When a reinforcing mesh is not needed for plastering. Reinforced plaster mortars. Do you need mesh on plastered walls?

In the construction of buildings and the production of various types of finishing works, the use of metal meshes is becoming more widespread. In order not to be mistaken with the choice of a reinforcing metal mesh, you need to understand in detail in advance all the pros and cons of its use. Knowing the characteristics of the types of this material will help you make the right and informed choice.

Peculiarities

Plastering the facades of buildings or interiors with decorative compositions is one of the most common and cost-effective finishing options. A wide variety of high-quality mixtures, characterized by a variety of colors and textures, allows you to be sure of the attractiveness of the veneered surface.

The only drawback is the not very high strength of such a finish. To increase its reliability and durability, special reinforcing materials are used. Their use helps to eliminate the appearance of cracks during the inevitable shrinkage or movement of the new structure, improves the adhesive bases and plaster mixtures.

Reinforcing structures are made from various materials, as a result of which they acquire specific properties that determine the scope of their application. Most often when performing plastering works are used:

• polymeric;
• plastic;
• fiberglass;
• metal meshes.

The choice of one or another type, first of all, depends on the expected thickness of the plaster layer. You should also pay attention to finishing materials and the composition of mixtures for decorative coatings.

Reinforcing metal mesh

Such material is the most versatile reinforcing product. Its main functions are to strengthen and protect the plastered surface from mechanical damage. It prevents the possibility of cracking the plaster layer due to a sharp temperature drop. The rough finish layer turns out to be more even and smooth, better prepared for finishing work.

Reinforcement with a metal mesh helps to further strengthen not too strong and reliable structures.

In the production of building materials of this type, wire or metal rods are used. Depending on their thickness, meshes are divided into the following categories:

• lungs;
• medium;
• heavy.

Advantages and disadvantages

To date, the range of plaster meshes is very diverse. Steel structures made of polyurethane, plastic and fiberglass became available for use. But the most popular are those made on the basis of metals.

This is due to the many features of their technical characteristics:

• The metal mesh has a special strength, which helps it withstand heavy loads. If a thick layer of plaster is required to level a large surface area, then it is better not to save money and purchase just such a material for reinforcement.
• Its use is possible when working on any bases and with different compositions of rough finishing solutions.
• The application of the plaster layer is not limited to its thickness. When working with thin or light bases, it is possible to apply a minimum layer of up to 20 mm. If it is necessary to equalize differences in surface height levels on a vertical wall, then it is permissible to apply a mortar with a thickness of more than 50 mm.

• In preparation for plastering a metal base, a reinforcing mesh can be welded to it, which will ensure greater reliability of the entire structure.
• To cut out individual pieces of a free configuration from a solid web, it is sufficient to use a hand tool, for example, scissors for cutting metal or wire cutters.
• Fixing such reinforcement does not require much time and effort. To create a strong connection with the base, it is enough to fix the mesh in only a few places.

The main disadvantage of this type of material is its significant weight. It can be strengthened only on surfaces that can withstand the total weight of the metal mesh and finishing leveling mixtures. Do not reinforce on drywall or hollow brick surfaces.

Types of reinforcing metal meshes

Reinforcing meshes are used both for plastering and for creating cement screeds or concrete pads. In their production, metal blanks are used, the thickness of which depends on the expected load on the lined surface. They also differ in cell size. For plastering, lighter options are used, the wire thickness of which does not exceed 1.5 mm and with a mesh size of up to 30 mm.

The most popular sizes of products according to GOST:

• 10x10;
• 25x25 mm.

Manufacturers offer customers rolled and sheet reinforcing meshes. Each of these types is easy to use in its own way. When carrying out finishing work in areas of great length, it is better to use rolled reinforcing meshes. This will require additional efforts during stretching and fastening, but it will significantly improve the quality and appearance of the finished coating - it will be more even, since a single piece of canvas is used during work, which is distinguished by the absence of seams and overlays.

For artificial stone, it is necessary to select a small size of the coating.

The mesh attachment technology differs depending on the basis of the surface. It is enough to weld it to the metal using a welding machine. If the mesh is quite thin, then it is conveniently attached to a wooden base with an industrial stapler that shoots large staples.

To fix thicker reinforcement, you will need self-tapping screws or nails. On brick or concrete bases, reinforcing material can be attached using dowels with washers.

There are several types currently on the market:

• welded;
• woven;
• expanded metal all-metal;
• netting.

Welded

This material is becoming more and more popular among buyers due to the relatively low price and very high quality, it can also be used at any stage of construction or decoration. Most often, welded mesh is used for the following types of work:

• strengthening the foundation of the building;
• reinforcement of walls made of bricks and various blocks;
• when performing finishing work on load-bearing surfaces;
• when installing the thermal insulation layer.

It is made from metal rods of different diameters by welding them. However, the distance between them can be quite different. The weight of the mesh is small compared to other types.

Particular attention should be paid to the material from which it is made. It is optimal to use stainless metals and their alloys, since the resulting corrosion leads to premature destruction of structures.

The main disadvantage of this type of plaster reinforcement is the weakness of the welds - they may cause gaps and rust. The smaller the cell size, the higher the probability of destruction, since there are more of these seams. In addition, the mesh, stored in rolls for a long time, is deformed, which greatly complicates subsequent work.

Woven

This type of metal mesh is a universal building material. It is a web of cross-woven wires with the same cross-sectional size. It is produced on specialized looms from stainless and low-carbon steel, brass and other non-ferrous metals. Application in production of the painted steel threads is possible. Cells can be of different sizes and shapes, such as square or rectangular.

In construction, stainless woven mesh is widely used. made from the same material. It is most commonly used as reinforcement to prevent cracking or screening of bulk materials in the manufacture of sand and cement mixtures.

Expanded all-metal mesh

In the construction markets, it can be found under the name "cut" or the abbreviation TsPVS. This type of mesh is made from a single sheet of metal, the thickness of which can reach 2 mm, but plates up to 1.5 mm are most often used. The manufacturing technology consists in cutting through notches and further stretching the material. As a result, cells arranged in a checkerboard pattern are formed. This gives the finished product a special strength and flexibility. When one or more cells are deformed, the rest of the web does not undergo further destruction, but it is rather difficult to recover after storage in rolls.

Such a product is made without the use of plastic protection, which can cause corrosion. The use of galvanized alloys significantly improves the anti-corrosion properties of the material, which is especially important in the aggressive environment of plastering compositions. At the finishing stages of finishing, traces of rust do not appear. It also significantly increases the shelf life.

Depending on the base, its weight may vary. A distinctive feature is fire resistance and the ability to use on any surface. The ability to withstand heavy loads allows it to be used when reinforcing a concrete screed.

The main tasks of the CPVS:

• protection of the plastered ceiling and walls from mechanical damage and sharp fluctuations in air temperature;
• prevention of the appearance of cracks due to technological violations in the process of finishing work;
• significant extension of the warranty period of the plaster.

Reinforcing mesh for plastering walls is a modern version of strengthening the plaster layer. Its use allows you to form a very strong durable layer of material. Then cracks will not form, the surface will look perfectly smooth and of high quality.

