How do I install reinforcing mesh for a floor?

You have it all figured out. You are going to make the floor for the extension yourself. You can do it! But then you start to have doubts. How am I going to deal with the flying ends? Which way should I lay them? Don't worry, we explain it all in our new instructional video. Even if you already have experience, it is of course useful to check whether you can do it more conveniently.

Instructional video for reinforcing mesh with flying ends has been pimped

Since 2015, we have had a video online of how to lay reinforcing mesh for a floor. It is our most watched video. Time for an update! In the new video is more explanation and has a different look. A look that matches our videos about rebar cages. The way of laying the mesh has remained the same.

The updated video

We get the most questions about installing reinforcing mesh with flying ends, which is why they have been given the main role in the video. There are also other ways to assemble your mesh. But the way explained in the video is the easiest way to explain and understand. And, of course, it is a good way.

Why mesh with flying ends?

We have written about this before, but it remains a point of attention. For a floor, it is advisable to use mesh with flying ends. The reinforcing steel of the mesh must overlap. This is necessary to ensure that the tensile force in the reinforcing steel is absorbed by the reinforcing mesh. If you were to lay reinforcing mesh next to each other (instead of on top of each other) and tie them together, you would get weak spots in the reinforcement of the concrete. The concrete may crack at these spots. To avoid having many layers of reinforcement because of the overlap, it is best to use mesh with flying ends. The drawing below explains this.

 
Figure 1: Overlap of mess with and without fling ends

How much should the steel overlap?

The length the reinforcing mesh should overlap, is called the lapping length. You can also use individual bars to connect mesh together. The amount of lapping length depends on the diameter of the steel. A rough guideline for this is 50 times the diameter of the steel. But if you buy mats with flying ends, you don't have to think about it. The  flying ends automatically have the right lapping length.

Please note: one more important point of attention

If, after watching the video, you are completely convinced that you will succeed and actually order the mesh, pay attention to the net surface area! The product overviews show the total dimensions of the mesh. So you know exactly how big they are. But because of the flying ends and overlap, the net area is smaller. This can be found in the specifications of the mesh. It's a bit tricky to calculate, but we have a handy solution for that too! Go to the reinforcing mesh calculator on the website. Here you can simply fill in the surface area of your floor. You will then receive advice on the type of mesh and the quantity required. Of course, the net surface area is taken into account. In addition to the reinforcing mesh, the calculator also helps you find lattice girders and spacers.

• Our reinforcing mesh calculator takes all  points of attention into account: 
  - the steel  should overlap
  - mesh with flying ends automatically have the right lapping length
  - takes into account the net area of the mesh

Get started!

After watching the video, are you eager to get started? You can fill up your shopping basket with reinforcing mesh and order directly. But you can also let us work out your project for you. We will then use our reinforcement knowledge to determine which materials you need and how you can best go about your project. So please do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to help you.