How to properly plaster walls with reinforcing mesh

• What are the features of reinforcing mesh
• What types of reinforcing mesh are there?
• What tools are needed to reinforce a floor screed with mesh?
• Is chain-link mesh suitable for reinforcing a concrete floor?
• How much will it cost to reinforce a floor screed with mesh?

Reinforcing the floor screed with mesh helps prevent destruction and deformation of the base of the floor during the operation of the house and its shrinkage. To solve this problem, it is necessary to choose the right reinforcing material. You will find useful information about the features of modern technologies for strengthening the subfloor using reinforcement in this article.

Features of reinforcing floor screed

As a base for the floor, a screed is most often used - a concrete layer between the finished and subfloors. An important role in the process of arranging the base for the finishing floor covering is played by the reinforcing mesh, which is laid under the screed. This mesh increases the strength and other characteristics of floors, making them more durable.

Let's take a closer look at the design of the floor screed. It is filled with concrete mortar consisting of cement, sand, crushed stone and other components.

Main types of screeds:

1. The classic screed is poured onto the subfloor and completely bonded to it.
2. A monolithic base is formed by combinations of different types of concrete and reinforcement, which are laid on special supports, and not on the floor itself. To construct a monolithic screed, reinforcement is performed by laying several layers of mesh.
3. A floating screed is created by pouring a concrete mixture onto the insulating material that covers the base of the floor. In this case, reinforcement of the base is also mandatory. Reinforcing mesh is a universal material for finishing work.

2 types of reinforcing mesh can be installed under the floor screed:

• Extended - is a structure made of metal, polypropylene or fiberglass.
• Dispersion fiber made of glass, steel and basalt.

For each type of screed, a specific version of the mesh for reinforcement is used. Methods that involve connecting different meshes are also possible. Laying a mesh on the base of the floor protects the screed from cracks and prevents subsidence of the concrete. Even under very heavy loads, such a floor will remain durable. The most affordable are plastic mesh for reinforcement. In addition, their weight is much less than that of metal structures.

Advantages of using reinforcing mesh:

• promotes uniform distribution of load on the floor;
• reduces the likelihood of floor destruction under vibration and dynamic loads;
• protects the screed from chips and cracks;
• increases the density of concrete;
• promotes economical consumption of concrete mixture;
• allows you to arrange floors with large differences.

Main types of reinforcing mesh

When reinforcing a floor screed with mesh, the price for services largely depends on the type of materials used. To strengthen concrete foundations, three types of mesh can be used: metal, polypropylene and composite products. When calculating the strength of a structure, it is also necessary to take into account the thickness of the mesh and the size of its cells. To select the optimal material, it will be useful to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of all the main types of mesh for screed reinforcement.

Steel mesh

This type of reinforcing materials is produced by welding steel wire. For this, wire with a thickness of 2.5 mm is used. Since greater thickness reduces the flexibility of the material, these meshes are produced in sheets rather than in rolls. The standard linear parameters of the sheets are 150 x 200 cm and 50 x 200 cm. Depending on the size of the screed layer and the filler used for reinforcement, meshes with cell sizes of 10 x 10 cm, 15 x 15 cm and 20 x 20 cm are selected.

Steel reinforcing mesh is distinguished by the presence of small notches applied every 2-3 mm, which contribute to better adhesion to concrete. The thickness of the wire is selected based on the calculated loads on the concrete screed.

When choosing a welded mesh structure for reinforcing screeds, you need to make sure that the welding joints are reliable. In products from unscrupulous manufacturers, there may be samples in which the joints are welded with 2 or even 3 cells missing. In addition, the welding points should be free of black spots and corrosion. When choosing galvanized mesh or products that have a protective polymer layer, you need to make sure that the coating is intact at the intersections of the wire (there should be no peeling or cracks). The presence of defects that can lead to corrosion reduces the reliability of the reinforcement.

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Composite meshes

Composite materials are increasingly used in various fields. Reinforcing meshes made from such materials significantly improve the characteristics of concrete screeds. The fact is that steel mesh, even if it has a zinc layer, is destroyed over time due to exposure to moisture and chemically active fillers included in the concrete. Due to corrosion of the wire, voids form in the screed, which leads to the appearance of cracks on its surface.

Composite materials are not afraid of corrosion, and therefore, screeds reinforced with such meshes retain their characteristics throughout their entire service life. The raw materials for the production of composite meshes are carbon and basalt fibers or fiberglass materials, which are impregnated with a polymer composition.

Advantages of meshes made of polymeric materials for reinforcing concrete screeds:

• minimal electrical conductivity;
• light weight;
• high anti-corrosion characteristics;
• resistance to chemically active substances;
• long service life;
• simple installation process;
• elasticity;
• affordable price.

Compared to steel mesh, composite materials for reinforcement have only one significant drawback: they cannot withstand temperatures above +200 ° C (composite tags cannot be used on objects with increased fire safety requirements.

Manufacturers produce fiberglass reinforcing materials in the form of sheets or individual rods, up to 6 m long and with a diameter of 4 to 14 mm. Such meshes can have a ribbed profile, reminiscent of the surface of steel reinforcement, or a coating of quartz sand. These features improve the adhesion of the reinforcing material to the concrete mixture. Composite reinforcement is tied directly at the site where the screed is installed. To fasten the rods together, use special clamps or knitting wire.

