Expanded Metal Lath Offers Wall Reinforcement and Prevents Cracking

Expanded metal lath is widely used in wall, ceiling, and various building plastering applications, providing reinforcement and renovation of joints and cracks. Its superior plaster bonding properties make it an excellent choice for enhancing crack resistance.

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Our range of expanded metal lath products includes diamond mesh flat lath, self-furring lath, paper-backed lath, and corner mesh, catering to your specific construction needs.

Manufactured from galvanized steel sheets, our expanded metal lath is primarily intended for internal use.

What is Metal Lath?

Metal lath, also referred to as steel lath or expanded metal lath, is a construction material designed as a backing for plaster or similar finishes. It comprises thin, flat sheets of metal cut and expanded to create a diamond-shaped hole pattern. Typically made from galvanized steel, it prevents rust and corrosion and is suitable for both interior and exterior walls and ceilings.

The diamond-shaped pattern creates a secure surface for plaster adherence and enhances the bond between the finish and the underlying wall or ceiling. Additionally, metal lath provides a "key" or mechanical bond, preventing cracking and peeling of finishes over time.

What is Metal Lath Used for?

Plaster metal lath is utilized to mitigate wall cracking in both pumped and trowel applications. The mesh serves as support for plaster lath in walls and ceilings and is also applied on building facades to support plaster finishes.

Moreover, metal lath may be employed to support poured concrete ceilings, although it may not offer sufficient strength for thick pours without additional reinforcement.

Depending on the building's age, various types of plaster supports, including wood lath, gypsum board lath, and metal lath, may be observed. Crack patterns may emerge along the edges of metal lath segments if the lath is not adequately secured.

Metal lath for plaster systems is categorized into four groups, each with specific properties tailored for different applications.

Plaster Metal Lath

 Expanded metal lath

Diamond mesh gypsum lath is crafted from metal sheets cut into a diamond pattern and expanded into shape. Modern diamond mesh lath is available in various metals, including galvanized and stainless steel, and conforms to ASTM 653, coming in different pre-formed shapes, such as:

• Flat diamond mesh slats

Diamond mesh lath is ideal for exterior stucco and stonework, serving as a plaster base for masonry walls.

• Corrugated Diamond Lath

• V-Groove Diamond Mesh Lath - According to current ASTM C revisions, metal lath applied to solid substrates must feature a 1/8" self-furring integration within the lath panel. (AMICO)

• Paper-backed metal lath for factory applications (galvanized)

 Extended Rib Lath 

If you're interested in learning more about Self-Furring V-Groove Diamond Mesh Lath, reach out to us for expert guidance!

Extended rib lath is akin to diamond mesh but includes added reinforcing ribs. It is utilized for installing stone and tile on walls or plastering interior ceilings. The reinforced ribbed strips allow installation spans of 19" oc, exceeding the standard 16" oc.

Currently, ribbed slats are available as 1/8" flat ribbed slats and 3/8" high ribbed slats for ceilings and soffits conforming to ASTM C.

 Wire Lath 

Wire lath (braided or welded wire - often called "chicken wire") 

Wire lath is a type of mesh made from thin, flexible wire. Typically manufactured from galvanized steel or aluminum, it finds use in various construction and DIY scenarios.

It is a common choice for reinforcing stucco and plaster walls, functioning similarly to metal lath by being affixed to walls or ceilings as a backing for plaster or stucco finishes. This mesh provides a surface for adherence and strengthens the bond between the finish and the underlying structure, helping to evenly distribute the weight to mitigate cracking and peeling.

Wire lath is also frequently used for fencing, especially for poultry or other small animals. It is cut to size and attached to posts to create an enclosure. The mesh's small openings keep the animals secure while allowing air and light to flow.

Plaster Metal Lath

 Slats 

Slats were once popular in the early days of metal lath usage and commonly utilized in commercial projects, especially when shot or gun-applied mortar or cement grout became prevalent.)

 Spray-on Slats

Spray-applied slats were primarily employed on the West Coast [of the United States], where mortar was sprayed onto the slats to enhance thickness.

Kraft paper is used in factories to avoid overspray, and the spaces between kraft strips allow visual alignment for the mechanical attachment of ribs to the substrate.

Ribbed strips are generally attached directly to vertical framing elements without solid board substrates.

About 

Linchuan

Linchuan focuses on supplying various metal lath products, including diamond metal lath, ribbed metal lath, and strip metal lath, all at competitively low wholesale prices.

By purchasing any metal mesh products from us, you will receive high-quality, durable, and reliable metal lath at affordable prices. If you need metal lath for your construction projects, please contact us for more information.

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