Dura-Wall truss mesh for block walls
Block mesh, known in the yard as Dura-Wall, is masonry joint reinforcement: two steel side rods joined by cross rods, laid in the horizontal mortar joints of a block wall to control cracking. Yankocy stocks the truss type, with diagonal cross rods, wholesale in #4, #6, #8, #10 and #12 sizes, 50 pieces per bundle.
Dura-Wall block mesh: what we stock
| Product | Sizes and options |
|---|---|
| Block mesh / Dura-Wall, truss type | #4, #6, #8, #10, #12 |
| Bundle | 50 pieces per bundle, every size |
| Ladder type | Not stocked |
What does the Dura-Wall size number mean?
The number is the nominal width of the block the mesh is made for. #8 goes in an 8" block wall, #12 in a 12" wall. The side rods then sit over each face shell, one wire per face, which is how joint reinforcement is normally laid in a single-wythe wall.
The name Dura-Wall comes from Dur-O-Wal, the joint reinforcement brand that is now part of Hohmann & Barnard.
What is the difference between ladder and truss mesh?
Yankocy stocks truss mesh only. If the drawings call for ladder mesh, for example in a wall with grouted cells at close spacing, check with the designer before substituting.
| Ladder type | Truss type | |
|---|---|---|
| Cross wires | Straight, perpendicular to the side rods | Diagonal, zigzag between the side rods |
| Stiffness in the wall plane | Less rigid | Stiffer |
| Grouted or reinforced cells | Suited: cross wires at 16" o.c. stay clear of the cores | Not recommended: diagonals block vertical bar and grout |
| Multi-wythe or cavity walls | Recommended, lets wythes move independently | Only where differential movement is not a concern |
Based on NCMA TEK 12-2B, Joint Reinforcement for Concrete Masonry.
Wire sizes and standards
Standard-weight joint reinforcement has 9-gauge side and cross rods. Hohmann & Barnard lists 9 gauge at 0.148" (W1.7), and it is the most common size. Extra-heavy versions use 3/16" (0.187", W2.8) side rods. Joint reinforcement is made to ASTM A951. Common finishes are mill galvanized for interior walls, and hot-dip galvanized or stainless for exterior or damp walls.
| Weight | Side rods | Cross rods |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 9 ga (0.148") | 9 ga (0.148") |
| Extra heavy | 3/16" (0.187") | 9 ga (0.148") |
| Super heavy duty | 3/16" (0.187") | 3/16" (0.187") |
Spacing in the wall
NCMA gives 16" on center vertically as the typical joint reinforcement spacing, which is every other course of 8"-high block. Where the code requires minimum horizontal steel in 8" walls laid in other than running bond, 9-gauge mesh every other course meets it. Keep the side rods in mortar with at least 5/8" of cover on faces exposed to weather or earth. Follow the drawings and local code for the project.
What to order with it
- #4 or #5 rebar for footings and bond beams
- Steel lintels over openings
- Mason lime for the mortar
- Sure Klean 600 for cleanup once the wall is up
Questions about Dura-Wall block mesh
What is the purpose of truss mesh in block walls?
Truss mesh is laid in the horizontal mortar joints to control cracks from shrinkage and temperature movement. Its diagonal cross rods make it stiffer in the plane of the wall than ladder mesh. NCMA doesn't recommend it where vertical bar and grout go in the cells, because the diagonals get in the way.
Does Yankocy stock ladder mesh or truss mesh?
Truss mesh only. Yankocy stocks Dura-Wall truss-type block mesh in #4, #6, #8, #10 and #12 sizes, 50 pieces per bundle. Where a plan specifies ladder mesh, ask the designer before substituting truss.
How long is block mesh?
Standard joint reinforcement comes in straight 10' lengths. Hohmann & Barnard packs it 50 pieces, or 500', per bundle, with corners and tees sold separately. Yankocy's Dura-Wall comes 50 pieces per bundle in every size. Call (203) 261-4955 to confirm lengths.
What is Dura-Wall?
Dura-Wall is the name masons and yards use for block mesh, meaning masonry joint reinforcement. It comes from Dur-O-Wal, the brand that is now part of Hohmann & Barnard. Yankocy stocks the truss type in #4, #6, #8, #10 and #12 sizes for 4" to 12" block walls.
What gauge is block mesh?
Standard block mesh uses 9-gauge wire, 0.148" in diameter (W1.7), for both the side rods and the cross rods. Heavier grades use 3/16" side rods. The code limits joint reinforcement to half the bed joint thickness, which caps it at 3/16" in a 3/8" joint.
Last updated
Yankocy sells Dura-Wall block mesh wholesale to mason and lumber yards. Buying for your own home? Your local lumber or mason yard can order it for you.
Dura-Wall block mesh data sheets and sources
- Hohmann & Barnard: 220 Ladder-Mesh reinforcement
- Hohmann & Barnard: 120 Truss-Mesh reinforcement
- Hohmann & Barnard: 120 Truss-Mesh product data sheet
- Dur-O-Wal (a Hohmann & Barnard company)
- NCMA/CMHA TEK 12-2B: Joint Reinforcement for Concrete Masonry
Related to Dura-Wall block mesh
Wholesale pricing on Dura-Wall block mesh
Tell us the products, sizes and quantities, and where the order is going. Inside sales will get back to you with pricing and availability.
- Delivery
- Weekdays on our own trucks to Connecticut, southeastern New York, northeastern New Jersey, Long Island, western Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts. Delivery area
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- Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm in Monroe, CT
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Prefer the phone? Call inside sales at (203) 261-4955.