Wire (Metal) Lath

Wire lath is a wire mesh that is commonly used with plaster to reinforce areas subject to impact damage (e.g. corners and door frames) or moisture damage (e.g. in bathroom areas that are plastered).  Wire lath used in the interior is a black wire with a somewhat square pattern.  Wire lath used on the exterior for stucco is typically self-furring, galvanized steel. The pattern is diamond-shaped and the wire should be installed so that it causes the ground coat to flow behind the wire and towards the wall.

Repairing wire lath plaster can be repaired if the area is small, utilizing modern plastering techniques. However, larger areas may be difficult to repair since the art of plastering is disappearing from the industry, due in part to the advent of gypsum board (drywall).  An easier and cost effective repair method is installing drywall over the damaged surface.