Today the market offers a choice of two options - a grid for plaster
metal and polyurethane mesh. Each has its own characteristics and its own scope. And, in turn, it is divided into several types:

masonry mesh(painting), made of plastic (polymer), with cells five by five millimeters; it is used when finishing brick walls inside and outside buildings; it is suitable for plastering with gypsum mortar, where there is no cement; the colloquial name for such material is paint mesh.

Universal small- it is made of polyurethane; the side of its cell is six by six millimeters; such a woven mesh for plastering 20 mm is used in combination with mixtures for finishing, plastering; This material is suitable for interior decoration.

Universal mesh medium- its cells are rectangular, 14 by 15 millimeters; it is commonly used in building interiors.

Universal large with cells, the side of which is 22 and 35 millimeters; it is convenient to use it when decorating spacious premises, for example, warehouses or production workshops; it is a suitable mesh for facade wall plastering; it tolerates loads, temperature changes well.

fiberglass mesh, which is made of fiberglass, pre-treated with a special method; the size of its cells is five by five millimeters; such a material is well tolerated by the action of low and high temperatures, the effects of precipitation, and is also not affected by chemicals, which makes it the best option when using cement mixtures; has very high strength characteristics, can "work" anywhere; This is a good mesh facade for plaster.

Plurima, which is a biaxially oriented structure; its material is polypropylene; cell sides - five by six millimeters; does not react to the action of chemical compounds; very light; it is applied in work in and outside of rooms.

Armaflex made of polypropylene, which has reinforced connections with cells 12 by 15 millimeters; its advantage is ultra-high strength, which allows the use of such a product when creating a thick layer of mortar; it is a suitable material for forming a reinforcing layer of facade plaster.

Mesh synthoflex, polypropylene, with cells of two types: 12 by 14 and 22 by 35 millimeters; it is distinguished by lightness, inert properties with respect to the chemical effects of various substances; used both inside and outside buildings for various purposes; It is an ideal mesh for exterior wall plastering.

Steel mesh- these are rods connected by soldering at the intersections; many cell options; suitable for high loads, when it is necessary to form a layer of large thickness.

galvanized mesh, which is made of galvanized metal rods; cell sizes vary; very durable and is used for facades and interiors; one of the most popular types of reinforcing mesh on the Russian market.

Mesh attachment.

On a wall or ceiling, a reinforcing mesh for wall plastering is attached in different ways, the choice of which depends on the type of mesh, on the composition of the plaster:

• the solution itself can act as a fastener:
• self-tapping screws or screws can be used.

The specific choice is also determined by the method of applying the mixture. So, if the covering method is used, the mesh for wall plastering can be attached to the first plaster layer.

When applying a spray, it is convenient to first attach it to the wall, and then fill it with a plaster mixture. At the same time, it is worth carefully monitoring that the solution adheres well to the surface being trimmed.

It is believed that the best way is when the reinforced plaster mesh is pre-attached to a dry wall using screws, self-tapping screws and other devices. And then the mixture is already applied - in a uniform layer over the entire surface to be trimmed.

When is mesh used for plaster walls?

Experts advise paying attention to several decisive points when deciding whether or not to use a reinforcing mesh.

1. First, understand how thick it is supposed to make a layer of mortar on a specific wall or ceiling surface. This is important, since this factor determines how thick the building mesh will be. To do this, make such measurements: find the most protruding point on the wall or ceiling. Apply one of the levels - laser or building. Then they look for the "lowest" place. Determine the thickness of the plaster layer to be applied.
2. When the solution layer is not more than twenty millimeters, and there are no rusts or significant protrusions on the ceiling or wall, reinforcement can be omitted - the mixture can hold on its own.
3. With a layer thickness of twenty to thirty millimeters, reinforcement will be needed. Without it, the coating may peel off over time, cracks may appear. Suitable polymer mesh or fiberglass. It will not allow cracks to form on the finished surface of the dried mixture.
4. A layer of more than thirty millimeters requires the use of metal material. This will help to avoid peeling of the plaster under its own weight.
5. If measurements have shown that in order to level the surface, it is necessary to apply a solution with a layer of fifty millimeters or more, it is better to choose a different material: instead of plaster, use, for example, drywall or stretch ceilings, or other materials. They will hide significant depressions, protrusions.
   Do I need a mesh when plastering aerated concrete? In order for the mixture to be well fixed on the foam blocks, it is better to use it.

Installation work.

The installation process is divided into several steps.

First of all, the surface to be plastered is degreased and coated with a special primer. This is necessary to ensure good adhesion of the solution to the wall or ceiling.

Then the chain-link mesh for wall plastering is cut into canvases, so that it is more convenient to work with it. It is worth considering that along the joints of walls or rustication on the ceiling, reinforcement should be placed in the form of solid canvases. At the same time, it is good when the edge finds itself on an adjacent wall or a wall bend of ten to fifteen millimeters. This strengthens the corners. It is very important to make a right angle with plaster.

For each type of building grid for plaster, its own technology is used. For example, fiberglass material is attached to the first layer. It is pressed a little, then the next layer is applied. The fiberglass mesh for plaster is inside the plaster layer.

To keep the facade fiberglass mesh under plaster firmly, some experts prefer to use different fasteners - screws and self-tapping screws. First, the surface is marked out at the rate of sixteen holes per square meter.

Then holes are drilled at the selected points, where dowels or screws are placed. So that their hats protrude slightly above the wall or ceiling. Spread the first layer of plaster mixture. They put nets on the hats. Cover with plaster.

An important point is that it is better to apply the mixture throughout the space, but it is worth distributing it, starting from the middle - in different directions. At the same time, at the corners, the edges of the canvas are pressed with a wide spatula. And the second spatula is used for smoothing.

When plastering the ceiling, it is proposed to first make holes, then insert fasteners into them. After that, glue the plaster fittings to the ceiling with mounting tape. This option is suitable if lightweight material is used. Then metal plaster beacons are placed. The mixture is applied. It is important to ensure that it fills the cells, fixed on the surface of the ceiling.

Metal mesh.

Metal mesh for wall plastering, as already mentioned, is used when you need to make a mortar layer of thirty millimeters or more. It is better to choose galvanized material with cells of ten by ten or twelve by twelve millimeters.

Expanded mesh with a mesh size of 10 by 25 millimeters is also suitable.
Before starting to work with metal reinforcement, experts recommend degreasing it.

After that, the material is cut with scissors into separate sheets, taking into account how it is planned to place them on the surface of the wall or ceiling.

Then, using a perforator, holes are made for fasteners. The distance between them is proposed to choose from 25 to 30 centimeters. Thus, there should be about sixteen holes per "square".

The next step is to fix the metal mesh for reinforcing the plaster on screws or dowels, or self-tapping screws (in the case of finishing a plasterboard surface). Additionally, the material is fixed with a mounting tape. Individual pieces should overlap each other by about ten millimeters. If necessary, drill additional holes for fasteners - the reinforcement should not move away from the ceiling.

Then they put construction beacons. Apply the first layer of mortar using a trowel. It is important to properly push the solution through the cells. Then spread it evenly over the entire surface. Wait for the layer to dry before moving on to the next one.

We choose metal.

Professionals recommend choosing a mesh for metal plastering in cases where the surface differences are more than four centimeters. A strong metal will help to hold a thick layer of mortar that will have to be applied in this situation.