Polypropylene mesh

Recently, polypropylene reinforcing mesh has become widespread. They are characterized by increased elasticity, so they are the best option for work in new buildings (new houses in Moscow exhibit noticeable shrinkage in the first 2-3 years). Plastic mesh for reinforcing floor screeds is sold in rolls. It is better to choose a material whose density is 120 g/m2 and the cell size is 4.5 by 4.5 cm.

Advantages of polypropylene mesh for reinforcing floor screeds:

• high resistance to mechanical loads in the transverse and longitudinal directions;
• no risk of corrosion;
• light weight;
• long service life;
• simple installation;
• affordable price.

The technology of reinforcement using plastic mesh does not differ from the method of working with other types of materials. Polypropylene reinforcement is the best option for leveling screeds on wooden floors when there is a need to reduce the load on the floor.

Installation of a protective layer with a fiberglass reinforcing mesh

The installation of a protective layer with a fiberglass reinforcing mesh begins after the adhesive solution that fixes the position of the heat-insulating boards has hardened, as well as after they have been secured with dowels, but not less than three days later.

To achieve the necessary functional characteristics when installing a protective reinforced layer, you must adhere to the following rules:

— during preparation, application, and during the process of strengthening the mortar reinforcing mixture, the air temperature should not be lower than +5°C ; — the reinforced layer must be protected from direct sunlight, strong wind, precipitation, and the air temperature should not exceed +30°C .

The mortar mixture should provide coverage of the mesh, both from the side of the thermal insulation layer and from the side of the outer finishing layer. The mesh should not be visible on the surface of the reinforced layer.

Before installing the main protective layer with a fiberglass reinforcing mesh, it is necessary to perform previous (reinforced) reinforcement in areas of high stress and in areas with possible mechanical damage.

To strengthen the corners of window and door openings, additional strips of reinforcing mesh measuring at least 300 mm x 200 mm ; strips of fiberglass mesh measuring 500 mm x 300 mm . The reinforcing elements are laid on a pre-applied mortar mixture (layer thickness of at least 2 mm) KRITTYA-113 or GLUE-124 , GLUE-114 diagonally relative to the window or door block (at an angle of 45°) so that the middle of the long side (500 mm) is adjacent to the outer corner of the opening, and recessed with a spatula.

ATTENTION! You cannot glue the reinforcing mesh by laying it on heat-insulating boards that are not covered with a mortar mixture, which is then applied once to the mesh.

At the junction of different types of thermal insulation materials, local reinforcement is always reinforced with an overlap of this joint by at least 100 mm in both directions.

It is recommended to reinforce the external corners of the building, the corners of window and door openings with special plastic corners with mesh. The corners are installed end-to-end in relation to each other, with the mesh overlapping at the joints by at least 10 cm . Reinforcement using plastic corners is carried out as follows: a mortar reinforcing mixture KRITTYA-113 (or GLUE-114 , GLUE-124 ) is applied to both planes of the corner to the width of the mesh outlets of the mounted corner and leveled with a notched trowel (tooth size 4 mm). Then a corner is pressed into the layer of mortar mixture so that the solution appears through its technological holes. The corner shelves must be pressed tightly against the plane of the corner of the building. The mortar mixture that has come through the mesh cells is removed and leveled with the smooth side of a spatula or grater. The mesh should be in the middle of the layer of mortar mixture. At horizontal corners it is necessary to install corners with drip edges.

When using corner profiles with mesh, the fiberglass mesh from the facade surface is not placed on the slope; its end must be at the level of the door or window opening, and the corner profile mesh is overlapped onto the mesh of the abutment profile. It is allowed to use corners made of light metal alloys at the corners of window and door openings. In this case, when installing a reinforcing layer on both sides, the reinforcing material must be inserted at an angle of at least 100 mm . At the corners of the building, the mesh should be turned 150 mm on each side.

To reinforce angles other than 90°, a special profile should be used, the angle of which can be changed as necessary.

In the upper part of the building, the fiberglass mesh is placed at the end of the heat-insulating slabs located near the parapet or near the eaves slab.

Local reinforcement is always performed above the joint of different types of thermal insulation materials, but always with an overlap of this joint by a distance of at least 100 mm on both sides of the joint.

Parts of the building that are most prone to mechanical damage during operation, namely, the walls of the first floor up to a height of 2-2.5 m, as well as at the junction of flights of stairs, terraces and balconies, if necessary, can be reinforced with an additional layer of mesh, that is double reinforcement (anti-vandal protection). When using armored mesh (mesh for plinths), the reinforcement is performed in one layer and end-to-end, in order to avoid the formation of thickenings at the joints. The joints of the armored mesh are additionally “glued” with tapes of ordinary plaster mesh intended for insulation systems, with an overlap of 5-10 cm from the joint in each direction. The thickness of the anti-vandal layer should be at least 6 mm.

Anti-vandal protection using armored mesh is carried out before installing corner profiles, reinforcing elements, and installing the main reinforced layer.

The construction of the main reinforcement must begin only after the additionally reinforced layers have dried. To install the main reinforcement, fiberglass mesh panels with a length of 3 m to 5 m are used. They are applied to the mortar mixture KRITTYA-113 or GLUE-114 , GLUE-124 , which has just been applied with a notched trowel, leveled and sunk into it.

Smoothing of the fiberglass mesh is carried out from the middle of the panel diagonally down to the edges, overlapping adjacent panels by at least 100 mm .

