How to plaster walls with mesh. Plastering using mesh

Plastering as a way to protect and improve the facade has a thousand-year history. In some cases unique effect gained worldwide fame and brand significance, if we recall the Venetian plaster imitating marble cladding.

But for any finishing layer from a solution of a cement-sand mixture, the inevitable were cracks and collapses exfoliated fragments. The plaster mesh helped to solve this problem.

What is a reinforcing mesh?

Flexible, openwork, knitted or woven - it creates a monolithic frame of the structure.

The prototype of the plaster mesh can be considered once common wall cladding method under plaster with the help of thin narrow boards laid crosswise - the so-called "shingles". Until now, among the ruins of pre-revolutionary and Soviet buildings, one can see the exposed skeleton of wooden reinforcement.

The creation of new materials and building technologies has allowed replace a laborious process wall cladding with very fragile wooden shingles for a quick and reliable way to strengthen rough plaster with different types of facade mesh.

Do I need a mesh for plastering, its advantages:

1. Improving the bonding effect of different materials.
2. Protection of excessively hygroscopic masonry material (aerated concrete) from moisture penetration.
3. Strengthening of corner elements and joints of structures when removing window and door openings.
4. Formation of a monolithic frame, which ensures the durability of the walls and the strength of the cladding.
5. Insurance against internal stress of the walls during sudden changes in temperature and humidity.
6. Restoration of cracked fragments of the facade.
7. Reinforcing waterproofing.
8. Achieving a respectable appearance of finishing work.

What are the requirements for plaster mesh GOST 3826-82:

• density within 150-170g/m²;
• resistance to corrosion and alkalis;
• light weight (not complicating the load system of the building);
• tensile strength with acceptable flexibility and tensile strength;
• cell identity (by alternation and size);
• availability of accompanying documentation on tests carried out in independent laboratories.

Reference: Plaster mesh is also successfully used in the preparation of screeds, pouring floors for the installation of a "warm floor", during the installation of thermal insulation of attics and roofs.

How are they produced?

There are several materials, as well as manufacturing methods.

From metal (sheet or wire):

• wicker from wire spirals (chain-link mesh - named after the creator, German bricklayer Karl Rabitz);
• woven the mesh is created from wire threads according to the type of weaving warp and weft, allows the use of wire of any section, gives the product the necessary flexibility;
• welded- fixes by welding the intersections of the wire, forming cells of a square shape; used to prevent wall shrinkage;
• twisted(manier) - the wire is twisted in such a way that it forms 6-coal cells, the main advantage is resistance to high t◦;
• expanded metal(TsPVS) - obtained from sheet metal (thickness 0.5-1.0 mm) by cutting under the press of notches, which, when stretched, form diamond-shaped cells, it is most convenient for cutting and transportation.

Metal mesh is worth choosing galvanized or polymer coating. So it will last longer.

From polymers (plastic):

• armaflex(with reinforced nodes) - heavy-duty;
• plurima(with cells 5x6) - chemically inert;
• synthoflex- with cells of medium and large size, lightweight, resistant to chemical attack.

Universal (made of polyurethane) with cells of 3 types:

• small (6x6);
• medium (15x13);
• large (35x22).

Fiberglass - fine mesh, heavy duty, without restrictions in use. The mesh is woven from fiberglass with other components and impregnated with polymer solutions to acquire chemical resistance.

Fiberglass mesh is used for:

• strengthening the base layer;
• giving strength to finishing elements made of soft materials;
• reinforcement of the plinth for finishing with tiles.

Important: Each type of grid is designed for a certain thickness of the plaster layer and features of operation. Incorrectly selected reinforcing layer can lead to cracks, irregularities, peeling of the entire coating along with the finish.

Popular manufacturers

In the market of building and finishing materials, domestic manufacturers occupy leading positions:

1. Company "TOP HOUSE"-20 years of experience in this segment, produces 50,000 items of goods. It produces mesh "VERTEX" for reinforcing polystyrene insulation, fiberglass mesh "Valmiera".
2. Company "Rantos" produces all types of metal meshes from wire VR 1, VR 2, steel, surfacing, spring. He is a representative of the Cherepovets plant "Severstal".
3. Company Teplotek- the main supplier of reinforcing fiberglass mesh CCI-160 (density 160g / m²) in the West Siberian region. It produces "TG-Textilglas" - a mesh for working on a layer of insulation.
4. Company Stroykit(Izhevsk) offers not only metal and fiberglass reinforcing meshes, but also glue for their fastening.
5. Company "Dr.Gunter KAST"- German representative in the market of specialized fiberglass meshes. The main production of plaster mesh is located in Sonthofen.

