Reinforcement of walls with mesh for plaster. Plastering on a mesh: why reinforcement is needed and how to do it correctly

Modern mesh for plastering walls is made from traditional and modern materials and has a different structure and shape. Looking at the polymer mesh fencing of the site, you may not know that the same material is successfully used to reinforce plaster with mesh, not only in the utility room, but also for the facade. In order to properly navigate the variety of modifications, it is advisable to stock up on the necessary information.

What kind of technology

Reinforcement is an integral building material. Reinforcement strengthens structures and also extends their service life. When finishing structures, they often encounter defects that are difficult to hide. The only way out is to apply a thick layer of plaster. To ensure adhesion and strength of the coating, reinforcement is used.

It is recommended to use in cases where the coating layer exceeds 2 centimeters. Different materials are used for reinforcement. It is attached using the same technology. All that remains is to decide when it is better to use mesh for plastering walls, as well as which material to choose.

Why and when is it used?

Plaster mesh for interior work is used to solve various problems:

Elimination of irregularities. After building a house, we are often faced with uneven structures. This is especially true when construction work is carried out by inexperienced specialists. To remove defects, plastering is carried out. If the layer is large, then you cannot do without reinforcement. Otherwise, the plaster will swell and peel off. The use of reinforcement will increase the strength of the coating.
Increased adhesion to the structure. Compliance with all rules and regulations allows you to build structures that are even. Reinforcement with mesh for walls will ensure reliable adhesion of the cement-sand mortar.
Repairing cracks. Plaster mesh allows you to eliminate cracks in the structure. The technology eliminates the emergence of new defects that negatively affect the strength and integrity of the coating.

Reinforcement with mesh for plastering walls is an integral process in creating a durable finish that will last for years.

Basalt reinforcement

The production of basalt mesh for plaster is carried out using one of two technologies:

based on roving - an untwisted thread or tow, similar in structure to fiberglass;
based on twisted basalt fibers.

Photo: basalt mesh for wall reinforcement

The weaving process is technically carried out using special equipment. Products made from roving are ready for immediate use; building materials made from twisted reinforcing threads are preliminarily treated with a protective mixture to prevent destruction in acidic or alkaline environments.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros:

tensile strength to withstand any deformation factors;
resistance to extreme temperatures - withstands at least 25 freezing cycles without loss of strength;
resistance to aggressive environments of the solutions used;
no risk of corrosion and rotting;
excellent adhesion to working surfaces;
optimal flexibility, the ability to enhance complex geometric shapes;
long service life - at least 50 years;
ease of work;
small weight;
hydrophobicity;
low price.

There are no downsides to this product.

Dimensions

Unlike analogues, basalt reinforcing products have a small range of sizes. The thickness of the threads is 2-4 mm, the perforation size is 25×25, 50×50 mm. Other options are rarely found on sale.

Application area

Recommended for strengthening the plaster layer when finishing facades and plinths of buildings, and for interior work.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the mesh include:

light weight, which allows it to be used on any structure, including light interior partitions;
ease of installation - different elements are used for mounting on the wall;
affordable price - depends on the material, as well as the manufacturer;
easy processing - easy to cut into pieces, which simplifies finishing work;
Convenient packaging - available in rolls, which simplifies finishing;
withstands significant weight of cement-sand mortar.

Each type has operational characteristics. Plastic does not rust, which prevents the formation of red spots on the finish. Metal cells are highly durable. Often used for finishing facades and structures with a large area.

The features also concern the weaknesses of the material. Metal mesh is susceptible to corrosion. You need to work with them carefully. Do not leave it outdoors for long periods of time.

Polymer materials are characterized by low strength. It is not recommended to use for applying a thick layer of plaster.

Plastering metal mesh

Many manufacturers produce metal reinforcing material for plastering work.

And mesh fabrics differ in:

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

Therefore, the range of mesh fabrics is wide, and each modification has its own characteristics.