The reinforcing mesh should be placed inside the layer of mortar mixture, slightly closer to the outer surface. The reinforcing mesh sheets are laid vertically from top to bottom to the drip edge of the base profile. The reinforcing material must be evenly stretched; waves, wrinkles, folds are unacceptable.

The thickness of the protective layer with a fiberglass reinforcing mesh must be at least 3 mm when using thin-layer plasters, and when using facade paints - at least 5 mm .

If it is necessary to install architectural elements on the surface of the facade (pilasters, platbands, cornices), their installation can be done no earlier than 72 hours after applying the protective reinforced layer.

Architectural elements are glued to the surface of the protective reinforced layer using adhesive mixtures GLUE-104 , GLUE-114 or GLUE-124 . Apply a layer of adhesive mixture to the entire surface of the architectural element facing the facade and level it to a thickness of no more than 4 mm . Using a notched trowel, form a comb profile and install the architectural element on the surface of the facade according to the design.

If necessary, additionally secure the architectural elements with facade dowels of the required length, taking into account the total thickness of: thermal insulation, adhesive layers and architectural elements. The fastening of architectural elements with dowels is carried out only after the adhesive mixture has dried, but not earlier than 72 hours after gluing.

Reinforcement of architectural decorative elements is carried out similarly to the reinforcement of the main surface of the facade. The size of the reinforcing mesh must be selected taking into account the overlap on the main surface of the facade by at least 100 mm .

Another reinforcement option

To strengthen the floor screed, you can use not only the technology associated with laying mesh, but also more modern methods of dispersion reinforcement. In the latter case, steel or glass fibers are used. But it should be noted that dispersion reinforcement cannot be used in facilities where there are high loads on the floor screed. It is also possible to use fiberglass in conjunction with reinforcing mesh to increase the reliability of the structure.

Fiber fiber helps accelerate the hardening process of concrete mortar and increases the degree of its plasticity. The use of this material for reinforcing floor screeds is a high-tech method that contributes to more economical consumption of concrete and prevents the occurrence of cracks.

Tools for reinforcing floor screed with mesh

Laying mesh to reinforce a floor screed is a complex procedure that requires strict adherence to technological standards. Before starting such work, it is necessary to prepare installation tools and fasteners.

To reinforce the floor screed you will need:

• fasteners: nails, screws, self-tapping screws;
• beacons for leveling screeds;
• building level;
• profile substrates.

In addition, it is necessary to prepare a concrete mixture or a special solution for pouring the screed.

A little about the process of laying metal reinforcing mesh

In order to correctly reinforce the floor screed with a metal mesh, the installation technology must include the following steps:

1. The reinforcing mesh must be laid on a prepared, perfectly clean surface, so you need to thoroughly clean the base from dust and dirt.
2. To ensure high-quality adhesion of concrete to the base of the floor screed, you need to prime it with a special compound.
3. To ensure a flat surface of the screed, it is necessary to install beacons along the upper level of the reinforcing frame.
4. For sound insulation, it is better to use penofol material, the panels of which must be fixed to the walls.
5. After laying the reinforcing mesh, you can pour the concrete solution, leveling the surface of the screed.
6. When the solution begins to set (usually half an hour after pouring), you can begin to grout the surface.
7. Beacons must be removed approximately 7 days after pouring. In this case, the resulting voids are filled with fresh solution.
8. While the screed is hardening, it must be moistened daily to prevent the surface from drying out and becoming cracked.
9. The hardening time of the concrete screed is about 30 days.
10. The room temperature during pouring, floor reinforcement and drying of the concrete mixture should be maintained at +20 °C. In addition, drafts should be avoided.

Reinforcement of floor screed with composite mesh

Laying a composite mesh to reinforce the screed is a fairly simple procedure. A thin layer of mortar should be applied to the base of the floor, in which the mesh should be slightly embedded. The pre-reinforcing fabric must be cut with scissors into pieces of the required size.

The surface of the rough base must be prepared for applying the concrete mixture. To do this, it is cleaned of dust, debris, grease stains and other contaminants. To clean the surface, use synthetic detergents and a sponge. To remove oily stains, you can use organic solvents: white spirit, acetone or gasoline. After cleaning, the surface must be primed. When choosing a primer, pay attention to its purpose. Primers for wood, brick, concrete and metal surfaces are on sale.

The primer is applied with a paint roller or a wide brush. After the first layer has dried, it is advisable to repeat the procedure again, which will allow you to achieve the desired effect. The final drying of the primer, depending on the humidity and air temperature in the room, can take from several hours to a day.

In addition to the usual composite mesh, you can find a self-adhesive version of this material in construction stores. Such reinforcement is most often used for smooth surfaces (sheets of plasterboard, polystyrene foam and smooth concrete pouring). Glue this mesh directly onto the supporting base.

Nuances of reinforcement of concrete floors

For concrete floor structures that will bear high and ultra-high loads, it is better to choose metal reinforcement. The diameter of the rod is determined depending on operating conditions and loads. In practice this is 6-12 mm. The most common cell size is 10*10, 20*20 mm.

The reinforcing mesh can be tied into a single system using knitting wire or welding . Both options work successfully in ground screeds. Current standards allow the installation of mesh in two layers. The cost of reinforcement depends on the mesh size, material consumption, and rod diameter.

Ready-made wire mesh is available in sheets and rolls. The base is wire of class VR-1 and d 2-6 mm. The material is suitable for constructing rough screeds under moderate load conditions. Cell sizes can vary between 50*50 – 200*200 mm.