Plaster mesh 1 meter wide is imported to trading enterprises in rolls 30-80 meters long(roll weight 80 kg) with fasteners and additional elements. In retail trade, the sale of goods by the meter is allowed.

Which grid to choose?

Reinforcing mesh is not a cheap material, but saves owner costs for subsequent repairs and restoration of the lost fragments of the facade. The use of plaster mesh in the facade decoration gives it representative look. Therefore, the costs are justified.

But when purchasing material, you need to make sure of its quality, as it says:

• the appearance of the product (the identity of the size of the cells, their alternation, the reliability of weaving, the presence of a protective layer);
• testing the fragment for crushing, stretching (high-quality mesh instantly restores its shape and does not stretch much);
• testing for chemical resistance (the result is visible a day after the mesh fragment is immersed in an alkaline solution, for example, laundry soap);
• a document accompanying the packaging, which should contain information about an independent examination of the quality of the goods.

How can one not recall the folk wisdom about the miser? Plaster mesh - not a way to show off your financial capabilities, but a calculated long-term investment for the future.

How to calculate the expense?

The conditions that must be taken into account when calculating the material:

• wall area;
• possible surface irregularities;
• insulation footage;
• mesh overlay (butt or overlap).

Therefore, for a polymer network, it is required 1.1m² per sq. meter walls, and for fiberglass - 1.15 -1.4m². Experts recommend to provide a reserve 5% for unexpected expenses.

The choice of plaster mesh depends from the thickness of the finishing layer, wall irregularities.

The criteria become:

• material;
• cell size;
• mesh weight;
• the way it is fastened.

With significant layer thickness differences on the entire surface of the wall of a complex facade, it is recommended to abandon the plaster and replace it with another type of finish.

How to fix the mesh under the plaster for outdoor work?

The technology of mounting the facade mesh with your own hands is quite within the power of anyone, let's consider the whole process in more detail.

Clear the wall from the build-up, traces of masonry work. Level the surface. If a chain-link mesh is used, preparatory work and a primer are not needed.

prime the surface, for porous materials(aerated concrete blocks) - deep penetration primer.

Take a measurement surface to be treated and prepare cuts of mesh material.

When working with chain-link or welded mesh, its stuffing is done directly on the wall using dowels or on the frame:

• on a wooden crate (for a wooden house);
• on metal pins (for brick or concrete walls).

How to glue the reinforcing mesh on the walls video

Polymer and glass mesh overlapped on the starting layer of plaster, while the reinforcing layer is pressed into the mortar and fastened with dowels along the edges.

The starting layer of plaster can be replaced with a special adhesive for fixing the mesh, after which, after drying, the final layer is applied. Glue can also be used to attach fiberglass to insulation.

The adhesive layer must be sufficient to place the grid in its middle when pressed in. Base for adhesive fastening must be dried and work is carried out at positive t◦ (not lower than +5◦С) on the surface cleared of fatty stains and pollution.

With significant unevenness beacons must be installed on the walls (the thinnest layer is 1 cm, the thickest is no more than 5 cm). The solution is applied to the dampened wall, moving from bottom to top.

final layer, depending on the type of grid and the planned thickness, is formed with a wide spatula from the middle to the edges, and, if necessary, in two passes (with each layer completely dry) until the wall is perfectly leveled.

Fastening the mesh under the plaster must be done according to certain rules. After all, the appearance and durability of the entire plane will depend on this.

Today we will consider in detail how to fix the mesh under the plaster. Although this is not a difficult job, but it is carried out according to certain rules and they are worth following. Also on the video in this article and the photo are possible options for performing this work.

Fastening the plaster mesh to the wall is done according to certain rules. you just have to choose the right one first. The manufacturer made sure that there was a wide choice of fiberglass mesh on the market.

You can see photos of various types of mesh. But the most important thing is to choose the right one. How to attach the mesh under the plaster and how to choose the right one now we will consider in detail.