The main advantages of metal material:

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 wire cutters (hand tools) are sufficient;
sufficient inherent rigidity allows you to attach the network in only a few places;
withstands vibrations and settlement of the building.

Types of reinforcing mesh for walls

The mesh for finishing work acts as a frame that holds the entire structure from destruction.

Before using reinforcement, other building materials were also tested. Experts wanted to get strength, high adhesion, elasticity and durability from them. However, not all options survived testing. Special requirements are imposed on materials that are used for exterior finishing, because... Temperature changes, moisture and other climatic factors have a negative impact on the surface.

The following meshes are most often used for plastering facades:

metal;
fiberglass;
polyurethane;
fiberglass;
lavsan;
from modified basalt glass (only for wooden surfaces).

Basalt

Basalt mesh has become widespread in the reinforcement of buildings made of foam blocks. Benefits include:

low thermal conductivity;
resistance to mechanical stress and chemicals;
light weight;
durability;
environmental friendliness.

Basalt is not inferior in strength characteristics to metal reinforcement, but it is more durable and better resists corrosion.

Basalt mesh is more durable than metal mesh, because it is not subject to corrosion

Fiberglass

Fiberglass reinforcing mesh boasts all the performance characteristics of a plastic material. But unlike polymers, fiberglass exhibits chemical resistance, increased strength and higher tensile strength. The parameters of the fiberglass sheet largely depend on the size of the cells; also, to evaluate the characteristics of the mesh, the so-called density is used, which is measured in g/m2. Based on network density, they can be divided into three groups:

Density within 50-160 g/m2. Suitable for work inside the house. Grids are divided into plaster and painting - the latter demonstrate lower density, and the standard cell sizes are respectively 2x2, 3x3, 2.5x2.5 mm. In plaster sheets, the cell size is significantly larger - the most popular options are 5x5 mm, the density of such a product is also higher.
Density within 160-220 g/m2. – used for plastering and puttying on facade walls. The most common cell sizes are 5x5 and 10x10 mm.
Density within 220-300 g/m2. – this mesh is used for the basement and underground part of the building. The use of reinforcement provides the finish with anti-vandal properties, since it is able to withstand severe mechanical and impact loads. Due to the larger amount of material used in the production of such materials, their price will also be higher.

In order not to be mistaken about the purpose of the mesh, it is worth understanding the rules for marking such material:

C – network;
CC – fiberglass sheet;
N – exterior finishing;
B – interior decoration;
Ш – for painting work;
A – base anti-vandal;
U – with amplification.

Manufacturers indicate information about the technical characteristics of the material on the packaging.

In production, fiberglass mesh goes through the stage of increasing resistance to an alkaline environment, which is relevant for putty and plaster solutions. To prevent the fabric from dissolving in a weak or medium alkaline solution, the fiberglass is impregnated with a polyacrylic dispersion, which reduces the aggressive effects of an alkaline environment.

This mesh is sold in the form of a 1m wide sheet, sometimes the material is sold in the form of cut rectangles. The material is actively used for reinforcing seams, corners, etc.

Plastic reinforcing mesh

Modern polymer materials are very different from the first plastics. Thanks to this, not only massive products appeared, but also mesh ones that demonstrate high strength. This is how a new material appeared for reinforcing masonry and plaster coating. Polymer mesh fabric is made from polyurethane or polypropylene (for example, Plurim). In some qualities these materials are superior to metal ones.

For example, the advantages of plastic plastering mesh are as follows:

no fastening to the base is required, since polymer materials are lightweight;
light 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.

Flaws:

some plastics are not resistant to chemical “aggressors”;
A layer of solution thicker than 6-8 mm cannot be applied on top of a plastic mesh product.

Polyurethane mesh for plaster is inert to chemicals, therefore it is allowed for use in industrial buildings.

Products are distinguished according to two main parameters:

shape and size of cells;
degree of density (the maximum allowed load on the plaster coating depends on this value).