Steel materials are the only option if the mixture contains cement containing alkali. The fact is that metal is less susceptible to alkali than plastic.

A solution with clay also requires the use of metal reinforcement. Suitable material with cells of 50 to 50 millimeters.

The mesh for plastering the walls of the facade can be used for different purposes. For the screed, a material with a larger cell is produced, from a thicker wire. For plastering, the thickness of the wire can reach one and a half millimeters, and the cells usually have a size of 30 by 30 millimeters.

Another point: rolled material is used for facade work. Indoors, sectional is usually used.

A question of price.

The cost of reinforcing mesh in Russia today is offered from thirty rubles per square meter. Specific price per sq. m depends on the type, material, manufacturer. You can buy it in many stores of finishing materials.

Work on the installation of plastic mesh for wall plastering and other types, which can be ordered from specialized companies, is included in the calculation of all work on plastering walls or ceilings. Such services cost from four hundred rubles per m².

With my own hands.

You can install the reinforcement by inviting specialists, but you can do it on your own. The main thing is to follow the instructions exactly and remember the important nuances.
When properly installed, the grid for plastering the ceiling and walls can prevent various problems in the future:

• plaster will adhere to the surface firmly;
• there will be no swelling on the surface of the plaster layer;
• plaster will not peel off the wall or ceiling;
• the service life of the plaster will increase;
• the quality of decorative finishes will improve;

Shingles for plaster.

This method of leveling the surface has long sunk into the past. Today there are a huge number of alternatives, each of which is described above.
Shingles for plaster were applied in the old days and, in essence, performed the same functions as a modern grid. In old houses and buildings, these structures can still be found as part of plastered walls.

The mesh is a rolled building material used to reinforce internal and external surfaces for various purposes. The maximum effect is observed in new houses that have not yet passed the shrinkage stage, but in a number of works it is indispensable. Cell sizes, diameter and base are different, in each case it is important to choose the right option.

1. Types and description
2. Scope of use
3. Mounting technology
4. average cost

Why is a grid needed?

The material is used to strengthen the working coating, protect the applied mixture from delamination and cracking, and prevent deformations of the finish. Its installation at times reduces the influence of mechanical, humidity and temperature influences and increases the quality of adhesion of solutions to the bases. Plastering of walls on a grid (and other surfaces) is considered mandatory when:

• External façade cladding.
• Reinforcing floor screed.
• Finishing smooth tile building materials with low adhesion, such as foam.
• Strengthening areas with a high risk of shedding plaster: openings, slopes, joints.
• Thick-layer application of the solution (over 2 cm).
• High risk of building shrinkage.

Types of grids, features and applications

The base material must be strong, alkali-resistant, as light and durable as possible, steel, plastic and fiberglass have suitable characteristics. Metal products, depending on the manufacturing method and type of web, are divided into thin and flexible woven (with a small wire diameter), woven, welded (the most rigid, recommended for high base mobility) and expanded metal, obtained by cutting holes in a stretched sheet.

Depending on the rolled products used, they are all divided into types of stainless steel and galvanized and non-galvanized wire. When using them as a grid for plaster, it is worth choosing a protected type, with a zinc coating, it better withstands the alkaline effect of cement and is less susceptible to corrosion.

Fiberglass fabric is obtained from threads of molten glass, to increase strength, flexibility and resistance to moisture, alkaline and biological effects, it is impregnated with special compounds. It is the thinnest, it is advised to choose it when finishing, applying a rough or finishing layer within 2-3 cm, arranging warm and self-leveling floors. The characteristic properties also include high thermal stability (up to 1500 ° C), this plaster mesh tolerates temperature extremes well. The intended purpose of fiberglass is determined by the size of the cells (for interior work, it is advised to buy a canvas 2 × 2 m, for facades and exterior - 5 × 5).

The polypropylene-based variety is universal, its advantages are lightness, compactness, strength and affordable cost. The specific option depends on the size of the cells: small (up to 6 × 6) is used to reinforce thin-layer plaster (up to 20 mm), medium (13 × 15) is advised to buy when strengthening coatings up to 5 cm thick, including loaded ones, large (22 × 35) - when working with large surfaces and uneven facades. This group includes many subspecies and brands: Plurima (based on polypropylene with high chemical inertness), Sintoflex (heavy-duty and geometrically stable brand), STREN (recommended for use under the influence of aggressive environments), Armaflex (reinforcing any type of masonry, including uneven). The cost per square meter depends on the quality, chemical inertness and strength of the plastic and varies from 11 to 110 rubles.

What grid to use and in what cases?

The main determining criterion is the thickness of the applied solution; when working indoors, a reliable base and thin-layer alignment (up to 20 mm), it can be abandoned. When facing facades, reinforcement is always carried out: a metal mesh-reinforcement for plaster is selected when the wall level deviates more than 30 mm, while with significant risks of destruction of the base or shrinkage of the building, it must be welded. In other cases, fiberglass or plastic with a density in the range of 160-300 g / m2 is sufficient to close the standard masonry. Smooth foam plates that insulate the facade are advised to finish on light fiberglass.

It is better not to save on external surfaces; these areas require varieties coated with zinc or impregnated with alkali-resistant compounds. To exclude doubts, the material is checked by immersion in a soapy solution for several days, quality products do not spread and do not change color. When buying facade meshes, attention is paid to the value of the breaking load. On flat areas, a canvas with 1800 N and above is used, on curved areas - within 1300-1500.

When finishing the interior, the same rules apply - a thick-layer coating requires reinforcement with metal, a thin-layer one - with fiberglass or polypropylene. The latter type is also used as a masonry one: an elastic web with 5 × 5 cells is placed between bricks or blocks and increases the adhesion of rows and products. The recommended density range for synthetic meshes for internal plaster is 110-160 g/m2, which is enough to ensure crack resistance and keep the layer within 2-3 cm. adjoining the ceiling, reinforcing mastic roofs, serpyanka is well suited - a thin fiberglass with a cell size of 2 × 2 mm and a density in the range of 45-60 g / m2.

Do-it-yourself grid mounting nuances

The metal variety weighs the most and needs to be securely fixed with screws or nails. It is degreased (galvanized is simply washed with water or wiped with a rag) and cut with special scissors into pieces of the desired size, taking into account the obligatory entry into neighboring areas by 10 cm. In some cases, holes for dowels are prepared in advance, the step is 25-30 cm, on average m2 takes 16 fasteners. The edges, if possible, are fixed with a mounting tape (when working with coarse-mesh options, its use is mandatory).

It is better to finish metal-reinforced surfaces in two layers (not counting the spray), the second, thinner and leveling one is applied after the first has dried slightly. This type must be reliably closed with a mixture, it is important to choose the correct cross section and method of connecting the wire, it is impossible to reduce the coating thickness below the recommended value.

When working with fiberglass and polypropylene meshes for plaster, the mortar itself or self-tapping screws and screws can act as fixing materials. In the first case, the canvas is placed in the middle of two layers; to increase the density, it is better to unwind it directly on the spot, and not cut it into separate pieces (the exception is the foam plastic finish, where segments are better suited). Plastered in the direction from the middle to the edges.

In the process, it is important to exclude the formation of air bubbles and avoid stretching the plastic mesh.

