Cracking, Wall/Brickwork Archives

Boot Lintel & Wall Tie Repairs, Thanet, Kent

Remedial Wall Ties & Boot Lintel Repairs for 60s/70s House in Thanet

This detached house in Broadstairs, Kent, has a typical 1960s/1970s design and construction. Many similar properties are now developing the same structural problems.

A structural survey of the property indicated issues with the concrete boot lintels and the wall ties. The new owners called in AWT to stabilise the superstructure and protect their investment. Prompt structural repairs prevented the structural defects from causing further damage and avoided more extensive repairs.

boot lintel identification 300x225 - Boot Lintel & Wall Tie Repairs, Thanet, Kent — How to Identify Boot Lintels

Thanet wall ties 300x225 - Boot Lintel & Wall Tie Repairs, Thanet, Kent — Failing Wall Ties

The door and window openings were constructed using concrete boot lintels; easily identifiable by the distinctive concrete beams above doors/windows that do not extend beyond the width of the opening. Concrete boot lintels are prone to rotate. This had caused cracking in the internal plaster and cracked, open mortar joints in the external brickwork. The original cavity wall ties were also failing, leaving the outer brick skin unrestrained, and vulnerable to bulging/failure.

The Structural Problem

The property was suffering from 2 main defects that are very common in 1960s/1970s properties; rotating concrete boot lintels and failing wall ties.

Rotation of Boot Lintels:

A fundamental flaw in the installation of concrete boot lintels in 60s/70s properties means that the weight of the heavier brick outer skin is too great for the softer inner blocks to support. The boot lintel rotates, causing gaps to open up, compressing the blocks of the inner wall and allowing the outer brickwork to sag.

The early symptoms of boot lintel problems, as seen below, are cracks in the internal plaster above or radiating from the top corners of doors and windows. It also caused cracking and distortion of the supported brickwork above the doors and windows.

window cracks 3 300x225 - Boot Lintel & Wall Tie Repairs, Thanet, Kent — Failing Boot Lintels

Door window cracks 300x225 - Boot Lintel & Wall Tie Repairs, Thanet, Kent — Cracks Above Doors/Windows

window cracks 2 300x225 - Boot Lintel & Wall Tie Repairs, Thanet, Kent — Cracks Above Window

window cracks 4 300x225 - Boot Lintel & Wall Tie Repairs, Thanet, Kent — Cracks in Window Plaster

Common symptoms of concrete boot lintel problems:

Cracks in the internal walls and ceilings above windows/doors
Warped window/door frames – difficult to open and close
Cracks in the visible part of the concrete lintel
Stepped cracks in the brickwork above windows/doors
Dropping of the brickwork above windows/doors
Bulging or bowing brickwork above windows/doors

Traditional building repairs – making good the cracks and open joints – treat the symptoms, not the cause. If the rotation continues, serious damage caused by the rotation may result in the necessity to replace the lintels. To avoid further damage to the brickwork, the boot lintels require specialist structural repairs.

Boot lintel gaps cracks rotation - Boot Lintel & Wall Tie Repairs, Thanet, Kent

Boot Lintel stepped cracks - Boot Lintel & Wall Tie Repairs, Thanet, Kent

Boot Lintel gaps - Boot Lintel & Wall Tie Repairs, Thanet, Kent

Boot Lintel compression - Boot Lintel & Wall Tie Repairs, Thanet, Kent

Rotating Boot Lintel Causing Gaps & Cracks

Stepped Cracks Due To Failing Boot Lintel

Gaps Above Concrete Boot Lintel

Boot Lintel Defect Causing Compression Cracks

Failing Wall Ties & Inadequate Restraint:

Investigation of the wall ties revealed the existing Wire Butterfly Ties were in varying stages of corrosion and were beyond their useful life. The building had suffered some movement for a prolonged period and was progressive due to a combination of ageing, ineffective and/or inadequate wall tying and restraining plus the effect of rotating fenestration boot lintels all contributing to a lack of structural stiffness.