When choosing a mesh, you should pay attention to the following nuances:

• The mesh should have good resistance to alkaline solutions. To do this, it must be placed in such a solution for 25 days, after which it must be tested for rupture. The reduction in strength should be minimal.
• The mesh should be tested for resistance to tensile forces.. To do this, you need to take a small piece of mesh and try to crush it into a ball, after which it should take its original shape.
• You should pay attention to the quality and size of the cells.
• All the main characteristics of the product are indicated in the passport manufacturer indicating the tests carried out.

Attention: Do not forget to immediately purchase fasteners, because the mesh should adhere to the surface and not bulge.

Plaster mesh fixing

The maximum effect can only be obtained when the fixing of the plaster mesh is done correctly. Everything can be done with your own hands, then the price of the work will not be significant.

It should firmly stay on the plane, because it will not be light weight. If this effort is fulfilled, then it will be possible to say with confidence that the plaster layer, during operation, will not fall off the main surface and will not crack.

Despite the large number of types of this coating, the plaster mesh is fastened as tightly as possible to the plane. For this, plastic dowels with self-tapping screws can be used, to which the mesh is attached using metal, galvanized wire. In this case, the reliability of the plaster layer will depend on the reliability of the fastening of the metal mesh.

Plaster metal mesh

Let's consider in more detail how to fix the plaster mesh.

It is also presented on the construction market in a wide range:

• By type: welded, woven, chain-link, perforated, reinforcing, etc.
• Cell shape and size, as well as location and structure.
• According to the size and diameter of the metal wire.
• By the presence of coating (galvanization, polymer).

Attention: The range of metal mesh is so large that it can be used in almost all areas of repair and construction work, in which reinforcing mesh is indispensable.

Metal mesh (see. Plaster steel mesh - types and applications) is able to retain its original shape both during its laying and during operation. This allows you to get better plaster surfaces with an extended service life. All reinforcing meshes from other materials do not have such high stability, which narrows their scope.

Based on the foregoing, we can safely say that the metal mesh is more versatile, and it can be used:

• On almost all types of surfaces and with the use of any kind of plaster mixtures and mortars, while the plastic mesh is intended for gypsum plasters, it is not recommended to use it with all other types of mixtures.
• With various layers of plaster solutions applied to the surface. With its help, you can eliminate differences in irregularities of 6 cm or more. Other types of reinforcing meshes, including fiberglass mesh, are allowed to be used with an application thickness of not more than 3 cm.
• If a plaster mesh of galvanized metal or polymer-coated is used, then a reliable and durable surface can be obtained. This mesh has excellent performance in terms of moisture resistance, wear resistance, strength, etc.

The sequence of fastening the metal mesh:

• First you need to measure which segment of the grid you need to fix. As a rule, this will be the size from the floor to the ceiling. This size is transferred to the mesh, after which it is cut with metal shears (if it is a thin mesh) or using a grinder, if it is a chain-link mesh, with a wire thickness of 2 mm or more.

Attention: If the mesh is attached to the wall, then the upper edge is fixed first. To do this, you can drill a couple of holes, insert a dowel into them and screw in a self-tapping screw. Available with a wide hat. After that, the cut off piece of mesh is simply put on the screws and pressed against the same screws. After that, it can be thoroughly fixed without problems.

• If the grid needs to be fixed on the ceiling, then everything is much more complicated here and one person cannot cope with it. Fastening can be done according to the same scheme, but first the four corners of the grid are fixed, after which it can be finally fixed without outside help. But if you take it in general, then you can’t do without an assistant.
• The fastening frequency depends on the size of the cells and the thickness of the mesh material. In all attachment points, the mesh can come into contact with the main surface, and in the intervals between attachments, it must move away from the surface, otherwise the reliability of the plaster layer will be reduced.
• Before strengthening the mesh, all debris is removed from the surface and dust is swept away. Before applying the plaster layer, the base surface should be moistened for better adhesion.
• A properly fixed mesh should be stretched like a string and not vibrate in places where there are no fasteners, otherwise voids may form under the mesh during operation, which will have a negative impact on the final result.

The use of fiberglass mesh

Now let's talk about how to fix a plastic plaster mesh.

• If there is a need to strengthen the surface layer of plaster, regardless of the type of building.
• It is used for reinforcing waterproofing layers of roofs and floor slabs.
• It is necessary to enhance the mechanical strength of self-levelling floors.
• It can be used to reinforce plasters designed to prepare the surface for laying ceramic tiles.
• It will be needed to reinforce plaster surfaces applied to materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion.
• It is very important when applying a plaster layer on the lower plinth of a building.

