AWT was contacted by the new owners of this period semi in Wimbledon, South West London. Like many similar properties, it has a loft conversion with a rear dormer window. The new owners realised the value of quickly tackling structural issues, such as a bulging gable wall before the problems progressed.
Structural repairs cost much less and are far less disruptive than rebuilding work. Preserving period features also protect a property’s resale value.
Period Semi with Bowing GableBowing Gable & Leaning Masonry
The Structural Problem
AWT’s free survey found significant outward bulging and corresponding internal cracking movement to the gable brick wall. Although there was only mild cracking in the brickwork at this point, the internal ceilings and plaster were cracked. If left unrepaired, cracks in the brickwork and internal plaster would accelerate, making the necessary repairs more expensive.
Prompt action to fix structural issues saves money and stress.
The rear extended brickwork had also started to lean. If left unchecked, the brickwork would become unstable and eventually collapse.
Failing Gable End WallFailing Dormer WallCracks in Ceiling & Wall
The structural integrity of the gable wall had diminished due to age and a lack of restraint in the original construction of the wall. The extra weight from the loft conversion structure, fixtures and fittings may also have put additional strain on the existing masonry.
The Structural Solution
As shown in the Before and After photos, AWT realigned and strengthened the brickwork without visible fixings or any obvious changes to the appearance of the period brickwork. The majority of the work was completed from outside the property, keeping disruption to a minimum. This was achieved with a combination of:
Bed Joint Reinforcement Beaming
Lateral Restraints
Resin Bonded Wall Ties
Before Repairs to Bowing WallRepairs to Bowing & Leaning BrickworkAfter Repairs: No Visible Fixings
AWT uses precision diamond drilling techniques to install stainless steel fixings within the masonry. This strengthens the masonry so it can bear the load of the structure above without bowing.
Resin-bonded steel lateral restraints reconnect the gable wall to the rest of the structure, reinstating the uniformity of the wall and preventing bowing.
Remedial wall ties restrain the dormer brickwork and prevent it from leaning outwards.
Action Wall Ties are specialists in structural repairs, including bulging and bowing masonry. AWT works on large and small projects with homeowners, architects, project managers, London borough councils and local authorities.
AWT are available in Kent, London, 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.
This 4-storey period property in Stratford, East London had been converted into flats. The large brick flank wall had significant outward bulging, with corresponding internal movement, resulting in cracking in the front and rear elevations. Without prompt structural repairs, the defect would worsen causing the property to be condemned as unsafe for occupation.
Bulging Side Wall
The owners and their structural engineers contacted Action Wall Ties to assist in designing and completing structural remediation works. Action Wall Ties, working with the consulting structural engineers, designed a practical stabilisation method that maintained the internal layouts.
The Structural Problem
This semi-detached Victorian/Edwardian property in London had been converted into a house of multiple occupation (HMO). The building had undergone extensive internal remodelling, including the complete removal of the original central spine wall, which had been replaced with steel beams. A survey found visible outward bulging of the large brick side wall, plus internal movement and cracking in the front and rear elevations.
As with many properties with structural defects, previous repair attempts had provided only short-term, cosmetic repairs but failed to tackle the underlying issues. As shown in the photo, the brickwork had bulged by well over 2 inches/5cm between floors.
Serious Bulge in Wall
Bowed Side Wall Causing Cracks
Consulting structural engineers reported that the central spine wall had been removed at the upper ground, first, and second-floor levels. The floors have been re-supported with steel beams. Originally, the central wall would have acted as a shear wall, providing horizontal stability to the building and preventing it from raking/leaning. Its removal has meant inadequate provision for horizontal stability in the central part of the building. This situation is believed to contribute to or worsen the bowing in the flank wall, presenting a significant structural problem that jeopardizes the building’s integrity. If not addressed, this issue is expected to worsen, potentially making the building a safety risk to the occupants.
The Structural Solution
Action Wall Ties, working with the consulting structural engineers, designed a practical stabilisation method that maintained the internal layouts of the flats. This involved forming braced diaphragms on each floor, incorporating the existing replacement steel beams, and introducing fabricated steel angles with welded junctions at ceiling line perimeters. This method reinstated horizontal stability to the central area in compliance with Document A of the building regulations regarding disproportionate collapse.
