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Expanded mesh metal lath for plaster walls and ceilings © Daniel Friedman Expanded Metal Lath System FAQs
Q&A on metal lath Interior Plaster & Exterior Stucco

FAQS about the types of metal lath used as a plaster base for building interior ceilings & walls and for supporting stucco exteriors.

This article series provides a photo guide to identifying and installing types of plaster support systems: metal lath, wire lath, etc. that are installed in buildings. We use building ceilings and walls as a photo and investigation guide to plaster and mortar lath systems.

In this article series we describe and discuss the identification and history of older interior building surface materials such plaster, plaster board, split wood lath, sawn lath, and expanded metal lath, Beaverboard, and Drywall - materials that were used to form the (usually) non-structural surface of building interior ceilings and walls.

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- Daniel Friedman, Publisher/Editor/Author - See WHO ARE WE?

Expanded Mesh Metal Lath for Plaster Walls & Ceilings

Plaster lath board © Daniel FriedmanThese questions and replies about types of metal lath used for plaster and stucco systems were posted originally at PLASTER LATH, METAL - you will enjoy the added information given there.

[Click to enlarge any image]

On 2018-11-18 by (mod) - is there asbestos in some old plaster

In some mixes, yes

See details at PLASTER ASBESTOS CONTENT

On 2018-11-17 by Bobby garner

Was asbestos used plaster compound in the 1940s

Question: which way up does the diamond lath go on walls?

How to install and apply plaster to expanded metal mesh (diamond mesh):

Wire mesh lath used as a plaster base (C) Daniel Friedman InspectApedia.comI have heard contradicting information about the direction of the lath.

When I drag my hand from top down should the direction of the lath be biting at my hand or should it bite at my hand when I drag my hand from bottom up.

I read in one of your articles that “expanded metal lath must be installed with the correct side pointed up or the plaster will slip off when troweled on”. To me this means that my hand should drag (bite) when pulled from top down

Do you align with my interpretation and if this is your answer is your answer documented anywhere? - M.H., Construction Administrator

Reply: How to Install Metal Lath for Plaster or Stucco Systems

I agree with your surmise about the proper lath direction, but I'll also do some research and add that detail to our article when I can cite an authoritative source.

I suspect, however, that this technical point may be over-stated in that the same diamond mesh lath is used on ceilings where the direction of the mesh won't make difference in the adhesion of the plaster.

In any case it's the plaster ears or mortar keys that are formed by plaster that is pushed through the lath that make the plaster or mortar mix adhere soundly to the metal lath.

That's also why metal lath that is nailed too tightly to a smooth surface with no air gap behind may not give great results.

See these

Metal Lath Installation Guides

Question:

(Mar 6, 2013) jake said:

In the first picture on PLASTER LATH, METAL I see some black metal wire studs. I have these in my condo. Do you know what the name of this type of stud is?

Reply:

Jake those are metal roof trusses

Question:

(Apr 6, 2015) Mike said:
Would anyone know the size of staples (Florida code) used to secure the lath. I know its every 7"on center.


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