Principles of working with metal reinforcing mesh:

• Regardless of the technology used, the mesh must be placed in the thickness of the concrete. This will protect the steel from corrosion;
• the base is cleaned of peeling, dirt, dust;
• discovered cracks must be expanded, dust-free, treated with primer and sealed with repair mortar;
• the base is primed in 2-3 working approaches;
• hydro- and soundproofing flooring is carried out with gluing of overlaps and going onto the walls;
• markings are made using a level;
• the reinforcing mesh is laid on supports so that the material is in the body of the concrete, observing an overlap of one cell;
• the joints are tied with knitting wire;
• Beacons are mounted on top of the reinforcement layer using metal U-shaped profiles;
• a solution is laid out between the beacons, and alignment is carried out using the rule;
• When the concrete has set, the guides are dismantled and the resulting voids are filled with mortar.

The screed is protected by a covering material and is protected for 5-7 days

Features of reinforcement with plastic mesh

If the concrete structure is installed on floor slabs and too high loads are not expected, it makes sense to turn to plastic reinforcing mesh. This is the optimal solution for strengthening screeds up to 80 mm thick, including when implementing self-leveling systems and heated floors.

The advantages of such materials are much lower weight compared to steel and high elasticity. Plastic is capable of stretching, which helps maintain the integrity of the structure during shrinkage processes .

The material is sold in rolls at an affordable price (from 120 rubles/sq.m.). You can count on convenient transportation, installation, cutting. Plastic is not subject to corrosion and is resistant to aggressive environments. The reinforcement technology is identical to the previous one.

Features of the use of fiberglass materials

Only fiberglass that has been treated with a special impregnation works with concrete. This prevents the destruction of the material in an alkaline environment, which is typical for cement mortars. The most common reinforcing meshes are woven on the basis of aluminoborsilicate glass.

If we talk about the advantages, they are identical to their polypropylene counterparts. The scope of application is the same as that of plastic mesh. Fiberglass is an easy to transport, lightweight, elastic material, but it does not withstand high temperatures (maximum 200 degrees) and is unsuitable for areas with an increased risk of fire.

Features of volumetric reinforcement

The basis of such reinforcement is a mixture of fibrous materials. It can be polypropylene, metal, basalt, fiberglass. The material is introduced into the concrete formulation during the preparation of the solution. After the screed gains strength, a monolithic coating is formed that is minimally susceptible to cracking.

The choice of material type is based on the purpose of the screed. Thus, lightweight structures require polypropylene and fiberglass. For higher loads, it makes sense to pay attention to metal varieties. If the structure will be used in difficult conditions or outdoors, use basalt fiber .

When mixing the solution, the fiber is poured at the stage of mixing the dry components, after which mixing with water is carried out. The composition is laid out on the base and aligned along the guides. Volumetric reinforcement is easily combined with traditional reinforcement.

Reinforcement of floor screed with polypropylene mesh

To reinforce floor screeds with a low design load and a thickness of up to 8 cm, you can use polymer reinforcement (polypropylene mesh) instead of metal or composite mesh.

The weight of the mesh for reinforcing floor screeds made of polymers is much less than that of a similar material made of steel. At the same time, in many characteristics, polypropylene reinforcement is significantly superior to welded and composite mesh. First of all, it is characterized by higher elasticity, which is important when reinforcing floor screeds in new buildings, where significant shrinkage of building structures is possible. The positive characteristics of this material include resistance to alkalis and other chemically active compounds. Polypropylene sect is sold in rolls, which are simply rolled out when laying.

The elasticity of polypropylene reinforcement allows it to stretch when buildings shrink without losing its strength characteristics. In this case, the metal mesh may become deformed and break.

Typically, for floor screeds, a general construction reinforcing mesh made of polypropylene is used - OSS, which is produced in rolls with a width of 1 to 4 m and a length of 10 to 50 m. Such rolls weigh very little, which simplifies their delivery and installation when reinforcing a floor of complex configuration. The simpler installation of plastic reinforcement is also due to the fact that it is easily cut into fragments of the required size. This material is not susceptible to corrosive processes and aggressive environments.

The technology of polymer mesh reinforcement is the simplest way to protect the floor screed from cracking and deformation while the concrete solution is drying. In most cases, the mesh is installed directly on the subfloor, especially when it is covered with a film covering thermal insulation or backfill. In this option, the reinforcing mesh prevents cracking of the screed from the bottom side.

Plastic mesh is especially popular for reinforcing self-leveling floors. This is due to the ease of laying the material and the peculiarities of arranging floors made from self-leveling mixtures. Reinforcement with polymer mesh allows you to reduce the thickness of the self-leveling floor and reduce the consumption of the solution. In this case, it will not be possible to reinforce the floor with rolled wire or fittings.

This technology can be used to prevent the formation of cracks in self-leveling floors and semi-dry screeds. The plastic mesh is laid on a waterproofing layer, which protects the lower part of the base from cracking. If it is necessary to place a polymer mesh in the middle of the screed layer, stretch it, fixing it on the walls.

In places where the mesh bends during pouring, you need to use garters, which are subsequently not removed, remaining in the solution. In this option, there may be a problem with the solidity of the screed, and pouring it itself will be more difficult.

Reinforcing mesh for concrete floor and screed base

Concrete and cement-sand screeds allow you to level the base of the floor and give strength to the structure. But even the highest quality screed is subject to deformation under significant loads, shrinkage and displacement on a fragile concrete base. As a result, cracks may form on it. To increase the strength of this layer and prevent the formation of cracks, a special mesh is used for floor screed.

