The Guide to Expanded Metal: Basic Architectural Uses

Expanded metal has multiple industrial uses. But the most prominent is in construction.

It’s used to create a variety of structures – and for both commercial and residential purposes.

We’ll explain those below. We’ll provide a guide on the basic installments of expanded metal, and their importance.

(NOTE)

For reference, we recommend checking out Fratelli Mariani.

This company specializes in expanded metal applications, where they provide visual displays of the overall jobs they perform!

First – Fixing Systems for Expanded Metal

A cheap and quick solution, fixed systems work best indoors. They are best used in residential environments.

Here, there’s room for “affordable” corrections and adjustments after the initial installment.

You can also use them in an office environment. It’s a way to install expanded metal mesh that’s easily removable.

The Principles Behind Fixing

Here, an expanded metal mesh is installed on a frame that’s screwed into the target location.

That frame could be anything. It can be a timber frame or an aluminum sub-frame depending on your choice.

The metal mesh is then designed to match the dimensions of that specific frame.

Is There a Specific Metal Used for Mesh Wiring?

Yes. The most commonly used metal is aluminum.

Aluminum expanded metal mesh façade is used for many reasons. To start, it’s corrosion resistant, so it withstands climate change well.

Plus, it’s rust-resistant, which means it doesn’t discolor as fast.

Third, it’s lightweight. It’s anywhere from 60 to 70% lighter than steel variants, without lacking in strength.

This makes it comfortable for different types of frames, whether they be metal or timber!

Plus, it makes installation easier. Less heavy-duty equipment is required to setup aluminum mesh facades.

And this means you create large frames out of that metal!

How Large Can Frames Be?

As large as you like. But this depends on the application of the expanded metal.

Expanded metal mesh sheet sizes can extend for multiple meters in length.

In those cases, they’re used for the design of large cages – ventilated storage lockers, etc.

But in most situations (where they’re used as a decorative), expect them to take up a minor part of a wall’s width.

That is, an expanded metal façade can cover a door/window in most situations.

But for larger and wider applications, you can look at mounting systems.

Those tend to be stronger and sturdier, and have longer lifespans after production!

Second – Mounting Systems for Expanded Metal

Mounting systems are installed within the structure of the building.

A mounted mesh sheet isn’t fixed through the use of frames. Instead, it can be fixed deeply into a wall.

And much of the time, it’s done through tightly fit brackets.

Another Type – Concrete Slab Brackets

Those are used for outdoor installation projects.

They’re also called “reinforced concrete.” Here, steel brackets are embedded into concrete slabs, strengthening their structure.

Those tend to be used for large projects. Specifically, they’re used in high-rise “multi-story” buildings.

Expanding Building Structures

And this is where the idea of custom mounts comes in.

If you own a building, you can expand its size. You can even add spaces outside for the display of advertising or special decorations.

Those are all done with mounting systems – which are dug into reinforced concrete.

Spacing

One of the advantages of mounting mesh wire is space control.

You can control how far away the metal mesh is from the wall. It can be quite close, which is suitable indoors.

Or, you can distance it out. This works best on outer walls of buildings, giving them a larger appearance.

Time to Learn More

Maybe you’re doing a decorative renovation job for your home/office building…

Or, maybe you need wire mesh for architectural solutions that are more practical.

Whatever your needs are, be sure to contact their expert. Get their help on the metal you need and its specs!

Posted by Maya

Maja Markovski is an architect and the founder of ArchitectureArtDesigns.com, a leading platform dedicated to inspiring creativity and innovation in architecture and design. Through insightful, well-researched content, Maja aims to foster a deeper understanding of how architecture and design shape the world, offering both practical advice and thought-provoking artistic perspectives for professionals, students, and design enthusiasts.