AWT worked with the structural engineer to design the steel work which was fabricated and delivered to the site. This allowed the on-site structural steelwork and brickwork to be completed in 2 weeks.
AWT Designed Steel Reinforcement
The consulting engineers initially recommended two options to restore horizontal stability to the central area of the building while maintaining the internal layouts. However, both options would be disruptive, requiring tenants to move out for an extended period during the work. The owners were keen to find a solution that would not require changing the floor plan of the flats, as this would lead to additional costs and impact the sale/rental values.
The first option suggested by the consulting engineers was to install a three-story steel frame throughout the building, providing the necessary horizontal stiffness. If the existing beams were perfectly aligned (which is unlikely), it might be possible to use them with steel posts installed between them. However, misalignment of at least one beam is probable, leading to non-vertical posts. The second option was to rebuild the central spine wall in blockwork, possibly retaining the existing beams. This option would alter the layouts of the upper flats. It was noted that tying the flank wall to the floor plates and walls would be pointless without addressing the shear wall problem, necessitating both measures to stabilize the building. AWT collaborated with the consulting engineers to find a long-term, cost-effective structural repair solution that minimises disruption to the tenants.
Steel Braces
Installing Steel Beams
Structural Reinforcement
Bracing Steelwork
Wall Braces
AWT Designed Steel Reinforcement
Working with the consulting structural engineers, Action Wall Ties collaboratively designed a practical method of forming braced diaphragms on each floor. This method incorporated the existing replacement steel beams and involved adopting fabricated steelworks welded in situ. This approach maintained the benefits of the internal layouts while reinstating horizontal stability in the central area, in accordance with Document A concerning the disproportionate collapse of the building.
Structural Repairs
Bracing Bars
Structural Steel Beam
Welded Steelwork
Diagonal Braces
Steel Structural Restraints
The steel braces restored the structural integrity of the building and realigned the brickwork. The property was left ready for the reinstatement of the internal finishes. Once replastering, repainting etc was completed, no fixings were visible inside or outside the property. AWT provided a long-term structural repair that preserved the floor plan of the flats and protected their sale/rental values.
Diagonal Flat Bar Bracing
Welded Steel Angles
In-situ Steel Welding
During Brickwork Realignment
Structural Reinforcement
Bracing in Ceiling Void
Action Wall Ties are specialist structural repair contractors with the knowledge and experience required to repair period properties with severe masonry defects, such as bulging brick walls. AWT work with structural engineers, property owners, architects, project managers and local authorities on both small and large projects.
AWT are available across 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.
This mid-terrace period property in the London borough of Lambeth had been converted into flats. The brickwork above the extension at the rear of the property was bulging.
The bowing had reached the point where the entire section of the brick wall was liable to collapse. AWT provided cost-effective structural repairs with minimal disruption to the residents and neighbours.
The brick wall required realignment and strengthening to prevent the problem from recurring. Previous attempts to halt the bowing using standard building techniques had only provided a temporary, cosmetic repair of the mortar gaps and cracks. It had failed to tackle the cause of the progressive brickwork bulge.
Bowed Brickwork on Period Property in SW London
AWT provided cost-effective structural repairs with minimal disruption to the residents and neighbours.
The Structural Problem
The photo below clearly shows how much the brickwork had bulged compared to the neighbouring property. The masonry was bulged beyond the tipping point i.e. at risk of imminent collapse.
The rear wall had a severe bulge in the 2nd storey masonry that stretched as far as the party wall line. A section of the rear wall was bowing away from the upright line of the adjoining property.
The AWT survey team diagnosed the problem as progressive due to ageing materials, ineffective/inadequate restraining and de-bonding brickwork. It was common practice in buildings of this age for a 9-inch wall to be constructed as two ½ brick walls with snapped headers to the external skin to save on expensive facing bricks.