Polymer network meshes come in two configurations. For reinforcement, fabrics with cells are used:

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

The latter are easier to manage when plastering is done alone. For interior work, mesh fabrics with 5 mm cells are used, for facade work - larger ones (from 10x10 mm).

In terms of density, products with values ranging from 70 to 165 g/sq.m. are universally used.

There is no need to attach the polymer mesh to the base with additional devices. It is enough to apply a layer of plaster or adhesive mortar to the wall, apply and straighten the canvas, running a spatula along the top with slight pressure, and “drown” the product into the layer. There should be no areas on the surface uncovered with the plaster mixture.

Serpyanka is the thinnest of the meshes. The scope of use is not limited to the cases already described. Serpyanka is used to cover the places where window and door blocks are attached to the wall.

Tapes vary in:

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

Separate fastening of the serpyanka to the base is not required. It is applied to a layer of putty or plaster mixture, leveled with a spatula and, if necessary, an additional thin layer of composition is applied on top. Instead of serpyanka, fiberglass is sometimes used, the difference being that it does not have cells.

The tape, intended for interior work, has cells with a side of up to 4 mm. Serpyanka for facades has thicker threads and a cell size of 5 mm.

Metal

Metal facade mesh for plaster can strengthen not only the plaster layer, but also the walls themselves. This mesh is the most common option for finishing facades, plinths, and so on.

The choice of material is determined by its purpose, which determines the size of the cells, the thickness of the wire, and the method of fastening metal rods/wires:

When plastering, a woven metal mesh is used, the structure of which resembles the structure of fabric, only metal wire is used instead of thread. The main characteristics of this material are small cells measuring from 1 to 2 mm or more. The wire used for the manufacture of such networks is protected from corrosion destruction, and therefore can be made of either stainless steel or carbon steel, but with protection from a layer of zinc or polymers.
Chain-link is also considered in demand - due to its large cells, it creates a reinforcing relief layer that allows you to hold a thick layer of finishing material on the wall.
Welded mesh made of wire rods welded to each other is also used to strengthen the masonry of walls, installation work, strengthening load-bearing surfaces, foundations, and so on.
Masonry mesh is another version of a metal reinforcing material that is used for strengthening walls, plastering, pouring screeds, and so on.
Plaster network made of metal is used exclusively for plastering. It is made from hot-dip galvanized wire, and therefore is not susceptible to corrosion.

Step-by-step instructions for fixing plastic mesh

The durability of its operation largely depends on the correct implementation of recommendations for installing plastic reinforcing mesh on foam insulation. In all cases, do not rush, work carefully. We have already mentioned that there is no need to reinforce the entire wall height; it is enough to protect only the lower vulnerable area. But these are our recommendations; if you have doubts, protect the entire surface of the façade wall.

Fiberglass mesh

Any brand of glue is suitable for gluing the mesh. Study the instructions, it should have high adhesion to plastic materials. In most cases, a finishing layer of adhesive several millimeters thick is applied over the plastic reinforcing mesh. The final coating is done with facade paints or a thin layer of decorative plaster.

Glue for gluing fiberglass mesh to the facade

Step 1. Inspect the surface of the slabs. If they were fixed with dowels, then completely recess the caps and seal the recesses. You can close the gaps at the same time, but this is not necessary. The fact is that the cracks will automatically close during the application of the first layer.

Fastening sheets using umbrella dowels

Step 2. On the wall, draw a horizontal line along the height of the reinforcing layer. It will help you monitor the height of glue application. A thin layer of material dries quickly, and this not only causes an increase in material consumption, but also negatively affects the final leveling of the layer for painting.

Step 3: Prepare the glue according to the manufacturer's instructions. Always pour water into the container first, and then add the dry mixture. This technology will greatly simplify the mixing process. You can mix it manually with a trowel or using a mixing attachment for an electric drill.

Preparation of glue

The second method is not only easier, but also more effective. You need to stir for a few minutes, and then leave the mixture to stand for another 5-6 minutes. During this time, the moisture will be evenly distributed throughout the entire volume, and the smallest dry lumps of glue will completely disappear.

