Customer Stories
Learn about our previous projects, filter by property type, defect and our solution for each
Repairs to Collapsing Bay Window with Terracotta Bricks
Preserving period features has a significant impact on maintaining the value of a property. Period bay windows and decorative architectural features all contribute to the desirability of a property. To find how AWT can help with structural defects in bay windows read our Bay Window Structural Repair FAQs.
AWT was called in to save the front of this period property in Waltham Forest, Greater London, from collapse. The Victorian/Edwardian 2-storey canted bay window, with original decorative terracotta blockwork, was so structurally weak that temporary supports were put in place to prevent the masonry from collapsing.
Traditional building techniques would have required deconstruction and rebuilding of the bay window brickwork. This would likely have damaged the fragile terracotta brickwork that decorates the property. Loss of period features due to structural defects or inappropriate repairs can severely reduce a property’s value.
The Structural Problem
This Edwardian/Victorian-era terraced home in East London, E11 had severe structural issues with the bay window.
The bay window defects included:
- Unstable, collapsing brickwork
- Clearly visible bowing of bay window columns
- Gaps around windows
- Spreading and dropping brickwork arches
- Outward movement of the masonry
- Cracked brickwork
- Distorted brickwork
As seen from the photos, previous attempts to repair the problem had failed because they only addressed the symptoms rather than the cause of the defects.
The long-term structural problems resulted from ageing, ineffective support from the unrestrained bowing brickwork columns and spreading/dropped brickwork arches. This combination of structural defects had left the structure reliant on temporary supports to prevent collapse.
The Structural Repair Solution
Masonry Realignment:
AWT designed realigning cramping equipment and hydraulic powered jacks were used to realign the arches and brickwork spandrel panel.
Steel Reinforcement for Bay Window Columns:
After carefully deconstructing the bowing bay window columns, steel reinforcing spines were fitted between the window frames and the brick columns. Stainless steel retaining ties were built into the brickwork columns as they were rebuilt using the original bricks. The new mortar was matched to the colour and style of the original mortar.
Masonry Reinforcement & Reconnection:
- AWT installed rows of twin 8mm stainless steel corded joint reinforcement. This forms a deep masonry beam that adds tensile strength to the structure.
- Using specialist diamond drilling techniques, AWT installed grouted helical bars to reconnect the bay window masonry with the main elevational brickwork. This restrains the bay window brickwork and prevents it from leaning.
- Stainless steel lateral restraints were installed in the timber joists and were resin-bonded to the masonry.
The specialist structural repairs were designed to redistribute the upper storey loads to those parts of the supporting structure below which are best able to carry them, while at the same time assisting in restraining diagonal cracking and bulging tendencies. It also added tensile strength thus reinstating the brickwork’s integrity.
After Bay Window Structural Repairs:
As can be seen from the photos, AWT’s structural repairs preserved the attractive period features of the property. AWT’s specialist structural repair techniques also allowed the owners to avoid slow, disruptive and costly rebuilding work.
Action Wall Ties are specialist structural repair contractors with the skills and experience required to repair period properties, including period properties with severe structural defects. AWT work along with property owners, structural engineers, architects, project managers and local authorities on large and small projects.
AWT are available in London, Kent, Essex, Surrey and Sussex. To arrange a survey or to discuss project details, please use our contact form, email us or call us on 01227 721 255.
Call us if your building has any of these
Common Structural Defects, Issues or Problems
Our specialist structural repair contractors will be happy to help provide a comprehensive and permanent repair to your structural problems.
