Smoothing on render to walls can transform the look of a building. However, render is prone to cracking. One such method is the render mesh and the effect that this has on strengthening and keeping the render in place, with less likelihood of cracking. This extra reinforcement is especially helpful in places that may be susceptible to movement or strain, such as windows and doors.

What is Render Mesh?

Render mesh is usually formed by way of fiberglass mesh or the equivalent and is encapsulated in the render coats. This forms a new material which is stronger, and less prone to cracking than render on its own. The mesh serves as a reinforcement, which transmits stress and decreases the potential for cracks to develop or spread.

Types of Mesh for Rendering

There are a variety of render meshes, each with their own properties and uses:

• Fiber Glass Mesh: It is the most typical one. It is light, strong and will not be attacked by alkali from the cement in the render.
• Polypropylene Mesh: A flexible plastic mesh that does not react to chemicals.
• Steel Wire Mesh: It is a high strength, abrasion-resistant product that is commonly used in mining and ore processing.

The selection of mesh for rendering depends on specific project demands such as: render systems, substrate being rendered, and anticipated levels of stress and movement.

Fiberglass Mesh Details

What’s more, fiberglass mesh for rendering is available in different weights and mesh sizes. A stronger mesh is one that is heavier. Fine renders work best at smaller mesh sizes. It is also rendered to be alkali-resistant, a necessity for cement-based renders durability.

Do I Need Mesh to Render? Scenarios

Some common scenarios in which you definitely should include mesh for the render:

• Insecure base: If the wall is constructed of a material that is vulnerable to movement or splitting, such as timber frame or lightweight aerated concrete blocks.
• Stress areas: Areas under a lot of stress, such as the edges of windows and doors and at the corners, which can possibly cause cracking.
• Broad expanses of render: If you’ve got vast areas of rendered wall, mesh reinforcement can guard against thermal expansion and contraction cracks.
• Whist some render: Some renders have a higher potential for cracking such as those with high cement content. This risk can be reduced by mesh reinforcement.

How to Fiberglass a Wall Prior to Rendering

The following are the steps to fiberglass a wall before rendering:

1. Surface Preparation: Wall surface should be clean, dry and free of loose particles. Aussie rendering company, Melbourne’s rendering specialists of over 30 years, suggests the right preparation for a long-lasting finish. Wall crack repairs are recommended for damaged locations.
2. Mortar layer to be applied: A thin layer of plaster or adhesive, which is to be used as a base layer, is spread on the wall.
3. Embedding the mesh: The fiberglass mesh is then bedded into this base coat, making sure that it is well embedded and flat.
4. Mesh-overlaying: Mesh sections should overlap 50mm to provide continuity of reinforcement.
5. Top coat: After the base coat has dried, a second layer of rendering is applied – sufficient to cover the mesh and for creating a smooth finish.

Noting Point By Point The Process of Mesh Application

• Trim the flashing mesh to desired dimension with an overlap at the joints.
• Give the sticky-out bits maximum contact – which means really pushing the mesh into the render when it is wet.
• Lap screen edges at least 2 inches to assure continuous reinforcement.
• After the first coat is dry, a second coat is brushed over the mesh for complete coverage. Considering everything, the surface must be fluent.

Benefits of Using Render Mesh

• Cracks Prevention: The major benefit of the process is that it minimizes the appearance and spread of cracks in the render.
• Enhances Durability: Mesh reinforcement provides strengthened impact resistance and abrasion, resulting in longer life.
• Preserves Appearance: By preventing cracks in render, the mesh ensures the render looks great.
• Adds Stability: For additional stability of the render, particularly on unstable bases.

Choosing the Right Mesh

When choosing a suitable render mesh you would take the following into account;

• The render product (acrylic, cement, etc.).
• The nature of the substrate.
• Environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, light exposure.
• The amount of stress and action to be expected.

Differences in Types of Render To Take Into Account

• Acrylic Renders: Usually a lighter mesh is used for these due to the flexibility.
• Cement Renders: A requirement of alkali-resistant mesh due to the alkalinity of the cement.

Alternatives to Mesh

Although mesh reinforcement is the most widely used and most reliable way to stop cracks in render from returning, there are some other ways.

• Flexible render: Flexible renders are designed to move with a building and to flex without cracking.
• Inclusion of fibers in the rendering mix: Fibers can be used to reinforce and minimize cracking.
• Crack protection: This involves the use of a crack suppression membrane (a material applied to substrate prior to rendering) in order to restrict the cracks from migrating up to the render.

Comparing Methods

Mesh is usually the cheaper option. It performs better long-term than other crack prevention methods.

What mesh type is the best for rendering?

There are different types of mesh, and the best selection will vary depending on the project at hand. Fiberglass mesh, of course, is a well-known good choice, but there may be other types of mesh suited for certain instances.

Can render mesh be used on any wall?

Render mesh can go on most wall situations, but it is particularly beneficial to be used on walls which are likely to move or crack.

How inexpensive is render mesh?

The price of render mesh varies per type of mesh, the amount bought and the suppliers. But it is typically an affordable material.

Is DIY render mesh application easy to do?

The use of render mesh is quite easy, however, you will need some basic ability to make a hole through the wall. And if you’re not keen to do it yourself, then we recommend you use a pro.