Step 4. The glue is applied to the wall with a spatula; the longer it is, the smoother the resulting surface is. Professionals work with spatulas up to 70 cm in size; beginners can initially use shorter ones.

Practical advice. If you are just learning how to apply glue to a surface, it is better to immediately get used to working with both hands. If one gets tired, use the other hand. Believe me, it is not so difficult, you just need to show a little endurance and patience.

Apply glue to the spatula with a trowel in the center of the tool. The quantity will be determined experimentally. While applying the layer, hold the spatula at an angle to the foam boards and press with medium force. Achieve a layer thickness of approximately 2–3 millimeters. Do not prepare a large amount of surface at once; for beginners, two meters in length is enough. If you do not have time to fix the mesh, the glue will harden, you will have to remove the old layer and make a new one.

Step 5. Try on the location of the plastic reinforcing mesh. If it does not fit into the window opening, trim the material.

Step 6. Glue one end of the mesh, align it horizontally to the length of the prepared section of the wall. Make sure that the mesh lies smoothly without distortions or bends; be guided by a pre-drawn line on the foam.

Practical advice. The mesh should overlap approximately ten centimeters. You may come across recommendations not to apply glue to the overlap of one line, but to do this simultaneously for two rows. We do not recommend doing this, it only complicates the work. Glue the first row of mesh along the entire width at once, including the overlap. The second line will be glued on top of the freshly applied glue. This method simplifies the fixation of the mesh and has a positive effect on quality.

We attach the mesh with overlapping fabrics

Step 7. Use your hand to press the mesh onto the fresh glue in several places and check its position again.

Cut off the excess

How is fiberglass mesh attached to polystyrene foam?

Step 8. Using a spatula, begin to press the mesh to the surface of the insulation. Make sure that the glue of the first layer extends over the entire surface and evenly covers the mesh cells on the front side. If there are areas where the adhesive is not thick enough, reapply it over the reinforcing mesh. Such omissions may appear in inexperienced craftsmen. Over time, you will learn to determine by eye the optimal thickness of the glue and there will be no more gaps. Spread excess solution over free surfaces. You shouldn’t try to immediately make the surface perfectly smooth, but you need to strive for this result.

Gluing the mesh

Gluing the mesh with a spatula

Step 9. Allow time for the glue to dry. It is better to leave it overnight; finishing grouting of surfaces is recommended the next day.

That’s all the technology is, the surface of the façade wall is prepared for painting or finishing with other materials. We remind you once again that plastic reinforcing mesh on insulated facades is not used to prevent cracks on the surface of the adhesive, but to prevent mechanical damage to the foam. Keep this in mind when making your decision.

Prices for popular types of putty

Putties

How to choose the right mesh for wall reinforcement

The choice of material depends on various factors:

composition of the plaster mixture;
material of plastered structures;
plaster thickness;
operating conditions.

To reinforce cement-based plaster mortar, a mesh that is resistant to alkalis is selected. When using gypsum solutions, any reinforcing material will do.

It is not economically feasible to use heavy-duty, expensive imported reinforcing materials. It is better to opt for domestic meshes, which are not inferior in technical characteristics to foreign analogues.

Shingles

In this case, we are not talking about the plaster network as such. However, without this building material it is almost impossible to finish walls made of timber or logs or boards. The shingles are sold in the form of narrow boards up to 2 m long with a width of 15-20 mm and a thickness of 3-5 mm.

Photo: shingles

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros:

environmental friendliness, natural composition;
small weight;
resistance to changes in humidity and temperature;
increasing sound and heat insulation parameters;
ease of installation.

Minuses:

the need for treatment with fire retardants;
risk of rotting;
high price.

The choice of reinforcing base is determined by the following factors:

type of workforce used;
material of ceilings, walls;
scope of application - external, internal;
thickness of plaster.

Which one is best to use for plastering?

