What Is Self Furring Expanded Metal Lath?

Self furring expanded metal lath is a specialized type of expanded metal lath engineered with unique, raised dimples (furring ribs) formed directly into the mesh surface during manufacturing. These permanent raised features create a consistent 1/4-inch (6mm) air gap between the lath and the substrate, providing essential space for plaster or stucco to fully encapsulate the mesh.

Unlike standard flat expanded metal lath, this product does not require additional furring strips or shims to achieve proper coating thickness. The self-formed spacing ensures that stucco or plaster fully surrounds the mesh, creating a monolithic, crack-resistant wall system with maximum structural integrity.

Our self furring lath is manufactured from corrosion-resistant galvanized steel, ensuring long-term durability in interior and exterior applications. It is the industry-standard solution for stucco walls, ceiling plastering, masonry restoration, and exterior insulation finishing systems (EIFS).

Key Specifications of Our Self Furring Expanded Metal Lath

We produce self furring expanded metal lath to strict ASTM C847 and international construction standards, with consistent dimensions and performance for every project. Our product specifications are optimized for professional installation and long-term structural performance:

Our self furring expanded metal lath is available in standard construction weights and custom sizes to match your project requirements. For full technical details, visit our product catalog or contact our engineering team for personalized support.

Core Advantages of Self Furring Expanded Metal Lath

Self furring expanded metal lath offers transformative benefits over traditional flat lath and alternative plaster reinforcement systems. Its patented design improves installation efficiency, structural performance, and long-term durability:

• Self-Spacing Design: Built-in dimples eliminate furring strips, reducing material costs and installation time by up to 50%
• Superior Coating Encapsulation: 1/4-inch gap ensures full stucco/plaster coverage, preventing delamination and cracking
• Enhanced Bond Strength: Diamond mesh pattern and raised ribs create mechanical locking for cementitious materials
• Corrosion Resistance: Hot-dip galvanized construction prevents rust and extends service life in exterior environments
• Universal Compatibility: Works with stucco, plaster, mortar, EIFS, and cementitious coatings on all substrates
• Structural Reinforcement: Distributes stress evenly across walls, reducing shrinkage cracks and improving impact resistance
• Easy Installation: Lightweight, flexible, and simple to cut and fasten to wood, metal, or masonry substrates
• Cost Efficiency: Lower labor and material costs compared to traditional lath and furring strip systems

These advantages make self furring expanded metal lath the most practical and cost-effective reinforcement solution for modern plaster and stucco construction projects.

Primary Applications of Self Furring Expanded Metal Lath

Our self furring expanded metal lath is engineered for versatility across interior and exterior construction applications. Its robust design and self-spacing feature make it suitable for the most demanding plaster and stucco installations:

1. Exterior Stucco Wall Systems

The most common application: exterior stucco walls for residential and commercial buildings. The self-furring design ensures complete mortar encapsulation, creating weather-resistant, crack-free exterior facades that last for decades.

2. Interior Plaster Ceilings & Walls

Used for interior plaster applications, providing smooth, durable wall and ceiling finishes. The self-spacing feature ensures uniform plaster thickness and eliminates uneven surfaces in interior finishing work.

3. Masonry & Concrete Restoration

Ideal for restoring old masonry, concrete, and brick walls. The lath reinforces damaged surfaces and provides a stable base for new plaster or stucco coatings, extending the life of aging structures.

4. Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)

Compatible with EIFS insulation systems, providing structural reinforcement between insulation boards and protective coatings. The self-furring design maintains proper spacing in multi-layer exterior wall assemblies.

5. Fire-Rated Assemblies

Used in fire-resistant wall and ceiling systems, enhancing the structural integrity of fire-rated plaster coatings and meeting building fire safety codes.

6. Underlayment for Ceramic Tile & Stone

Serves as a stable reinforcement underlayment for wet areas, providing a strong bonding surface for tile mortar and preventing substrate movement in bathrooms and kitchens.

Installation Guide for Self Furring Expanded Metal Lath

Installing self furring expanded metal lath is straightforward for professional contractors, with simplified steps compared to traditional lath systems. Proper installation ensures maximum performance and longevity:

1. Prepare the substrate by cleaning and repairing damaged surfaces on wood, metal, or masonry
2. Cut lath to size using tin snips or power shears, matching wall or ceiling dimensions
3. Attach lath to the substrate with galvanized nails or screws, spaced 6 inches on center for studs
4. Overlap vertical and horizontal joints by 1 inch, ensuring continuous reinforcement across seams
5. Install corner aids and expansion joints at structural changes and movement joints
6. Apply scratch coat of stucco/plaster, ensuring full penetration through the mesh and behind dimples
7. Apply brown coat and finish coat following standard plastering techniques for a smooth surface

The self-furring dimples automatically maintain the correct spacing, so no additional shimming or measuring is required during installation. This simplicity reduces labor time and human error on job sites.

Self Furring Lath vs. Standard Expanded Metal Lath

Understanding the differences between self furring and standard expanded metal lath helps you select the right product for your construction project. The table below highlights the key distinctions:

For nearly all modern construction applications, self furring expanded metal lath is the superior choice, offering better performance and lower total installed cost than standard flat lath.

Our Manufacturing & Quality Commitment

As a premier metal mesh manufacturing company, we use state-of-the-art production lines to produce self furring expanded metal lath with consistent quality and precision. Our automated forming equipment creates uniform dimples and diamond openings across every sheet, ensuring reliable performance on every job site.

We implement strict quality control procedures at every stage, from raw material galvanization to final product inspection. Every batch of self furring lath is tested for dimensional accuracy, coating thickness, and structural integrity to meet international construction standards.

Our commitment to quality has made us a trusted supplier for construction companies, distributors, and contractors across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. We stand behind our products with full material certifications and customer support.

Sustainable & Green Manufacturing Practices

At ANPING METAL MESH, we integrate sustainable practices into our metal mesh manufacturing process for self furring expanded metal lath. Our production methods minimize material waste, energy consumption, and environmental impact.

We use recycled steel content in our raw materials and employ energy-efficient expanding and galvanizing processes. Our self furring lath is 100% recyclable at the end of its service life, supporting green building initiatives and LEED certification requirements.

By choosing our self furring expanded metal lath, you are selecting a durable, sustainable construction material that reduces material waste on job sites and supports environmentally responsible building practices.