Wire Mesh vs Fiber Mesh: Are They Interchangeable?

Concrete can be reinforced with two different types of mesh: wire and fiber. These two materials are very different from one another, with each type having advantages and disadvantages that should be recognized. In this article, we'll go over those differences to ensure that you're able to pick the right type of mesh for your project, no matter what you're building or rebuilding.

What Is Wire Mesh?

Wire mesh reinforced concrete is a wire mesh that's positioned in the middle of concrete as it is poured. Once the wire mesh is in position inside the concrete, the concrete is left to cure. The purpose of the mesh inside the concrete is to prevent the concrete from cracking, and to improve the concrete's flexural strength. Wire mesh is kept in place with spacers and wire ties.

To install wire mesh in concrete, the wire mesh is laid down first, and concrete is poured on top of the mesh. Once some concrete is poured on top of the mesh, the mesh is lifted to be positioned partway up the thickness of the concrete rebar. Finally, more concrete is poured over the mesh, and the concrete is allowed to cure with mesh in the middle.

When to Use Wire Mesh in Concrete

Wire mesh is suitable for horizontal slabs. Wire mesh comes in rolls that is cut to size and laid down in the area where the concrete is poured. The concrete is poured on the mesh, and then mesh is lifted slightly to be positioned in the middle of the concrete. Wire mesh is easily tangled and needs to be detangled before it can be laid down for the pour.

Advantage of Wire Mesh

There are many advantages and benefits of wire mesh, including:

• Wire mesh bars don't shift their position when the concrete is poured on top, because they're welded together in a grid. This ensures the mesh is doing its job.
• Wire mesh bars come in rolls that are easily transported onto the jobsite.
• Because mesh bars don't shift their position when concrete is poured on top, installation is relatively simple.

Disadvantages of Wire Mesh

Wire mesh can take up more space on the jobsite compared to fabric mesh, which is easily transported in bags. In addition, rolls of mesh can become tangled with each other, which can slow progress. Wire mesh can also deteriorate over time.

Cost of Wire Mesh

Wire mesh costs an average of $1.04 and $1.21 per square foot. This does not include any labor costs or time spent on installation.

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What is Fiber Mesh?

Fiber mesh is a mesh made up of a variety of materials including glass fibers, natural fibers, synthetic fibers and steel fibers. Fiber mesh concrete can be used in patios, sidewalks, pathways and driveways. Fiber mesh helps concrete retain its toughness and improve its impact resistance.

Unlike the wire mesh, which is laid down in a single layer throughout the concrete, fiber mesh is mixed evenly into wet concrete before it's poured. There are two types of fiber mesh that help protect concrete: microfiber and macrofiber. Microfiber is a very thin mesh that helps prevent the concrete from cracking while it's still wet, and macrofiber helps keep cracks in dried concrete to a small, manageable size. Because wire mesh is distributed evenly throughout the concrete, it provides support throughout the concrete structure.

When to Use Fiber Mesh in Concrete

Fiber mesh is appropriate for flooring applications and delicate concrete forms. Fiber mesh is also appropriate for pillars, beams, and bridges, but only when paired with steel reinforcement.

Fiber mesh comes in water-soluble bags in pre-determined weights. The bags are added to the back of the mix truck during the concrete's final mixing stages. The fibers need to be well mixed in order to be properly distributed throughout the concrete, so the truck spins the concrete on high speed. Fibers that are not given adequate time to mix with the concrete will form clumps.

When the concrete is ready to be poured, it's poured in the same manner that traditional concrete is poured. Pouring mesh fiber concrete is quick and efficient. This process requires less labor and fewer people, compared to wire mesh.

Advantage of Fiber Mesh

There are many advantages and benefits of fiber mesh, including:

• Fiber mesh is easy to work with. It does not become tangled up like wire mesh, and mixing it with a load of concrete is easy.
• Synthetic fibers in fiber mesh is corrosion resistant.
• Fiber mesh is generally cheaper than wire mesh.

Disadvantages of Fiber Mesh

While fiber mesh is overall easier to use than wire mesh, there are some disadvantages to using this product, including:

• Clumping. Synthetic fibers are prone to clumping together. If enough time is spent mixing the fibers in the wet concrete, it will mix evenly.
• Time consuming. It's important to allow fibers enough time to mix with the wet concrete before laying it down.
• Fibers can appear in the surface of the concrete. The synthetic fibers can poke up through the surface of the concrete.

Cost of Fiber Mesh

Fiber mesh costs between $0.13 and $0.38 per square foot, depending on the type being installed.

Which Should You Choose for Your Project? Wire Mesh or Fiber Mesh for Concrete?

Fiber and wire mesh can often be used interchangeably in flooring applications. Fiber mesh is more appropriate for delicate concrete forms and thin layers of concrete, versus wire mesh, which is generally used for thicker concrete forms.

To get the best mesh for your upcoming concrete project, contact Bracing Systems. Call today to learn more about our fiber and wire mesh for concrete. We only sell the highest quality construction materials and products in Hanover Park and the Chicagoland area. Contact us today to get started on your order for wire or fiber mesh for concrete, or to learn more about wire mesh vs fiber mesh.