To prevent wall cracking, contractors generally advise homeowners to apply a layer of fiberglass mesh during wall construction as a preventative measure. Whether it's necessary is a matter of personal opinion. For example, in old house renovations or new houses where the cement mortar base is peeling, or at the junction of different wall materials, I personally think it's best to apply it. So, how to apply this fiberglass mesh is what we'll discuss today.
Fiberglass mesh, also called glass fiber mesh, is a new type of alkali-resistant product. This means that if efflorescence occurs on a cement wall, it can prevent it from affecting the putty layer. It has good alkali resistance, is corrosion-resistant, crack-resistant, and easy to apply.
How to apply crack-resistant fiberglass mesh to walls?
First, the mesh can only be applied to a cement-based wall surface, i.e., the plaster layer. Mix 108 construction adhesive with a little water and add it to the cement. Don't add too much cement; 3-4 trowel loads are enough. After mixing, apply the mixture to the wall surface, then apply the mesh, and smooth it with an aluminum alloy plate used for flatness testing.
Then, smooth it again with putty and continue with the normal wall decoration sequence. In most cases, only one layer of mesh fabric is applied, although there are exceptions where two layers are applied.
After applying the putty, it looks like this; you can't see any trace of the mesh fabric at all.
There's a small detail I must mention during the construction process: after finishing one wall, don't immediately work on the adjacent wall. Apply the mesh to the opposite wall first, and wait for it to dry completely before working on the adjacent wall. This will result in a more aesthetically pleasing, perfectly straight right angle between the walls. The painter also revealed to me that inexperienced painters often work right next to the wall. Pay close attention during construction; details determine success or failure!
Also, applying mesh fabric to the wall doesn't mean the wall won't crack anymore; it only addresses small cracks and reduces crazing!
