Reinforcement and Repair of Ornate Stone Arch & Bay
This end of terrace home in Walthamstow, East London had 2 structural issues. The stone entrance arch had significant cracking to the brickwork above and cracking in the internal walls. The ornate bay window was dropping and leaning outwards plus the stonework was cracking and spalling.
The Structural Problem
The period decorative features on this home in London, E17, were showing their age due to structural issues causing cracked brickwork and stonework. The structural movement had exacerbated the deterioration of the paintwork leaving the beautiful, ornate stonework looking shabby.
There was significant cracking above the stone entrance arch in both the external brickwork and the internal walls.
The bay window had visibly shifted and caused cracks in the external brickwork as well as in the interior walls. The supporting columns and cills had become distorted.
These are common problems in such Victorian / Edwardian properties and are usually the result of ageing and inadequate restraining in the original building methods.
The AWT team also had to be prepared in case the masonry components weren’t solid masonry but simply a thin facade covering a timber frame.
The Structural Repair Solution
Installation of temporary supports & AWT designed cramping equipment
Reconnecting the bay window brickwork to the main elevation by embedding grouted 8mm helical bars.
Installation of lateral restaints.
Repair damaged stonework with Flexcrete Monomix concrete repair mortar system.
Crack stitching work to cracked brickwork.
Cutting back damaged brick faces or resurfacing damaged bricks where possible using AWT methods.
Cutting out badly cracked bricks and replacing with colour matched yellow stock bricks.
Re-point disturbed areas with colour matched sand lime and cement mixture.
AWT provided an efficient, cost effective, permanent repair without the need for visible fixings. AWT have the tools and skills to remediate the root cause of these types of period property structural defects. AWT’s specialist fixings meant no rebuilding work was required and so disruption to the homeowner was kept to a minimum. The property was left ready for painting to restore it to its former glory.
For a fast, effective solutions to stone arch and bay window structural problems contact AWT today. We provide professional solutions to a wide variety of structural issues for home owners across London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.
The brickwork of this mid-terraced Victorian/Edwardian era home in the Stratford, E11 area of London had reached a critical condition. The severe nature of the building’s defects required a combination of specialist structural repair techniques.
The Structural Problem
Without urgent structural repairs, the bay window masonry of this period property would collapse. Symptoms of the severe masonry defects were:
Front bay windows visibly bowing outward
Severe deterioration of bricks in the bay window pillars
Crumbling, spalling bricks
Distorted cracked stonework
Cracking brickwork
Failing, spalled pointing
Cracked front entrance concrete step
Significant cracking and dropping of brick arch lintels
The problems had been caused by ageing, seasonal moisture, thermal expansion and contraction and inadequate restraining of the masonry due to the building methods of the era.
The Structural Repair Solution
Traditional building methods would have required major deconstruction and rebuilding works. AWTs advanced methods allowed the property to be repaired with only one brick pillar requiring rebuilding. This saved the property owner from long, disruptive building works. The property was able to be occupied throughout the repair works. AWT provided a long-lasting, cost-effective structural repair.
Temporary supports were installed to the underside of the ground floor bay window lintels and capital to enable the removal of the right hand column up to the stone capital and the cracked distorted brick corner below the cill.
Stainless steel corded joint reinforcements were installed to form a deep masonry beam. This redistributes the upper-storey loads and restrains diagonal cracking and bulging tendencies.
The bay window brickwork was reconnected to the main brickwork by the installation of remedial grouted helical bars. An angled steel spine reinforcing with welded ties to restrain the rebuilt brickwork column was fabricated and installed. The brickwork column was realigned and rebuilt with all new bricks.
New stainless steel remedial ties were screwed and resin bonded in place to connect the timber frame to the masonry. Steel pins were installed to stitch the brick arches above the rear windows to restore structural integrity.
The stone front step and other stonework had damaged areas cut away and repaired with Flexcrete concrete repair system. Damaged bricks were refaced where possible, badly damaged bricks were replaced and failing pointing was raked out and replaced.