But a more reliable and correct option is to fix the dowels on a still dry wall, followed by spraying and applying the first layer as a base. The number of fasteners is minimal (one per canvas with a uniform step of 1-2 m), with a significant level difference, they are used for mounting beacons. The first layer of the solution is placed along the width of the product, after laying it, they proceed to the next one, tracking the approach to each other by 10-15 cm. Plastering for the purpose of leveling should also be done from the middle to the edge. Avoid sudden movements with a spatula, especially when working with facade meshes, otherwise they depart along with the finishing composition. Correctness is checked visually - if they are visible under the leveling layer, then it is better to increase it by 1-2 mm.

Material cost

Name, basis	Special properties, brief description	Cell size, mm	Roll size, m	Price for 1 m2, rubles	Price per roll, rubles
Stucco Woven Galvanized Wire Mesh	Wire diameter - 0.25 mm	0.63×0.63	1×30	468	14040
		1×1		208	6240
	The same - 0.4	2×2		162,50	4880
		4×4		143	4290
	The same - 0.6	10x10	1×60	65	3900
		15×15	1×80	62	4990
The chain-link is not galvanized	Wire diameter - 1.2 mm	6×6	1×10	240	2400
Welded galvanized	Wire diameter - 1 mm	10x10	1×25	240	6000
fiberglass mesh	Serpyanka with a density of 45 g/m2, white	2×2	1×50	18	900
	Plaster impregnated with alkali-resistant polymer composition, 60 g/m2, white	5×5		21	1050
	For facade, 160 g/m2, blue			31	1550
Plastic mesh Wagon S	Colors: khaki, black. Used for finishing and rough layers up to 1 cm thick	6×6	2×100	14	2800
Synthflex E	High-strength, flexible, biaxially oriented polypropylene, for reinforcing layers up to 5 cm	12×14		65	13000
C1-3, polypropylene	Grey, for reinforcing plaster (up to 2 cm) and masonry	13x13	1×30	21	630

Different types of mesh

Repairs are often accompanied by leveling the walls with plaster. In addition, it also improves thermal insulation, reduces the level of extraneous noise in the finished room. Surfaces plastered with decorative mixtures have a beautiful appearance. When the irregularities are small and there are practically no defects, then the solution is often applied simply to the prepared base. If the deviations are large, there are cracks, then a plaster mesh is necessarily used in the work to reinforce the walls. It is represented by a wide range, which allows you to choose products for certain operating conditions.

Scope of use

Reinforcing mesh for wall plastering has replaced the old methods (shingles, stuffed nails) used to improve the adhesion of the finishing layer to the base surface. It is made from materials with different properties. There are products from a large number of different manufacturers on the market.

Strengthening the base

The plaster grid is used both for internal, and external works. It is the basis of the leveling coating. The latter becomes stronger and more durable as a result. The mesh must be used to avoid the appearance of delamination, cracking, or to stop the process of crack growth itself.

The construction mesh for plaster is used to qualitatively prepare the base for further activities to decorate work surfaces. With proper installation and further plastering, it prolongs the life of the finish and helps maintain the integrity of the partitions.

Types of plaster mesh

Reinforced mesh for plaster differs in the materials used for its production, the structure and size of the cells, and the methods of creation. According to the first criterion, the following varieties are distinguished:

• plastic;
• fiberglass;
• metal.

Products have all the advantages and disadvantages of the materials used for their production.

A more detailed classification is presented in the table below.

masonry (painting)	5*5	plastic sheet used when working outside and inside buildings using gypsum mixtures
universal: small, medium, large	6*6, 14*15, 22*35	the fine-mesh version is a suitable mesh for plastering interior walls, while the coarse-mesh version withstands temperature extremes and loads from the outside well
fiberglass mesh	5*5	durable, resistant to moisture, cold and heat, chemical compounds material
plurima	5*6	made from polypropylene, chemically inert, used for external and internal work

The existing assortment allows you to choose high-quality products, taking into account all requirements. The use of material that meets the existing conditions determines the durability of the finish.

Choice of working material

The main determining factor in the selection of material is its suitability for specific conditions, so the mesh for wall plastering is selected taking into account the following number of factors:

• the required thickness of the created finishing coating;
• the type of plaster mixture that is used;
• type of base (concrete, wood, brick, porous materials, stone);
• external conditions in which the formed plaster layer will be located: outside the building, inside, or in unheated, damp rooms.

Plaster with the following types of mixtures:

• cement-lime;
• plaster;
• cement-sand;
• clay and others.

Various additives are often added to such compositions. Together with the main components, they have a certain level of chemical activity. This determines the degree of their influence on different materials from which the meshes for reinforcement are made.

Reinforced brick surface

Taking into account the above provisions, the main recommendations for choosing a mesh for plastering walls are as follows:

• fiberglass products are recommended to be used when the thickness of the created plaster layer is up to 3 cm, when there are also recesses, cracks in order to stop the expansion of old ones and the formation of new ones;
• if the height of the formed coating exceeds 3 cm, then a more appropriate option would be to install a metal mesh: it is able to withstand the weight of the finish and not peel off at the same time;
• plastic products are best used for thin gypsum mortars, and, for example, cement-sand compositions corrode such reinforcing material over time;
• when using mixtures based on clay, also when there are significant irregularities on the surface of the base, metal options are relevant;
• plastic sheets with small cell sizes (for example, 0.2-0.3 cm) are used during finishing puttying;
• fiberglass or galvanized (ordinary metal ones are not suitable), products are a good way to reinforce rooms with high humidity;
• when there is a need to plaster the oven with a cement-clay mortar, then you can use a chain-link, and with a thin layer of it - fiberglass;
• steel products are suitable for joint use with compounds containing cement;
• during the plastering work on the exterior walls of the house, material with cells of 3 * 3 cm is usually used, and their larger sizes are selected to tighten the surface;
• for internal work, they mainly use material in rolls, and for external work, in the form of sections.

When the height of the created layer of plaster does not exceed 2 cm, then reinforcement can be omitted. Following the above recommendations will allow you to choose the most practical material.

Features of mounting different types of mesh

Metal mesh for plaster, fiberglass or plastic, can be mounted using different methods. The choice of fixing option is determined by the composition of the working mixture, the material from which the mesh is made, and the plastering technique used. Fix with:

• plaster mortar;
• self-tapping screws or dowel-nails, screws.

The first layer of plaster for leveling the walls is reinforced by pressing the mesh into the mortar of the required thickness applied to the surface.

The best way to create a finishing coating (covering or decor) is to fix the adhesive web on a dry base with special fasteners.

When the area of ​​​​the area to be trimmed is small, then you can use the working mixture for fixing, applying it pointwise.

It is enough to simply fix the paint grid with a thin layer of mortar.

The fiberglass cloth is mounted according to the following optimal algorithm:

• perform markup for the installation of beacons;
• holes are drilled along it, into which dowels are then inserted;
• set the screw heads according to the level;
• apply the solution to an area equal to the width of the canvas used;
• a grid is immediately applied to the plaster, threading the caps from the screws through it;
• throw the mixture further;
• overlap (10 cm) fix the next strip;
• so continue until the entire room is reinforced;
• install beacons.

The solution should be smoothed over the canvas evenly, starting from the middle of the strip, while moving towards its edges. When creating a thin layer, fixing the fiberglass to the staples with further application of putty justifies itself.