Reinforcing mesh is produced for a specific type of work. To determine the choice, there are several rules:

A 3 cm layer of applied mortar should be made of fiberglass.
Metal gratings are used when applying a solution with a thickness of 3 cm or more. When carrying out external work. And also for plastering baths and swimming pools.
The plastic cell is designed for coating with gypsum solutions.
Serpyanka and other tapes are used to reinforce plasterboard joints and cracks.
Chain-link and fiberglass are used to finish the stove and fireplace. The first option is for cement-clay mortar, the second is for thin plaster.

These rules will help in choosing cellular fabric for certain jobs.

For interior work

For interior work, several types of mesh are used.

Polymer material. Used for plastering surfaces with gypsum-based mixtures. A 2x2 cell will withstand gypsum mortar and will not crack the surface.
Fiberglass. Mounted on a rough foundation made of brick or concrete. Holds cement mortar perfectly. It shrinks less, and when dry, cracks do not appear on the surface.

Attention. Using cellular fabric, the work goes quickly and easily. The surface is durable and has a long service life.

For outdoor

To work with outdoor surfaces, you need to choose the right mesh. To do this, follow the rules:

the choice depends on the plaster used;
dimensions of the surface on which the work will be carried out;
thickness of the mortar layer applied to the walls;
humidity, temperature changes.

Fiberglass cloth. Working with small square meters of facade surface.

Metal applicable:

The wall area is large;
a wall made of aerated concrete or brick, as well as wood;
if there is high humidity or sudden changes in temperature;
if the mortar used is cement-based;
if increased strength is needed for the walls of the building.

Reinforcing metal is available in the following options:

Chainlink.
Welded type.
Expanded metal mesh PVA;
Solid drawn PVA.

I use different types of meshes for different jobs.

For the ceiling

Light nets are especially suitable for gypsum plaster ceilings. When thin-layer plastering, the threads of synthetic products overlap more easily, which reduces the consumption of plastering materials.

Often the ceiling in old-type houses is “decorated” with rustics - they are sealed with mortar with sickle reinforcement, or a mesh fabric is placed in accordance with their direction. The entire ceiling surface must be covered with canvas (the joints overlap by at least 10 cm). The corners of the junction of the wall and the ceiling plane are also reinforced with overlap.

Technology of plastering walls on a grid

The technology itself is quite simple and if you have at least minimal experience, the process takes very little time. The main thing is to do everything in strict sequence in order to get a truly high-quality processing result.

Preparing the walls

First of all, it is necessary to prepare the surface of the walls for further treatment with plaster. Some may think that if a mesh is used, this stage can be skipped, but in fact this is not the case and preparation should never be skipped.

First, the wall must be freed from the old coating. Everything is carefully removed so that the surface is perfectly clean.
Then you need to try to remove the dust as efficiently as possible. If there is fungus or mold on the surface of the wall, each affected area is carefully treated using a special metal brush.
Only after this can you begin to treat the walls with a primer. Due to this, the quality of grip will be several times better. The base will be more durable, and in the future the risk of mold, mildew or corrosion will be much less.

It is very important to approach this stage responsibly, because the final result will largely depend on how well the facade surface was prepared.

Installation features

Installation of the canvas and plastering is carried out in several stages:

Surface preparation. The work algorithm depends on the façade finishing technology. If a thermal insulation layer made of polystyrene foam or other insulation is being plastered, then there is no need for preparation. The main task is to eliminate all defects that prevent the laying of the reinforcing fabric.
Mesh fastening. Getting the job done is simple. The product is cut into the required lengths and attached to the structure. For this, dowels or mortar are used. Galvanized wire is welded onto the wall surface. It is important to install it securely.
Plastering. After attaching the reinforcing device, the plaster mortar is adjusted. Smoothly smoothed over the entire area of the structure.

When the plaster is completely dry, painting and finishing are applied.

Methods for attaching different types of nets to walls

Each type of mesh that can be found on sale today has its own fastening features, which are very important to consider. Otherwise, the result will not please you, and the finish may soon begin to deteriorate.