The technology of laying the reinforcing mesh is very simple and anyone can do it:

• Plaster meshes with a density of 145 g per square meter and mesh with a density of 165 g per square meter are very popular among builders. These meshes are mainly used to reinforce the plaster layers of facades of various buildings.
• The consumption of the reinforcing mesh is 1.1 m per 1 square meter of area, with a mesh width of 1 meter. Fiberglass mesh is used to reinforce plaster layers in places where completely different materials are used, such as brick and wood. It allows you to perform high-quality work in places where slight deformation changes are possible, in the presence of plastic corners, in places where the plaster layer adjoins the insulating materials of window and door openings.
• The technology of laying fiberglass mesh requires that it be sunk into a fresh layer of plaster to a depth of about 5 mm. In this case, it will be in the middle of the applied layer of plaster, which guarantees high strength and solidity of the plaster layer.

How to fix fiberglass mesh

Fiberglass mesh is no less popular than metal. Even the insulation of the building with foam plastic is not complete without the use of fiberglass mesh.

So:

• Such a grid is mounted after the fixing of the foam plates to the base surface is completed.
• A rough layer of plaster is applied to the surface of the foam. Work is carried out in small areas, as the mixture tends to quickly harden.
• The mesh is cut to size and applied to the surface that has not yet hardened. After that, a wide spatula is taken, and the mesh is leveled and, as it were, pressed into the freshly applied putty or plaster.
• After that, you should give time for the surface with the mesh to grab well. Usually on the second day, work continues on this surface. First of all, you need to walk along the surface with a spatula and remove all burrs or bumps.
• When installing the grid, make sure that each strip is on the previous strip with an overlap of 15-20 cm, otherwise cracks may appear during operation.
• After the excess debris is removed from the surface, you can start applying the finish layer.
• Here is a particular case of the use of fiberglass plaster mesh, but the scope of its use is much wider.
• When carrying out repairs in private houses with a solid service life, there is nothing to do at all without a fiberglass mesh. This applies to both walls and ceilings.
• When carrying out repairs in multi-storey buildings, and especially during puttying work on the ceiling, where there are significant differences due to unevenly laid floor slabs, it is also recommended to use fiberglass mesh. There are cases when it does not help and you have to install drywall.
• If the walls are gypsum blocks and there is a need to cover them with a layer of putty, then the plaster mesh will not be superfluous.

Now you know how to fix the plaster mesh to the wall. The instructions will help you choose it correctly and then secure it with high quality.

Grid for plaster - the key to the durability of the work performed. Wall plastering is a traditional leveling and finishing technology. And not only - plaster is also performed for the purpose of fire protection and sound insulation, during repairs, as a decorative finishing layer or as a preparation for finishing ... but most often gypsum, cement-sand and lime plaster is needed, just as a finish. The use of mesh for plaster is an important condition.

Reinforcement of products from cement-sand mortars is a condition for their long-term operation, and the plaster layer is no exception. In order for the plaster layer to be durable and serve for a long time, it is reinforced by placing a mesh of plastic, fiberglass, steel inside, there are a lot of types and materials of meshes. And you need to choose a grid based on some conditions.

The use of plaster mesh

Although the technology is simple - a grid must be placed approximately in the middle of the solution layer, but there are some nuances. Two factors are important - the thickness of the plaster layer and the material of the surface on which it is applied. The most difficult cases are a thick layer of plaster - more than two centimeters, and a finishing surface that does not have good adhesion to cement-sand mortars, that is, metals, wood, and some types of panels. If either or both of these factors are present, then it is important not only to ensure that the plaster adheres to the wall, the reinforcing mesh must also be firmly fixed. It is not enough just to lay it in the plaster layer - the result of such work can be a solid layer of plaster that has lagged behind the wall in a single layer.

Fasteners for plaster mesh

The types of fasteners for meshes also depend on the material of the walls - to concrete and brick, although they have good adhesion, the meshes are fastened with dowels using large washers, to wooden walls - sometimes with nails, but it is better to mount on self-tapping screws. If you need to plaster a metal surface, choose one of the types of steel meshes, and then fix it by welding. The thicker the layer of the applied solution is required, the more powerful the mesh is needed, sometimes a chain-link is used. It is clear that thin woven metal meshes are not suitable in this case.

Inexpensive and common meshes made of fiberglass and polypropylene are used for plasters that are not extreme. The thickness of the applied layer is 15-20 mm, plus the surface material, which is combined with plaster solutions - and you can work without fasteners.

