Metal lath is used as a platform to embed and attach the stucco cementitious membrane to the structural members of the building. Without the lath there would be little or no way to apply stucco to open frame or sheathed construction.

What’s a metal lath?

Metal lath, a mesh formed by expanding a perforated metal sheet, is made in a variety of forms (diamond-mesh, flat-ribbed, and wire lath).

How do you fasten metal lath?

Lath is to be wire tied at 9” on center at edges, ends and at laps between framing members. On plywood sheathing only, lath may be nailed or stapled in lieu of tying at the same center spacing noted above. Corner beads shall be used to protect all external corners with a plumb and true edge.

How do you attach metal lath to concrete?

Hold the lath against the wall with the diamonds created from expanding the mesh pointed upward. Secure it in place using 7/8-inch concrete nails with a washer over the nail shaft to hold down the mesh strands. Drive the nails through the mesh into the concrete wall using a hammer.

When was metal lath used?

Metal lath dates from the late 19th century and is used extensively today with plaster and stucco in home and commercial construction.

Do I need metal lath on cement board?

What surface do I need metal lath on? For all exterior applications, install metal lath and scratch coat on the structurally sound rigid sheathing. Note: However, for clean and unpainted concrete and masonry surfaces, stone veneer may be directly applied without use of metal lath/scratch coat.

How thick is a metal lath?

Thickness: Standard diamond metal lath: 1/8″. Depth of dimples and grooves: 1/4″. Overall depth of the lath: 5/16″ (7.9 mm).

What gauge is metal lath?

K-LATH® 17 gauge Woven Wire.

What type of lath is used for stucco?

Rib Metal Lath

In the stucco industry rib lath is more commonly used for ceilings and soffits than for walls. Rib lath comes without a paper backing but for stucco spray applications can be manufactured with paper strips attached along the mesh areas to inhibit blow-by.

How do you install metal lath on drywall?

Be sure to attach the lath horizontally. The surface should feel rough as you rub your hand upward. Install lath with a minimum 1” overlap on horizontal and vertical seams. Lath on inside and outside corners should be wrapped completely around the corner to the next stud and attached every 6”.

How do you cut lath?

A diamond blade can also cut through metal lath, which was sometimes added over wood lath at corners and archways. Cutting with a grinder whips up tons of dust. You can also use an oscillating tool equipped with a diamond or carbide- grit blade, which will cut slower but with less mess.

Can you use metal lath for stucco?

For more than 50 years, expanded diamond-mesh metal lath has been regarded as an integral component of stucco building exteriors, which consist of cement or gypsum plaster applied over wood or gypsum sheathing.

How do you nail metal lath?

Attach the lath to wood framing with 1-1/2-inch roofing nails. Nails should be 16 inches on center with no more than a six inch vertical spacing. When attaching lath to wood sheathing, 1-1/2 inch staples with a 3/4-inch crown should be used.

How do you attach something to concrete without drilling?

A common way to secure wooden items to concrete without drill is by using epoxy glue systems. This glue is specifically manufactured for these problems. Before opting for this method, you need to thoroughly clean off and dry the wood for them to bond correctly.

What year did they stop using plaster walls?

Most houses built before 1940 have lath and plaster walls that need regular inspections and repairs. If you live in a house built before 1940 and the walls haven’t been updated, they are most likely plaster.

What was before drywall?

Before drywall became widely used, building interiors were made of plaster. For hundreds of years, walls and ceilings have been constructed by placing layers of wet plaster over thousands of wooden strips called laths.

What year did they stop using lath and plaster?

Lath and plaster largely fell out of favour in the U.K. after the introduction of plasterboard in the 1930s. In Canada and the United States, wood lath and plaster remained in use until the process was replaced by transitional methods followed by drywall in the mid-twentieth century.