Composite or metal mesh: which is better for reinforcement
Both types of mesh solve one problem — distribute the load in concrete, screed or masonry joint and prevent the structure from cracking. The difference is in the material of the rod. In metal mesh it is a steel wire, in composite — rods made of glass composite or basalt, connected in a single web. It is the material that determines how the mesh will behave in moisture, in the cold, next to the electrical wiring and during transportation.
What is composite mesh ETHYZ
Composite (fiberglass) mesh is a reinforcing web, not a reinforcing rod or sheet. ETHYZ has two product families:
- SSC reinforcement grid — glass composite mesh of bars Ø2-6 mm (brands SSK-2, SSK-3, SSK-5, SSK-6) with a cell of 50×50, 100×100 and 200×200 mm. Supplied in rolls and cards of standard formats (0.5×2, 0.5×15, 1×2, 1×15, 2×30, 1.35×50 m, etc.), color — black or green. It is used for reinforcement of screeds, floors, garden paths, blind areas, concrete platforms and roadway.
- Masonry mesh (fiberglass/basalt) — narrow tapes with a width of 0.36 / 0.5 / 1 m in rolls of 50 m, with a tensile strength of up to 50/50 kN/m. Needed for reinforcement of masonry joints of brick, aerated concrete and foam block.
The products comply with GOST 31938-2012 for composite polymer reinforcement and mesh. It is important not to confuse the reinforcing composite mesh with the plaster mesh: in ETIZ, this is a load-bearing reinforcement, not a painting material.
Composite or metal mesh: comparison table
| Parameter | Composite mesh ETHYZ | Metal mesh (welded, netting) |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion | Does not rust or corrode, resistant to moisture and aggressive environment | Rusts unprotected, leaves red spots on the surface |
| Weight | Significantly lighter than steel mesh of the same area | Heavy, needs transport and several workers |
| Electrical conductivity | Dielectric — does not conduct current, does not create interference | Conducts current, requires grounding near the electrician |
| Cold bridges | Does not form cold bridges | Steel conducts heat, cold bridges in the wall are possible |
| Flexibility and transportation | Rolls up, fits in a car | Rigid cards, bulk loading |
| Cutting on site | Cut with metal scissors or grinder | Cut with Bulgarian or wire cutters |
| Union | Knitting with ties/wire; can not be cooked (composite) | Can be cooked and knitted |
| Durability | Durable, does not lose properties from moisture and reagents | Service life limited by corrosion |
| Price | Upon request | Upon request |
Where the Composite Grid Wins
The composite mesh is selected where the steel quickly fails or interferes with operation:
- Screeds and floors in wet rooms — bathrooms, baths, basements, car washes: no rusty stains and destruction of the protective layer.
- Blind area, paths, platforms on the street — constant contact with moisture and reagents does not cause corrosion.
- Masonry of aerated concrete and foam block — lightweight masonry tape does not create cold bridges in the warm contour of the wall.
- Objects near electrics and low-point — the dielectric is safer and does not give guidance.
- Remote Facilities & Private Construction — the roll is easy to take by car and cut on the spot with scissors.
You can choose the format and brand for a specific task in eTHYZ Composite Mesh Catalogue.
Where metal mesh is still appropriate
Honestly: steel is not completely obsolete. Metal mesh makes sense to consider when:
- a welded connection of the mesh with the embedded parts or frame in place is required;
- the design and working documentation directly prescribe the steel reinforcement of a particular type;
- the installer is used to hard maps and is not ready to change the knitting technology.
In all other scenarios where no corrosion, low weight and thermal neutrality are important, the composite mesh closes the task without the disadvantages of steel.
How to make the right choice?
In order not to overpay or make a mistake, move along a simple checklist:
- Define the task. Screed and platforms — SSC reinforcement mesh with a cell of 100×100 or 200×200 mm; thin screeds and paths — a cell of 50×50 mm; masonry seam — masonry tape 0.36 / 0.5 / 1 m.
- Select the bar. Ø2 mm — for light screeds and paths, Ø3 mm — for more loaded floors and platforms.
- Choose a format. The roll is convenient for continuous reinforcement of large areas, the map is for local areas.
- Consider the environment. Moisture, street, reagents, proximity to electrics are arguments in favor of the composite.
- Request a quote and availability. The cost is calculated on request for your volume and format.
It is convenient to compare the full line of stamps, cells and formats in composite mesh section on the plant's website.
Short conclusion
If the object comes into contact with moisture, is on the street, requires easy installation or is adjacent to electricity — composite mesh ETIZ is more practical than metal: it does not rust, is lighter, does not conduct current and does not form cold bridges, while it is rolled up and cut with scissors. Metal mesh remains an option where welding is needed or directly required by the project. In most household and outdoor tasks, the composite is a rational choice for the entire service life of the structure.
FAQs
Composite or metal mesh — which is better for floor screeding?
In most cases, SSC composite reinforcement mesh is more practical for screeding: it does not rust and does not leave red spots even in wet rooms, it is lighter than steel and easily cuts in place. For a conventional screed, a 100×100 mm cell made of Ø2 or Ø3 rods is suitable. Metal mesh is taken if the project directly prescribes steel or welding with a frame is required.
Does the composite mesh really not rust?
Yes, ETHYZ composite mesh does not corrode, because it is made of polymer glass composite or basalt rods, and not of steel. It is resistant to moisture, reagents and aggressive environment, so it is used in bathrooms, baths, blind areas and on outdoor areas. This is a key advantage over metal mesh, which rusts and destroys the protective layer of concrete without protection.
Can composite mesh be cooked as a metal mesh?
No, the composite is not cooked — the bars are connected by viscous wire or plastic screeds, and the overlap of the sheets ensures the joint work of the reinforcement. But the composite mesh is easy to cut right on the object: it is cut with metal scissors or grinder. If the technology requires a welded joint with embedded parts, a metal mesh is more appropriate in this unit.
How much lighter is composite mesh than metal mesh?
Composite mesh is noticeably lighter than steel mesh of the same area because polymer bars have a lower density than steel. Practical effect: the roll is placed in a passenger car, it is transferred by one person, and the cutting and styling are faster. The exact weight of a particular format and brand should be specified when ordering — it depends on the diameter of the rod and the size of the cell.
Which mesh is suitable for aerated concrete masonry?
For masonry joints of brick, aerated concrete and foam block, ETIZ has a masonry fiberglass (basalt) tape with a width of 0.36 / 0.5 or 1 m in rolls of 50 m each with a tensile strength of up to 50/50 kN/m. It is thin, does not create cold bridges in the warm contour of the wall and does not rust in the seam. This distinguishes it from steel masonry mesh.
Does the composite mesh comply with GOST?
Yes, ETIZ composite meshes are produced in accordance with GOST 31938-2012, which regulates composite polymer reinforcement and mesh. This confirms that the material is intended for reinforcement of building structures. The manager will select the specific characteristics for your object, as well as the price on request, according to the catalog, taking into account the brand, cell and delivery format.
Leave a comment on the article
Leave your comment — it will appear on the page after moderation