Do Concrete Slabs Really Need Welded Wire Mesh?
Welded wire mesh was once the go-to material for forming concrete slabs and reinforcements, but some builders have recently opted for the fiber variety. Though developers may cut costs by opting for synthetic mesh, there are a few things to consider before making the switch.
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Read on to learn about the potential drawbacks of fiber cloth and why traditional welded steel mesh may be the best choice.
What to Consider Before Using Fiber Mesh
One of the main reasons mesh is used for concrete slabs is to prevent surface cracking. Though fiber cuts down on the number of breaks, it doesn't eliminate them entirely. Not only that, but when cracks appear, fiber mesh often lacks the strength to stop them from spreading.
So, while synthetic mesh may be more affordable upfront, builders could end up paying more for repairs down the road. Homebuyers and commercial real estate investors are often on the lookout for flaws, and cracks on a new build can stick out like a sore thumb.
Another thing to consider is that fiber mesh doesn't do as good a job preventing differential settlement. Seeing as a level foundation is vital, and fixing it isn't always a simple process, this is a major concern.
Welded Wire Mesh for Concrete Reinforcing
Created by heating intersecting metal wires with an electric current, welded wire mesh boasts impressive rigidity. It's also resistant to abrasion, rust, corrosion, and extreme temperatures.
These characteristics make welded stainless steel cloth ideal for concrete reinforcing, a process that relies on exceptional strength and inflexibility. The durable alloy also helps ensure foundational evenness.
Do Concrete Slabs Really Need Welded Wire Mesh?
There's no one-size-fits-all way to construct houses and buildings. The choice of materials often depends on various factors, like availability, budgeting, and whether substantial settling is common in the area.
All that said, welded reinforcement concrete mesh remains the gold standard for construction. The heavy-duty product is incredibly sturdy, resilient, long-lasting, and versatile.
Minor cracks and slight foundational settling are often to be expected, even with new builds. Still, too many imperfections can signify poor workmanship and lead to prospective buyers feeling dubious about the structural integrity.
Ensuring Crack-Free Concrete
Choosing welded metal mesh over fiber is the best defense against cracks in concrete slabs. However, as with all structural projects, the material can't do its job if it's not installed correctly. Proper installation ensures the maximum level of strength is applied, which keeps breaks at a minimum.
For more insight into this topic, see our Guide to Wire Mesh for Construction & Building.
Metal Wire Mesh Products for Construction & Building
As one of the top wire mesh suppliers in the world, TWP Inc. is a premier resource for critical construction and building materials. When you shop our inventory, you'll find T-304 and T-316 welded stainless steel mesh with various gauges, opening sizes, and mesh counts.
We also offer expert in-house services, including laser cutting, disc stamping and sizing, roll slitting, and ultrasonic cleaning. If you don't see the specification you're looking for, we're happy to accommodate custom orders. Request a free quote to get started!
For more news and insight into how metal cloth is used in your industry, connect with TWP Inc. on LinkedIn.
Screen Mesh Sizes & Materials: What Do You Need?
Consider these scenarios:
It&#;s hot and you don&#;t have air conditioning in your home or business.
You&#;ve accidentally burned tonight&#;s dinner on the stove. It&#;s still smoking.
You&#;re trying to relax and the sounds of nature would help calm your nerves.
What&#;s the first thing you&#;ll likely do?
Probably open a window.
But insects, birds, leaves, and other airborne nuisances that get inside through your window can quickly make you regret opening it in the first place.
Designed to keep elements of the great outdoors in their natural habitat without obstructing airflow, window screens create a barrier between the inside of a building and what&#;s outside.
But wire mesh screens do more than keep bugs out and let air in -- they contribute significantly to a residential or commercial property&#;s aesthetic appeal. A building appears more finished when its windows have screens.
Choosing a window screen isn&#;t a matter of selecting a mesh that looks good. There are two key factors that let you get the desired performance from a screen: screen mesh sizes and materials.
What to Consider When Shopping for Wire Mesh Screens
Selecting the right screen for a specific application takes a few factors into consideration:
- Screen mesh sizes and strand size: How big is whatever you want to keep out? And how wide a span do you want the screen to cover?