Installation of a metal mesh

The stucco metal mesh is fixed in the following sequence:

• cleaned of the lubricant composition by rinsing with water or wiping with a damp cloth;
• with scissors for metal, cut the canvas into pieces of the desired size;
• every 25-30 cm holes are drilled with a diameter of 6 mm for dowels (about 3 mm deeper than the length of the plastic part of the fastener), insert them;
• using screws and mounting tape - fix the material on the surface;
• the following fragments are laid with an overlap of 10 cm;
• install beacons.

The minimum height of the created coating depends on the thickness of the mesh wire. Metal products additionally strengthen the base, and fiberglass - reinforces the plaster with a mesh.

Methods for fixing the plaster mesh are discussed in detail in the video below.

Installation of facade fiberglass material is shown in the video below.

Strengthening the base, increasing the strength and reliability of the plaster finish - all this is ensured by the creation of an adhesive layer. It is formed using different materials.

For the correct implementation of the reinforcement of the walls with a mesh, it is necessary to take into account the type of mortar used, the place of installation (outside or inside the building), the expected height of the coating. It is also required to use suitable mounting technology. Compliance with the above conditions allows you to plaster walls or ceilings with high quality, minimize the possibility of cracking, and not be afraid of shrinkage at home.

From the author: We are glad to welcome you to our repair and construction portal, dear reader. Is it worth talking about the importance of reinforcement in construction? Yes, definitely worth it. And today we will just talk about how to reinforce walls for plaster.

On the practical benefits of reinforcement and on "European-style repairs" in general

In recent decades, in the post-Soviet space, when repairing residential and office premises, one common standard, called "European-style renovation", has been tacitly adopted. But the fact is that the very concept of "European-style renovation" is quite broad and it is impossible to say exactly / what / specifically should be present (and what should not be) in a room that has undergone this very "European-style renovation".

One way or another, everyone at least once saw with their own eyes what this legendary renovation looks like. What are these standards? The answer might be something like this:

• functional double-glazed windows that replaced the old wooden windows;
• suspended plasterboard or stretch ceiling. Perhaps with spotlights for visual zoning of space, perhaps with illumination around the perimeter, perhaps a combination of stretch fabric and plasterboard and the creation of a complex multi-level structure. There are really many options;
• replacement of old communications with new ones. This applies to both pipes of the heating system and electrical wires;
• possible general redevelopment of the apartment, for example, combining the kitchen and living room to recreate a kind of studio apartment;
• naturally, a flat floor (possibly heated), on which a new type of flooring is laid: linoleum, laminate, parquet, tiles;
• naturally, smooth walls, finished with plasterboard sheets or simply plastered with high quality. As a finish, they can either be painted with a special paint (preferably on a dispersed basis) or pasted over with new wallpaper.

Pay special attention to the last item on our short list, because today we will talk about the walls. More precisely, how to properly prepare a wall (say, from aerated concrete, or just concrete, or any other) for applying plaster.

Wall reinforcement is not a prerequisite. Yes, it is recommended, but, as they say, pleasant, desirable, but by no means necessary. On this basis, disputes and discussions often arise among craftsmen, and even among people who are simply interested in the field of repair and construction work, but are not professionals in this matter.

Contrary to popular belief, the direct purpose of reinforcement is not for the plaster to interact properly with the working surface of the wall. To improve adhesion (degree of adhesion), special penetrating primers are used.

By the way, if you are thinking about the question of whether it is necessary to prime the walls, then the answer here will be unequivocal: it is worth it! The fact is that the primer not only contributes to the correct application of subsequent finishing materials. Yes, but the "bonus" is that many primers have antiseptic properties, so the primer mixture applied to the wall will serve as an excellent protection against the formation of fungal colonies (mold), which is not, no, yes, and it appears, but remove it is quite difficult for her.

In fact, the reinforcing mesh to some extent helps the plaster lay on the surface, but let's just say this is just a positive side effect. To some extent, it prevents cracking, that is, the formation of both small and larger cracks. Well, among other things, it reduces the visibility of those cracks that have already deigned to form.

Here is a small example from practical experience. A long time ago, about 10 years ago, I had to move to a new nine-story brick house, and the eighth floor (area 100 m²). The apartment had to carry out repair work, which was carried out by qualified specialists. Continuous reinforcement was made using a plastic paint mesh. Moreover, not only the walls were reinforced, but also the ceiling.

Some of the walls were reinforced with gypsum mix (!) even in several layers. Why gypsum mix? - the fact is that the plastic mesh is only suitable for gypsum. So, seven years after the end of the repair work, small cracks began to appear on the surface in some places.

The reasons for their occurrence could be both in the fact that the house shrinks a little (this is quite normal, since the building is relatively new), and in the fact that there were changes in humidity and temperature (also a completely natural process). By the way, continuous surface reinforcement is recommended only in new houses that have not yet deigned to shrink. And so, in normal cases, such reinforcement is not performed over the entire area, but only in places where various finishing materials are conjugated or where structural elements take place.

These cracks were barely noticeable and practically did not catch the eye. It looked something like this:

With cosmetic repairs, such shortcomings are corrected very easily. But (!) if such a thorough reinforcement of the surface of the walls and ceiling had not been previously performed, cracks could form in many places and cover almost the entire layer of plaster. And then a simple cosmetic repair, including wallpapering / painting with “water emulsion”, would not have worked out here. The whole room would have to be re-plastered, and this is long, complicated and requires considerable capital investment.

Choosing a grid

Despite the fact that the modern market of building materials pleases us with a large assortment - oddly enough, this trend has not affected the reinforcing mesh. Yes, you can find many brands under which these products are produced, but we will not advertise any of the manufacturing companies. Still, our article is not advertising. In construction stores, we can only find:

1. Metal mesh.
2. Plastic mesh, which we talked about a lot in the previous section.
3. Fiberglass mesh.

All. We don't need anything else. Now we will briefly characterize each of the listed subspecies of reinforcing mesh.

Metal reinforcing mesh

Used for surfaces with a significant degree of curvature (>4 cm). Such a mesh tolerates staying in an alkaline environment well, so cement mixtures can be safely used on it. If you plan to plaster with clay mortar, then this type of grid will also suit you.

Plastic reinforcing mesh

We already know quite a lot about it from the previous section of the article. We already know that it is used only (!) For gypsum mortar at the final stage of finishing the walls of the room. Therefore, in an alkaline environment, she "will not survive", which means that there will be a little more sense from her than none.

It costs, as a rule, cheaper than metal. To work with it, you need certain experience and knowledge, since it is rather “capricious” and tends to sag. This is not surprising, because it is made of soft material.

Reinforcing fiberglass mesh

Now it makes no sense to go into details and describe in detail what is good (or bad) of such a grid. Let's just say that this is an alternative version of the previous, plastic mesh, but this type is only used only in cases where the thickness of the plaster layer is quite insignificant.

How to attach reinforcing mesh to the wall

To do the job properly, we need the following tools and materials:

• dowels (6 mm) / self-tapping screws (4.5 mm);
• wire to knit this same mesh;
• metal scissors;
• guide beacons;
• perforator drill;
• in fact, the grid.

