Wire Mesh vs Fiber Mesh: Are They Interchangeable?

Concrete can be reinforced with two different types of mesh: wire and fiber. These two materials are very different from one another, with each type having advantages and disadvantages that should be recognized. In this article, we'll go over those differences to ensure that you're able to pick the right type of mesh for your project, no matter what you're building or rebuilding.

What Is Wire Mesh?

Wire mesh reinforced concrete is a wire mesh that's positioned in the middle of concrete as it is poured. Once the wire mesh is in position inside the concrete, the concrete is left to cure. The purpose of the mesh inside the concrete is to prevent the concrete from cracking, and to improve the concrete's flexural strength. Wire mesh is kept in place with spacers and wire ties.

To install wire mesh in concrete, the wire mesh is laid down first, and concrete is poured on top of the mesh. Once some concrete is poured on top of the mesh, the mesh is lifted to be positioned partway up the thickness of the concrete rebar. Finally, more concrete is poured over the mesh, and the concrete is allowed to cure with mesh in the middle.

When to Use Wire Mesh in Concrete

Wire mesh is suitable for horizontal slabs. Wire mesh comes in rolls that is cut to size and laid down in the area where the concrete is poured. The concrete is poured on the mesh, and then mesh is lifted slightly to be positioned in the middle of the concrete. Wire mesh is easily tangled and needs to be detangled before it can be laid down for the pour.

Advantage of Wire Mesh

There are many advantages and benefits of wire mesh, including:

• Wire mesh bars don't shift their position when the concrete is poured on top, because they're welded together in a grid. This ensures the mesh is doing its job.

• Wire mesh bars come in rolls that are easily transported onto the jobsite.

• Because mesh bars don't shift their position when concrete is poured on top, installation is relatively simple.

Disadvantages of Wire Mesh

Wire mesh can take up more space on the jobsite compared to fabric mesh, which is easily transported in bags. In addition, rolls of mesh can become tangled with each other, which can slow progress. Wire mesh can also deteriorate over time.

Cost of Wire Mesh

Wire mesh costs an average of $1.04 and $1.21 per square foot. This does not include any labor costs or time spent on installation.