All Structa Wire lath products are galvanized in accordance with ASTM standards and building codes. However, if any galvanized products are not stored correctly and come in contact with moisture for extended periods during storage, they can be affected by corrosion, starting with white rust and potentially progressing to red rust.
Structa laths are shipped on pallets and wrapped with plastic shrink wrap. The shrink wrap serves a double purpose – to secure the rolls together, and to the pallet, to prevent shifting of the rolls during shipment and warehousing; and secondly to protect the pack from exposure to rain. However, in certain climatic situations, condensation can form inside the shrink wrap and be in contact with the wire lath.
Structa Wire recommends that their products be stored undercover in a clean and dry environment, free of any chemical interaction.
Pallets of the product should be inspected weekly. If condensation is evident on the inside of the plastic, a strip of the wrap should be removed near the top tier to allow the condensation to dry out.
If the condensation persists, greater sections of the wrap should be removed and the pallet moved indoors so that the material will dry out. It is important that the lath is kept dry and not in contact with moisture for extended periods.
By taking these precautions, Structa lath products can be stored for extended periods without deterioration, and be in excellent condition to fulfill their role as a long term stucco lathing material.