Roads
Strengthens the surface
What is Steel Reinforcement Mesh?
- 02.12.19
- Reinforcing
What is steel reinforcement mesh? Here’s everything you need to know.
Redoing your driveway or laying down some concrete slabs in the garden? Then you’ll need to buy quality steel reinforcement mesh. The concept of steel reinforcing was first developed by a French gardener called Joseph Monier, who, in 1849, ditched fragile concrete planters and began experimenting with pouring concrete over steel mesh. Since then, steel reinforcement mesh, otherwise known as reinforced matting, has become an integral product for any major construction job.
It can be used in a variety of ways for its strength, durability, flexibility and is renowned for its versatility. It’s manufactured from welded wire fabric or prefabricated steel reinforcement material.
To give you an idea of what it can be used for and how it works, take a look below.
“…steel reinforced mesh, otherwise known as reinforced matting, has become an integral product for any major construction job."
Walls & Structures
Reinforces the integrity
Flooring & Foundations
Durable and sustainable
Construction Projects
Versatile for any project size
When is steel reinforcement mesh needed?
Steel reinforcement mesh is used in areas of construction where only a certain amount of flexibility is allowed.
It provides a solid foundation for concrete structures, without reinforcement creating the structure would be impossible. The mesh is immersed into concrete and during setting, it grips the reinforcing bars tightly to create a solid foundation. A reinforced mesh can be used to strengthen a variety of commercial and residential concrete structures including driveways, concrete structures, concrete house structures and footpaths.
Steel reinforcement mesh vs rebar – what’s the difference?
When working with concrete you’ll sometimes have to choose between rebar and steel reinforcement mesh – but which one should you use?
The truth is, both products will provide fantastic reinforcement and come with long-lasting benefits. It’s just a matter of weighing up the pros and cons to fit your needs.
Firstly, it all depends on the application and where the concrete is going. Let’s explore.
Rebar
As the name suggests, rebar is in a ‘bar’ shape made from steel, which can be placed flat or stood straight in the concrete.
Like steel reinforcement mesh, it works as a reinforcing agent in concrete to help support walls, posts, floor slabs and many other types of construction projects.
In relation to building a footpath, rebar will stop any cracks that do appear from spreading or weakening the slab. There are several different grades and sizes of steel, depending on what strength level you need. Its main pros are is that it provides amazing tensile strength and is resistant to corrosion. However, it doesn’t cover the same size/diameter specifications and isn’t as versatile as steel reinforcement mesh.
Steel reinforcement mesh
Steel reinforcement mesh/reinforced matting is used on a variety of construction projects due to its versatility and the variety of sizes on offer. It’s best utilised when dealing with flat concrete areas, such as floors and walls – in particular, those with a thickness of less than one foot.
By having steel reinforcement mesh underneath the concrete, it helps stop the slabs from cracking. However, it must be fitted correctly. In some cases, the concrete will crack regardless. But the steel reinforcement mesh will give it a solid foundation to ensure it doesn’t completely collapse or weaken the structure.
Steel reinforcement mesh also allows a lot more shaping of the concrete, which isn’t possible with rebar. To protect it from corrosion, go for one that’s made from stainless steel.
If you need a tailor-made solution to cover an array of areas in your project, the flexible qualities of the steel reinforcement mesh make it the safest choice between the two. However, we always recommend talking to an expert like us before starting any major construction job.
For further information or to order please call +44 (0)121-557-2191 or email enquiries@hickmanandlove.co.uk we look forward to hearing from you.
“If you need a tailor-made solution to cover an array of areas in your project, the flexible qualities of the steel reinforcement mesh make it the safest choice between the two.”