Chicken mesh for plastering, sizes, and uses

Chicken mesh is a type of wire mesh that is often used in plastering applications to reinforce and strengthen the surface of a wall or ceiling. The mesh is typically made of galvanized or stainless steel wire, and it comes in rolls or sheets of various sizes.

In plastering, the chicken mesh is typically applied to the surface of a wall or ceiling before the plaster is applied. The mesh helps to hold the plaster in place, preventing it from cracking or crumbling over time. 

It also provides additional strength and durability to the plastered surface, making it less likely to be damaged or dented by everyday wear and tear.

Purpose of chicken mesh

The purpose of chicken mesh in plastering is to reinforce the plaster and provide additional strength and durability to the surface being plastered. Here are some of the main benefits of using chicken mesh in plastering:

1. Prevents cracking

It helps to hold the plaster in place and prevents it from cracking or crumbling over time. This is especially important in areas where there is a lot of movement, such as around doors and windows, or in high-traffic areas.

2. Provides additional strength

The wire mesh adds extra strength and stability to the plastered surface, making it less likely to be damaged or dented by everyday wear and tear.

3. Helps to create a smooth surface

The chicken mesh provides a flat surface for the plaster to adhere to, which helps to create a smooth, even finish.

4. Resists impact damage

It is often used in areas that are at risk of impact damage, such as hallways and stairwells. The mesh helps to prevent the plaster from cracking or breaking if it is bumped or hit.

5. Enhances durability

By reinforcing the plaster, the chicken mesh can help to extend the life of the plastered surface and make it more resistant to damage and degradation over time.

Types of chicken mesh

Here are some of the common types of chicken mesh used in plastering

1. Wire Mesh
2. Fibreglass Mesh
3. Plastic Mesh

Wire mesh

This is a type of material made from interlocking metal wires that are formed into a grid or mesh pattern. It is commonly used in various applications, including construction, agriculture, industrial manufacturing, and home improvement projects.

Wire mesh can be made from various types of metals, including steel, aluminum, and copper, and it comes in a range of wire thicknesses and mesh sizes to suit different purposes. The mesh size refers to the distance between the wires in the mesh, while the wire thickness refers to the diameter of the individual wires.

In construction and home improvement projects, wire mesh is often used for reinforcing concrete or plaster, providing additional strength and stability to the structure. 

Types of wire mesh based on shapes

1. Hexagonal

Types of wire mesh based on materials

1. Steel wire mesh
2. Aluminum wire mesh
3. Copper wire mesh
4. Galvanized wire mesh

1. Steel wire mesh

This is one of the most commonly used types of wire mesh in construction and plastering. It is strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for use in outdoor applications. 

2. Aluminum wire mesh

It is lightweight and highly resistant to corrosion, making it a good choice for outdoor applications where exposure to the elements is a concern. It is also easy to work with, and it can be cut and shaped to fit the needs of the project. 

Aluminum wire mesh is commonly used for screening, fencing, and as a protective barrier.

3. Copper wire mesh

It is less commonly used in plastering and construction applications, but it can be useful in certain circumstances. Copper is highly resistant to corrosion and has antimicrobial properties, making it a good choice for use in medical or food processing environments. 

It is also highly conductive, so it can be used for electrical grounding applications.

4. Galvanized wire mesh

It is a type of steel wire mesh that has been coated with a layer of zinc to protect it from rust and corrosion. This makes it ideal for use in outdoor applications where exposure to moisture is a concern. 

Advantages of wire Mesh

1. Strong and durable
2. Resistant to corrosion and rust
3. Available in a range of mesh sizes and wire thicknesses
4. Can be used for reinforcing concrete, plaster, and other building materials
5. Wire mesh is easy to work with and cut to size

Fibreglass Mesh

It is a type of mesh made from woven fiberglass fibers. It is often used in construction and plastering applications as a reinforcement material for stucco and other types of exterior coatings.

Fibreglass mesh is lightweight, flexible, and highly resistant to moisture, making it ideal for use in outdoor applications. It is also strong and durable, with a high tensile strength that allows it to withstand a great deal of stress and pressure.

Advantages of fiberglass Mesh

1. Lightweight and flexible
2. Highly resistant to moisture and chemicals
3. Strong and durable with a high tensile strength
4. Helps to reinforce stucco and prevent cracking or separation over time
5. Fiberglass mesh is available in a range of mesh sizes and thicknesses
6. Easy to handle and install

Plastic Mesh

It is a type of mesh made from plastic materials, such as polypropylene or polyethylene. It is commonly used in construction and plastering applications as a reinforcement material for stucco and other types of exterior coatings.

Plastic mesh is lightweight, flexible, and resistant to moisture and chemicals, making it ideal for use in outdoor applications. It is also easy to handle and install, as it can be cut to size and shape using standard tools.

Advantages of plastic Mesh

1. Lightweight and flexible
2. Resistant to moisture and chemicals
3. Does not rust or corrode
4. Resistant to UV radiation
5. Available in a range of mesh sizes, thicknesses, and colors
6. Easy to handle and install
7. Cost-effective

Chicken mesh for plastering size and thickness

Mesh Type	Size (inches)	Thickness (mm)	Length (feet)
Wire Mesh	1/2 x 1/2	0.6 – 0.7	50
–	1/4 x 1/4	0.4 – 0.5	50
Plastic Mesh	4 x 4	1.0 – 1.2	100
–	2 x 2	0.8 – 1.0	100
Fiberglass Mesh	4 x 4	0.4 – 0.5	150
–	2 x 2	0.3 – 0.4	150

Where to use chicken mesh in plastering

It is commonly used in plastering to reinforce the plaster and prevent cracks from forming. In particular, it is used at junctions where different materials meet, such as at the junction between a wall and a column. 

The reason behind this is:

When different materials have different coefficients of thermal expansion, it can lead to cracks in the plaster over time. Using chicken mesh, which is made of strong and durable wire, we can reinforce these junctions and help prevent cracking. 

It is embedded in the plaster, creating a strong and durable bond that helps to hold the plaster in place and prevent it from cracking.

Advantages of using chicken mesh in plastering

1. Reinforces the plaster

It is made of strong and durable wire, which helps to reinforce the plaster and prevent cracks from forming.

2. Prevents cracking

Reinforcing the plaster with chicken mesh helps to prevent cracking from occurring at junctions where different materials meet or where there may be movement or settling in the structure.

3. Increases durability

It helps to increase the durability of the plaster, making it less likely to fail or deteriorate over time.

4. Better adhesion

When it is embedded in the plaster, it creates a strong bond that helps the plaster adhere better to the surface, resulting in a smoother and more even finish.

5. Improves structural stability

Reinforcing the plaster with chicken mesh helps to improve the structural stability of the building or surface being plastered.

FAQ

Also read: Gypsum plaster, types, uses, and advantages