Surface preparation for plaster

Surface preparation for plaster is very important. It does not matter whether the layer is reinforced or not - cleaning, dedusting, removing all old peeling finishes, as well as processing with penetrating primers or primers is a must. A properly prepared surface with good adhesion, a smooth wall that does not require a thick layer for leveling - if all these conditions are met, then a thin, strong and elastic mesh should simply be correctly placed in the body of the plaster layer. First, a layer of mortar of about 5 mm is applied to the wall, then the mesh is pressed into it with a wide spatula. The mesh with a small cell keeps perfectly in the solution. Then this first layer should dry, grab. And the last, finishing layer, made with the same plaster composition, finally levels the surface.

Brief overview of plaster meshes

There are a lot of stucco meshes, and new ones are appearing, from a variety of materials. Gone are the days when there was only one way to reinforce plaster on the wall and ceiling - wood shingles. It also happened that they stuffed nails and pulled wire over them. But modern expanded and woven steel meshes, with and without galvanization, are undoubtedly stronger and more technologically advanced at times.

Plastic plaster meshes

They are used not only for plaster, but also for brick and block masonry with the same purpose - reinforcement. The strength of the meshes fully provides reinforcement to the masonry - the meshes have high tensile strength. The material is polymers, the cell is usually 5 * 5 mm, the release form is rolls. Technological, light in weight, and easy to cut, but very strong. Suitable for plaster layers with a small thickness - up to 20 mm.

Polyurethane plaster mesh with fine mesh

Universal, suitable for both walls and ceilings, for reinforcing thin layers from mortars of any composition. Cell up to 6*6 mm. Grids with a cell up to 15 * 15 mm are considered average.

Large polyurethane plaster meshes

They are used for mechanized finishing of large areas - warehouses, hangars, facades of public and industrial buildings, etc. cell 20 * 20mm, 30 * 30 mm, 35 * 35 mm, mesh is produced in rolls.

Fiberglass plaster mesh

In terms of strength, it has better characteristics than plastic meshes, withstands significant breaking forces. Another advantage that many types of plastics do not have is that fiberglass is completely chemically inert, and the temperature range of its application is practically unlimited.

Classification of fiberglass plaster meshes

Fiberglass meshes are divided into groups according to density - the higher the density in g / cm2, the stronger the reinforced layer.

For internal plastering, painting and plastering fiberglass meshes are used. The name painting speaks for itself - this type of mesh is the lightest and thinnest, with a density of approximately 45-55 g / cm2. The cell is small - 2*2 mm, 3*3 mm. Plaster nets for interior decoration have a higher density - up to 180 g / cm2 and a cell of 4 * 4 mm, 5 * 5 mm.

Fiberglass mesh for exterior decoration and facades. Density from 180 to 220 g / cm2, cells 5 * 5 mm - 10 * 10 mm.

Fiberglass mesh for plaster on the plinth

In addition to the plinth itself, they are also used for its part covered with soil. And also for plastering underground structures and elements. Very strong and dense nets, for extreme working conditions and heavy loads, are anti-vandal building materials. The price is much higher than for thin meshes. Density up to 300 g / m2, and this is not the limit. The mesh markings indicate the density and tensile strength, as well as the purpose of the mesh.

A feature of fiberglass is its weak resistance to alkaline environments. The main building finishing solutions are alkaline - they are classified as weak and medium alkali. Therefore, all fiberglass meshes undergo a special treatment - impregnation with polyacrylic dispersions. The result is long-term protection. Unprotected fiberglass cement mortar is able to dissolve, "eat" for a period of approximately from several months to several years.

Fiberglass meshes are produced both in rolls and in tapes with different widths. It is possible to buy them with a canvas, usually a meter wide, and even with ready-made fasteners from corners - for reinforcing horizontal and vertical corners. Tapes are used for finishing plasterboard and gypsum plasterboard cladding, and for other surfaces made of panels, sheets or blocks, including foam plastics and expanded polystyrenes.

Fiberglass meshes are used not only for plastering surfaces and strengthening joints between walls and blocks of windows, doors, ventilation ducts, etc. very popular.

Steel mesh for plaster

There are many types of metal wire meshes. Cell sizes are different, usually up to 50 mm. Steel meshes are intended not only for reinforcing the plaster layer, but also for strengthening walls. Steel mesh is used very widely - both indoors and outdoors, for reinforcing and decorating surfaces made of reinforced concrete and lightweight concrete, brick and stone.

