Expanded galvanised mesh in blockwork -advice please!

[Rob broom]

Hi all!

I am currently building a 2 story extension.

It’s a cavity wall, with 7n dense blocks outer leaf and a 3.6n aerated blocks for the inner leaf.

What are peoples thoughts on expanded galvanised mesh?

Do I need to use it in the blockwork?
Is it vital?
Is it overkill?
Should I use it on only the inner leaf?
Does it reduce the chance of the aerated blocks cracking?

any suggestions would be welcome!

thanks

 

[23vc]

Why do you think you need it? It’s only used in specific, not very common situations

 

[Rob broom]

Thank for the reply 23vc.

To answer your question , I simply didn’t know if I needed it or not. I’m fairly new to building and I’m learning all the time.

I built an extension last year and had a few cracks in the aerated blocks.

fortunately, they havnt got any worse and I think they have settled.

I wondered if I had missed a trick by not using mesh???

I didn’t want to make the same error again, that was all.

cheers

 

[23vc]

Aerated blocks (in particular) are prone to the odd vertical shrinkage crack, totally normal and hard to avoid. Proper storage and correct mix helps but won’t totally eliminate it. I don’t think bedding mesh in the wall is the answer and after trying to lay a few courses you’ll agree…