Customer Stories

The Structural Problem

Our survey identified a combination of ageing materials, ineffective/inadequate restraining of the cavity walls and corroding mild steel arch bars as the root causes of the structural defects. Without suitable repairs, these serious structural issues would result in the collapse of the structure.

Bowing Bay Window Column

Distorted Bay Window Column

Cracks Around Bay Window

Rusty Window Arch Bar

 

The double-height bay window has a cavity wall construction, which is less substantial than solid brickwork. The bay window brick columns are only single brick, with no additional reinforcement or fixings. The lack of strength in the bay window columns had caused significant outward bowing and distortion of the central ground and first-floor supporting columns. This, in turn, caused spreading and cracking of the brickwork arches and the brickwork above, as well as the brickwork junction of the bay with the main elevation. Inside the property, large cracks had opened up in the plaster.

Cracking/Leaning Bay Window

Unsuitable Repairs

After Structural Repairs

Cracks Around Sash Bay Windows

Plaster Cracks in Bay Window

 

The mild steel arch bars had also corroded. The ferrous oxide (rust) forming expands several times the thickness of the original metal, causing lifting/bowing of the walls and damage to internal finishes.

The Structural Repair Solution

Our remediation work included reinforcing the masonry and removing the corroding mild steel arch bars. With our special techniques, there was no need to empty the rooms or remove the windows. The majority of the work is carried out from the outside of the property.

The cavity wall construction required AWT to reinforce the single brick outer skin of the brickwork. With less depth of masonry than solid brickwork, precise diamond drilling was needed. AWT used its custom designed drilling rigs to install steel fixings in the exact locations required. This provides a permanent repair without visible fixings and without losing period features.

Realigned Bay Window Columns

After Structural Repairs

Bay Window Realigned & Reinforced

Realign & Reinforce Bay Window Brickwork

 

The structural repair works included:

• Installation of temporary supports & deconstruction of the brickwork columns
• Rebuilding columns incorporating steel spines and retaining ties
• Bed Joint Reinforcement
• Removal of corroded arch bars
• Brickwork arch repair
• Diamond drilling and injecting grouted ties
• Lateral restraints
• Resin bonded ties
• Brickwork repairs

Steel Retaining Ties

Precision Drilling for Grouted Ties

Steel Spine Reinforcement

Minimal Disturbance to Internal Finishes

Reinforcement of Bay Columns

Realigned Window Masonry

Realigned & Reinforced Window Arch

 

Installing fixings within the masonry to form continuous beams redistributes the upper-storey loads and restrains diagonal cracking and bulging tendencies. It also preserves the appearance of your period property and its market value.

Our skilled staff use traditional methods and the original bricks where possible. The mortar style and colour, and replacement bricks if required, are matched to the existing masonry.

We work with home owners, insurance companies, structural engineers, loss adjusters, architects and project managers to find economical and effective solutions. We operate across Kent, London and the whole South East of England.

To book a time for one of our surveyors to visit your property or to discuss your requirements, call us today on 01227 721 255, email us at enquiries@actionwallties.co.uk or use our contact form to get in touch.