The progressive corrosion of the existing wall ties left the property vulnerable to vertical and wind loads, especially to large gable and unreturned walls. Instability of the wall will result if the ties corrode away completely, resulting in a need to rebuild the wall. Prompt action to install remedial wall ties will avoid more costly and disruptive repairs in the future.

vertical cracks 1 225x300 - Boot Lintel & Wall Tie Repairs, Thanet, Kent — Plaster Cracks in Corners

vertical cracks 2 225x300 - Boot Lintel & Wall Tie Repairs, Thanet, Kent — Vertical Plaster Cracks

The Structural Repair Solution

The structural repairs by AWT tackle the root cause of the masonry defects and add tensile strength thus reinstating the brickwork’s integrity.

Structural repairs included:

Bed Joint Reinforcement Beaming
Fenestration Boot Lintel Treatment
Grout Tie Injection
Remedial Wall Ties

The AWT team installed specially developed prop supports to anti-rotate the boot lintel back into place. Specialist diamond drilling techniques were used to drill through the brickwork into the boot lintel and install resin-bonded stainless steel sheer pins.

boot lintel repairs 300x225 - Boot Lintel & Wall Tie Repairs, Thanet, Kent — Concrete Boot Lintel Repairs

Concrete boot lintel repairs 300x225 - Boot Lintel & Wall Tie Repairs, Thanet, Kent — Repaired Boot Lintel

New pad-stones were installed by providing temporary support to the underside of the lintels, carefully removing sufficient plaster to expose the lintel, cutting out the internal skin and forming a pad-stone to spread the load onto the internal skin. The area was left ready for plastering.

The new wall ties, bed joint reinforcement beaming and grouted ties stabilised the superstructure, reconnecting the inner and outer walls and strengthening the overall structure.

AWT provide cost-effective structural repairs for a wide range of structural problems including failing wall ties and concrete boot lintel problems. We operate not only in Kent 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.

Timber Bay Window Beam Replacement

Realignment, Reinforcement & Bressumer Beam Replacement

This period property in Lambeth, SW London was undergoing a complete refurbishment. The structural defect affecting the wooden front bay window beam was endangering the entire facade of the property. Without suitable structural repairs the front of the property would collapse.

AWT were chosen to complete the structural repairs because their specialist techniques allow them to replace bay window beams, realign masonry and reinforce structural integrity without slow, costly rebuilding work. AWT were able to preserve the beautiful period features of the property and provide a long term structural repair.

bay beam problems - Timber Bay Window Beam Replacement — Before Structural Repairs

after 1 - Timber Bay Window Beam Replacement — Before Structural Repairs

The Structural Problem

Like many Edwardian/Victorian period properties, this South-West London property had been built with a timber Bressumer beam supporting the masonry above the bay window. This wooden beam had decayed leaving the upper storey brickwork without adequate support and on the verge of collapse.

The unsupported weight of the first floor brickwork was damaging the mouldings around the bay window, causing it to crack and lean away from the main elevation. The 2 first floor windows were sagging in a characteristic V shape.

bay beam movement 768x1024 - Timber Bay Window Beam Replacement — Rotting Timber Bay Window Beam

Cracking leaning bay stone 768x1024 - Timber Bay Window Beam Replacement — Rotting Timber Bay Window Beam

Some of the symptoms of the Bressumer beam failure seen in this property:

Significant visible distortion of the supporting bressummer beam of the front bay window
Dropping brickwork and windows above the bay window
Bowing of the main roof
Signs of distorting outward movement from the head of the single-storey bay window
Cracked masonry and some cracking to the brickwork
Cracking and missing section to the masonry cill, partly due to rusting mild steel within the cill

cracking ornate stone - Timber Bay Window Beam Replacement — Cracking Bay Stonework

crumbling window cill - Timber Bay Window Beam Replacement — Cracking Bay Stonework

This type of horizontal wooden beam is known by a number of different names including:

Timber lintel
Bressumer, Bressummer or Breastsummer beam
Summer Beam
Various other spellings including Sommer, Somer, Sommier and Somier

This type of substantial wooden lintel is often found in period properties over bay windows. Old Edwardian/Victorian timber Bressumer lintels over bay windows are generally over-stressed compared to modern-day standards. They are often found to have moved out of position. Further problems with timber lintels include rot, damp, pest infestations etc. This can render the lintel ineffective, deflecting the brickwork above, as well as the floor and the ceiling. Another common cause of Bressumer beam problems is movement within the building’s structure which leaves the beam lacking adequate support.