Bulging Brickwork
Bulge in Brickwork
Previous Failed Repairs
Bowing Brickwork
Bulging Brick Wall
Dangerous Brick Bulge
Debonded brickwork is a common issue in Victorian/Edwardian-era properties. The header bricks that tie the inner and outer layers of brickwork together can snap or crack due to age, weathering or being over-stressed. Many properties were also built with too few header bricks making the brickwork liable to bow under the weight of the structure above.
The Structural Solution
To stabilise the bowed area of brickwork the team used AWT-designed supports and realigning equipment to straighten the existing external brickwork. This avoided large-scale rebuilding work. Only the most severely compromised area of brickwork was deconstructed and rebuilt. Once the detached brickwork was reunited to reform a solid brick wall it was strengthened further by pinning and reinforcing.
Localised Deconstruction
Rebuilding & Strengthening
To prevent a recurrence of the problem, AWT used precision drilling techniques to instal stainless steel fixings within the masonry to strengthen it and restrain it:
Bed Joint Reinforcement Beaming
Grout tie injection
Lateral restraints
The formation of continuous beams within the existing masonry redistributes the upper-storey loads and restrains the brickwork from any tendency to bulge.
Repaired Bulge
Bowed Brick Repaired
Bulging Brick Realigned
Replacement bricks (where required) and the new mortar were matched to the existing texture and colour. AWT’s specialist techniques do not require visible fixings, making it ideal for period properties.
Action Wall Ties are specialist structural repair contractors with the knowledge and experience required to repair period properties with severe brickwork defects, such as bulging brick walls. AWT work with property owners, structural engineers, architects, project managers and local authorities on large and small projects.
AWT are available across 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.
This Victorian townhouse in Brixton, London SW9, had severely distorted masonry and large gaps around the top floor windows. The brickwork would collapse without immediate action to repair the structural problems. The defect was also impacting the neighbouring property.
Appropriate structural repairs were urgently required to preserve the period features and the property’s value. Previous attempts to repair the defects by traditional building methods had failed. AWT’s specialist repair techniques allow them to repair period brickwork without visible fixings or slow, messy rebuilding work. This is especially helpful where structural defects are affecting adjoined properties and flats.
Before Repairs
After Repairs
The Structural Problem
The visible outward leaning of brickwork and masonry lintels to the front top floor had reached the point of instability. If not addressed rapidly, it would result in the failure and collapse of the masonry. This would then require longer, more disruptive and expensive rebuilding work. It would also cause damage to the property’s period features and impact the resale value.
Distorted Masonry Around Windows
Realigned Window Masonry
Wide gaps had opened up between the windows as the brickwork bulged outwards. A large gap had also formed above one window and the masonry and lintels were no longer straight.
AWT’s survey found significant outward leaning of the top floor brickwork pier between the windows shared with the adjoining property. The top floor masonry and lintel lintels also showed movement and distortion. AWT diagnosed a progressive structural defect due to ageing and ineffective/inadequate restraining of the masonry.
Previous attempts to repair the structural problem by repointing the area and filling the gaps with mortar had failed to fix the underlying structural issues.
Wide Gaps Behind Brickwork
Bulging Window Brickwork
Previous Failed Repairs
Failed Structural Repairs
The Structural Solution
Standard building methods tend to provide temporary, cosmetic repairs rather than tackling the root cause of the structural issues. AWT’s specialist knowledge and equipment allow them to remedy masonry defects, add tensile strength and reinstate the integrity of the brickwork. The result is a long-term repair that is not only cost-effective but also requires minimal disruption to residents.
Window Gaps Repaired
Bulging Brick Realigned
After installing temporary supports to prevent the masonry from collapsing, AWT used specialist structural repair techniques and equipment to restore the structural stability:
Realignment of Brickwork & Lintels using AWT Designed Realigning Cramping Equipment
Forming Load Bearing Beams in the Brickwork using Heliforce Bars
Restraining Bowed Masonry using Thor Restraint Ties
Reconnecting the Internal Partition Wall using Thor Grout Ties
Masonry Realigned
Straightened & Strengthened
AWT use precision diamond drilling techniques to install the stainless steel fixing precisely where required. The result is a repair with no visible fixings. The vast majority of the work is completed from the outside of the property, keeping disruption to a minimum.
