Alkali-resistant fiberglass mesh helps prevent cracking and acts as a "soft reinforcing bar" in insulation systems. So, how is alkali-resistant fiberglass mesh installed in external wall insulation systems?
Mesh installation generally begins 24 hours after the plaster layer is completed. Preparation before mesh installation: First, cut the mesh to the appropriate size according to the length and width of the exterior wall, ensuring sufficient overlap. The cut mesh should be rolled up, not folded, to prevent wrinkles.
Installation process of crack-resistant mortar into alkali-resistant fiberglass mesh: Apply a 3-4mm thick layer of crack-resistant mortar evenly to the insulation layer surface. Immediately press the cut mesh into the mortar using a trowel, with the curved side of the mesh facing the wall. Smooth the mesh from the center outwards, embedding it into the mortar. The overlap between mesh sections should be no less than 50mm, and the mesh should be free of wrinkles, air pockets, and curled edges.
The first floor should be covered with double-layered fiberglass mesh. The first layer should be reinforced fiberglass mesh, with overlaps, followed by the second layer of ordinary exterior wall mesh. The anti-crack mortar between the two layers of alkali-resistant fiberglass mesh must be fully applied. At the external corners of the first-floor walls, a 2m high special metal corner guard should be installed, sandwiched between the two layers of exterior wall mesh. At the external corners of other floors, the exterior wall mesh on both sides should overlap bi-directionally, with an overlap width of no less than 200mm on each side.
Door, window, and opening junctions: When encountering door or window openings, a standard piece of mesh should be added at a 45-degree angle at each of the four corners of the opening to prevent cracking. The left and right overlap width of the mesh should be 150mm, and the top and bottom overlap width should be 100mm. At internal corners, an additional 400mm layer of mesh should be applied locally. All mesh at the finishing edges must be pressed firmly back over the external corner.