The replacement bricks, pointing style and mortar mixture were matched for both texture and colour. The property was left ready for the stonework to be repainted.
Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in masonry reinforcement and repair, including urgent masonry stabilisation and repair. We provide professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems for homeowners in London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.
Victorian semi-detached house with dropped failing lintel – introduction of bed joint reinforcement, resin bonded ties
The building was a substantial traditionally built semi-detached domestic residence set out over two floors below a pitched tiled roof.
Problem
Signs of distortion and dropping to the brick arches, along with some cracking to the brickwork above. Previous attempts to repair the symptoms were noted to the rear ground and first floor fenestration openings.
Causation
The movement noted was clearly progressive, due to a combination of ageing, seasonal moisture, thermal expansion and contraction (i.e. hygrothermal) and inadequate restraining.
Solution
AWT’s Remedial scheme involved the introduction of bed joint reinforcement beaming and lintel repairs to add tensile strength, thus reinstating the brickwork’s integrity and the uniformity of the wall. After installation, pointing was raked out, reinstated and tinted to match the existing (see coloured remedial works on our proposal picture).
1. Bed joint reinforcement:
We introduced two rows of twin 8mm stainless steel corded joint reinforcement, forming a deep masonry beam – as indicated by red double dotted lines on our proposal images.
2. Fenestration lintel repair:
To the underside of the fenestration openings head we drilled for, and injected, grouted 8mm helical stainless steel pins through the brick arch and into the line of the deep masonry beam – as indicated with green parallel lines on our proposal images.
Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in masonry reinforcement and repair, providing professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.
Victorian property in Hampstead, NW3. Three-storey bay windows with pulling away outward movement, dropping brickwork (all with previous failing repairs) and bowing side flank wall. Repaired using bed joint reinforcement beaming, lateral restraints, crack stitching, and resin bonded ties.
The subject building was a substantial Victorian end-of-terrace domestic residence in North West London.
Structural Problems
Outward movement to the gable wall, patress plates and tie bars were noted, which indicated that a previous attempt to restrain the outward movement had been made. No significant cracking was noted. Also, a steel band to the front bay window on the first and second floors was found to be heavily corroded and delaminating.
Causation
The movement noted is progressive, attributable to historic subsidence (downward movement) compounded by outward movement due to ineffective or inadequate restraining to the main elevational walls and the bay window, allowing the brick arch to spread and drop and the brickwork above to crack.
Structural Solutions
AWT’s remedial scheme was to introduce bed joint reinforcement beaming, lateral restraints, crack stitching and resin bonded ties – adding tensile strength and restraint and thus reinstating the brickwork’s integrity and the uniformity of the wall.
After installation, pointing was raked out, reinstated and tinted to match the existing (see coloured remedial works on our proposal picture).
1. Bed joint reinforcement:
The introduction of two rows of twin cord reinforcement, forming a deep masonry beam – as indicated with red double dotted lines on our proposal images.
2. Lateral restraints:
In conjunction with the beam, 8mm stainless steel lateral restraints were introduced and screwed directly into the timber floor joists’ end grain or into the side grain, all resin bonded to the masonry – as indicated with yellow stars on our proposal images.
3. Crack stitching:
To stitch localised cracks, single 8mm stainless steel corded joint reinforcements were introduced – as indicated with red single dotted lines on our proposal images.
4. Wall ties to de-bonding brickwork:
Wherever possible, we drilled for and resin bonded 6mm stainless steel remedial ties to the centre of a brick. We then re-pointed the disturbed areas with a coloured sand and cement mixture – as indicated with blue line on our proposal plan images.
5. Making good and pointing:
We then raked out the existing mortar and repaired with new coloured sand and cement mortar to approximately 20mm in depth.
AWT operatives are highly skilled in traditional building methods and always attempt to match replacement bricks, pointing styles and mortar colour to be sympathetic with the existing building.