Synthetic reinforcement products

In this situation, it is necessary to attach the material to the wall surface exclusively along the perimeter of the mesh. First, you need to securely secure the upper edge of the canvas using self-tapping screws, and then gradually attach all the other sides of the mesh used. There is no need to use any more additional products for fastening, because in the future the mesh will be secured as securely as possible using a layer of plaster.

As a rule, synthetic mesh is sold in rolls. To make installation take less time and require less effort, it is best to start fixing it along the wall parallel to the floor. You can start attaching the top part from absolutely any angle. It is worth paying attention to the fact that the joints must be overlapped with an overlap of up to 20 centimeters. Experts recommend cutting the canvas in such a way that a solid mesh is stretched over the entire wall. Due to this, it will be possible to increase the strength of the plaster layer several times.

Metal reinforcement products

In order to be able to work with metal materials, the additional use of self-tapping screws, construction dowels, and special metal mounting foam will be required.

All these materials should be prepared in advance.

Before proceeding with installation, you need to cut the required piece of mesh. In this case, the builder must measure the area of the area on which he intends to apply plaster in the future. Metal scissors are used for cutting, because the mesh is made of a fairly thin material. If wire with a thickness of more than 2 mm was used for the mesh, then it can only be cut using a grinder. The canvas must be thoroughly degreased. To do this, a rag is moistened in a solvent, and then the surface of the mesh is wiped with it.
The fastening in this situation will start from the ceiling. The top of the material must first be attached along its entire length using self-tapping screws. In this case, special cut pieces of polyurethane foam must be placed under the caps. You can also replace gaskets with wide washers, but the cost of such products is much higher than metal tape.
When installing the mesh on a brick or concrete surface, you will need to make a certain number of holes in the wall into which plastic dowels will be inserted.
The distance between the dowels used will depend on the exact thickness of the mesh used and the size of the cells. At the same time, experts recommend that the step width be no more than half a meter. In those places where the canvas is securely fixed, most often it is adjacent to the wall. In the case of those places that are between the fastenings, it should under no circumstances come into contact with the wall. Otherwise, the quality of the plaster layer will be several times worse.
It is worth paying attention to the fact that at the joints the metal mesh must be installed with an overlap of up to 10 centimeters.
If the canvas is fastened correctly, it will be very well stretched. If the mesh vibrates in some places, it means something was done incorrectly. Because of this, voids will form under the mesh, which will negatively affect the quality of the finish.

Metal fittings

Installation of metal products is possible using self-tapping screws, dowel-nails, and staples. Sequence of work:

The roll is unrolled and carefully aligned.
The master cuts pieces of the required size.
The material is cleaned of oil components.
Markings are made for fastener hardware - ideally, they should be located in increments of 30 cm or 16 hardware per m².
Holes for dowel-nails are prepared.
Fasteners are mounted into the work surface, not to the base.
The mesh is fixed to the fasteners, taking into account an overlap of at least 10 cm.
The fasteners are tightly screwed into the wall, and the permissible gap between the reinforcement and the working base should be 2-3 mm.
Beacons are attached to the solution.
Plastering work is being carried out.

Options for plastering walls

A very important stage in finishing the facade is directly plastering the surface of the walls. It is necessary to approach this process as responsibly as possible, because the final result largely depends on it. Plastering walls on a grid should be carried out in several stages. At each stage, one layer of the solution prepared in advance will be applied.

Experts recommend doing two, or better yet, three layers of plaster. It is worth choosing the number of layers taking into account what kind of surface will be processed. The very first layer of finish must be applied by “spraying”. That is why, when preparing the solution, it is worth remembering that its consistency should be similar to fairly liquid sour cream. When the solution is ready, it must be applied to the wall surface using a special trowel. It is worth noting that this can be done in any order, whichever will be most convenient in each individual case. Of course, the solution can be spread on the surface of the wall, but the first method will take much less time. Then the mixture is leveled using a spatula. The thickness of the first layer should not be more than one centimeter.

