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
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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.
The past decade has seen many production builders switch to synthetic fiber mesh reinforcement for concrete slabs to help reduce surface cracking. In the process, many of these builders have completely eliminated traditional welded wire mesh (WWM).
But while fiber mesh has advantages, it also comes with potentially costly drawbacks.
That may sound surprising, given that fiber&#;s big appeal is its time and money savings. By using it, builders don&#;t have to pay a premium for concrete wire mesh, and concrete contractors don&#;t have to take the time to correctly install it; in fact, some concrete contractors offer a price break for fiber mesh.
While fiber does reduce surface cracking, it won&#;t eliminate cracks completely. Worse, when a crack does develop, the lack of WWM can be a real weakness.
That&#;s because properly installed WWM will keep the concrete on both sides of a crack from separating further and will keep them on the same plane&#;that is, prevent differential settling. Fiber mesh won&#;t.
Repairs to differential settling don&#;t leave the greatest impression on homebuyers. You have to grind down the surface on either side of the crack, fill the gap with epoxy and try to smooth it all out (see below). Even when done well, this leaves a visible scar.
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