Masonry mesh: composite masonry mesh ETHYZ

Brickwork and blockwork work well for compression, but poorly for tension and bending. That is why reinforcing mesh is laid in mortar joints: it binds the rows into a single whole, dampens temperature and shrinkage deformations and keeps the masonry from opening cracks. For many years, metal welded mesh has been used for this, but it has a weak point — corrosion inside the seam. Composite Masonry grid ETHYZ solves this problem fundamentally: fiberglass does not rust and does not destroy the seam from the inside.

What is a masonry composite mesh

ETHYZ masonry mesh is a fiberglass (basalt) fabric in the form of a narrow tape rolled into a roll. It is designed specifically for reinforcing masonry joints of brick, aerated concrete and foam concrete block, and not for screeds or road bases (for them, there is a separate SSC reinforcement grid in the line with a cell of 50×50, 100 × 100 and 200×200 mm of Ø2–6 mm rods). The masonry tape is laid along the seam and takes on stretching forces where the brick itself does not hold them.

The tensile strength of the masonry mesh reaches 50/50 kN/m, which allows replacing the metal welded mesh without losing the bearing capacity of the reinforcing layer. At the same time, the tape is flexible: it is easy to carry in a roll, unwind on the wall and cut with ordinary scissors or grinder right on the object.

Width of tape for masonry

The width of the mesh is selected for the thickness of the wall and the type of masonry. The tape should fall into the seam so as not to go beyond the masonry plane and be completely covered with mortar.

One roll with a length of 50 m covers a large area of masonry, and the exact formats and winding for your object should be specified in catalogue of composite grids.

Row pitch: how often to reinforce

The mesh is not laid in each seam, but with a certain height pitch. A specific number of rows specifies the project and the type of block, but the general logic is as follows:

• Masonry — reinforcement every 3–5 rows, as well as in areas of high loads (under windows, above openings, in corners).
• Aerated concrete and foam block — the first (supporting) row, each several rows in height and the window sill zone, where cracks most often appear.
• Openings and connections — strengthening of junctions, lintels and junctions of walls.

Since the composite tape does not corrode, it can be laid even in thin seams and in wet areas, where the metal eventually "inflates" the solution with rust.

Why the mesh does not rust in the seam

The main reason for the destruction of reinforced masonry is the corrosion of steel reinforcement. Moisture penetrates the seam, the metal rusts, increases in volume and bursts the solution, causing cracks and efflorescence. Fiberglass mesh ETIZ is inert to the moisture and alkaline environment of the solution, so this destruction mechanism is excluded.

• Does not rust or corrode — serves the entire life of the masonry.
• Dielectric — does not conduct current, does not give stray currents and electrocorrosion.
• Lighter than metal — less load on the wall and easier to install manually.
• Does not form cold bridges — unlike steel mesh, it does not "pierce" the wall with heat-conducting metal.
• Flexible and convenient — cut with scissors or a grinder, placed in place without welding.

Composite and metal mesh: comparison

How to put the mesh into the mortar

The technology is simple and does not require on-site welding:

1. Lay the first layer of masonry mortar on the prepared row.
2. Cut the tape of the desired length with scissors or a grinder and lay it along the seam axis without bringing it to the edge of the masonry.
3. Slightly press the mesh into the solution and cover with a second layer so that the tape is completely covered and does not come out on the front surface.
4. Continue the masonry by repeating the reinforcement with the desired height step.

The composite cannot be cooked — this is its feature as a polymer material, but welding is not needed for masonry: the tape is simply laid in the seam. You can choose the width, winding and volume for the estimate in section of masonry meshes ETIZ.

Applications

ETIZ composite masonry mesh is used in the construction of load-bearing and self-supporting walls made of brick, aerated concrete and foam concrete block, for reinforcement of the facing layer, window sills, reinforcement belts and places of increased loads. It is equally relevant in private housing construction and in facilities where the durability of masonry and the absence of corrosion risks are important. The price is calculated on request for a specific scope and format of delivery.

FAQs

How is composite masonry mesh better than metal masonry mesh?

The main difference is that it does not rust or corrode in the mortar joint. The metal mesh eventually rusts from moisture, increases in volume and bursts the solution, causing cracks and efflorescence. ETHYZ composite mesh is inert to moisture and alkali, lighter in weight, works as a dielectric and does not form cold bridges, preserving the reinforcing layer for the entire service life of the masonry.

What is the width of the ETIZ masonry mesh?

Masonry tape is available in a width of 0.36 m, 0.5 m and 1 m in rolls of 50 meters. Narrow ribbons of 0.36 and 0.5 m are convenient for partitions, masonry in half-bricks and cladding, and meter tape is suitable for wide walls and reinforcement belts throughout the thickness. The width is selected so that the mesh is completely covered with a solution and does not come out on the front surface of the masonry.

What is the step to lay the grid in rows?

The exact step is set by the project, but usually the brickwork is reinforced every 3–5 rows, as well as the corners, areas under the windows and above the openings. For aerated concrete and foam concrete block, the support row, window sill zone and seams are reinforced through several rows in height. Since the composite mesh does not corrode, it can be laid even in thin seams and in wet areas without risk to the solution.

Is it possible to cut and cook composite mesh on site?

You can cut easily — with ordinary scissors along the desired length or with a grinder, right on the wall. But it is impossible to cook a composite mesh: it is a polymer material, not a metal. For masonry, welding is not required — the tape is simply laid in a horizontal seam and covered with a solution. This simplifies the installation and allows you to work without electric welding and special tools.

Is the ETHYZ mesh compliant and what is the price?

Composite masonry mesh ETIZ refers to polymer composite products and complies with GOST 31938-2012. The tensile strength reaches 50/50 kN/m, which allows replacing the metal welded mesh without losing the strength of the reinforcing layer. The price depends on the width of the tape, the volume and format of delivery and is calculated on request — check the current cost and availability in the catalog of composite grids on the ETIZ website.