The reinforcing mesh serves to increase the deformation resistance of the screed

Reinforcement of a concrete base or screed is done for the same purpose as for reinforced concrete structures. It allows you to increase the strength of the product in compression, bending and tension. Material for screed reinforcement:

• protects concrete from the formation of cracks during drying and shrinkage;
• maintains the integrity of the floor under mechanical stress and vibration;
• allows you to increase the strength of the layer;
• increases the service life of the floor.

Reinforcement of a concrete floor or cement-sand screed is required in the following cases:

1. When installing a floating screed, reinforcement is required. A floating screed is a screed that is laid on a weak foundation or is part of a multilayer floor structure. In this case, it is poured over insulating material, mineral wool boards, polystyrene foam, granular backfill made of expanded clay or crushed stone.
2. Strengthening the screed with reinforcing mesh is necessary for floors on which heavy, massive equipment will be installed.
3. If the height of the screed is more than 5 cm, then it must be reinforced.

Types of reinforcing products

An example of a reinforced mesh made of metal rods.
Several types of mesh are used to reinforce a concrete floor or cement-sand screed:

• metal (it in turn is divided into reinforcement, wire and welded);
• polymer;
• fiberglass product.

In addition to them, fiber can be used to reinforce screeds. This material consists of microscopic fibers of glass, polypropylene, metal and basalt. But since our article is about grids, we will not consider it in detail.

Features of metal materials for reinforcement

Metal mesh chain-link for reinforcing lightly loaded screeds
Metal mesh for reinforcement can be made from reinforcement and wire. Reinforcing mesh is the most durable. They are used in the floors of industrial buildings where surface loads are significant. The reinforcing mesh, depending on the calculated load on the floor, can be made from rods with a diameter of 8 to 12 mm. Structural elements can be welded or fastened with wire. The size of the cells in such a grid also depends on the load on the floor and the characteristics of the room. For floors with increased load and heavy traffic, meshes with a cell size of 50x50 mm are needed, and for ordinary floors in utility rooms or places with low load, meshes with mesh sizes of 150x150 mm are suitable. The price depends on the diameter of the reinforcement, the dimensions of the mesh and the size of the cells.

Most often, ready-made wire mesh is used to reinforce the screed. It is also called masonry because it is used to reinforce brickwork. These meshes are made from VR-1 steel wire with a diameter of 2.5 to 6 mm. All elements are connected by spot welding.

Welded masonry mesh is supplied in sheets or rolls. Nets made of small diameter wire (up to 3 mm) are sold in rolls up to 150 cm wide and 25 m long, since they are easy to roll. And products made from wire of larger cross-section are supplied in cards (sheets). In the photo on the Internet you can see that the cell size varies from 55 to 110 cm. Transportation of rolled materials is easier than sheet materials. Card sizes may vary and range from 50x200 cm to 200x400 cm. The average price is from $0.6 to $1.2 per linear meter.

Advantages of metal products:

• increased tensile strength;
• resistance to temperature fluctuations and its extreme values;
• a screed with such reinforcement can withstand heavy weight and retain its shape under maximum loads;
• durability.

They have one drawback - low corrosion resistance. That is why the welded reinforcement and wire mesh must be located in the thickness of the concrete. To do this, before pouring, the mesh is laid on pads made of timber or cement mortar.

Plastic reinforcement

The plastic product will simply stretch against shrinkage deformations and maintain the integrity of the screed.
Plastic mesh is needed for unloaded screeds up to 8 cm high. Such reinforcement elements are made of polypropylene and successfully replace metal products.

The use of polypropylene reinforcement is appropriate in a new building. Any new structure may shrink over time; in such a situation, the metal mesh will “lead” and it will break the screed. The plastic product will simply stretch from shrinkage deformations and maintain the integrity of the screed. The weight of such a mesh is less than that of metal products. It is more elastic.

It is important to know: plastic reinforcement can be used in the installation of self-leveling and heated floors. It protects the screed from cracks at different stages of concrete hardening.

For floor reinforcement, general construction mesh made of OSS grade polypropylene is used. If you look at a photo of this material, you will notice that it comes in different colors. The product is sold in rolls with a width of 100 to 400 cm and a length of 10 to 50 meters. It is convenient to transport, lay and cut. The price of the material ranges from $0.5 to $1.9.

Advantages of plastic mesh:

• high elasticity;
• good tensile strength;
• resistance to corrosion and aggressive environments;
• the material does not interfere with communications;
• the mesh holds its shape well;
• acceptable price;
• ease of installation and transportation.

Fiberglass reinforcement

Fiberglass reinforcement of screeds cannot be used in places with increased fire hazard.
Fiberglass products have square cells measuring 4-6 mm. They are made of aluminoborosilicate glass. The threads are intertwined with each other using a certain technique. There are nets on sale with and without impregnation. Products impregnated with polymer solutions that are resistant to alkalis are marked SSP and SSDor-330. And materials marked SSM and SSDor-300 are manufactured without impregnation. The price of the product is $1.7-3.

To reinforce concrete screeds, it is worth using impregnated material. The thing is that cement mortar has an alkaline environment, and the mesh without impregnation in it is destroyed within five years. And products with impregnation are reliably protected by a polymer composition from the destructive effects of the aggressive alkaline environment of the screed.