High Quality Structural Repairs
The photo below shows the completed structural repairs 14 years after the project was completed. Unlike the previous repairs by traditional builders, AWT’s structural repair techniques got to the root of the problem.
AWT provide long lasting, cost effective structural repairs so you can enjoy your home.
Action Wall Ties (AWT) based in Kent are specialists in masonry reinforcement and repair covering London, Kent and the whole South East area. AWT provide professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.
Edwardian round bay window cracking & dropping brickwork arches – bed joint reinforcement beaming, fenestration lintel repairs and to install resin bonded ties
The subject building is a substantial, traditionally-built, Edwardian building on two floors below a pitched tiled roof.
This period property required sympathetic treatment by Action Wall Ties’ specialised staff. Cracking and dropping brickwork was stabilised with stainless steel bed joint reinforcement and wall ties. The round structures and brick arches were reinforced and the surrounding structure made good, in keeping with the appearance of the property.
Detailed Case Study
Structural defects
Action Wall Ties investigated and reported varying stages of distortion, cracking and dropping of brick arches, along with some cracking to the brickwork above, together with many previous attempts of repairs to the round bay windows.
Causation
Action Wall Ties reported that the movement noted was believed to be progressive due to a combination of ageing, seasonal moisture, thermal expansion and contraction (i.e. hygrothermal) resulting in ineffective support from the existing arches allowing the brick arch to spread and drop, allowing the brickwork above to crack.
Solution for the structural repairs
A long term, cost-effective solution was provided by Action Wall Ties’ highly skilled operatives. The existing appearance of this period property was carefully maintained. The works were designed to minimise disruption to the building’s occupants and minimise any impact on the environment.
Our remedial scheme involved introducing bed joint reinforcement beaming, fenestration lintel repairs and to install resin bonded ties to reinstate the uniformity of the wall and provide restraint.
As indicated with red double dotted lines on our proposal 1 and 2, we introduced two rows of twin stainless steel corded joint reinforcement, forming a deep masonry composite beam all around the bay.
As indicated with green parallel lines on our proposal 1 and 2, to the underside of the fenestration openings head we drilled for, and installed, either grouted or driven 9mm helical stainless steel pins through the brick arch and passed them into the line of the deep masonry beam installed within the existing masonry.
As indicated with red stars on our proposal 1, we drilled for, and resin bonded, new 9mm stainless steel remedial ties and re-pointed disturbed areas.
Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in masonry reinforcement and repair in London and Kent, providing professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems and defects. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.
Large ornate Victorian square stone and brick bay window failing and rotating – stabilizing, realignment, reinforced and make good
The subject building was a substantial traditionally built semi-detached Victorian residence.
On our inspection we found a scaffold in place and it was apparent that a recent attempt at remedial works had been aborted with temporary timber props and packers left in place.
The handsomely designed front elevation and bay window structure, consisted of a ground floor cant bay of brickwork columns, arches with stone corbels, and supporting columns to each external corner supporting a two-storey square bay window of stone column brickwork with stone quoins above.
To the ground, first and second floors, signs of distortion spreading of the 13½ inch brickwork arches with stone quoins to the front and right side cracking the supported brickwork spandrels above were noted. What appears to be a recently installed bed joint reinforcement and resin injected into the open bed joints was also noted.
Discussion
The movement to this complicated bay window structure was believed to be progressive due to ineffective, inadequate, restraining which has allowed the brick arch to spread drop and the brickwork above to drop and crack, resulting in the stone columns leaning outwards and becoming unstable.
Structural repair solution
Although we can make no comment about the suitability/efficiency of either the design or works undertaken as part of the aborted scheme, the first stage of the remedial works that we undertook was to provide temporary support by deploying AWT designed and developed realigning cramping equipment to realign the masonry elements closing the open joints. Thereafter, we used Action Wall Ties’ specially designed diamond drilling jigs to drill the full width of the bay, through all the different elements, and install stainless steel cords locking the bay together adding tensile strength and forming composite beams together with lateral restraints, finally making good.