The Structural Repair Solution

AWT identified the root cause of the structural issues to be the failure of the timber Bressumer beam in the bay window and inadequate restraint of the bay window masonry. Even without the issue of the beam decaying, the original beam was not strong enough.

The structural repair works required the replacement of the wooden bay window support beam, realignment and strengthening of the brickwork and the addition of lateral restraints to tie the bay window to the main elevation.

removal decayed beam - Timber Bay Window Beam Replacement — Removal of Old Beam

installing new beam - Timber Bay Window Beam Replacement — Removal of Old Beam

The structural repair works included:

Installation of temporary bay window supports & bracing
Use of AWT-designed realigning equipment to lift the brickwork back in line
Removal of old, decayed Bressumer beam
Replacement of the timber Bressumer beam with a suitable metal beam
Introduction of Bed Joint Reinforcement – Beaming to reinforce the brickwork
Installation of lateral restraints
Diamond drilling and injection of grouted ties to reinstate uniformity
Window cill and brickwork repairs

AWT’s repair works were achieved without leaving any visible fixings. The interior finishes were left ready for the renovation work and decorating to be completed. The exterior ornate bay window mouldings and cill were left ready for painting.

after 2 768x1024 - Timber Bay Window Beam Replacement — After Structural Repairs

AWT provide cost-effective structural repairs for a wide range of structural faults including failing wooden lintels and beams. We operate not only in London but across the whole of the South East of England including Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Essex.

Read our frequently asked questions about bay window structural repairs.

Distorted Bay Window With Ornate Terracotta Blockwork

Structural Repairs for Bay Window with Ornate Terracotta Blocks

The exterior of this Victorian/Edwardian property in the London Borough of Lewisham, SW13, has a number of beautiful period features. The ground floor bay window columns have ornate capitals, the bay window brickwork includes terracotta blocks below the 1st floor bay and the roofline has decorative terracotta blockwork below the eaves.

In common with many properties of this age, a combination of ageing and ineffective restraining of the bay window columns, together with de-bonding of the main elevational brickwork, was allowing the bay window to lean outward. This was also opening up large cracks in the surrounding brickwork. Without structural repairs to restrain and reinforce the masonry, it will fail and lead to the collapse of the structure above.

Read our frequently asked questions about bay window structural repairs.

The Structural Problem

This period home in Inner London was at risk of structural collapse. Protecting the fragile terracotta blocks and eave brackets was a key consideration in designing the structural repair plan.

Some of the structural problems included:

Large cracks around the bay window
Clearly visible outward leaning of the first floor bay window masonry columns and lintels
Significant outward movement of the masonry lintel to the left side main elevational wall
Significant movement of all the terracotta ornate blocks below the soffits
Fragile, period terracotta blocks & knee braces (eave brackets) required delicate handling

AWT’s repairs were designed to target the root cause of the structural failings. Due to AWT’s specialist knowledge and equipment, demolishing and rebuilding the bay window was not required. AWT used bespoke drilling jigs to install fixings within the masonry to restore structural integrity without damage to the period features, especially the fragile terracotta blocks.

The Structural Repair Solution

AWT’s specialist structural repair tools allow the masonry to be gently moved back to its correct alignment. As shown in the photo below, custom-made drilling equipment allows the installation of fixings within the masonry with minimal impact on the facade of the property. This redistributes the upper-storey loads and restrains the brickwork to prevent cracking and bulging. AWT’s specialist repairs were designed to realign and restore the masonry without damaging or replacing the fragile terracotta blocks.

The first step was to bring the masonry back in line by:

Installation of temporary supports
Intrusive inspection of masonry components that appear to be of solid masonry sections but could be nominal thickness components backed with timber framework, amending repair plan as necessary
Careful removal of dislodged ornate terracotta blockwork and knees (aka knee braces or eave brackets)
Set up AWT designed realigning cramping equipment
Deployment of specialist hydraulic jacks to realign the bay window masonry and elevational brickwork

The structure of the property was then strengthened by the installation of high quality specialist fixings:

Long diamond drilled grouted ties
Lateral restraints
Grout injection ties
Resin bonded ties

Finally, the finishing touches were added to restore the period beauty of the property:

Reinstate the terracotta ornate blockwork
Repair masonry pillars and cills with Monolevel FC anti-carbonation cosmetic grade mortar
Replace cracked bricks and mortar ensuring a suitable colour match

The repaired masonry elements were left ready for repainting. No external fixings were required – leaving the period features of the property to be enjoyed for years to come.