Before proceeding with the installation, you must first prepare the work surface. This means that you need to clean off the old finish (if there are places where the old plaster falls off the wall, this plaster must be eliminated). Then the surface should be treated with a penetrating primer. If necessary, you can apply an antiseptic before applying the primer mixture.

The grid should be cut into pieces equal to the height of the floor - to the ceiling. The mesh should be fixed starting from the bottom, using dowels and self-tapping screws. By the way, the fastening methods can be completely different: you can, for example, bend the edge, you can resort to using a galvanized mounting tape, you can also fix it with a tie wire.

To do this, we need to hammer the dowels not completely in order to impose a wire on them in the form of the letter “Z”. After the mesh is fixed, these dowels should already be completely hammered into the wall.

Important! For 1 m² of reinforcing mesh, you will need from 15 to 20 dowels.

To avoid deformation and sagging of the mesh, it should be securely fixed and firmly pressed against the wall using fasteners. If there are places where it will lag behind the surface by more than one centimeter, the plaster will most likely peel off, which means that the finishing work will have to be done again.

The mesh should be mounted with an overlap at the joints (at least 100 mm, and in places where structurally expressed elements are present - from 200 mm). After the installation of the grid has come to its logical conclusion, it's time to install the guide beacons and apply the first layer of plaster.

Final stage of work

The first layer of plaster must be sufficiently liquid. It should be applied with sharp movements so that the solution penetrates into all the cells of the reinforcing mesh. After the first layer has dried, you can start applying the second, thicker one. It should be applied to the surface from the bottom - up.

Now we just have to wait for the complete drying of the working surface (it will take ± 24 hours, although a lot depends on the ambient temperature and humidity in the room). After drying, we can start finishing the walls - wallpapering or painting.

That's all, dear reader. Come again!

Walls and ceilings are plastered once and for many decades, during which the finishing layer undergoes many cosmetic repairs (repainting, wallpapering, cladding, etc.), therefore, so that cracks do not appear on the walls, the quality of this type of finishing work (and before that - ) should be at the highest level.

However, there are factors due to which the plaster cracks after barely standing for a year, and the quality of its performance can be impeccable. This can be caused by house shrinkage or powerful vibration loads.

Therefore, today reinforced plaster is increasingly being performed, the high-strength layer of which is able to withstand loads and not crack, or at least prevent cracks from becoming visible to the naked eye.

This is the oldest way to harden the plaster layer, with the exception of hay, which was added to the clay "hut" for plastering rural huts. Also, the mesh was stuffed on concrete and wooden surfaces, because without it, traditional compositions (cement, cement-lime, lime) did not adhere to the walls and ceilings of such surfaces.

Of the old generation of building materials, the reinforcing mesh for wall plastering was the same chain-link, which was also used (and still) for fencing. However, today, using new technologies, such modern materials are produced for reinforcing the rough finishing layer:

• welded mesh;
• PVA mesh (expanded);
• grid the chain-link special plaster.

For cement-sand and cement-lime plaster of the facade, which is not planned to be faced, it is best to use a mesh with a galvanized coating. This coating protects it from corrosion when the plaster layer gets wet and moisture seeps through to the thickness where it is located. Thus, the appearance of rust spots on the front surface of the plaster is not threatened.

Welded mesh

It is a rolled material made of thin wire welded at the intersection. The mesh used to reinforce the plaster should have cells ranging in size from 12.5x12.5 mm to 25x25 mm with a wire thickness of 0.6-1.6 mm.

The larger the layer of plaster, the thicker the mesh wire should be. However, with very large layers, this grid is unlikely to give a significant effect.

There is also a welded reinforcing mesh, also called masonry mesh - a piece product of a rectangular shape. It is made from VR-1 wire, which has a cross section of 3-5 mm and a periodic profile, that is, notches every 2-3 mm, which increases adhesion inside the plaster layer. It is used to reinforce brickwork and concrete floor screeds, but it has also been used in special cases of restoration work.

With large surface irregularities of 5 cm or more, as well as the instability of these surfaces (flowability, cracking), in order to obtain a strong plaster, it has become relevant to use a reinforcing mesh with a cell of 50x50 mm. However, this is rather a folk method of reinforcing plaster, because such irregularities cannot be plastered using more than one technology.

Expanded mesh

Presented as a roll material with a special advantage: expanded metal mesh is made from a metal sheet in such a way that it is one-piece and not welded. It also has a diamond-shaped cell shape, which contributes to a better retention of freshly laid mortar on the surface.

Unlike welded mesh, expanded mesh has such parameters as thickness and cutting step (bridges). Its thickness is equal to the thickness of the sheet of metal from which it is made: 0.5-1.2 mm. The cutting step is the second parameter of the thickness (more precisely, the width) of the core that forms the cells.

Most often, reinforcement of plaster with PVA mesh is carried out in case of a large layer thickness (from 3 cm), or when plastering smooth surfaces, for example, concrete slabs. The most popular dimensions are 25x50 mm and 17x40 mm.

Rabitz

The special plaster chain-link mesh differs from the rest in that it is a woven fabric that is not subject to rupture at the points of welding or monolithic junctions of the cores.

Thus, it is considered the most durable of all existing types of reinforcing plaster meshes. For finishing rough work, a fine mesh chain-link 20x20 mm is taken.

It is worth noting that it has not only the thickness of the wire, but also the volume, due to which it occupies a greater thickness of the plaster, thereby better absorbing tensile loads in it. But at the same time, it is more difficult to work with it, since when throwing a solution onto a surface with a stuffed chain-link, it works like a sieve, that is, it cuts the solution before it passes through it and adheres to the wall surface.

In addition, it is springy, so a spray layer - a liquid layer of mortar, which is almost never done now, is simply necessary to fix this mesh. Therefore, although it is best to strengthen the plaster with this material, builders are in no hurry to recommend it, since the plastering process is much more complicated. Plus it's not suitable for thin layers around 12mm thick.

Reinforcement of the plaster layer with polymer, fiberglass meshes

Along with new building mixes, a new generation of reinforcing materials for finishing has come.

Made of polymeric materials or fiberglass, they weigh little, are easy to transport and work, and are cheaper than metal grids for plaster.

At the same time, non-metallic reinforcing materials for plasters have a very high tensile strength, unlike metal, which weakens and stretches over time. Not to mention corrosion and reaction under alkaline conditions of the finishing layer. Today there are such non-metallic plaster meshes of a new generation:

• polyurethane mesh;
• polypropylene mesh;
• fiberglass mesh.

Due to the lightness and plasticity of such meshes, reinforcement for plaster is made without any fasteners to the wall. The first layer of the solution is applied, on which the mesh is immediately applied and slightly recessed by pressing a spatula or a metal trowel. Further, after drying or immediately on a wet layer with a recessed mesh (if the layer is small), a second layer of solution is applied.

As can be seen in the table, there are practically no differences in technical characteristics with the same cell size, however, there is a difference in application from the produced cell sizes. Consider what types of plaster mesh are suitable for certain works.

Polyurethane mesh

In another way, named as "universal", it has several versions. In addition, the name speaks for itself, the universal polyurethane mesh is suitable for many types of construction work, it can reinforce almost any type of finish.

Universal fine mesh is produced with a cell size of 5x5, 6x6, and such a reinforced mesh is most suitable for plastering the facade and interior in small layers of 5-15 mm dry starting mixtures based on gypsum, lime, cement. For work on the reinforcement of traditional plaster compositions, this type of mesh is not suitable.

