Installation of Wire Mesh

Masons, tile installers and do-it-yourself homeowners use wire mesh as reinforcement for large concrete slabs and tiled floors, or to hang tile or stone veneer on walls. Wire mesh helps to hold concrete together to ward off cracking under the weight of heavy loads. Wire reinforcing mesh on walls provides tiles, stone veneers and stucco a place to grip. Wire reinforcing mesh comes in various sizes and grades based on the project.

Instructions Concrete Slabs

1.Dig the site of the concrete slab, install concrete forms, expansion joints and pour gravel into the forms.
2.Cut the reinforcing wire mesh with metal shears 2 inches smaller than the forms in all directions.
3.Lay the wire mesh over the gravel overlapping wide expanses by 6 inches. Twist thinner wire around the mesh to hold the overlap in place.
4.Walk back and forth over the wire mesh to it flatten out. Wire mesh wire humps and waves from when the manufacturer rolled it up.
5.Weight the far edges and throughout the field with heavy rock or block. Move the weights as you pour the concrete. Do not leave the weights in place.

Walls

6.Install wood sheathing and fasten it to a stud frame if it is a masonry structure.
7.Measure the wall with a tape measure. Transfer the measurement to the wire reinforcing mesh and mark it with a professional crayon.
8.Cut the wire mesh with manual metal shears or power metal shears to the same size as the wall measurements.
9.Line up the top edge of the wire mesh with the top edge of the wall. Have a helper hold the wire mesh in place.
10.Nail in galvanized ring nails or secure the wire mesh to the wall with heavy-duty galvanized staples. Hammer in nails or sink in staples every 4 to 6 inches along the edges and 6 to 8 inches over the entire field.

Floors

11.Roll out wire mesh and cut it with metal shears 2 inches smaller than the floor in all directions.
12.Hold the wire mesh in place with heavy weights to keep it from moving.
13.Roll a 100-lb. floor roller over the mesh to remove bumps and arches.
14.Staple the wire mesh in place with heavy-duty galvanized staples or nail in place with galvanized ring nails every 8 to 10 inches around the perimeter and every 12 to 14 inches over the entire field. Remove the weights after nailing or stapling is complete.
Tag: wire mesh