In building sector, glass fiber meshes represent a significant solution in structural reinforcement and protection from environmental stress.
Their main function is in fact to resist traction, i.e. to distribute loads and tensions homogeneously, preventing the formation of cracks.
What are fiberglass meshes? And how are they obtained?
Before delving into the applications and characteristics, let's try to understand what networks are glass fiber.
The starting point is monolithic glass which is spun into fibers with a diameter of less than a tenth of a millimetre. This process, defined spinning, gives the material high mechanical resistance. The glass melted at high temperatures is then stretched, according to the desired diameter, through a platinum die.
Each yarn is treated with a defined sizing sizing, made up of organic materials dispersed in water, polymers or resins of various nature. The sizing treatment, which coats the surface of the fiber glass, varies depending on the composition of this mixture and determines:
- the color of the network;
- the workability of the fiber;
- compatibility with other materials, such as resins;
- the cohesion of the yarns that form the fabric, i.e. the resistance of the glass fiber nets.
The fibers thus obtained are covered with a further coating (composed of bitumen or resins of different nature) and intersected orthogonally to create a mesh. This process of coating allows you to increase the performance of the material and its resistance to aging.
Features and strengths
Glass fiber meshes generally have the following properties:
- compatibility with building materials and mortars;
- high resistance to traction, seismic and static actions;
- high resistance to corrosion, alkali environments, atmospheric agents and UV rays;
- amagnetism;
- no electrical conductivity;
- very low thermal conductivity;
- recyclability and durability;
- lightness, flexibility, easy installation and handling.
Applications
Glass fiber meshes are mainly used as a support for walls, both in the construction of new buildings and for renovations, and as reinforcement to consolidate secondary elements (floors, attics, wall partitions).
They are divided into structural and non-structural, depending on the type of processing and final use. With respect to this last property, the following distinctions can be made:
- structural fiberglass meshes. Ideal for situations in which a mechanical resistance performance of the system above the norm is required or as reinforcement for the plinths.
- Anti-cracking nets and plaster holders, used in the creation of screeds, castings and plasters.
- Nets for thermal insulation, aimed at reinforcing the state of smoothing applied on the panels insulating materialbefore finishing.
- Shaving nets. They improve the distribution of stress on the treated surface.
- Nets for liquid sheaths. They promote homogeneous distribution of the product on the treated surface and greater stability of the waterproofing material.
Through their use, fiberglass meshes contribute to offering safety, durability and long-term sustainability to building structures.
Sources: gavazzispa.it, academy.dakota.eu,lavoroncasa.it