As indicated with red double dotted lines on our proposal 1, we introduced twin 8mm stainless steel corded joint reinforcement to form a deep masonry beam.
As indicated with green parallel lines on our proposal 1, to form the beam and reconnect the bay window elevational brickwork and stone quoins, we diamond drilled a 20mm hole through each elevation and installed a grouted 8mm helical bar.
As indicated with green stars on our proposal 1, to reconnect the head of the bay windows to the main elevational brickwork, we diamond drilled a 20mm hole through the side of the bays into the main elevational wall and installed a grouted 8mm helical bar.
As indicated with yellow stars in a circle on our proposal 1, in conjunction with the temporary supporting we drilled a 12mm hole counter bore to 20mm, and screwed directly into floor joists 8mm stainless steel lateral restraints and, with a thick stainless steel washer and nut, applied pressure to assist in realigning the masonry. Once completed this was resin bonded to the masonry.
To the second floor cracked capita, we drilled for, and resin bonded, new 6mm stainless steel remedial ties, making good to disturbed areas only with coloured sand and cement mixture.
Making Good Pointing
To cracked brick arches scheduled for reinforcement listed above, we raked out the existing cracked mortar and repaired with new coloured sand and cement mortar to approximately 20mm in depth.
Action Wall Ties have developed methods, and trained skilled experienced operatives, to strive to finish our works to be sympathetic with the existing by attempting to match replacement bricks, pointing style and mortar mixture for texture and colour.
Failing and Rotating Victorian Pentagon Bay Window
Unstable Victorian pentagon bay window. The masonry of this 5-sided bay window was failing and rotating. It required stabilising, realignment and reinforcement. AWT was able to restore the structural integrity of the ornate period bay window without slow and expensive rebuilding work.
The bay window at the corner of this end-of-terrace domestic Victorian property was in danger of collapse. There was significant visible outward leaning movement and the dropping of the brickwork arches in the pentagon bay window.
The Structural Problem
This two-storey, pentagon-shaped (also known as 5 lite/5 panel/5 pane) bay window with a brickwork crenellated parapet wall was found to be unstable. It suffered from rotational outward movement, dropping of the brickwork arches at ground floor level, and significant rotational outward movement to the masonry columns, causing spreading and dropping of the brickwork arches above, which was of great concern.
Sagging Bay Brickwork
Cracking Brick Arches
Gaps & Cracks
Dropping Brick Arches
Collapsing Brickwork
Leaning Bay Window
The structural defects in the bay window were having a knock-on effect on the rest of the house. Similar movement was reflected in both the front and left side elevations, with outward bulging noted and some cracking of the front ground floor arches.
The movement noted by the AWT survey team was progressive and advanced. The structural failings were attributable to ineffective, inadequate restraining to the bay window structure, This has allowed the masonry columns to bulge outwards and the brick arches to spread and drop, cracking the brickwork above and becoming unstable and in danger of collapse.
The Structural Repair Solution
Action Wall Ties proposed remedial scheme was to provide a viable repair by realignment and then introducing Bed Joint Reinforcement Beaming. Other structural repair techniques were also used including:
brickwork arch lintel repair
lateral restraints
special diamond drilling for grout tie injection
resin bonded ties
This combination of specialist structural repairs enabled the AWT team to reinstate the uniformity of the wall and provide restraint to the masonry.
We provided temporary support to the underside of the ground floor, then the underside of the first-floor window brick arches, removed debris from the cracks and deployed AWT designed and developed realigning cramping equipment to realign the masonry elements, closing open joints and returning the arches back to a more level line with the adjacent brickwork, along with the masonry columns, and into a more upright line before proceeding with the proposed drilling and reinforcing.
As indicated with red double dotted lines on our proposals 1, 2 & 3, we introduced twin 8mm stainless steel corded joint reinforcement, forming a deep masonry beam.