Advice: fiberglass reinforcement screeds cannot be used in places with a high fire hazard, since the product can only withstand heating up to 200 degrees.

Fiberglass mesh, like plastic mesh, is very light, so it is suitable for reinforcing floors in old buildings, where structures cannot be overloaded. The material is conveniently rolled into rolls, so it is easy to transport, you can even just carry it in your hands.

The principle of operation of fiberglass products is the same as that of polypropylene material. They reliably protect the screed from shrinkage deformations, prevent the appearance of cracks and local defects.

Advantages of fiberglass products:

• affordable price;
• lightness of the material;
• increased tensile strength;
• resistance to temperature changes;
• corrosion resistance;
• resistance to alkaline environments;
• quick and easy installation.

All types of reinforcing materials are installed so that they are located in the thickness of the screed. The canvases are laid with an overlap of at least one cell.

centro-pol.ru

Reinforcement of floor screed with fiber

Cement mortar based screeds are not as reliable. During use, they can crumble and become cracked. In addition, creating a perfectly level base from a cement mixture is quite difficult. To simplify the process of pouring the floor screed, a reinforced layer should be laid on its base. For reinforcement in this case, steel mesh is usually used.

If the floor area is large enough, then fiberglass, which is mixed together with cement, will help simplify the process of leveling the screed. This material will be cheaper than steel reinforcement, and its structure is fully compatible with any additives that can be used to make a concrete mixture. Fiber fiber perfectly replaces reinforcing mesh. In this case, the screed itself is of higher quality. Pouring a fiber cement screed does not take much time.

To obtain a high-quality, homogeneous mixture for pouring the screed, you need to mix all its components well. Fiber fiber must be gradually added to the solution. In this case, a more effective method seems to be when polypropylene fiber is initially combined with a dry cement mixture and only then, stirring, water is added. The properties of the fiber are such that it does not leave voids in the solution, which as a result hardens evenly, which increases the reliability of the screed.

Mixing the cement mixture with fiber fiber can be done using different technologies, but the quality of the screed will depend precisely on the amount of reinforcing material. Experts determine how much fiber fiber to add to the solution based on the loads the screed will have to withstand.

To lay floor coverings, it is necessary to make a strong and level base. This problem is solved by arranging a screed made of cement-sand mortar, fiberglass and water.

Before you start pouring the mixture, you need to prepare a rough subfloor. First of all, you need to remove dust and debris, and then seal cracks and other defects with putty. The next step is to wash the base of the screed with a damp cloth and wait until it dries. Now you can fix the levels and make marks on the wall surfaces. Start marking from the corners of the room. To install beacons, as a rule, wooden blocks or self-tapping screws with plastic tips made from cork are used. The beacons are fixed with cement mortar.

After the preparatory activities are completed, you can begin mixing the cement mortar. Initially, you should combine the dry components: cement and sand in a ratio of 1:3. Polypropylene fiber is added to the resulting mixture (1/2 of the required volume). All components must be thoroughly mixed and filled with water. Then the remaining fiberglass is carefully added to the mixture.

When reinforcing screeds under heated floors with fiber, you must first lay heat-insulating material on a dry sub-base. The prepared fiber-cement mixture can be poured over the thermal insulation layer. The thickness of the screed is from 3 to 5 cm. A rule is used to level the mortar. It is important to note that each subsequent layer of concrete mixture can be poured only after the previous one has completely dried.

After leveling the surface of the finishing layer of the screed, it should be sanded using a grinder. This operation is carried out 20 minutes after the completion of pouring the concrete mixture. During the rubbing process, the strength of the screed surface increases. To prevent cracking of the concrete surface, it must be protected from drafts by covering it with a polyethylene film.

To obtain a high-quality screed, for the reinforcement of which polypropylene fiber was used, it is necessary to allow it to harden for at least 12 hours. Laying the flooring can be done 4 days after the concrete mixture has hardened.

The main condition for obtaining a reliable fiber-reinforced screed is compliance with the requirements for preparing the solution and pouring it. This kind of work can be done independently, but in order to guarantee a high-quality result, it is better to turn to professionals. In this case, you will definitely have a perfectly flat, moisture-resistant and frost-resistant screed.

Where and when is reinforcing mesh used?

Reinforcement of various types of solutions can be used only in two situations.

When it is necessary to increase the strength index or when materials are used that do not interact well with each other. For example, you need to lay a layer of plaster on a metal surface. Of course, this sounds very strange, but still such situations can sometimes arise. If we talk directly about the purposes for which reinforcing mesh can be used, then the following points should be included among them.

• Floor screed. Reinforcement in this situation will never be superfluous. By reinforcing the screed, the floor can be made more durable and can prevent future cracking. In some situations, the screed can be insulated using foam plastic. That is why, regardless of the quality of the solution used, the use of a mesh is a prerequisite. Otherwise, the screed will begin to crumble literally after a month, if not earlier.
• Plastering the surface. In this case, reinforcing material is needed in order to increase the adhesion between the plaster and the base itself. It is very important to use such material when the plaster layer is more than 20 mm or when the solution is applied to a surface with poor adhesion.
• Surface cladding. In this case, reinforcing mesh is used for the same reasons as above - if thick layers of glue will be applied or a surface with poor adhesion will be processed. In general, the reinforcing material acts as a connecting link between the surface and the coating, which makes them more durable and does not allow them to separate from each other in the future.
• Foam plaster. This situation can be called special, because in this case it is simply impossible to do without a reinforcing mesh. Otherwise, fairly deep cracks will soon begin to appear in the foam. Very often this happens immediately after the glue has completely dried.