New, colour-matched mortar is used to restore any areas of disturbed mortar. Stonework, window frames etc are left ready for repainting if required.
Action Wall Ties are specialist structural repair contractors with the skills and experience to repair and restore period properties. AWT works on large and small projects for property owners, structural engineers, architects, project managers and local authorities.
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.
Repairs to Victorian Period Property with Bowing Masonry
This tall brick-built Victorian-type townhouse in Southwark, South-East London, has 3 floors plus a basement.
The very large rear brick wall of the property was visibly bulging outwards and the brick arches above the windows were dropping and cracking. The property owners had contacted AWT before the problem had become too severe, so there was no significant cracking and failing of the main brickwork. The front bay window was also suffering from some cracking and distortion.
The Structural Problem
Bulging Brickwork
Cracked Cill
Bowing Brickwork
Bulging Masonry
In common with many properties of this period, ageing and inadequate restraining of the brickwork had allowed the masonry to bulge outwards. Without structural repairs, the bulging of the masonry would continue and accelerate, allowing the brickwork arches to drop and fail and the main elevational brickwork to become unstable and collapse.
Rebuilding such a large area would be very costly and hugely disruptive to the residents. AWT was asked to provide a cost-effective, long-term structural repair.
Cracked Cill
Failing Masonry
Failing Brickwork
The brick window arches were also dropping and cracking, another progressive structural defect that required a long-term solution.
The Structural Repair Solution
Before Repairs
As indicated with red lines and green stars, stainless steel corded joint reinforcement and grouted helical bars were installed within the masonry using precision diamond drilling techniques. This forms a deep masonry beam that adds tensile strength to the structure. It also redistributes the upper-storey loads and restrains any diagonal cracking and bulging tendencies.
As indicated with green lines, grouted helical stainless steel pins were used to realign and reinforce the brick arches.
As indicated with yellow stars, resin-bonded stainless steel lateral restraints were used to restrain the brickwork from bulging outwards.
The cracked window cill at the front of the property was repaired with an anti-carbonation cosmetic-grade mortar. Areas of damaged or disturbed mortar were made good with colour-matched mortar.
No Rebuilding, No Visible Fixings
Bulging Masonry
Repaired Bowing Brickwork
Repaired Bulging Wall
AWT’s specialist structural repair techniques allowed masonry to be realigned and strengthened without rebuilding work or any visible fixings. This preserved the property’s period features and saved the homeowners time, money and inconvenience.
Cracked Cill
Repaired Cill
After Cill Repairs
Failing Masonry
Repaired Masonry
Repaired Window Arches
Action Wall Ties are specialists in structural repairs, including bulging and bowing masonry. AWT works on large and small projects with homeowners, architects, project managers, London borough councils and local authorities.
AWT are available in Kent, London, 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.
Structural Repairs to Bowing Gable Wall Prior to Loft Conversion
The AWT team were called in to inspect this Victorian / Edwardian end-of-terrace home in London SE15. The owners planned to add a loft extension but their plans were on hold due to the significant, visible outward bulging of the large gable end wall.
Before Repairs to Bulging End Wall
During Repairs to Bulging End Wall
After Repairs to Bulging End Wall
The Structural Problem
A survey team visited this property in the London borough of Southwark to identify the root cause of the bulging of the large, solid brick flank/gable wall. The survey team reported that due to ageing, ineffective and inadequate restraining of the brickwork the entire gable wall was de-bonding and disconnecting from the rest of the masonry.
This large gable wall would continue to pull away and without structural repairs, eventually collapse. Traditional building methods would have required the partial deconstruction and rebuilding of the gable wall. Rebuilding work is slow, expensive and disruptive and it would not solve the root cause of the problem which is the inadequate restraining of the gable end wall.
The loft conversion project could not proceed until the gable end wall had been stabilised. The owners were looking for a fast, cost-effective, long-term solution to the structural defect in the gable end wall of their property that would allow the loft conversion to proceed.
The Structural Repair Solution
The bowing gable brickwork required restraining before loft conversion work could begin. AWT designed a complete structural repair program that would realign the brickwork and also add tensile strength to the structure. Their specialist tools and fixings allowed the restoration of the gable end wall’s strength and integrity without the need for visible fixings or costly rebuilding work.