How big is whatever you want to keep out? And how wide a span do you want the screen to cover?
Material: Which material best suits the screen&#;s purpose, environment, and desired aesthetic?
For more information, please visit Custom Size Fiber Mesh Roll.
Unsure which window screen is right for your project?
Compare our available window screen mesh inventory:
Screen Wire Size: What Are Mesh Size and Strand Size?
Put simply, mesh size is a measurement of the holes in the screen. The size of the holes determines what gets through and what doesn&#;t. Window screen mesh hole size also influences the screen&#;s rigidity.
Strand size -- or gauge -- measures the diameter of each &#;wire&#; that makes up the screen. Thicker wire diameters add to the screen strength but can take away from its good looks and outward visibility.
Combined with a larger strand size, a window screen with a smaller mesh size will have more integrity and be able to span wider distances without sagging.
How to Measure Screen Mesh Sizes
Measuring mesh size is a matter of finding the number of &#;holes&#; in a square inch of screen.
You can find this number by cutting a 1-inch by 1-inch hole in the middle of a piece of paper. Then:
Tape the paper to the screen so the edges of the cutout line up with the vertical and horizontal wires in the screen.
Count the holes in the mesh horizontally from one side of the cutout to the other. Write this number down.
Count the holes from the top of the cutout to the bottom. Write it down.
You now have the mesh size, which you&#;ll write as (number of horizontal holes) x (number of vertical holes). Don&#;t be surprised if the answer is 18 x 16, 18 x 14, or 20 x 20.
Window wire mesh size matters to most screens&#; principal purpose: keeping bugs out while letting air flow freely into an area. In some parts of the country (and the world), tiny flying insects (often called no-see-ums) are prevalent.
A mesh size of 18x14 or even 18x16 might not keep these menaces out. But a 20x20 mesh screen would. On the other hand, the tighter mesh also slightly reduces airflow.
What Materials Are Used to Make Screens?
As screens meet many demands, there are multiple materials from which to choose.
Window mesh screen material type plays a significant role in a screen&#;s performance. Some materials are designed for durability and longevity, while others strictly serve a functional purpose: allowing air circulation.
Popular screen products used in the residential and commercial sectors include:
Black PetScreen® -- A pet screen mesh, this Phifer product provides an insect screen with the ability to resist damage from pets. It&#;s made of vinyl-coated polyester.
Brite-Kote&#; Bright Aluminum Screen -- For good air ventilation and aesthetics, this aluminum mesh screen also offers durability.- Charcoal fiberglass screen -- Providing good visibility through the screen to the outside, fiberglass screen mesh also won&#;t rust, corrode or stain.
Providing good visibility through the screen to the outside, fiberglass screen mesh also won&#;t rust, corrode or stain.
- Charcoal aluminum screen -- Another metal screen mesh material, the charcoal aluminum screen offers reduced glare, good outward visibility, and a weather-resistant finish.
Another metal screen mesh material, the charcoal aluminum screen offers reduced glare, good outward visibility, and a weather-resistant finish.
- SeeVue insect screen -- SeeVue is a stainless steel wire mesh screen that boasts a black finish and durability.
SeeVue is a stainless steel wire mesh screen that boasts a black finish and durability.
- UltraVue insect screen -- Featuring excellent visibility and lasting protection, UltraVue is a fiberglass screen mesh with a vinyl coating.
Featuring excellent visibility and lasting protection, UltraVue is a fiberglass screen mesh with a vinyl coating.
Screens are also made of copper, brass, and other materials -- the choices are pretty broad to meet a variety of applications.
Screen and Frame Pricing:
Pricing for screens largely depends on mesh and strand size coupled with the material.
At New Angle Beveling, we offer the following prices for window screens:
Window Screen Performance = Screen Mesh Sizes + Wire Gauge + Material
A natural part of any window, carefully selecting mesh screens helps maximize a window&#;s functionality. Combining the right screen mesh size, wire gauge, and material type lets you wholly enjoy an open window.
Looking for a glass partner for your next commercial project? Check out our services and capabilities:
(Editor's note: This blog was originally published in May and was recently updated).
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Fiberglass Mesh Drywall Tape.
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