The unique demands of the job site require materials that are strong, safe, and secure. One of which are metal meshes. Although their versatility provides a material that can be used for different applications, not all meshes are created equal. Expanded metal is the preferred choice. Not only is it strong, safe and secure, but it is also lightweight—important for use in both construction and architectural applications.
Safe, strong, secure, lightweight expanded metal excels in diverse applications
The manufacturing process is quite simple. A metal coil is unwound and fed between a set of knives. Contrary to popular belief, the knives do not punch the metal. Rather, it is slit and simultaneously stretched which produces expanded metal’s signature diamond pattern.
This yields more finished product from the raw with the added benefit of producing little to no waste. Instead of being made from separate strands that require assembly, it is a single sheet that is lightweight, has an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio, and has no points that can separate. It can be made from aluminum, steel or other metal, and coatings such as paint or powder coat can be applied.
Job Site Safety: It’s Priority One
According to OSHA, falls such as through skylights and other rooftop openings are the leading cause of deaths in the construction industry.
These openings must be secured with approved anti-fall measures. When properly installed, expanded metal can meet rooftop safety requirements by screening skylights and restricting access to hatches and openings.
Falling tools and equipment can be lethal. Expanded metal screens placed at every floor of a multistory construction prevents items from falling multiple levels.
Visitors In, Trespassers Out
Job sites are even more dangerous for visitors and trespassers who are unfamiliar with its risks. Expanded metal fencing is an effective deterrent from theft, vandalism and uninvited guests. The openings and strands can be optimized to restrict views of equipment. Tops can be left with shears that are extremely sharp, prohibiting someone from climbing over. The fencing can also serve as a dedicated safety corridor to keep visitors from wandering into unauthorized areas.
Additional Uses for the Job Site
Masonry: Used as anti-cracking reinforcement by installing it into the layer of mortar between a row of bricks. It can also be used for the keying of mortar to support brick or stone façades.
Vent Mesh: Prevents insects, birds, rodents and in some cases, embers from entering an attic or crawlspace while allowing air to circulate. Plaster Backing: Used to reinforce areas prone to cracking such as around doors, windows, corners or ceilings. Once the plaster is dry, it can be smoothed using a drywall rasp that has a flattened expanded metal surface.
Additional Job Site Uses: Filters, sifters, machine safety, equipment guards, tool cribs, ceiling and wall panels, façades.
Going Green with Expanded Metal
Expanded metal’s primary environmental advantage is its sustainability: It is 100% recyclable.
From a supplier standpoint, expanded metal is routinely sourced from metal suppliers that typically include 20 to 35% recycled metal, with some suppliers using up to 40%. In accordance with the USGBC LEED 2009 recycled content requirements, high-recycled content steel contains 40 to 57.5% recycled content that can be utilized in calculating LEED MR Credit 4–Recycled Content.
Customizing Expanded Metal
To meet your needs, all dimensions can be optimized including strand width and pitch, the size of the openings, material thickness, specific weight and open area percentage. Smaller openings provide privacy or security while larger openings allow light and air to pass. The strand pitch and widths can protect from dangerous equipment or limit a line of sight. Should a decorative pattern be needed, in most cases only a swap of the tooling is required.
Manuel E. Menchaca, MBA, is the senior marketing manager at Wallner Expac Inc., Ontario, Calif. To learn more, email mmenchaca@expac.com or visit www.expac.com.