Metal Woven Plaster Mesh

It is carried out by the method of weaving from wire, like fabrics from threads - twill and linen. The cells are small, from 2 * 2 mm to 15 * 15 mm, the release is rolls of a meter or 1.5 meter width. The wire is used galvanized and stainless, less often - black.

By strength, woven metal meshes are divided into light, medium or heavy, depending on the thickness of the wire used. The main wire diameters are from 0.32 mm to 0.8 mm, less often 1 and 1.2 mm.

Rabitz

They also produce galvanized, and with colored polymer coatings. They are used not only in the construction of fences, partitions or screens. To strengthen adobe and clay walls for plastering, an elastic Rabitsa with a high relief is indispensable. The cells hold large volumes of plaster, creating a monolith of reinforcing and finishing layers, and the Chain-link itself is easily attached to the wall surface.

Welded metal mesh for plaster

Produced in black, galvanized and with polymer coatings. They are used not only for masonry, concrete screeds and foundations, but also for strengthening structures with a thick layer of thermal insulation and for finishing surfaces under load.

It can be used both for walls made of stone, brick and concrete, as well as for wooden surfaces, with a thick layer of plaster, uneven walls and for loaded surfaces. Welded meshes have a huge range of applications, cells from 5 * 5 to 100 * 100 mm, other sizes are possible, the wire thickness is usually up to 3 mm. Release - depends on the thickness of the steel, coils or sheets.

Mesh with galvanization and heat treatment

For plaster, a special type of plaster mesh is also produced - with galvanization and heat treatment. Nets are designed to distribute and hold solutions on vertical surfaces without loss. Cells from 10 mm to 100 mm, many standard sizes of grids with rectangular cells. Issue - rolls and sheets, depending on the diameter of the wire.

Perforated - exhaust plaster meshes

They are produced both wicker and from solid metal sheets with a thickness of 0.5-1.0 mm by drawing and notching the sheet. They are widely used, including under plaster, along with welded meshes and chain-link mesh. They perform the tasks of holding and cohesion of the finishing layers, their hardening and significantly increase the resistance to cracking during shrinkage of buildings.

If the owner of the new building decided to plaster the facade of his house, then it is better that it be plaster on the grid. This option is most suitable for buildings that can still shrink, as well as if the walls turned out to be very uneven and a thick layer of plaster is needed for leveling.

Reinforcing the canvas will not allow the plaster layer to lag behind the wall and crack, but this is if the plastering process is performed correctly.

Masters of repair work when plastering the walls of the facade use fiberglass or metal reinforcing mesh. Fiberglass (polymer) networks are used in cases where the applied layer of plaster is small and the surface is fairly even.

They are made from glass threads. Depending on how thick the thread is, such canvases are used in different areas:

• for painting and interior decoration, it is customary to use fiberglass with a density of up to 90 g per m2;
• for finishing concrete, aerated concrete, shell rock or installing thermal insulation - 90–220 g per m2;
• to reinforce the foundation or other parts of the building located in the ground, use a fiberglass network with a density above 220 g per m2.

As for metal representatives, they are used for applying plaster with a thickness of more than 2 cm. Among them there are also varieties:

1. Woven - made of galvanized thin wire by interlacing. Fairly flexible yet durable. In building stores it is sold in rolls. Do-it-yourself repairmen recommend buying such a mesh with a cell size of 1 * 1 cm for applying plaster. It can be used for finishing external and internal walls.
2. Wicker, also called such a mesh chain-link. It is customary to use it in cases where you need to apply a decent layer of plaster over a large area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe wall. The size of the cells used for such finishing work is 2 * 2 cm, which slightly simplifies the process of applying the solution.
3. Welded - made of galvanized or polymer-coated steel wire, by welding rods at the intersection. The cells are square, their size is from 2 to 3 cm. They are used on those buildings that can give maximum shrinkage. This method of reinforcement completely protects the plaster from slipping and cracking.
4. Expanded - exhaust - manufacturers make such a mesh from a single sheet of metal, cutting out small diamond-shaped cells in a checkerboard pattern under pressure and slightly stretching the canvas. It is customary to use this kind of reinforcement where you need to apply a small but neat layer of plaster.