When the first layer is completely dry, you can begin the second stage of plastering the surface.

To do this, make a thicker solution that will resemble dough. It is applied to the walls using a trowel and then leveled using a rule. It must be pressed against the installed beacons and carefully inserted from the bottom up. This layer must completely cover the mesh that was used for reinforcement. When the solution has set well enough, it is necessary to carefully pull out the profiles, and carefully seal the grooves that remain after them with the solution.

The last stage is leveling the surface of the walls. To do this, a fairly liquid solution is made, which must be applied to the walls in a circular motion with a trowel and thoroughly rubbed over the surface.

Installation of beacons

In order to properly install the beacons, you will need to use a building level. It must be set so that the outer profile is in a vertical position. Then the profile needs to be secured using two self-tapping screws. After this, the lighthouse is fixed by using a small amount of gypsum mortar. Only after this can you begin to place a beacon on the other side of the wall. In order for all profiles to be in the same plane, a thread must be stretched between the outer guides. After this, you can install all other beacons. It is worth paying attention to the fact that they should be set so that the distance is less than the length of the rule used.

Meshes from popular manufacturers

The Italian concern Tenax produces mesh for plastering walls and other structures. In the product line:

Armaflex is a biaxially oriented network made of polypropylene for plaster coatings with a thickness of 1-3 cm. Weight 100 g/m2. Withstands tensile load –
Armatek – plastering fiberglass mesh. Density 110-138 g/m2.
Polypropylene Sintaflex E can fully replace hardware in terms of strength. It is used for plastering walls up to 7 cm thick, reinforcing concrete screeds, and also for protection against moles.
Plurima is a polypropylene product with small cells 5x5 mm. The area of the rolled fabric is 250 m2. Roll weight – 10.4 kg. Chemically resistant. Used for thin layers of decorative plaster and brickwork.

All products are universal, chemically inert, resistant to UV rays, and geometrically stable.

As for the plaster facade mesh sheets Valmiera, Alabuga, Bautex Eurofacade, Vertex, Textile Glass, they cannot be used inside the plaster layer, since they do not strengthen, but separate the plaster into two layers. They are used only by placing them inside a reinforcing layer of polymer glue, into which they are embedded.

Experience shows that the mesh for plaster is a very important element that helps prevent the appearance of cracks and destruction of the plaster layer under vibration loads and settlement of the building. It also protects facades covered with thermal insulation from destruction. The correct choice of reinforcing product and adherence to technology guarantee durability and long-term preservation of the appearance of the finish.

Why is a mesh needed, and in what cases is it used?

Reinforcement, as a method of increasing the strength of building mortars, has been used for a long time. Before the advent of such modern materials as fiberglass and other polymers, wire, metal rods and wooden slats - shingles - were used for reinforcement. They reinforced the plaster mortar in thick-layer applications, as well as in brickwork, where a strong reinforcing network served to bind the bricks.

The advent of plastic and basalt fibers made it possible to reduce the thickness of the plaster layer required to cover the mesh for plastering walls, without reducing the strength of the reinforced layer. Insulating materials (foam plastic, mineral wool, expanded polystyrene), which are usually mounted on facades and plinths, where there is a high probability of strong mechanical influences, especially need a durable casing. Plastering on a grid protects modern insulation structures, for example, “wet facades” and aerated concrete walls that are not resistant to impact and abrasion.

A narrow strip of fiberglass plaster mesh is used to strengthen the joints of plasterboard sheets during plastering, ceiling slabs, and to repair cracks. Husks especially need reinforcement - protruding corners. Serpyanka is a narrow mesh or fabric strip made of glass fiber or lavsan.

Question of price

The price of reinforcing mesh depends on the material, technical and operational parameters and manufacturer.

In different stores and construction markets, reinforced lattice of even the same type can vary significantly in cost.

To purchase the material at a favorable price for you, it is better to contact the manufacturer.