AWT utilised several specialist techniques:
Bed joint reinforcement beaming
Grout tie injection
Lateral restraints
The structural repairs were carefully targeted to reinstate the uniformity of the wall and restrain the masonry from bulging outwards. The formation of continuous beams within the brickwork redistributed the upper-storey loads and restrained diagonal cracking and bulging.
A specialist drilling rig, designed by AWT, was used to drill through the brickwork at a shallow angle to maximise the number of bricks connected by each helical, grout bonded fixing. The internal timber beams were reconnected to the masonry using resin-bonded stainless steel fixings.
Cracked and disturbed areas of mortar were replaced with new mortar that was matched for colour, texture and pointing style.
AWT’s specialist gable end wall repairs provided a long-term solution for this bulging gable wall masonry. The work was finished swiftly and with minimum inconvenience to the residents. The hidden fixings used by AWT also preserved the appearance of the old yellow stock brickwork.
Action Wall Ties are structural repair experts. We have specialist skills in the reinforcement and repair of large areas of bulging or bowing masonry, such as gable end walls. AWT work along with property owners, architects, project managers and local authorities on large and small projects.
AWT are available in Kent, London, 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.
Kingsway Square in Battersea, South West London is a Grade II listed building, formerly known as Mountfield Mansions, it formed part of Westminster College. Designed by E. W. Mountford in the late 1800s, it is an impressive building packed with architectural details.
The Victorian era Dutch gables, composed of red brick and ornate stonework were structurally unsafe and at risk of collapse. A sympathetic structural repair solution was required that could restore structural integrity without compromising the beauty of the facade.
The Structural Problem
Inspection of the Dutch gables walls that feature in this grade 2 listed building revealed that they had failed structurally. The masonry could be manually rocked and was leaning and at risk of collapse. Cracks were evident in the gable masonry and stonework. The masonry of the gable walls required urgent realignment and strengthening.
Traditional building methods would require deconstruction and rebuilding each gable wall. This would obviously have entailed substantial inconvenience to the residents as well as additional costs for internal redecoration. A cost-effective, long-term structural repair was required.
Due to internal concerns, one of the residents also required a tailor-made solution that used exterior steel fixings.
As with many buildings that AWT is called in to repair, there was evidence of previous structural repairs. Patress/anchor plates were visible on the brickwork but they had failed to address the root causes of the unstable gable masonry.
The Structural Repair Solution
Dutch Gable Repair Plan
Custom Drilling Rig
Precision Drilling
Lateral Restraints
AWT provided a bespoke structural repair solution to reinforce the gable walls. AWT’s unique skill set and proven experience were invaluable on such a delicate project.
The consulting structural engineers recommended the most appropriate remedial solution would be to install Cintec anchors vertically through the top of the stone and extending at least as far below the rafter line as the stonework extends above it.
A custom diamond drilling rig was required to allow precision drilling through over 3m of stone and brickwork at the apex of the gables. The Cintec sock anchors were then installed.
Cintech sock anchors consist of a stainless steel rod in a mesh sleeve. The anchor is installed deep into the masonry by the use of precision drilling techniques. The sleeve is then filled with a specially designed cementitious grout. This provides a mechanical and chemical bond between the masonry and the anchor that restores structural strength. The small diameter drill holes required for Cintech sock anchors are filled with color-matched mortar to provide a virtually invisible repair.
In contrast to long, drawn-out rebuilding work, Cintech sock anchors provide a highly efficient repair method. This technology also removes the need to use visible fixings such as pattress/anchor plates.
Four lateral restraints were also installed on each side of the gables to restore structural integrity and restrain the masonry. These stainless steel lateral restraints screw directly into the timber rafters and are resin bonded to the masonry to provide a long-lasting structural reinforcement of the gable walls.
Special Request Alternative Repair Solution
For the resident that requested exterior steel fixings a bespoke, Y-shaped frame was fabricated. This was fitted out of sight, to the rear of the gable masonry, ensuring it did not interfere with the lightning conductors on the gable.
