Reinforcement Mesh

We hold large stock levels of reinforcement mesh in standard size and merchant size year round. The chart below shows the dimensions we maintain stock for. However, we're also able to supply fabric in most sizes and cut and bent to your specifications.

All reinforcement mesh is manufactured to BS4483 standard.

Reinforcement mesh is a hugely versatile reinforcement product, being widely used for a variety of applications. It is predominantly used as reinforcing fabric in concrete slabs; being immersed in concrete and vastly increasing the structural rigidity of a construction. Steel mesh fabric has a similar coifficient of thermal expansion to concrete, meaning that with temperature fluctuations, both concrete the steel embedded in it expand and contract at similar rates. This makes it an ideal material to help reinforce concrete structures.

For domestic applications such as pathways, driveways and garden groundwork, the most commonly used mesh fabric is A142. A142 is manufactured with 6mm longitudal and cross wires, and is relatively light and easy to manuever into place. Because the expected loads placed on the concrete slab are low, relatively speaking, there is not as much need for heavy duty mesh.

For more heavier duty domestic applications, A193 and A252 are advised. Examples of these applications would be house extensions and high load driveways.

If a large area is to be covered, particularly in industrial applications, mesh can be overlapped. It is important to ensure that at least 350mm of mesh overlaps. With double layer mesh, the two layers should be tied together appropriately.

It is also vital that mesh is vertically situated correctly, with enough cover above and below the mesh to ensure optimum effectiveness. A minimum of 50mm above and below reinforcement fabric is vital. This can be achieved using a number of reinforcement products such as plastic spacers, steel highchairs, or padstones.

All structural reinforcement designs should be checked over by a qualified structural engineer before work is initiated.