When installing an external wall insulation system, the insulation board is only one part of the overall build-up. After the insulation has been fixed, additional materials are used to create a reinforced surface before the final render is applied.
Insulation mesh is one of these important materials. It is incorporated into the basecoat layer and forms part of the reinforced surface of a suitable EWI system.
But what exactly is insulation mesh, where is it used, and what should you consider when choosing it?
What Is Insulation Mesh?
Insulation mesh is a reinforcing material used within suitable external wall insulation and rendering systems.
It is commonly made from fibreglass and is embedded into the basecoat applied over insulation boards. Rather than being the visible outer layer, the mesh sits within the reinforced layer beneath the primer and final render.
This makes fibreglass reinforcing mesh an important component to consider when putting together an EWI materials list.
Why Is Insulation Mesh Used?
The main purpose of insulation mesh is to form part of the reinforced layer over the insulation.
An external wall insulation system typically contains several layers, with each material performing a particular role. The reinforcing mesh works together with the basecoat to create the prepared surface for the finishing stages.
A simplified EWI build-up can look like:
Wall → Insulation Board → Fixings → Basecoat & Insulation Mesh → Primer → External Render
The precise arrangement depends on the selected system and manufacturer's requirements.
Where Is Insulation Mesh Used?
Insulation mesh can be used in suitable:
- External wall insulation systems
- EWI applications
- ETICS systems
- Render systems
- Reinforced basecoat layers
It can be particularly relevant when EPS insulation boards or other suitable insulation products are being finished with an external render system.
The specific mesh should always be selected according to the intended application and system specification.
Fibreglass Reinforcing Mesh
Fibreglass reinforcing mesh is a common type of mesh used in suitable EWI and rendering applications.
It is supplied as a mesh material that can be incorporated into the basecoat layer. Once installed correctly, it forms part of the reinforced surface beneath the finishing materials.
When buying fibreglass mesh, check the individual product specification rather than assuming that every mesh product is suitable for every EWI system.
Insulation Mesh and Basecoat
Insulation mesh is normally used together with a suitable basecoat.
The basecoat is applied over the insulation before the mesh is embedded into the layer. Further basecoat may then be applied according to the system and application method.
This creates the reinforced surface onto which the subsequent finishing products can be applied.
The basecoat and mesh should therefore be considered together when planning an EWI system.
Insulation Mesh and EPS Boards
EPS insulation boards are commonly used within suitable external wall insulation systems.
Once the EPS boards have been installed and secured, the reinforced layer can be formed using compatible basecoat and reinforcing mesh.
Infinity PM supplies EPS insulation boards, insulation fixings, basecoat products and reinforcing mesh, allowing customers to consider these components together when sourcing EWI materials.
Insulation Mesh and External Render
The mesh sits below the final render rather than acting as the decorative finish itself.
A typical system can include:
- External wall
- Insulation adhesive
- Insulation board
- Mechanical fixings
- Basecoat
- Reinforcing mesh
- Primer
- External render
The exact layers and products vary between systems.
The final render provides the visible finish, while the mesh forms part of the reinforced layer underneath.
What Should You Look for When Buying Insulation Mesh?
Not every reinforcing mesh is automatically suitable for every application.
Before purchasing, consider:
- Intended use
- EWI system requirements
- Mesh specification
- Compatibility with the basecoat
- Compatibility with the insulation system
- Manufacturer requirements
- Quantity required
- Installation requirements
If the mesh is being used as part of a proprietary EWI system, check the relevant system information before selecting individual components.
Insulation Mesh for Trade Projects
For trade and building projects, insulation mesh is usually one part of a wider materials list.
Depending on the system, you may also require:
- EPS insulation boards
- Insulation adhesive
- Mechanical insulation fixings
- Basecoat
- Base tracks
- Corner beads
- Stop beads
- Render primer
- External render
Planning these materials together can help you establish what is required for the complete EWI installation.
Insulation Mesh from Infinity PM
Infinity PM supplies insulation mesh and related EWI materials for UK trade and building projects.
The range includes fibreglass reinforcing mesh alongside products such as EPS insulation boards, insulation fixings, basecoat, profiles, primers and external render.
Customers can explore the Insulation Mesh category alongside EWI Materials, EWI Insulation Boards, EPS Insulation Boards, Insulation Fixings and Render Systems.
Final Thoughts
Insulation mesh is an important component within many external wall insulation and rendering systems. It is incorporated into the basecoat to create part of the reinforced layer beneath the final external finish.
When choosing fibreglass reinforcing mesh, it is important to consider the insulation system, basecoat, substrate and manufacturer's requirements.
For an EWI project, the mesh should be viewed as part of the complete system rather than as an isolated product.
FAQs
What is insulation mesh?
Insulation mesh is a reinforcing material used within suitable EWI and render systems. It is typically embedded into a basecoat layer over insulation.
What is fibreglass reinforcing mesh used for?
Fibreglass reinforcing mesh is used as part of the reinforced layer in suitable external wall insulation and rendering applications.
Does insulation mesh go over EPS boards?
In suitable EWI systems, reinforcing mesh is incorporated into the basecoat layer applied over the insulation boards.
Is insulation mesh the same as render mesh?
The terms can sometimes be used for similar reinforcing products, but the correct product should be selected according to its intended application and system specification.
Does insulation mesh replace insulation fixings?
No. Mesh and mechanical insulation fixings perform different roles within an EWI system. Where fixings are specified, they should be selected separately according to the system requirements.
Can I use any mesh with an EWI system?
Not necessarily. The mesh should be compatible with the basecoat and the wider EWI system. Always check the relevant product and system specification before use.