Reinforcing mesh plays a very important role, so you should not neglect its use. It will never become superfluous and will significantly improve the characteristics and service life of the coating.

Types of reinforcing mesh

On sale today you can find a fairly large selection of reinforcing mesh, which will differ from each other not only in general characteristics, but also in material and manufacturing principle. It is worth choosing products depending on the specific purposes for which they are intended.

Plastic decorative mesh is considered a very interesting option today. This material is made from fiberglass or polymers. It is completely safe for human health, will not deform over time and is not susceptible to moisture. The material can be used for a variety of surfaces. In this case, a layer of solution can be applied to it, which reaches 5 mm. Before you begin applying the solution, it is very important to carefully attach the mesh to the base. It is worth making sure that it is not too tight or sagging. On sale you can find material with different cell sizes. This indicator plays a very important role and should be taken into account when choosing a solution and the total area of ​​the surface to be treated.

A good option is a special fiberglass mesh that can be used for wooden walls. The main advantage of the material is that it is resistant to fairly aggressive environments. Typically used for interior work. The main purpose of such a mesh is to prevent cracks from occurring after the surface is completely dry.

The main features of the material include the following.

• Weight. This version of the reinforcing mesh is lightweight, which allows it to be used on a variety of rough surfaces.
• It has a fairly long service life, which is much longer than that of metal.
• The material can conduct heat very well, so it is often used to reduce the number of cold bridges.

At the same time, there are some disadvantages that many builders do not like. The mesh is very brittle and does not bend. It does not tolerate high temperatures, and also has a fairly high cost, especially when compared with metal sheets. Despite such disadvantages, the material is considered the best option when processing a wooden base. The reinforcing mesh makes it not only more durable, but also perfectly smooth.

Is chain-link mesh suitable for reinforcing floor screeds?

This question often arises among those who are faced with repairs. The fact is that the price of chain-link mesh is higher than the cost of mesh for reinforcement, and the appearance of these materials is almost the same.

Reinforcing a floor screed with mesh - chain-link is an unacceptable violation of technology. All experienced craftsmen think so. This opinion is based on the fact that the main task that reinforcing materials solve is to ensure the bending strength of the concrete layer. This condition is especially important when the screed is installed on an elastic base (crushed stone cushion, soil, insulation, etc.). In other words, reinforcement is necessary to ensure that the concrete layer does not sag under its own weight and loads on its surface.

This problem can only be solved if you buy a mesh to reinforce the floor screed. The special material is made taking into account the distribution of loads and deformations and copes with its function in the best possible way. Unlike reinforcing mesh, chain-link can stretch and sag. It is made from curved wire. Such a mesh will not be able to provide the necessary strength to the concrete layer.

If the screed is poured onto a solid and durable rough base (for example, onto a reinforced concrete slab), then there is no need for reinforcement. But if desired, for such a case you can also use reinforcement using a fine-mesh mesh.

mesh for reinforcing concrete screeds

Mesh for screed reinforcement is a universal material used in repair and construction work: in finishing and plastering, in pouring floors and various types of surfaces. When choosing a product, a private craftsman needs to pay attention to the width, thickness, weight of the canvas and cell sizes.

Types of material

It is produced in two types:

• extended reinforcement (wire rod, welded metal, polypropylene or fiberglass);
• dispersion reinforcement, where the basis is a finely dispersed fraction (fiber based on basalt, polypropylene, steel, fiberglass).

In private construction, it is customary to use metal and fiberglass meshes with rectangular or square cells, the size of which can vary from 50 to 250 mm, with a wire cross-section of 3-6 mm. Some conditions force the use of heavy metal mesh made from 6-12 mm reinforcement.

The cell size is selected so that the crushed stone that is in the solution can freely pass through it

Fiberglass

Material characteristics:

• high tensile strength;
• resistance to temperature changes;
• ease of installation;
• Possibility of use for interior and exterior work.

Fiberglass mesh is used in plastering work, especially on facades.

Metal grid

This type is divided into reinforcing mesh for plaster and screed. Products differ in wire thickness and cell size. For plaster, wire with a cross-section of up to 1.50 mm and a cell size of up to 30.0 mm is used; for screed – from 2.50 mm, with a cell of 100x100 mm. This is due to the loads that the surface takes - the higher they are, the more serious the reinforcement should be. If high loads will be applied to the concrete pad or screed, it is advisable to use a mesh with a cell of 50x50 mm.

According to the type of production, they can be sectional or rolled. Traditionally, all plaster products are produced in rolls, and screeds are produced in sections (supplied in the form of stacks). When arranging horizontal coverings, it is much more convenient to manipulate individual modules than a roll.

To select products, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the table:

Methods of fastening metal mesh (installation technology):

• metal base - welding using a welding machine;
• wood - fastening with a stapler using large staples, a more massive mesh is nailed or screwed with self-tapping screws;
• brick, concrete - dowels with washers.

The general rule is: the greater the load, the smaller the mesh size of the reinforcing mesh and the larger the wire diameter

When arranging the screed, reinforcement is not attached; the only condition that the master must meet is the exact distance from the floor, for which special stands or bars can be used.

Use of material

Mesh reinforcement is implemented when it is necessary to create high mechanical strength or to connect the unconnected, for example, to apply plaster to metal, although the need for such operations arises extremely rarely. Technological processes in which the material can be used are listed below.