As indicated with horizontal green parallel lines on our proposals 1, 2 & 3 to form the beam and reconnect the bay window elevational brickwork, once the brickwork had been realigned with AWT-designed drilling equipment we diamond drilled a 20mm hole through each elevation of the bay, through the main elevational wall and chased internally into the main elevation wall, injecting a grouted 8mm helical bar.
As indicated with vertical green lines on our proposals 1, 2 & 3, to the underside of the fenestration openings head, we drilled for, and installed, grouted 8mm helical stainless steel pins through the brick arch and passed them into the line of the deep masonry beam, installing them within the existing masonry.
As indicated with yellow stars on our proposal 2, we drilled for, and screwed directly into timber floor joists, 8mm stainless steel lateral restraints, all resin bonded to the masonry.
As indicated with vertical green parallel lines on our proposals 1, 2 & 3, once realigned and columns made more upright, we drilled with specially designed drilling rigs from the top of the parapet down through brickwork and passed into the top of the masonry columns in order to inject a grouted 12mm stainless steel grip bar.
For cracked brick arches scheduled for reinforcement listed above, we raked out the existing cracked mortar and repaired it with new coloured sand and cement mortar to approximately 20mm in depth.
Action Wall Ties have developed methods and trained skilled experienced operatives to strive to finish our work to always be sympathetic to the existing structure. Where possible AWT match replacement bricks, pointing style and mortar mixture for texture and colour.
Restored Pentagon Bay
Realignment of Brickwork
Realignment of Bay
Bay Window Repair
Reinforced Bay Window
Restored Bay Masonry
Period Bay Repairs
5-Pane Bay Repairs
Bay Window Crack Repair
As can be seen in the gallery images, AWT’s specialist structural repair techniques were able to save this beautiful pentagon bay window. The period features were preserved. A long-lasting repair to the structure was achieved without any visible fixings and without rebuilding work.
Restoration of Collapsing Bay
Restoration of Period Bay
Structural Repairs to Period Bay
Action Wall Ties services are available to clients in the South East i.e. in London & in Kent, Sussex & Essex. We regularly rectify problems and issues relating to cracking and movement around bay windows in properties of all ages and types.
Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in bay window reinforcement and repair, providing professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.
Victorian terraced house bay window problems with cracking and spalled pointing – bed joint reinforcement beaming, lateral restraints, grout tie injection and resin bonded ties and repointing
The subject building was a traditionally built mid-terraced domestic Victorian/Edwardian residence with cracking to the front bay window and spalling pointing to the rear elevation.
Bay Window Problem
Some visible rotational bulging and cracking movement was noted to the front bay window, distortion and spreading of the supporting brickwork, and the dropping and cracking of masonry lintels was also noted.
The movement noted was clearly progressive, due to ineffective and inadequate restraining.
Bay Window Repair Solution
AWT’s remedial scheme provided a viable repair by introducing bed joint reinforcement beaming, lateral restraints, grout tie injection and resin bonded ties to reinstate the uniformity of the wall and provide restraint.
As indicated with red double dotted lines on our proposal 1, we introduced two rows of twin 8mm stainless steel corded joint reinforcement, forming a deep masonry beam.
As indicated with green parallel lines on our proposal 1, formation of the beam and reconnecting the bay window elevational brickwork. To accomplish this we diamond drilled a 20mm hole through the right hand elevation, chased into the main elevation and installed a grouted 8mm helical bar.
As indicated with green parallel lines on our proposal 1, we drilled for, and installed, grouted or driven 8mm helical stainless steel pins through the window reveals on both sides at ground floor level to tie back to the main elevation. In accordance with data specification sheet TLR 09 Appendix C.
As indicated with yellow stars on our proposal 1, in conjunction with the beams, we drilled for, and screwed, 8mm stainless steel lateral restraints into the floor joists and resin bonded to the masonry. In accordance with data specification sheet TRB 02 & 04 Appendix C
Making Good – Concrete Repairs
As indicated with blue lines on our proposal 1, we raked out the cracks and made good with, a concrete repair mortar system.
