DIY Builds
Photo by Esranur Kalay Pexels Logo Photo: Esranur Kalay

Does wire mesh keep concrete from cracking?

Concrete Wire Mesh Helps Minimize Concrete Slab Cracking and Settling. In fact, the best way to minimize the chance of cracking and settling is to use fiber mesh and WWM in the same slab. Like any structural product, WWM won't do its job unless it's installed correctly.

probuilder.com - Do Concrete Slabs Really Need Welded Wire Mesh?
Is it cheaper to build or buy a table?
Is it cheaper to build or buy a table?

Building solid wood furniture is often less expensive than buying it since most of the cheap furniture available to buy is made from engineered...

Read More »
Last updated Sep 20, 2021
How do you anchor a steel building to the ground?
How do you anchor a steel building to the ground?

To anchor a metal building properly, connecting bolts are embedded in the foundation. These bolts must be precisely positioned in the foundation...

Read More »
Last updated May 7, 2021
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
Promotion

The past decade has seen many production builders switch to synthetic fiber mesh reinforcement for concrete slabs to help reduce surface cracking. In the process, many of these builders have completely eliminated traditional welded wire mesh (WWM). But while fiber mesh has advantages, it also comes with potentially costly drawbacks. That may sound surprising, given that fiber’s big appeal is its time and money savings. By using it, builders don’t have to pay a premium for concrete wire mesh, and concrete contractors don’t have to take the time to correctly install it; in fact, some concrete contractors offer a price break for fiber mesh.

RELATED

The Problem of Ugly Cracks in Concrete Slabs

While fiber does reduce surface cracking, it won’t eliminate cracks completely. Worse, when a crack does develop, the lack of WWM can be a real weakness. That’s because properly installed WWM will keep the concrete on both sides of a crack from separating further and will keep them on the same plane—that is, prevent differential settling. Fiber mesh won’t. Repairs to differential settling don’t leave the greatest impression on homebuyers. You have to grind down the surface on either side of the crack, fill the gap with epoxy and try to smooth it all out (see below). Even when done well, this leaves a visible scar. While such scars are mostly cosmetic, they scream “poor workmanship” to customers, leading many to doubt the structural integrity of the home’s slab, at least. And of course, the builder has to pay for the repair. As use of fiber mesh use has grown, we’ve seen more and more of these problems on job sites ... but we’re also seeing more builders take notice. Soon after switching to fiber mesh, one of our clients found a dozen cracking and settling slabs at any given time. They reintroduced WWM and the problems virtually disappeared.

Settling Slabs and Underlying Soil Specs

The chance of differential settling depends largely on the underlying soil. Where the soil is sandy and stable, as in much of Florida, settling is less likely and fiber alone can be a reasonable choice. However, in areas with clay and other expansive soils, such as the Carolinas, correcting problems caused by the elimination of WWM can cost more in the long run than the initial cost savings associated with fiber mesh.

How do I keep rats out of my metal building?
How do I keep rats out of my metal building?

Strong odors like peppermint and cedar oil have long been used as deterrents for rodents, and these products are easy to apply around a metal shed...

Read More »
Last updated Nov 24, 2020
What is the 7 year boundary rule UK?
What is the 7 year boundary rule UK?

The Seven Year Rule So this is different from the so called 'Seven year rule' which comes from Section 157(4) of the Planning and Development Act...

Read More »
Last updated Jan 26, 2021

Concrete Wire Mesh Helps Minimize Concrete Slab Cracking and Settling

In fact, the best way to minimize the chance of cracking and settling is to use fiber mesh and WWM in the same slab. Like any structural product, WWM won’t do its job unless it’s installed correctly. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Proper installation that provides maximum strength requires the mesh to be raised off the ground so that when the concrete sets, it’s in the lower third of the slab depth. That means placing the wire on chairs to hold it at the correct height (see below). It’s crucial to ensure that welded wire mesh be placed on chairs of the proper height. Otherwise, the mesh won’t effectively hold the slab together. | Photos: courtesy IBACOS Wire that’s not placed on chairs will not be effective, but in the rush to get jobs done, some crews eliminate the chairs and roll the wire directly out over the plastic sheeting that covers the dirt. And when installers do use chairs, they must take care not to knock the wire off the chairs during the pour. If they do, then they need to reset the concrete wire mesh. Making sure all of this gets done right can be a training and quality assurance challenge for the builder, and avoiding that challenge may be one reason why so many opt for synthetic fiber for these applications. But in soils that make settling likely, this type of oversight really needs to be a priority. Richard Baker drives quality and performance in homebuilding as the building performance manager on the PERFORM Builder Solutions team at IBACOS.

probuilder.com - Do Concrete Slabs Really Need Welded Wire Mesh?
Can you use a shed as a guest house?
Can you use a shed as a guest house?

Whether you are needing backyard guest house sheds for the visiting in-laws to sleep, a hangout spot with friends, or a backyard AirBnB to make a...

Read More »
Last updated Jul 23, 2019
Do you need planning permission for small campsite?
Do you need planning permission for small campsite?

You must have planning permission for the campsite before you apply for a licence. You do not need a licence to run a campsite if: the site is used...

Read More »
Last updated Nov 1, 2021
What is the best wood for shed floor?
What is the best wood for shed floor?

pressure-treated plywood plywood for your shed floor. Ordinary exterior-grade plywood is made with weather-resistant glue, but the wood itself is...

Read More »
Last updated Nov 10, 2021
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »
Promotion
What are the disadvantages of knock down fittings?
What are the disadvantages of knock down fittings?

Low durability: Another disadvantage of flat-pack furniture is the damage due to its low sturdiness. Knock-down furniture is created from man-made...

Read More »
Last updated Oct 27, 2021