Training

Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare the surface. If the building is new, then a primer layer is applied to the wall, which will increase the level of adhesion, and then the plaster will firmly adhere to the base.

If the building was built a long time ago, then first you need to remove the old finish, clean it well, you can even wash the surface of the walls. In cases where traces of mold or fungi are found, these places must be specially treated with an antifungal compound so that stains do not appear on the new coating. And only after that you can apply a primer.

Mesh installation

Working with a grid does not require special skills, but in order to please the result, you need to follow the sequence in your work. Let's start with the rules for mounting a metal sheet:

1. Measure the height and width of the wall and cut the canvas into specific pieces. To do this, you need scissors for metal or a grinder. You need to choose the device according to the thickness of the rods. It is advisable to degrease the canvas with a solvent.
2. You need to start fastening the reinforced mesh from the ceiling. The upper edge is screwed with self-tapping screws along the entire length. Place a small piece of mounting tape or a wide washer under the caps.
3. If the base is concrete or brick, then you first need to drill holes for a plastic dowel.
4. The distance between the fasteners should not exceed 50 cm.
5. At the place of fixation, the mesh touches the base, but in the intervals between fasteners, the canvas should not come into contact with the base, this will worsen the properties of the plaster layer.
6. The reinforcing mesh at the joints overlaps up to 10 cm.
7. The canvas must be well stretched so that there are no voids under the finish.

A completely different technology is used to attach the fiberglass mesh. Such material is fixed only along the perimeter, starting from the upper side. Other fasteners are not used because the entire canvas is fixed in the thickness of the applied plaster. And also you need to do it on a whip at the joints up to 10–15 cm.

Rules for applying plaster

Plastering of the facade on a metal mesh can be carried out using beacons. (How to install beacons is described in an article called "How to plaster walls on beacons without problems"). This will create a more even and smooth surface.

The whole process of plastering takes place in several stages:

1. The prepared starting solution, which resembles sour cream in consistency, is applied to the wall with a trowel or ladle. Can be sprayed or smeared. The first option is much faster. After that, the layer must be leveled with a spatula. The first layer must dry completely.
2. The second solution is thicker in consistency than the first. Apply it with a trowel on a small surface of the wall and level it with a rule, moving from bottom to top. This layer should completely hide the mesh. It is necessary to give time to dry completely and this layer.
3. The third stage is performed if the surface is not smooth enough after the previous two stages. To do this, prepare a sufficiently liquid solution, and apply it to the wall in a circular motion. After complete drying of the last layer, the surface can be painted or revetted.

If polymer is used for wall plastering, then it has its own characteristics. The solution is first applied to the wall, then the mesh is fixed with a stapler. At the same time, they begin to apply the grid to the solution from the middle, gently squeezing out air bubbles, as when wallpapering, since the material is very thin and flexible.

Possible mistakes

Often, when doing work in a hurry or not following instructions, errors occur that greatly spoil the appearance. These include:

1. When using colored plaster, uneven coloring may occur. This occurs when the applied layer is uneven in thickness, and therefore dries unevenly.
2. When the preparatory work is not carried out correctly, the plaster can fall off in large pieces.
3. In cases where the applied layer is too thin, irregularities may be visible.

In order to avoid mistakes, do everything according to the rules, but rather use the services of specialists.

Modern standards for interior and exterior surfaces have very high requirements for aesthetics, durability and reliability of the finish. Wall plaster mesh significantly improves the quality of preparatory work, which generally has a beneficial effect on the final result. And although the reinforcing layer is not visible, it is he who ensures the stability of the structure, preventing the plaster from cracking.

In the article, we will analyze the questions: what kind of mesh is used for plastering walls, what type is used in a particular case, and why should the plaster layer be reinforced.

Grid for wall plastering, photo - types of cells

Reinforcing mesh for wall plastering - types and characteristics

In finishing work, several types of plaster are used: cement-sand, lime-cement, gypsum, clay and various mixtures with a change in the proportions of the components and the addition of additives to improve the quality of the solution. For each type of work, the reinforced grating is selected individually. It depends on the:

• selected mixture;
• the material from which the surfaces are made - brick, concrete, aerated concrete, wood, etc .;
• operating conditions of the coating: external (facade, basement), internal, in rooms with a difficult microclimate (unheated, bathrooms, etc.)

