Frequently Asked Questions

• I'm doing a small concrete job - how many sheets of reinforcement mesh will I need?
• How many bar chairs will I need per sheet of reinforcement?
• How do I know what thickness of mesh I need for a particular application?
• I would like a colour finish. How do I achieve that?
• What is the coverage of the colour powder?
• Why should I use a sealer?
• How much sealer do I need?

For Mesh Users

I'm doing a small concrete job - how many sheets of reinforcement mesh will I need?

One sheet of reinforcement mesh is 6 metres long x 2.4 metres wide (makes 14.4m² ), however, to allow for overlapping. Simply measure your slab area and divide by 12.5 – this will give you the number of mesh reinforcement sheets you need. Example: Slab area in m² ÷ 12.5 = numbers of sheets of mesh reinforcement required.

How do I know what thickness of mesh I need for a particular application?

This question needs to be referred to a qualified engineer however, we will provide the following as a guide only.

The thickness of the mesh required will vary depending on the application.

• Paving for Patio or garden shed: 5mm mesh is usually sufficient (SL52*)
• Applications for vehicle traffic: Minimum of 6mm possibly 7mm. (SL62* or SL72*)
• Crossovers: Usually 7mm (SL72)
• House Slabs: 7mm or 8mm. (SL72 or SL82*)
• Slabs for Water Tanks: Usually 7mm (SL72)

IMPORTANT: Variables such as soil stability and engineering requirements may alter these guidelines. You should always consult a qualified engineer.

PLEASE NOTE: It is impossible to completely prevent concrete from cracking; however the correct use and thickness of mesh provides an improved likelihood of best results and stable slabs.

*SL(5,6,7,8)2 refers to the Australian Standard Code. Ie. SL52 is 5mm x 200mm, SL62 is 6mm x 200mm and so on.

For Steel Users

How many bar chairs will I need per sheet of reinforcement?

Approximately one chair per square metre is usually sufficient i.e. approximately 15 chairs per one sheet of mesh.

For General Hardware

I would like a colour finish. How do I achieve that?

There are generally three methods that can be used to add a colour finish to your concrete:

1. Blend a coloured oxide through the concrete during the mixing process.
2. Spread the pre-mixed colour hardener over the set concrete during the laying process then trowel to give a textured finish.
   The –pre-mixed color hardener also acts as a hardener providing a stronger finish.
3. Spray or paint on a coloured sealer.

What is the coverage of the colour powder?

This will depend on the colour of the pre-mixed colour hardener. The following is a guideline:

• For dark colours – 20kg bag of pre-mixed color hardener will cover 10 square metres.
• For lighter colours – 20kg bag of –pre-mixed color hardener will cover 6-8 square metres

Why should I use a sealer?

There are many benefits to using a clear or coloured sealer, these include:

• Dramatically improves appearance of concrete by adding lustre
• Helps resist the effects of dirt, grime, oil etc.
• Minimises amount of lime rising to surface ie. white powder affect on garage floor
• Makes concrete easier to clean
• Seals cavities making concrete less porous

How much sealer do I need?

Two coats are required to seal a concrete surface:

1. Dilute the first coat by 50% using solvent, which will provide better penetration.
2. Apply the second coat undiluted. Coverage guidelines are approximately 1 litre of product per 4 – 5 square metres of surface.
   Note: An anti slip agent is recommended for Inclined surfaces.