Unstable Victorian Gable Wall
Bespoke Gable Reinforcement
Gable Reinforcement Bracket
The AWT team carefully cut away the protruding moulding at the rear of the gable to provide a flat surface. The bracket was then fixed in place with stainless steel resin bonded fixings. The finished repair provided a long-term structural repair without compromising the beauty of the Victorian gable masonry.
AWT provides cost-effective structural repairs for a wide range of structural issues. Our specialist repair techniques make us the ideal choice for projects involving listed and heritage buildings.
We work together with structural engineers, architects and project managers to find economical and effective solutions. We operate not only in London but across the whole of the 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 721255, email us at enquiries@actionwallties.co.uk or use our contact form to get in touch.
Bulging & Cracking Brickwork Across Front of Victorian Semi Detached Houses
These 2 Victorian semi detached houses in Egham, Surrey had a significant bulge in the brickwork above the first floor windows. There was also a failing brick arch lintel and cracking to the brickwork. Without swift action the masonry would collapse.
AWT were called in to repair the defects and allow the homeowners to avoid slow, expensive and disruptive rebuilding work. Equipment designed by AWT was used to realign the brickwork, stabilise and reinforce the masonry and then install new wall ties and lateral restraints.
The Structural Problem
The AWT survey team visited the property in Surrey, TW20 to identify the root cause of the visible bulging of the masonry at the front of the property. The AWT survey team quickly identified that this Victorian semi was built using cavity wall construction and that failing cavity wall ties were likely a root cause of the problem.
A limited inspection of the wall ties was undertaken by drilling 12mm holes in the outer leaf of brickwork to view within the cavity via an endoscope. This confirmed the diagnosis of failing wall ties, as can be seen from the photos taken with the endoscope, as the corrosion of the metal was clearly visible. The mild steel ties were all in a similarly heavily corroded condition and showing signs of de-laminating.
Horizontal cracking, lifting and opening up of joints was noted at irregular intervals on the front elevation. Metal ties were located behind the cracks, with an electronic wall tie locator.
Corrosion of the embedded mild steel wall ties was causing them to expand to many times their original size. This was damaging the outer leaf of brickwork, splitting the bed joints and causing either lifting or bowing of the walls and damage to internal finishes. This left the wall vulnerable to vertical and wind loads, especially such a large gable wall.
Without structural repairs the wall would continue to bow further and eventually collapse. Traditional building methods would have required the partial deconstruction and rebuilding of the front of the properties.
The Structural Repair Solution
Unlike some cavity wall tie repair contractors, AWT always works to the standards laid out in the Building Research Establishment Specification Digest. This means that the separation between new wall ties, the layout pattern of the new wall ties and the material used to manufacture the new wall ties all meet the highest standards to ensure a safe, long term structural repair.
To avoid failure of the brickwork and brickwork arch AWT realigned the bulged brickwork, installed new stainless steel wall ties, isolated the old ties to prevent them causing further damage and formed a composite beam within the external brickwork. The formation of deep masonry beams within the existing masonry supports the masonry and maintains the integrity of the brickwork.
AWT use their own custom designed hydraulic realignment equipment and diamond bladed precision drilling rigs. This allows the new fixings to be installed with minimal disturbance to the masonry. A variety of specialist fixings were introduced into the brickwork to restore the strength and stability of the wall.
As can be seen in the photo above, when the work is complete there are no visible fixing either inside or outside the property. The AWT team also take the time to colour match any replacement bricks as well as matching the colour, texture and pointing style of the mortar where work has taken place.
AWT provide cost effective structural repairs for a wide range of structural faults including failing cavity wall ties and bulging brickwork. We operate not only in Surrey but across the whole of London and the 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 721255, email us at enquiries@actionwallties.co.uk or use our contact form to get in touch.
The owners of this Victorian / Edwardian end of terrace home in the Redbridge area of North East London called in AWT because of the significant outward bulging of the large gable wall of their property. There was also cracking to the internal gable end walls as well as to the internal party wall between the property and its neighbour.