Action Wall Ties are specialist structural repair contractors with the skills required to realign and strengthen leaning bay window masonry including period and heritage properties with fragile or ornate features of brickwork, terracotta stone/masonry elements and plaster stucco works. 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.

Crumbling Stone Corbels on Mock Tudor Property

Failing Stone Corbel Supports & Distorted Bay Window

The first floor masonry of this 1930s mock Tudor house in Hounslow, West London, was being supported with temporary props. The 2 stone corbels that are vital to support the jettied first floor masonry were failing, leaving the upper storey without adequate support.

Cracks had formed inside and outside the property and the masonry was becoming distorted.

The Structural Problem

crumbling support corbels - Crumbling Stone Corbels on Mock Tudor Property

failing support corbels - Crumbling Stone Corbels on Mock Tudor Property

Hounslow corbel failing - Crumbling Stone Corbels on Mock Tudor Property

stone corbel failing - Crumbling Stone Corbels on Mock Tudor Property

Crumbling Support Corbels

Failing Support Corbels

Corbel Failing

Stone Corbel Failing

This West London home was in a serious condition when AWT was called in. Temporary props were in place to support the upper storey masonry because the stone supports had failed. The mild steel within the corbel stones had rusted and expanded causing these vital supports to crumble. The knock-on effect of the failing corbels included distortion and cracking around the bay window.

As with many properties that AWT is called in to repair, the property showed signs of previous cosmetic repairs that had failed to address the structural issues.

The Structural Repair Solution

corbel structural repairs - Crumbling Stone Corbels on Mock Tudor Property

mock tudor corbel replacement - Crumbling Stone Corbels on Mock Tudor Property

new stone corbels - Crumbling Stone Corbels on Mock Tudor Property

london corbel replacement - Crumbling Stone Corbels on Mock Tudor Property

replacement stone corbel - Crumbling Stone Corbels on Mock Tudor Property

Corbel Structural Repairs

Mock Tudor Corbel Replacement

New Stone Corbels

Corbel Replacement London

Replacement Stone Corbel

The corbels – the stone support brackets – were beyond repair. The team at AWT made replacement masonry corbel stones that replicated the shape of the originals. The new corbel stones were manufactured in cast limestone with high-quality stainless steel reinforcing bars to provide a long lasting solution that will resist spalling.

AWT installed additional temporary supports before removing the old corbels stones, checking the surrounding brickwork and making it ready for the replacement stones. Despite the serious nature of the structural defect, the impact on the internal finishes was kept to a minimum. The ground floor front room wall and ceiling, including sections of the fibrous cornice, were cut away in the immediate area of the corbels to accommodate the repair works.

The new supports were then installed, the disturbed brickwork was repointed and the small area of disturbed render was repaired. Internally the areas of disturbed plaster were made good, leaving it ready for redecoration.

Bed joint reinforcement was also employed to restore the structural integrity of the bay window brickwork that had suffered distortion due to the inadequately supported weight of the upper storey masonry.

failing stone supports 300x225 - Crumbling Stone Corbels on Mock Tudor Property — Before Corbel Repairs

stone corbel replaced 300x225 - Crumbling Stone Corbels on Mock Tudor Property — After Corbel Repairs

West london tudor bay repairs 300x225 - Crumbling Stone Corbels on Mock Tudor Property — After Reinforcement & Crack Repairs

Action Wall Ties are specialist structural repair contractors with the skills required to replace failing stone corbel supports on period and heritage properties. AWT works 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.

Remedial Wall Ties for Victorian Semi in Surrey

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.

Hazardous Masonry on Grade 2 Listed Building

Listed Building with Bulging & Cracking Masonry

This Grade II listed building in Thanet, Kent, was built in the 1840’s. The owners of this period property were facing the prospect of demolition and rebuilding of the facade of the property due to serious structural defects. Previous repairs using standard building techniques had failed to solve the structural problems. The property is currently in use as a nursery school. The business would have been forced to close for several months during traditional building works. AWT were able to repair the severe structural problems in a couple of weeks and preserve the period features without disrupting the running of the business.