Average prices for 1m2:

metal, made of galvanized wire Ø 0.25 mm - 470 rubles;
welded galvanized, made of steel Ø 1mm - 250 rubles;
fiberglass - 25 rubles;
plastic - 20 rubles;
polypropylene - 22 rubles;
foam propylene - 65 rub.

You can take advantage of sales and seasonal discounts that large shopping centers offer at the end of the construction season.

Any reinforcing material is suitable for strengthening the plaster layer. The main thing is to choose the best option for your premises.

Possible mistakes

Novice craftsmen often encounter mistakes that can lead to peeling of the solution and reduced surface quality:

No primer. The primer increases the adhesion of the material. It must be used to ensure that the mortar adheres securely to the wall.
Violation of proportions. Lack of water leads to increased density. Such plaster slides under its own weight and cracks.
Adjustment of consistency with powder. The consistency of the working mixture should only be changed with water. To do this, it is administered in small portions, bringing it to the required volume.
Refusal to reinforce joints and walls in new buildings. Joints made of different materials have different technical characteristics. They differ in behavior under changes in temperature and humidity. Therefore, cracks often appear at the joints. Reinforcement helps to avoid them.
Incorrect position and fastening of the mesh. It is enough to secure the lightweight fabric around the perimeter. When using metal sheathing, fasteners are made over the entire area.
Attaching beacons to a continuous layer. To install beacons, straps with a given pitch are used.
Failure to comply with drying conditions. It is unacceptable to dry walls in direct sunlight, with a heat gun or at elevated temperatures. This leads to uneven drying of the mixture and cracking.

Drying the wall with a heat gun leads to uneven drying of the mixture and cracking. Frequent mistakes also include too thick a mixture, an excessively thick or thin application layer, and the use of low-quality materials.

Shingles

The shingles are used in two layers. For the first base, thin slats of no more than 3 mm, 25–30 mm wide, are used. The second layer consists of wider thick strips. They are packed crosswise at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the floor.

Reinforcement of plaster is an important technological process that increases its durability and preservation of its original qualities. Various materials can act as reinforcing fabric - fiberglass, basalt, metal, plastic, shingles. The choice of the required reinforcing layer depends on the working mixture used, the type of wall covering, the scope of application and other parameters. Installation is carried out using mortar and hardware.

Recommendations from experts

It is possible to obtain a high-quality and reliable wall only if you follow advice from experts:

Alignment. The walls should be carefully leveled. The level is checked using a plumb line or laser. The better the work is done, the better the finishing is.
Taking into account the characteristics of materials. Compatible materials should be selected. Aggressive solutions are capable of dissolving the reinforcing structure.
Taking into account the maximum load and possible shrinkage of the building. In the case of new buildings and facades that are severely deformed, it is recommended to use metal reinforcement.
Final revision. Plaster is not a finishing coat. To give it decorative properties and prepare it for subsequent finishing, it requires sanding and sanding.

Experts recommend that you always sand the walls after applying plaster.
Reinforcing mesh is a necessary element for rough finishing of house facades and walls in new buildings. Its correct fastening and adherence to the technology of applying plaster allows you to create a reliable and strong coating that will last a long time.

Sources

https://mirbetona.info/finishing/setka-pod-shtukaturku
https://1beton.info/shtukaturka/setka-shtukaturnaya
https://PoShtukaturke.ru/steny-vnutri/shtukaturka-vyravnivanie/oshtukaturivanie-sten-po-setke.html
https://1pofasady.ru/shtukaturka/setka-dlya-shtukaturki-sten
https://DekorShtukaturka.ru/instrumenty/setka-dlya-shtukaturki-sten
https://oshtukaturke.ru/raznovidnosti/armiruyushhaya-setka
https://arbolit.org/sovety/tehnologiya-vypolneniya-shtukaturki-po-setke.html
https://1pofasady.ru/shtukaturka/tehnologiya-shtukaturki-fasada-po-setke