Reinforcing mesh for plastering corners

We can distinguish the following types of reinforcing gratings, the most popular in the building materials market:

• Masonry - plastic mesh for plaster, made of polymers, cells of a standard size 5 * 5 mm, used in brickwork.
• Universal mini - made of polyurethane, cells 6 * 6 mm, suitable for both rough plaster and fine finishing work. Medium, cell 13*15 mm, for finishing up to 30 mm thick in small areas. Large mesh with a cell of 35 * 22 mm - a mesh for plastering the facade, it reinforces large areas for a thick layer of plaster: the outer walls of houses, warehouses, etc.

Fiberglass mesh for facade plastering - universal for all types of work

• Construction mesh for plaster made of sterol fiber, standard mesh size 5 * 5 mm, tolerates chemical and thermal effects well, durable. This type is almost universal, its use has no restrictions.

• Plurima polymer mesh for plaster, oriented on 2 axes, with a cell of 5 * 6 mm, light, inert to chemical attack, used for indoor and outdoor work.
• Polypropylene armaflex grating, distinguished by reinforced knots, mesh size 15x12 mm. Heavy-duty, used in areas where heavy loads are placed on the plaster.
• Syntoflex made of polypropylene, cell 14*12 mm or 35*22 mm, not afraid of exposure to chemical environment, lightweight, durable. Suitable for plastering interior walls and facades.
• Steel grating is made of metal rods of different cross-sections, soldered in knots, the cells are from small to very large, it tolerates mechanical loads well, but it should only be used for internal plaster, as it is susceptible to corrosion under the influence of atmospheric phenomena.
• Metal mesh for wall plastering, galvanized, made of rods of different sections, welded nodes, different mesh sizes. Universal for outdoor and indoor work, not afraid of difficult operating conditions.
• Chain-link - a metal mesh for plastering external and internal walls, under a thick layer, a distinctive feature - wicker cells, come in different sizes.
• Expanded metal mesh. It is made from a single sheet of metal, after cutting holes, it is pulled out to make diamond-shaped cells in a checkerboard pattern. It is used mainly under a thin layer.

Expanded Galvanized Grating

Selection conditions

A mesh for plastering walls and ceilings is needed in order to level the surface of the walls as much as possible, and the mortar did not exfoliate from the surface, cracks did not go after drying. This is the skeleton that provides the strength and integrity of the structure.

If there are rusts on the walls, ceilings, facades - depressions, grooves, recesses, usually the thickness of the solution layer reaches 30 mm, in such works glass fabric reinforcement is used more often than others, which is used with a layer thickness of 3 to 30 mm and prevents cracks.

If the thickness of the finish is more than 30 mm, it is advisable to use metal gratings, they will prevent the heavy layer from peeling off the surfaces. Metal meshes are relevant when plastering very uneven surfaces and when using clay mortar.

The cement-sand mixture corrodes plastic meshes over time, it is usually applied under a plaster finish of small thickness. A canvas with a mini cell of 2-3 mm is used for finishing wall putty.

Welded grating for finishing brick surfaces

If earlier shingles were used for plastering wooden walls, now the chain-link mesh, which has proven itself over time, is an alternative to it. It is also actively used for finishing walls with insulation.

Fiberglass fabric for reinforcement comes in different densities, it is convenient that it is produced in compact rolls, it is applicable for walls, ceilings, self-leveling floors. It is moisture resistant, which allows it to be used for plastering bathrooms, swimming pools, and to reinforce the roof with a water-repellent layer. The elasticity and strength of the material make it possible to use it for sealing inter-plate gaps and sealing cracks in the plaster layer, in this case a sickle - a self-adhesive tape of different widths - will be a good solution. Due to its thermal and frost resistance, fiberglass cloth is also used as a facade mesh for plaster.

Reinforcement is mandatory if the width of the slopes is more than 150 mm, with a plaster thickness of up to 30 mm, fiberglass is used, a thicker layer is applied to metal gratings.

For plastering fireplaces and stoves, metal reinforcement is often used, it is nailed between the joints of the masonry. Recently, in these works, a glass fiber sheet is often used, which is glued to the surface with a liquid solution. The choice depends on the thickness of the finish.

Mesh for plastering external walls: woven from galvanized wire, with a cell of 10 mm 2, chain-link - for large areas. Welded mesh facade under plaster is an ideal solution for new buildings, where the walls will shrink. If the thinnest layer of plaster is required, fiberglass, expanded metal and polymer mesh will do.

For a thick layer of screed, it is better to use a metal grate