The universal average has a cell size of 13x15 mm. Unlike fine-mesh, it has a narrower application: the installation of reinforced plaster of medium thickness (up to 3 cm) layer inside and outside buildings. Here we are talking about modern dry mixes and traditional cement / lime / gypsum compositions.

Universal large has a cell of 22x35 mm, designed to reinforce large areas of walls and ceilings, which will be plastered with medium and large thickness layers. The mesh can be used to reinforce plaster compositions of the old and new generations.

Polypropylene mesh

As well as polyurethane, polypropylene mesh is a product of a polymer derivative - a composition based on petroleum products.

It has a wide range of applications in decoration, thanks to the variety of the three production options discussed below.

Mesh "Plurma" - the smallest of the polyurethane line (5x5, 5x6, 6x6 mm). Therefore, the performed reinforcing plaster should have a small layer of 5-15mm. In addition, only the use of modern dry building mixtures is allowed, traditional compositions cannot be reinforced with Plurma mesh.

Mesh "Armaflex" is produced with a cell of 13x16.5 mm and has a very high tensile strength, due to the number of polypropylene fibers in the threads of the mesh, as well as reinforced ligation. Application - reinforcement of plaster of medium and large thickness of the layer outside and inside the premises, including those with large areas, using both modern and traditional compositions. It is especially popular in restoration work.

Mesh "Sintoflex" - the most diverse of the "family" of polypropylene in terms of cell size: "Sintoflex D" - 22x35 mm, "Sintoflex E" - 12x14 mm; "Sintoflex M" - 17x24 mm. The scope of application is similar to the "Armaflex" grid.

Glass cloth mesh

By appointment for plastering is divided into facade and interior. Both of them have a cell size of 5x5 mm, however, there is a difference in the density of glass fibers and the presence / absence of special reinforcing impregnation.

The grid front has impregnation which strengthens resistance to atmospheric influences. If the plaster layer gets wet, it does not collapse and does not absorb moisture.

In addition, the reinforcing mesh for facade wall plastering has a density of 160 g/m2, respectively, high tensile strength. However, they are appropriate when working with modern materials - dry mixes with high plasticity. This also applies to interior fiberglass meshes.

There are also reinforced meshes for concrete work, which have a mesh size of 10x10 mm. There are fiberglass meshes with a density of up to 451 g/m2, which can be used to reinforce the plaster of complex and large surfaces with irregularities of 5 cm or more.

Reinforcement of the plaster layer with special mortar additives

The most elementary (according to traditional technologies) contains one or two binders (cement / lime / gypsum) and sand filler.

This composition has the elementary properties of a mortar, however, reinforced plaster without the use of metal, plastic or fiberglass meshes can be obtained from it if special reinforcing fillers are added to the composition.

These components are thin fibers of small length (mainly 1 cm for finishing solutions) made of various materials, most often being waste products of one or another production, and not necessarily the construction industry. Also referred to as fiber, they come in several varieties (for plastering) depending on the material from which they are made:

• metal fiber;
• basalt fiber;
• polypropylene fiber;
• fibreglass.

The fiber is added during the preparation of the solution, where it, mixing with the rest of the components, intertwines and creates a whole, evenly saturated mass. Its principle of operation is similar to the work of reinforcing meshes: the fiber fibers in the plaster layer take the load from the gap, and unlike the mesh, the reinforcement goes in all directions.

Metal fiber

It comes in many varieties, but reinforcing plaster based on it is best made from the smallest anchor fiber with a diameter of 0.3 mm and a length of 10 mm.

The pieces of metal wire that it represents have bent or flattened ends, which allow you to achieve maximum adhesion and dressing in the plaster layer.

This material was used for special occasions, for the restoration of huge irregularities, unstable wall surfaces, as well as for the production of special shock-resistant plaster. It is best to plaster with a metal fiber-based mortar on a pre-stuffed large reinforcing plaster mesh.

The disadvantages of metal fiber are that it greatly weights the plaster mortar, which requires additional measures to fix it to the wall surface (the presence of a mesh). It is very expensive, especially if it is galvanized or alloy steel fiber. If you take a simple fiber (not alloyed, not galvanized), then when wet, corrosion is released on the surface of the plaster.

Fiber basalt

It is a fiber made from natural volcanic glass. Fibers 12 mm long are used in all types of work, including plastering. They look like glass needles, smooth, coated with a lubricant - a substance that facilitates the preparation of a solution with basalt fiber.

This additive to the solution does not weigh it down as much as metal fibers, as well as high-strength plaster, which as a result is non-corrosive and resistant to chemicals (if other components are also stable - binder and filler). It is used for both ordinary and special plasters - fire-resistant, water-resistant and acid-resistant.

The disadvantage of basalt fiber is the low adhesion inside the plaster layer, this is due to the smoothness of the surface of the fiber needles. The strength is less than that of the metal fiber formulation, however there is greater durability and resistance to loosening and stretching over time.

Polypropylene fiber

This is a modern generation reinforcing additive in fine-grained types of concrete; especially popular for use in finishing mortars for screed and plaster.

Derived from oil refining products - polymers, this is due to the low weight and resistance to chemical, atmospheric stress and the absence of corrosion.

This material has a high tensile coefficient, which, combined with low strength, makes the reinforcement of the plaster not as reliable as with other fiber materials. The low melting and ignition threshold does not allow the use of plaster with polypropylene fiber at high temperatures (fireplaces, boiler rooms).

However, polypropylene fiber has a higher concentration of fibers per unit weight, and is also faster and more evenly distributed in solution. It is more suitable for reinsurance against microcracks in the finishing layers, it is effective with a small thickness, not more than 5 cm.

Fiberglass fiber

It is also a new generation material obtained from artificial alkali-resistant glass.

With the help of glass fiber, the best reinforcement of ordinary plaster is obtained, giving it special qualities: strength, increased adhesion and plasticity.

When fiberglass is introduced into a cement-based plaster mortar, its better plasticity is observed. This is due to the fact that small glass fibers saturate the liquid, restrain the separation of the solution into cement laitance and filler. Also, when applying the composition with glass fiber, it gives off moisture to the wall, thus, the solution is better drawn into the pores.

The characteristics of the finished plastered surface are similar to those of compositions based on basalt fiber, and in some cases surpass them. The quality of glass fiber is mainly dictated by the brand of raw material - artificial glass. Here it is important to choose an alkali-resistant grade of glass fiber, since mortars based on cement and / or lime have a high alkaline activity, which will dissolve fibers that are not intended for such conditions.

This was a description of materials for reinforcing plaster, and the process of finishing with a reinforcement device is a separate issue. In the section "" you can also get acquainted with other finishing types of work.

The choice of mesh for plastering indoors and during facade work. What grid is on the construction market. Proper fastening of various types of mesh to the surface.

Wall Plaster Mesh

Often repair work comes down to leveling the walls. This is done both in new premises and during major repairs.

And also it is possible to level the walls with plaster outside the building. For all these works, in most cases, a grid is used for plastering walls. Which grid is used outside, and which one is inside is discussed below.

