Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) rely on fiberglass mesh reinforcement to create beautiful, durable, and energy-efficient exterior cladding. This comprehensive article explains why mesh is so important for modern EIFS stucco assemblies.
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EIFS, sometimes called synthetic stucco, is an exterior cladding that combines insulation board, base coat, fiberglass mesh, and finish coat to create a continuous insulated plaster facade. The sandwiched layers provide superior insulation while the fiberglass mesh reinforcement prevents cracking, boosts impact resistance, and strengthens the system.
In this detailed guide, we&#;ll cover the benefits of EIFS, the role of fiberglass mesh, mesh types, installation best practices, and common mistakes. Read on to learn why proper mesh selection and application are critical to creating crack-resistant, long-lasting exterior EIFS plaster.
Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) are advanced, multi-layer exterior wall systems that provide continuous insulation and water resistance in one assembly. EIFS consists of:
This all-in-one cladding builds on traditional stucco methods used for thousands of years. Traditional stucco relies on bonding cementitious scratch and brown coats over solid masonry or lath.
EIFS evolved stucco by replacing masonry with an insulation board as the plaster substrate. This allowed exterior insulation and finish systems to be applied over any structurally sound exterior sheathing rather than just masonry.
The insulation component of EIFS eliminates thermal bridging and provides far superior R-value compared to other claddings. This continuous insulation, along with modern waterproofing details, is the key advantage of EIFS over old stucco.
While traditional stucco uses metal lath or wire mesh over building paper or felt, EIFS employs heavier fiberglass reinforcing mesh embedded into the base coat over the insulation board. This specially engineered mesh provides critical reinforcement lacking in plain stucco.
Fiberglass reinforcing mesh is a critical component that serves multiple crucial functions:
Without mesh reinforcement, exterior insulation, and finish systems would be susceptible to cracking, delamination, and moisture issues like traditional stucco. The embedded mesh reinforces the entire EIFS assembly.
Reinforcing mesh can be thought of as the rebar in reinforced concrete. Just as rebar strengthens concrete, fiberglass mesh strengthens exterior insulation and finish systems in these key ways:
Prevents Cracking
As the cementitious base coat cures and shrinks, it creates stresses that lead to cracking without reinforcement. Mesh distributes this shrinkage stress evenly rather than allowing it to focus at specific points. This is the primary job of EIFS reinforcing mesh.
Absorbs Impacts
Fiberglass mesh helps absorb and dissipate impacts from hail, earthquakes, blunt objects, etc. This prevents cracked or dented insulation board beneath. The heavier and tighter the mesh, the greater impact resistance it provides.
Enhances Drainage
Mesh creates an even drainage plane over the uneven insulation board substrate. It helps channel water down and out of the wall assembly. Proper shingling and concealment prevent mesh from disrupting drainage.
Protects Insulation Edges
Mesh extends beyond insulation board edges onto stable perimeter substrates. This prevents vulnerable foam board joints and edges from moving independently of the overall wall.
Bonds Layers
Embedment into the base coat allows the mesh to mechanically bond the base coat to the finish coat for a monolithic assembly. It also creates a continuous thermal barrier.
In summary, there are many important reasons fiberglass reinforcing mesh is required for durable EIFS installations. Correct mesh selection and detailing prevent problems.
While all EIFS mesh is made from coated, alkali-resistant fiberglass strands, the two main types differ in glass fiber density and opening size:
Standard Mesh
High Impact Mesh
The EIFS industry recognizes these two mesh types in ASTM standards and EIMA design guides. Standard mesh works for most wall areas, while high-impact mesh boosts resistance in exposed locations.
Deeper mesh overlap and double layers can sometimes substitute for high-impact mesh based on project requirements. The mesh spacing and fiber weight influence performance and cost.
No matter which type gets specified, proper detailing and installation per manufacturer guidelines are crucial to gain the benefits of EIFS reinforcing mesh in any project application.
During EIFS application, rolls of fiberglass reinforcing mesh are cut into sheets of the appropriate size. Mesh application involves these key steps:
The mesh reinforcement ends up sandwiched into the middle of the EIFS assembly, not visible in the final surface. The mesh must be continuous across the entire facade without gaps.
Adjacent mesh sheets should overlap by 2-4 inches rather than simply butt up against one another. The proper shingling technique ensures monolithic, non-disruptive mesh reinforcement.
When installed correctly, the properties and benefits of fiberglass reinforcing mesh can be fully realized in durable EIFS construction.
