Expanded Metal Lath is a durable and versatile construction material commonly used for reinforcing plaster, stucco, and other coatings on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. Made from galvanized steel sheets, this lath is slit and expanded into a diamond-shaped mesh that provides exceptional strength and flexibility. The material is widely used in both interior and exterior applications, offering excellent bonding for plaster, stucco, and fireproofing materials.
Features:
- Material: Made from high-quality galvanized steel, ensuring strong corrosion resistance for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Self-Furring Design: The embossed “V” grooves or dimples keep the lath slightly away from the surface, creating an ideal space for better adhesion and keying of stucco, plaster, or other coatings.
- Flexible and Easy to Work With: Expanded Metal Lath is easy to cut and form to fit various surfaces, including flat, curved, or contoured designs. It can also be bent to accommodate box and contour shapes.
- Durability: Its stable structure and uniform mesh size ensure minimal cracking or warping, even under heavy-duty use. The zinc coating provides a long-lasting, rust-resistant finish.
Material Specifications:
- Zinc Coating: G60 and G90 (following BS EN 10346:2009 and ASTM A 653/A 653M standards)
- Sheet Size: Typically 27″ x 96″ (600mm x 2500mm)
- Weight Options: Available in 1.75 lbs, 2.5 lbs, and 3.4 lbs per square yard, depending on the application needs.
Applications:
- Plaster and Stucco Base: Used extensively in both residential and commercial construction, this lath serves as the ideal substrate for plaster or stucco applications on walls, ceilings, and partitions.
- Fireproofing: The lath provides an excellent base for bonding cementitious fireproofing materials to steel structures like beams and columns.
- Concrete Reinforcement: It is also used to reinforce thin concrete applications, ensuring greater structural integrity.
- Masonry and Decorative Work: The expanded metal lath is ideal for brick wall reinforcement and ornamental plaster applications, providing stability and support for decorative finishes.
Available Types:
- Flat, Self-Furring: Standard design with self-furring projections that allow for better material bonding.
- Dimples or V-Grooved: For enhanced structural integrity and improved keying, available with or without paper backing.
- Diamond Hole Mesh: Specifically designed for corner reinforcements in windows and doors.
Installation Instructions:
- Fixing: When installing, the mesh should be fixed with the long dimension running from support to support. Sheets should overlap by 50mm lengthwise and 25mm widthwise to ensure a strong bond.
- Timber Support: Use 40mm plasterer’s nails or staples at 100mm intervals. Ensure the nails are angled to pull the lath tight.
- Metal Support: For steel channels, use 1.2mm tying wire at 100mm intervals, creating a ‘hairpin’ shape to secure the lath tightly.
- Solid Background: Can be fixed with large-diameter headed screws or nails with integral spacers/ washers, ensuring a secure attachment.
Advantages:
- Enhanced Adhesion: The rough surface texture of the expanded metal lath provides excellent adhesion for plaster, stucco, and other coatings.
- Fire Resistance: Ideal for fireproofing applications, particularly on steel beams and columns, providing additional structural protection.
- Versatile Applications: Suitable for a variety of construction projects, including wall reinforcement, fireproofing, and decorative plasterwork.
- Easy Handling: Lightweight and easy to cut, the expanded metal lath simplifies installation and handling in various construction settings.
Packaging:
- Size: 27″ x 96″ sheets
- Weight Options: 1.75 lbs, 2.5 lbs, and 3.4 lbs per square yard
- Packaging: 10 sheets per bundle, 50 bundles per pallet
- Container Quantity: Approximately 10,000 – 12,000 sheets per container
