Welded Wire Lath

Abstract

A welded wire mesh for use in securing stucco, plaster or other exterior finishing material to a building wall or other structure wherein the mesh comprises a matrix of longitudinally and transversely extending wires. The wires define intersections where the transversely extending wires are welded to the transversely extending wires and a plurality of deformations are formed in at least a portion of the wires between the intersections. The deformations cooperate with the stucco, plaster or other exterior finishing material to define a mechanical locking keys therebetween. The mesh can be disposed adjacent a flexible backing for providing a water vapor barrier, fire retardant or other desired property to the lath.

1 . A welded wire mesh for use in securing an exterior finishing material to a building wall or other structure as the material dries about and bonds to the wire mesh, said mesh comprising a matrix of longitudinally and transversely extending wires, said wires defining intersections, said longitudinally extending wires being welded to said transversely extending wires at said intersections, and a plurality of spaced surface deformations formed in at least a portion of said longitudinally and/or transversely extending wires between said intersections, said surface deformations defining variations in the cross-sectional configuration of said wires between said intersections and cooperating with the exterior finishing material to define a plurality of mechanical locking keys therebetween. 
     
     
         2 . The wire mesh of  claim 1  wherein said longitudinally and transversely extending wires are cylindrical in cross-section and said deformations define intermittent flattened surfaces in said wire between cylindrical portions of said wire and wherein the juncture of said flattened and cylindrical portions of said wire comprise said mechanical locking keys with the finishing material. 
     
     
         3 . A welded wire lath structure for use in securing an exterior finishing materials to a building wall or other structure as the material dries about and bonds to the wire mesh, said lath structure comprising a backing and a matrix of longitudinally and transversely extending wires secured to said backing, said wires comprising a matrix of longitudinally and transversely extending wires, said wires defining intersections, said longitudinally extending wires being welded to said transversely extending wires at said intersections, and a plurality of spaced surface deformations formed in at least a portion of said longitudinally and/or transversely extending wires between said intersections, said surface deformations defining variations in the cross-sectional configuration of said wires between said intersections and cooperating with the exterior finishing material to define a plurality of mechanical locking keys therebetween. 
     
     
         4 . The lath of  claim 3  wherein said longitudinally and transversely extending wires are cylindrical in cross-section and said deformations define intermittent flattened surfaces in said wire between cylindrical portions of said wire and wherein the juncture of said flattened and cylindrical portions of said wire comprise said mechanical locking keys with the finishing material. 
     
     
         5 . The lath of  claim 4  wherein said sheet of backing material defines a water vapor barrier for said lath.