Need

Previously, for the strength of the surface, a long period of plaster, shingles were used. It was made from wooden slats nailed to the base. Now in the construction market there is a grid for plastering. They are different in colors, manufactured material. They serve for better adhesion to the surface, there is no delamination of the applied layer from the rough base for a long time, there are no cracks after the mortar dries. After applying the material under the plaster and drying the solution, a decorative finish is applied, without fear that defects will occur under it.

What happens: varieties

The construction market is full of a variety of cellular material for surface plastering. They are mainly made from:

• metal;
• fiberglass;
• plastic.

Each mesh is designed to do a specific job. A brief description is presented in the table:

For each type of work, different cell sizes are used.

Reinforcing under the facade: which one is needed

To work on the street with the walls of buildings, you need to consider many factors:

• humidity;
• temperature changes;
• constant exposure to sunlight and so on.

For the choice of cellular material, the following indicators are taken into account:

1. The density of the applied canvas is 145-160g/m2. Cell size 5x5.
2. Strength. Good quality mesh does not tear, does not deform.
3. The canvas is not exposed to alkali, moisture.

Mostly metal sheets are used. However, fiberglass mesh is produced for facade work. It should not stretch, tear.

Metal for leveling

This is a versatile canvas for indoor and outdoor use. Its functions include protecting the surface from mechanical influences, strengthening the created plane. The mesh does not allow the solution to spread (this applies to cement mixtures that have shrinkage).

Production is carried out using wire or metal rods. Depending on this, the material is divided into light, medium, heavy.

Features of metal sheets:

1. Withstand loads. Therefore, they are used on a large area with the application of a thick layer of the solution.
2. Metal is applicable on concrete, brick and other surfaces.
3. The minimum thickness of the applied solution is 2 cm, the maximum is 5 cm.
4. The cell holds a thick layer of plaster, thereby ensuring the strength of the surface.
5. Easily cut with scissors for metal or wire cutters.

The downside is the weight. The canvas is fixed only on solid draft bases.

Do not apply on hollow bricks.

plastic decorative

To cover the surface indoors with a finishing material, paint, it must be perfectly even and durable. There should be no cracks, chips, voids. To level and create a solid base, a paint grid is used.

They produce canvas from polymers or fiberglass. It is safe for health, durable, does not react to moisture and does not deform.

Apply on various surfaces: concrete, brick, foam blocks when applying a solution with a thickness of 2 to 5 mm.

Before applying the solution, the canvas is attached to the rough base. It should not sag or be too tight.

The material has differences in cell sizes. This is important when applying various solutions on areas from minimal to large.

Fiberglass for wooden walls and more

Cloth, cells 2x2 is durable, resistant to aggressive environments.

It is used for ceilings and walls indoors. The function is to prevent the appearance of cracks on the created surface after drying.

Material Features:

1. The weight. Due to its light weight, it is used on various draft bases.
2. Long term warranty. Fiberglass has a longer life than metal.
3. Thermal conductivity. The material does not conduct heat well, so it is used to reduce cold bridges.

Cons of the material:

• price - more expensive than a metal sheet;
• does not tolerate high temperatures;
• does not bend;
• brittle.

Despite the shortcomings of the material, it is used for a wooden base, which allows it to be leveled and made durable.

Which one to use for plastering is best

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

1. A layer of applied mortar of 3 cm must be used with fiberglass.
2. Metal gratings are used when applying a solution with a thickness of 3 cm or more. When carrying out outdoor work. And also for plastering of bathtubs, pools.
3. The plastic cell is intended for coating with gypsum mortars.
4. Serpyanka and other tapes are used to reinforce drywall joints and cracks.
5. To finish the stove and fireplace, chain-link and fiberglass are used. The first option is for cement-clay mortar, the second for thin plaster.

These rules will help in choosing a cellular web for certain jobs.

For interior work

For interior work, several types of mesh are used.

1. polymer material. Used for plastering surfaces with gypsum-based mixtures. The 2x2 cell will withstand the gypsum mortar and will not crack the surface.
2. Fiberglass. Mounted on a rough foundation of brick, concrete. Perfectly holds mortar from cement. It shrinks less, and when dried, cracks do not appear on the surface.

Attention. Using a cellular canvas, the work goes quickly, with ease. The surface is durable and has a long service life.

For outdoor

To work with the surface on the street, you need to choose the right grid. To do this, follow the rules:

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

Fiberglass fabric. Work with small square meters of facade surface.

Metal Applicable:

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

Reinforcing metal is available in the following options:

1. Rabitsa.
2. Welded type.
3. Expanded mesh PVA;
4. Whole-drawn PVC.

I use different types of grids for different jobs.

Do you need mesh on plastered walls?

If a reinforced canvas is not used, peeling of the plaster from the rough base may occur. This will be affected by its own weight - the thicker the plaster layer, the heavier it is. Thanks to the grid, after the solution dries, a monolith is obtained.

Using a grid, you can not worry about the fact that cracks of a different nature will appear on the wall over time.

Even if the solution was made incorrectly (liquid or vice versa thick), the stack will adhere to the surface and will not cause destruction, shedding, or runoff.

Mesh fastening according to technology

Reinforced material used for plastering walls and ceilings must be properly fixed to the base. Each type of cellular fabric is fixed according to the specified technology.

Some types of mesh cannot be pulled too tight or allowed to sag. This can lead to serious consequences.

How to fix reinforced

Technique for fastening a metal cellular web:

1. First of all, measure the desired size of the canvas from the bottom to the top.
2. First, the material is fixed at the top. To do this, dowel-nails are fixed at the top in the corners. The corners of the grid are put on them and pressed with self-tapping screws.
3. After that, the same work is carried out below.
4. On the ceiling, the operation is also performed - first the corners are fixed, then in the middle.
5. The material in the middle must be fixed so that it is in all places adjacent to the rough base. If there is sagging, then the work will be in vain.

The metal sheet is stretched, without sagging.

How to fix a decorative plaster base

The decorative reinforcing fabric is fixed with ordinary self-tapping screws. They are not completely screwed into the rough base at equal intervals. They are put on a mesh and completely twisted into the base.

Attention. The mesh should not be very stretched, but there should not be any sagging either.

There is an option for mounting on a mounting tape. However, there is a threat of tearing off the canvas from the surface during plastering work.

Is it possible to glue wallpaper on plastered walls under the grid

The reinforcing fabric gives strength to the base. It will not move away from the draft wall, ceiling and will not sag belly. Mesh plaster is durable, able to withstand the load of decorative finishes. Therefore, after making sure that the walls or ceiling are plastered using a mesh, you can safely glue any type of wallpaper without fear of cracks appearing under them or the base falling off.

Benefits of follow-up work

One of the main advantages is the application of the solution. And if the gypsum mixture fits well on the base, then it is difficult to work with cement material. It is the mesh with its cells that holds it on the surface until it hardens and does not shrink much.

After the material has hardened, the plastered wall can be puttied without fear. It can be painted and covered with decorative plaster. There is no threat that a crack will appear in the middle of the wall due to shrinkage of the house.

Laying tiles is also possible on a reinforced wall. The use of a grid gives the rigidity of the surface for a long time.

Reinforced mesh should be used for plastering work. For each material - metal cells, polymer, a certain application is characteristic. By properly fixing the mesh and plastering the wall or ceiling, the surface will be in its original form for up to 20 years.

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