The Structural Problem

The structural issues with this Victorian, Grade 2 listed property in Ramsgate, Kent were becoming hazardous due to the risk of falling masonry. Traditional building methods would have required several months of expensive and messy deconstruction and rebuilding work. The business would have been forced to close during the building works and the subsequent re-plastering and redecoration.

The front of the building had clearly visible bulging and cracking to the head of all the first floor windows. There were also cracks in the brickwork and stucco works each side and to the underside soffit of the window opening heads. There were clear signs of previous attempts at repairs that had failed to get to the root cause of the problems.

grade 2 listed structural defect - Hazardous Masonry on Grade 2 Listed Building — Buckling Brickwork

As shown in the photo below, the mild steel embedded within the masonry had corroded and the rust caused it to expand to several times the thickness of the original metal. The heavily corroded wrought iron arch bars were lifting and cracking the brickwork and the decorative stucco around the windows. The stucco stringer course frieze and cornice of the parapet wall was also cracking and distorting. Previous attempts at repairs had provided a temporary, cosmetic repair but had failed to solve the underlying structural defects.

The continued expansive corrosion of the wrought iron arch bars would, without remedial works, lead to the failure of the masonry and the risk of detached masonry falling from the building. Urgent structural repairs were required.

Rusting wall bars 300x225 - Hazardous Masonry on Grade 2 Listed Building

Rusted metal grade2 listed 300x225 - Hazardous Masonry on Grade 2 Listed Building

The Structural Repair Solution

Structural repairs to listed buildings need to be handled carefully to preserve the period features of the building. AWT have many years of experience working on listed properties. AWT can help the owners of listed buildings to navigate through the process of obtaining permission for repair works.

The specialist tools and techniques that AWT employ allow structural repairs to be made without the need for visible fixings. Using custom designed drilling and cutting tools, AWT can remove corroded metal fixings and embed new stainless steel fixings within the masonry.

In order to allow the business to remain open during the structural repair works, AWT arranged for the scaffolding to be erected at the weekend while the nursery was closed. The scaffolding was then double boarded and netted for safety. The AWT crew accessed the scaffolding from the side of the building allowing parents, children and staff to access the building as usual through the main entrance.

vertical wall ties 225x300 - Hazardous Masonry on Grade 2 Listed Building — Preparing Vertical Wall Ties

grade 2 listed structural works 225x300 - Hazardous Masonry on Grade 2 Listed Building — Drilling for Vertical Wall Ties

The AWT team used their specialist techniques to form composite beams within the existing brickwork and then remove and replace the corroded wrought iron arch bars. The team then reconnected and reinforced the brickwork above the windows and the parapet wall. They also repaired the cracked decorative stucco.

Before metal grade2 listed 225x300 - Hazardous Masonry on Grade 2 Listed Building — Before – Cracks & Broken Bricks

replacement lintel Thanet Kent 225x300 - Hazardous Masonry on Grade 2 Listed Building — During – Lintel Replaced

After metal grade2 listed 225x300 - Hazardous Masonry on Grade 2 Listed Building — After – Ready to Paint

This project required a combination of:

Bed joint reinforcement beaming
Grout tie injection
Resin bonded ties
Cintec sock anchors
Removal of corroded mild steel arch bars
Replacement arch bars
Brickwork repairs

The team at AWT strive to make all works as sympathetic as possible with the existing masonry. Not only do they try to match replacement bricks and pointing for colour and style they even match the mortar mixture texture.

The high quality fixings used by AWT combined with their thorough knowledge of structural defects ensures a long term solution to structural issues.

Action Wall Ties are structural repair contractors with the specialist skills required for listed buildings. AWT work along with property owners, architects, project managers and local authorities to preserve historic buildings.

AWT are available for large and small projects 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.

Stone Arch & Bay Window Reinforcement

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.

Walthamstow brickwork repairs 230x120 - Stone Arch & Bay Window Reinforcement

Walthamstow stoneworkwork repairs 230x120 - Stone Arch & Bay Window Reinforcement

E17 stone repairs 230x120 - Stone Arch & Bay Window Reinforcement

The Structural Repair Solution

Installation of temporary supports & AWT designed cramping equipment
Realignment of masonry with hydraulic jacks
Precision diamond drilling & installation of stainless steel corded joint reinforcement.
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.