Correct selection, detailing, and installation of EIFS reinforcing mesh delivers these performance benefits:
Enhanced Crack Resistance
Fiberglass mesh evenly distributes shrinkage and stress forces within the base coat as it cures. This prevention of base coat cracks enhances weather-tightness and longevity.
Added Impact Protection
Tightly woven mesh boosts impact resistance compared to traditional wire lath stucco. This protects against hail, blunt objects, earthquakes, and other mechanical damage.
Long-Term Durability
By preventing cracks, mesh helps maintain the integrity of the entire EIFS assembly over decades. Proper reinforcement is critical for maintaining water resistance.
Aesthetic Beauty
The pristine finish coat surface is unmarred by cracks that detract from architectural appearance. Mesh contributes to attractive EIFS facades.
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Cost Effectiveness
The relatively low material cost of mesh avoids expensive repairs down the road. Mesh is vital for lasting EIFS performance and ROI.
In summary, correct fiberglass mesh installation leads to EIFS walls that are more crack-resistant, durable, resilient, and beautiful.
To gain the full benefits of EIFS fiberglass reinforcing mesh:
Paying attention to proper mesh detailing and installation protocol prevents many common EIFS failures. Reinforcing mesh must be continuous, fully embedded, and shingled correctly to maximize performance.
Some application errors compromise the benefits of EIFS reinforcing mesh:
Each of these mistakes robs EIFS assemblies from obtaining the full advantages of fiberglass reinforcement. Proper mesh installation takes diligence and control.
Specifying the right fiberglass reinforcing mesh and installing it correctly makes all the difference in EIFS performance and longevity. Mesh reinforcement is the critical element that gives modern exterior insulation and finish systems their durability, crack resistance, and design flexibility compared to traditional stucco.
Without continuous, fully embedded fiberglass mesh, EIFS assemblies would suffer from base coat shrinkage, impact damage, and moisture intrusion. Mesh allows EIFS to become a lightweight, thermally efficient, and beautiful exterior cladding.
Following manufacturer specifications and industry best practices for EIFS mesh selection, detailing, and installation helps create successful, long-lasting exterior insulation and finish systems. Fiberglass mesh reinforcement is the not-so-secret ingredient for optimal EIFS stucco performance.
This concludes our comprehensive look at why proper fiberglass reinforcing mesh is so important for durable, energy-efficient EIFS construction. To summarize:
Proper EIFS mesh application allows these advanced systems to protect structures for decades.
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Concrete can be reinforced with two different types of mesh: wire and fiber. These two materials are very different from one another, with each type having advantages and disadvantages that should be recognized. In this article, we'll go over those differences to ensure that you're able to pick the right type of mesh for your project, no matter what you're building or rebuilding.
What Is Wire Mesh?
Wire mesh reinforced concrete is a wire mesh that's positioned in the middle of concrete as it is poured. Once the wire mesh is in position inside the concrete, the concrete is left to cure. The purpose of the mesh inside the concrete is to prevent the concrete from cracking, and to improve the concrete's flexural strength. Wire mesh is kept in place with spacers and wire ties.
To install wire mesh in concrete, the wire mesh is laid down first, and concrete is poured on top of the mesh. Once some concrete is poured on top of the mesh, the mesh is lifted to be positioned partway up the thickness of the concrete rebar. Finally, more concrete is poured over the mesh, and the concrete is allowed to cure with mesh in the middle.
When to Use Wire Mesh in Concrete
Wire mesh is suitable for horizontal slabs. Wire mesh comes in rolls that is cut to size and laid down in the area where the concrete is poured. The concrete is poured on the mesh, and then mesh is lifted slightly to be positioned in the middle of the concrete. Wire mesh is easily tangled and needs to be detangled before it can be laid down for the pour.
Advantages of Wire Mesh
There are many advantages and benefits of wire mesh, including:
Wire mesh bars don't shift their position when the concrete is poured on top, because they're welded together in a grid. This ensures the mesh is doing its job.
Wire mesh bars come in rolls that are easily transported onto the jobsite.
Because mesh bars don't shift their position when concrete is poured on top, installation is relatively simple.
Disadvantages of Wire Mesh
Wire mesh can take up more space on the jobsite compared to fabric mesh, which is easily transported in bags. In addition, rolls of mesh can become tangled with each other, which can slow progress. Wire mesh can also deteriorate over time.
Cost of Wire Mesh
Wire mesh costs an average of $1.04 and $1.21 per square foot. This does not include any labor costs or time spent on installation.
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