How do I choose the right alkali-resistant fiberglass mesh for EIFS and exterior wall plaster reinforcement?

Choose by four things, in this order: the glass type, the unit weight, the hole size and the strength it keeps after soaking in cement. For EIFS and exterior plaster, Zbrehon’s AR glass fiber mesh is used as an integral part of exterior insulation finishing systems and for reinforcing cement^[1]. Its type of glass is alkali resistant (AR)^[2], with a zirconia (ZrO2) content of at least 16.7%^[3].

Why does the glass type matter in plaster?

Cement and lime plaster are alkaline. AR fiberglass mesh is treated with an alkali-resistant latex on a woven-roving base^[4]. Ask for the strength retained after the mesh is soaked in cement filtrate. On the Zbrehon AR mesh this is listed as at least 90% after 28 days^[5]. If a supplier cannot give this figure, treat the mesh as unproven for exterior plaster.

Which unit weight should I order?

Unit weight is the first number on most mesh quotes. The Zbrehon AR mesh range covers 45, 51, 70, 75, 140, 145, 160 and 165 g/m²^[6]. The heavier AR mesh line lists 145 and 160 g/m²^[7]. For lighter interior or gypsum work there is also a construction mesh with a finished weight of 83±3 g/m²^[8] on a raw fabric of 52±3 g/m²^[9].

Match the weight to your system’s technical approval or your engineer’s specification. Do not pick by price per roll alone, because a lighter mesh is cheaper per square meter but carries less load.

What hole size do I need?

Hole size controls how well the base coat passes through the mesh. Hole sizes on offer are 2.3 × 2.3 mm, 2.5 × 2.5 mm, 4 × 4 mm and 5 × 5 mm^[10]. The heavier AR mesh has a 5 mm hole distance^[11]. Ask your render or adhesive supplier which hole size their base coat is designed for.

Which strength figures should be on the quote?

Ask for tensile strength in both directions, in N/50 mm. For the Zbrehon AR mesh this is 1420 N/50 mm in the warp direction^[12] and 1290 N/50 mm in the weft direction^[13]. Also check the latex coating content, listed at 20%^[14], and the breaking elongation, listed as at most 5^[15].

What roll sizes and order quantities are available?

Roll widths run from 600 to 2000 mm^[16], and roll lengths from 50 to 300 meters^[17]. The minimum order is 100 square meters^[18].

A purchase-order checklist

• Glass type and zirconia content, with the test method.
• Unit weight in g/m², and whether it is the finished or raw-fabric weight.
• Hole size in mm.
• Warp and weft tensile strength in N/50 mm.
• Strength retained after alkali soaking, with the soak time.
• Roll width, roll length and packing.

Send this list with your project quantity through the quote form, or compare the specs on the AR fiberglass mesh range and the heavier AR glass fiber mesh.

Sources

1. Application: It is used for several structural and non-structural interventions, among them we can include: 1.As an inte
2. Type of glass: Alkali Reslistant(AR)
3. Zirconia(ZrO2) content: ≥16.7%
4. AR fiberglass mesh is made from fiberglass woven roving as its basis material, then is treated by alkali-resistant macro
5. Strength Remained rate after soaked in cement filtrate for 28 days: ≥90%
6. Fiberglass mesh Unit Weight:: 45g/m², 51g/m², 70g/m², 75g/m², 140g/m², 145g/m², 160g/m², 165g/m²
7. Weight availablelglm”): 145g/㎡，160g/㎡，270g/㎡
8. Finished Mesh Weight (g/m2): 83±3g/m2
9. Raw Fabric (g/m2): 52±3g/m2
10. Mesh Hole size:: 2.3 mm × 2.3 mm, 2.5 mm × 2.5 mm, 4 mm × 4 mm, 5 mm × 5 mm.
11. Hole Distance(mm): 5
12. WARPDIRECTION TENSILE STRENGTH (N/50mm): 1420
13. WEFT DIRECTION TENSILE STRENGTH (N/50mm): 1290
14. LATEx COATING Content: 20%
15. Breaking Elongation: ≤5
16. Mesh Roll Width:: 600 to 2000mm
17. Fiberglass mesh Roll length:: 50 meters to 300 meters
18. MOQ: ≥100 Square meters