Reinforcement of screed with metal mesh

The material greatly increases the strength characteristics of the structure and prevents the premature formation of cracks and other defects. If the screed is equipped with insulation, the mesh is simply necessary - without it, the system will crumble in the first month of operation.

It is advisable to use fiberglass in rooms with high levels of humidity. The material is resistant to corrosion and inert to alkalis and other compounds.

Mesh for plaster reinforcement

The material improves the adhesion between the plaster layer and the base. It is used in the following cases: when a thick layer is created - more than 20 mm or when work is carried out on surfaces with poor adhesion (painted walls, metal, wood, foam). The result of reinforcement is the absence of cracks.

Mesh for cladding

The use of the material allows you to achieve the same goals as in the production of plastering work. The metal becomes the connecting link between the cladding and the wall.

Reinforcement of heated floor screed

To organize a warm floor covering in residential premises, it is recommended to use material with cells 100 * 100 mm with a diameter of 4 mm.

Mesh for reinforcing gas silicate blocks

It is recommended to use material with a rod diameter of 3-5 mm. For installation, the canvas is cut to the width of the wall or subsequently the excess is cut off with a grinder. When reinforcing, a layer of mortar is laid on a laid row of blocks, into which a mesh is embedded, on top of which a new row of blocks is laid.

Roof screed reinforcement

In this case, it is permissible to use samples of 100x100 or 150x150 mm. The diameter of the rod is selected to be at least 3 mm.

There is another type of material used to construct screeds - polypropylene mesh. The best performance was demonstrated by samples with a cell of 45x45 mm

Material cost

Reinforcing a floor screed is a fairly profitable operation. A home master can count on the following financial costs:

• for screed reinforcement - the price starts from 77 RUR/piece. (50x50 mm);
• for concrete reinforcement – ​​the price starts from 140 RUR/piece. (100x100 mm). At approximately the same cost, mesh BP 5 100x100, weight m²90 kg, is available;
• metal for concrete reinforcement - price starts from 450 RUR/piece. (150x150/200x200 mm).

Mesh for reinforcing walls, screeds and other work should be stored indoors before use. Rolls are stored in tiers, sections - in stacks, each layer is laid with wooden spacers 30 mm thick.

The advantages of reinforcing a floor screed with plastic mesh are shown in the video:

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Recommendations for choosing a mesh for floor reinforcement

When choosing a reinforcing mesh, it is necessary to clarify the following points:

1. availability of certificates confirming the quality characteristics of the material;
2. thickness of the mesh fibers and its bridges;
3. cell size;
4. plasticity of the material when bending;
5. strength;
6. availability and quality of protective coating.

When choosing reinforcing materials, you should pay attention to products with increased resistance to chemically active substances. Incorrectly selected reinforcement can reduce the strength characteristics of the floor screed and cause cracks to appear on its surface.

– high quality reinforcing materials

If you are interested in the possibilities of modern reinforcing materials for concrete, I am ready to offer an excellent selection of specialized meshes made from high-quality polymer materials. Using the products we offer, you can make concrete stronger and structures for it more durable. Concrete needs reinforcement, since otherwise premature destruction of structures is likely.

I have prepared various polymer meshes for you. In concrete, they retain their characteristics for an almost unlimited time, ensuring the stability and reliability of the structure. The advantages of cooperation with include the following factors:

• constant availability of all types of reinforcing polymer meshes;
• optimal prices for concrete;
• providing professional advice that will help reduce the time for selecting optimal reinforcing materials to solve certain problems;
• efficiency of organizing product delivery.

If you have to reinforce concrete, choose the best modern materials for these purposes! will help you purchase materials at optimal material costs and implement high-quality reinforcement.

• Mesh for concrete reinforcement

How much will it cost to reinforce a floor screed with mesh?

The cost of installing a reinforced screed is determined by the floor surface area and the type of concrete base. The screed can be filled using fiberglass or mesh for reinforcement. This feature will also be reflected in the final cost estimate. The main factors influencing the arrangement of screeds with reinforcement:

• screed area (the larger the floor size, the higher the costs will be);
• thickness of the concrete layer (the minimum thickness of the screed is within 1 cm);
• the number of craftsmen performing the work;
• characteristics of the screed (moisture resistance, resistance to mechanical deformation and chemical compounds, the use of materials with a protective coating and additional fillers for the concrete mixture);
• price of materials used.

Calculation of estimates for the arrangement and reinforcement of floor screeds is carried out individually for each object. At the same time, the surveyor, when visiting the work site, can only approximately calculate the amount of upcoming expenses. Here are some expert tips that will help you spend money more efficiently on pouring and reinforcing floor screeds:

1. Preparing the mixture using a concrete mixer will reduce the time it takes to install the screed and reduce the cost of labor for craftsmen.
2. Failure by the craftsman to comply with the technology for performing the work can cause an increase in the cost of the entire process of arranging the floors.
3. Saving on materials can lead to rapid destruction of the screed.
4. The thickness of the screed should not be very large or, conversely, very small. This can cause peeling and cracking of the concrete layer.

It cannot be said that the price for reinforcing a floor screed with mesh is very low, but all costs for its arrangement will be justified by the long-term and reliable operation of the floors at your facility. Of course, this statement will be true only if high-quality materials are used and if the requirements for the work are met.

Cooperating with is reliable and prestigious. The specialists working here are professionals of the highest level. operates throughout Moscow and the Moscow region.