The Structural Problem
The AWT survey team visited the property in Woodford Green to identify the root cause of the visible bulging movement of the large, solid brickwork flank/gable wall. Due to aging, ineffective and inadequate restraining of the brickwork the entire gable wall was de-bonding and disconnecting with the rest of the masonry. This was leading to additional problems with the internal beams losing support.
Without structural repairs, the large gable wall would continue to pull away and eventually collapse. Traditional building methods would have required the partial deconstruction and rebuilding of the flank wall. Even then, it would not have solved the root cause of the problem – inadequate restraining of the gable wall.
The Structural Repair Solution
The team at AWT designed a structural repair package that would bring the brickwork back into alignment and add tensile strength to the structure. The specialist tools and fixings used by AWT enable them to restore the brickwork’s integrity without visible fixings or rebuilding work.
Bed joint reinforcement beaming, grout tie injection and lateral restraints were employed to reinstate the uniformity of the wall and provide restraint. The formation of continuous beams within the existing masonry redistributed the upper storey loads while at the same time assisting in restraining diagonal cracking and bulging tendencies.
A specialist drilling rig, designed by AWT, was used to drill through the brickwork at a shallow angle to maximise the number of bricks connected by each helical, grout bonded fixing. The internal timber beams were reconnected to the masonry using resin bonded stainless steel fixings.
Cracked and disturbed areas of mortar were raked out and replaced with fresh mortar that was matched for colour, texture and pointing style.
AWT provided a long term solution for the bowing gable brickwork. By targeting the repairs exactly where they were required the work was completed swiftly and with minimum inconvenience to the residents. The hidden fixings used by AWT preserved the beauty of the old yellow stock brickwork.
Action Wall Ties are structural repair contractors with the specialist skills required to reinforce and repair large areas of bowing and bulging brickwork. AWT work along with property owners, architects, project managers and local authorities on large and small projects.
AWT are available in Kent, London, 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.
AWT was called in to investigate a bulging gable wall and cracked ceilings at the end of a terrace in Walthamstow, East London. A structural repair solution was needed that would not require the removal of the Spar pebble dash render.
The Structural Problems
The homeowner called in AWT due to cracking in the internal walls and ceilings near the gable wall in this terraced home in London E17. Significant external outward bulging of the gable wall was also visible.
Gable wall problems are common in properties of this age and type. Ineffective and inadequate restraining of the gable masonry combined with ageing allows the gable brickwork to bulge and bow outwards.
A cost-effective solution was required that would restore the structural integrity, if possible without the need to remove the Spar pebble dash render from the gable wall.
If structural repairs are sought early enough, as in this case, AWTs specialist repair techniques may allow for repairs without removing the render/pebble dash. The small disturbed areas of render/pebble dash can then be made good with a concrete repair mortar system.
Standard building methods would require at least partial removal of the render and then re-rendering afterwards. Removal of the pebble dash render would have added to the expense and inconvenience for the householder. The access to the gable wall was also less than ideal.
The Structural Repair Solution
Location of Fixings
AWT used precision drilling techniques to embed fixings within the masonry with the minimum disturbance to the pebble dash finish.
Bed Joint Reinforcement Beaming: As shown by the red dotted line, stainless steel fixings were introduced into the masonry to form a deep masonry beam that redistributed the load from the upper storey and restored structural strength.
Grouted Tie Injection: As shown by the green lines, precision drilling techniques were used to install helical, stainless steel, grouted ties to restrain the gable brickwork.
Lateral Restraints: As indicated in yellow, stainless steel, resin bonded restraints were fitted to tie the gable wall masonry to the timber joists. This further restrained any tendency for the brickwork to bow outwards.
Re-pointing Disturbed Areas: AWT colour matches the mortar that is used to re-point disturbed areas and drill holes.
As can be seen from the after photo, the structural repairs to the bowing gable are barely visible. The pebble dash rendering remains intact and the underlying structural defects have been dealt with in a cost effective manner.
Before Repairs
After Repairs
For fast, effective solutions to bowing gable walls and other structural problems contact AWT today. AWT can advise on structural repairs to properties with render, pebble dash and spar dash. We provide professional solutions to a wide variety of structural issues for homeowners across London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.