Read our frequently asked questions about bay window structural repairs.

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.

Repairing Gaps Around Bay Window Glazing and Distorted Gable Brickwork

Repairing Distorted Gable Brickwork & Large Gaps Around Bay Window Glazing.

The masonry of the bay window of this property in London E11 was leaning away from the main structure. Large gaps were opening up between the bay window frames and the double glazing units. Realignment of the sagging bay window plus reinforcing failing gable brickwork to restore structural integrity were required.

The skills of the AWT team allowed them to restore the structural integrity in a cost effective and efficient manner without any rebuilding or visible fixings.

The Structural Problem

This East London home had visible cracking in front bay window brickwork and stone lintels. Outward rotation of the first floor bay window was clearly visible. Large gaps had opened up between the bay window frame and the glazing. The cracking and distorting of the masonry bay had caused significant movement to the brickwork gable above.

Problems of this type are common in such Victorian / Edwardian properties and are usually the result of ageing and inadequate restraining in the original building methods.

The AWT also had to be prepared for the possibility that the masonry components might not be solid masonry but simply a thin facade covering a timber frame.

The Structural Repair Solution

After the initial inspection, the AWT team conducted an intrusive survey by drilling carefully placed inspection holes and using an endoscope where necessary. This allowed them to determine that this property’s bay window was constructed using solid masonry elements.

The first element of the structural repairs required the installation temporary supports to the underside of the first floor bay window lintels. AWT designed realigning cramping equipment and hydraulic powered jacks were used to realign the columns and brickwork ready for reinforcing.

Specialist drills were used to introduce rows of 8mm stainless steel corded joint reinforcement fixings. This redistributed the upper storey load to the supporting structure below and restrained the diagonal cracking and bulging tendencies.

Precision drilling rigs were used to install helical stainless steel pins through the brick arch. Resin bonded stainless steel pins were used to reconnect the brickwork to the main body of the building.

Internal gable restraints were fixed in place. Stainless steel lateral restraints were installed directly into the timber joists and resin bonded to the masonry. This restored the structural integrity of distorted gable brickwork.

Any disturbed mortar was re-pointed with mortar matched for colour and texture to blend with the existing pointing.

Read our frequently asked questions about bay window structural repairs.

For a fast, effective solution to bay window structural problems contact AWT today. We provide professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems for home owners across London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.

Concrete Cill, Mullion and Lintel Repairs

The Canterbury North Control Building, part of the UK power network infrastructure, was suffering from “concrete cancer”. Cracked and crumbling concrete window cills, mullions and lintels needed specialist concrete repairs to remedy the underlying issues and prevent further deterioration.

The Problem

AWT was contracted by AMEC Foster Wheeler to provide structural repairs on part of the UK power network infrastructure. Corroded reinforcing bars within the concrete window mullions and lintels was causing the concrete to crack and crumble from within. This is commonly known as “concrete cancer”. Weathering had also taken its toll on the concrete framework around the windows and doors.

Failing lintels and mullions can cause difficulties opening and closing doors and windows as the frames become distorted. There is also a danger of injury from falling masonry. More than superficial repairs by traditional building techniques was required.

The Solution

Action Wall Ties’ skilled operatives used specialist cutting tools to cut away larger areas of damaged concrete. Specialist tools were used to scabble the remaining areas to remove layers of loose scale, corrosion and unsound concrete.

The existing steel reinforcing bars were restored by this process to a clean, bright condition and coated with a suitable steel primer to prevent further corrosion. New stainless steel reinforcing bars were installed as necessary.

The bare concrete surface was treated with a Flexcrete 842 Bonding Bridge to prepare the surface. The damged areas of concrete were then restored using Flexcrete Monomix concrete repair mortar system. The finishing touch was achieved by applying Monolevel FC, a cosmetic grade mortar, to seal the repairs and leave a smooth surface finish ready for painting.

The concrete repairs achieved by AWT’s skilled staff restored the integrity of the masonry by getting to the root of the problem. A long term solution was provided that maintained the appearance of the property.

Greater London, Essex, Sussex and Kent are all covered by the professional services of Action Wall Ties.

Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in structural defect remediation, masonry reinforcement and repair, providing professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.

Bay Window with Severe Deterioration

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.

Read our frequently asked questions about bay window structural repairs.

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.