install.
Wire Mesh	Highly durable, used for thick plaster layers, especially on uneven surfaces, offers strong reinforcement.

When plastering walls, selecting the appropriate mesh is essential to getting a smooth, long-lasting finish. Depending on the surface and the kind of plaster you’re using, there are distinct benefits to working with metal, fiberglass, or plastic mesh.

Because of its durability and ability to withstand moisture, fiberglass mesh is frequently chosen for locations that are prone to moisture. Although metal mesh is more substantial, it offers superior reinforcement for thicker plaster layers and is frequently employed in more rigorous settings. Plastic mesh is a good choice for simpler tasks because it is lightweight and manageable.

You can choose the best mesh type for your project by being aware of its application features, which will guarantee a smooth and durable wall finish.

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