Fiberglass Mesh: What it is and How it Works

Fiberglass Mesh Details

As a key ingredient in GFRC, an alternative material now used in numerous construction and restoration projects due to its lightweight, durability, and flexibility, fiberglass mesh has an important role to play in helping GFRC deliver all these advantages.

What is Fiberglass Mesh?

Fiberglass mesh consists of alkali-resistant glass fibers. The glass fibers used in the mesh have three to four times the tensile strength of steel. It does not stretch like that of polypropylene. Known as being high modulus, this means that it can be more effective at stopping cracks from appearing whereas concrete does not have the same ability and tends to crack.

The fiberglass mesh offers many other advantages:

• It will never rust so it does not have to be protected from the elements.
• It is inorganic so it does not pose any health risks.
• It is non combustible so it will not burn, giving it superior fire retardant properties that natural stone cannot match.
• It is weather resistant, giving it an unmatched durability for projects that require a material that will regularly face water, wind, and temperature changes.
• It helps the GFRC to be flexible enough to form into different shapes and be used for a wide array of applications. The final material can even replicate cast stone, granite, limestone, terra cotta and even wood, which is why it is often used for historical restorations and renovations.
• It is lightweight, offering many cost and time benefits for construction or restoration projects. Its lighter weight also means that it imposes less of a load on the structure.
• It provides for easier installation.

Many who have used GFRC also find it to be a more attractive material for their projects, opening up more design and application opportunities for the construction company, architect, and building owner.

How does Fiberglass Mesh Work?

The fiberglass mesh provides reinforcement through tensile and flexural strength, holding together the other ingredients, including concrete, aggregates, water, additives and polymers. The amount of fiberglass mesh in a mix depends on the requirements of the construction project for which it is being used.

The fiberglass mesh works as a central part of the GFRC manufacturing process, which is usually developed by using one of two methods. The hand lay-up method introduces the fiberglass mesh as a mat that is layered with the other materials through a manual process. The chopped-strand-spray method introduces the fiberglass mesh into the concrete mix as it is being sprayed into the custom mold. Either manufacturing process uses the fiberglass mesh to create high-quality, custom products.

Free Estimates from Stromberg Architectural

Now used for a wide range of applications, including wall panels, domes, cornices, copings, fountains and more, GFRC is a cost-effective, energy-efficient alternative for numerous construction and remodeling projects. With years of experience and thousands of successful projects, Stromberg Architectural is your GFRC partner. To get your free estimate simply fill out our online contact form or call us at 903-454-0904.