To the cracks to the spandrel brickwork scheduled for reinforcement listed above, we raked out the existing cracked mortar and repaired with new coloured sand and cement mortar to approximately 20mm in depth.
As indicated within the blue lines on our proposal 1, we raked out 20mm of the existing spalling pointing and re-point with coloured sand, lime and cement mortar to approximately 20mm in depth with rubbed-in finish.
Action Wall Ties have developed methods and trained skilled experienced operatives to strive to finish our works to be sympathetic with the existing by attempting to match replacement bricks, pointing style and mortar mixture for texture and colour.
Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in structural defect remediation, masonry reinforcement and repair, providing professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems. Greater London, Essex, Sussex and Kent are all covered by the professional structural repair services of Action Wall Ties. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.
Large cracks were clearly visible in the brickwork around the bay windows of this Victorian period property in South, London. Cracked bricks and dropping brickwork arches above the windows signalled the need for specialist structural repair work.
Bay Window Problems
Common problems with Victorian era bay window properties are dropping and sagging of the brick arches and cracked masonry. Insufficient structural strength allows the bay wall to lean away from the main building.
This Victorian period property in South London had clearly visible structural defects. Specialist structural repairs were necessary to save the decorative Victorian brickwork from eventual collapse.
Expert Bay Window Repairs
Realigning cramping equipment specially developed by AWT was used to support the defective brickwork. Hydraulic rams were then employed to gradually realign the distorted masonry, using our tried and trusted methods, developed over many years working with bay window defects.
The remedial work to the dropping and sagging brickwork included:
Installation of stainless steel corded joint reinforcement
Use of AWT bespoke drilling rig with diamond tipped drills
Installation of stainless steel pins to reinforce the window lintels
When the repointing had been completed the beauty of the original Victorian brickwork could be fully appreciated once more.
The innovative structural repair techniques developed by AWT preserved the original facade without the need for demolition and rebuilding. The end result was a cost effective, long term solution to the problem that preserved the period features of the property.
Action Wall Ties offer structural repair services for period properties for clients in the South East, London, Kent & Surrey
Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in bay window repairs to period properties with bespoke solutions including steel corded joint reinforcement. We also offer professional solutions to a wide variety of other structural issues. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.
This period property in Kent required structural repairs to the bay window masonry. Due to a combination of weathering, ageing and ineffective restraining the brickwork of the bay window was leaning outward. The bay window brickwork was cracked and bulging away from the windows.
Bay Window Masonry Defects
The front corner of this house in Thanet, Kent had been previously rebuilt by a traditional general builder. This had failed to get to the root cause of the structural problem.
There was visible bulging of the side wall, cracks in the rear wall and outward movement of the higher levels of the front bay. There was also significant cracking in the spandrel brickwork between the lines of windows.
The bay window brickwork columns to the top floor had become unrestrained, de-bonded (see diagram) and bulged outwards. This caused the brickwork arches and the parapet wall above the bay window to also lean outwards. As a result, there was a bow shaped space between the timber window frame and the brickwork columns.
Bay Window Masonry Repairs
AWT installed temporary supports and then deployed their AWT designed realigning equipment to restore the brickwork to an upright level. Specialist drilling rigs were used to introduce stainless steel reinforcement into the brickwork. This provided the necessary strength and restrained the brickwork to give a permanent solution to the problem.
AWT used their specialist equipment to close up the cracks in the brickwork and restore the dropped brick arches. The custom made stainless steel fittings are all concealed within the brickwork to preserve the appearance of the property.
AWT have a great deal of experience in restoring structural integrity to listed and period properties. To maintain the appearance of the property AWT matched the colour and texture of the existing mortar and repointed the disturbed areas.
AWT can provide cost effective structural repairs for a wide range of structural faults including bay window structural problems. We operate not only in Kent but across the whole of London and the South East of England.
