One of the new materials that has found its place in the building renovation and retrofitting industry in recent decades and is very widely used is fiberglass mesh. In this article, we want to provide a solution so that you can distinguish high-quality fiberglass mesh from its low-quality type.
Since the sellers and importers of this product are looking for their economic savings anywhere. In some cases, by providing a low-quality fiberglass mesh product, they cause the fiberglass mesh to not provide its 100% efficiency and lead to a weakness in the resistance and durability of the plaster layer. As a result, sufficient attention should be paid in choosing the fiberglass mesh product.
?What are the characteristics of a good fiberglass mesh
1. Reaction to shape change:
To test the quality of fiberglass mesh against deformation, the following test can be easily performed: a small piece of fiberglass mesh is crumpled like a “small ball” and then released, the mesh should completely recover its original shape. he does. In addition, the direction of the fiberglass mesh should be visually easy to see whether the direction of the fabric will return to its original state after being crumpled, and the overall structure and shape of the mesh should not change.
2. Tensile strength of fiberglass mesh in plaster layer:
The tensile strength of fiberglass mesh in normal condition (during delivery to the customer) must be at least 30 N/mm in the direction of the warp thread and in the range of 40 N/mm in the direction of the weft thread. Weft threads are almost always stronger than warp threads. But, when testing the mesh, some importers include only one tensile strength indicator in the product quality certificate, which does not reflect the actual value, and the tensile strength should be provided in two directions. The tensile strength of professional fiberglass mesh is more than 32 N/mm in the direction of the warp thread and more than 44 N/mm in the direction of the weft thread. This data complies with European quality standards!
3. Fiberglass mesh resistance in alkaline environments:
The most important indicator for fiberglass mesh is its high resistance to alkali substances. The alkali resistance of the mesh is its ability to maintain the mechanical properties of the fiberglass mesh in an alkaline environment. In fact, fiberglass mesh is mostly used in plaster and plaster and cement layers, and plaster mixtures and cement-based mortars have an aggressive alkaline environment with a pH factor > 11. In such an environment, the tensile strength of the fiberglass mesh and its efficiency will also decrease. For this purpose, fiberglass mesh suitable for cementing should be used in alkaline environments, especially cement matrices.
Pay attention to these few points when buying fiberglass mesh:
A significant part of the reinforcing meshes in the market that are bought and sold may not have a clear origin and enter the market through unknown means. Can you trust them all? It is clear that the sellers have confirmed their product in all aspects. But in fact, this is not the case, and a way to recognize a quality product from a low-quality product should be provided. Below are some things to recognize and confirm the quality of the product:
Product quality certificate
The most reliable way to check the quality of reinforcing fiberglass mesh is to check its quality for a month in a special laboratory. It is clear that not everyone has such a laboratory. But there are laboratories to confirm the quality of products such as fiberglass mesh, and the specialists who work in them issue certificates of conformity. If a manufacturer gives you such a certificate, it means that the mesh has already been checked for quality.
Bending resistance test
The mesh should be very tight. Because it must maintain the alkaline pH in the drying plaster. The easiest way to test the strength of the fiberglass mesh is to bend it several times in the same place along the twisted threads. If it starts to crumble or break, it is not strong enough. Also, try to crush it with a sharp movement and check the result.
Recognizing fiberglass mesh and netting by appearance
Usually, low-quality fiberglass mesh can be identified by its appearance. If you saw a crookedness and unevenness in the roll of fiberglass mesh, it means that the fiberglass mesh is of low quality. Try to take a closer look at the roll of fiberglass mesh (fiberglass mesh is often sold in rolls). By slightly applying pressure on the fiberglass mesh in the texture direction, it can be recognized that the fiberglass mesh is of relatively good quality if the edges are not deformed. The type of packaging and the name and specifications of the product manufacturer also indicate the standard of the product.
Fragility test
Cover a small part of the wall with fiberglass mesh and a top layer and wait for the mixture to set completely, after it sets, hit the surface with a hammer or other tool. If you witnessed cracking and collapse of the plaster layer and fiberglass mesh, the used fiberglass mesh is not of good quality and should be replaced.
Get advice from Sorin Baft
One of the most appropriate solutions and the final solution to determine the quality of fiberglass mesh is to consult and get guidance from experts and consultants in the field of building retrofitting. You can get advice about the quality of fiberglass mesh from Soorin Baft quality control experts.