Repairs to Distorted Bay Window in East London

Structurally Unstable Bay Window in Walthamstow, East London

Like many similar period properties in the Walthamstow, London E17 area, this Victorian/Edwardian house had severe structural issues with the bay window masonry.

Previous attempts to repair the issues by traditional builders, such as repointing the brickwork, had failed to solve the underlying structural defect. As a result, the 1st-floor bay window was at risk of collapse.

If the masonry collapsed, this would require highly disruptive and expensive rebuilding work and impact the property value due to the loss of period features.

AWT can provide long-term, cost-effective repairs for severe bay window structural problems with minimal disruption. To learn more about how AWT can help with structural defects in bay windows read our Bay Window Structural Repair FAQs.

The Structural Problem

Significant outward rotational movement to the first-floor brickwork columns, brickwork arches and brickwork above had left the front of the property at risk of failure.

Symptoms of the failing bay window masonry included:

  • Leaning/bowing brick columns
  • Dropped brick arches above windows
  • Gaps opening up in brickwork
  • Cracks in interior plaster around the bay window
  • Cracks in the ground floor masonry cill

As shown in the photos, the tops of bay window columns were clearly leaning outwards. The brickwork soldier brick arches above the window had dropped leaving the masonry and roof above without the necessary support.

The AWT survey team diagnosed the issue as ageing and inadequate brickwork restraint. Without urgent structural repairs, the bay window masonry would collapse.

The Structural Solution

AWT designed realigning cramping equipment and hydraulic-powered jacks were used to realign the arches and brickwork. The columns were carefully deconstructed to allow steel reinforcing spines to be fitted before reconstruction using the original bricks where possible. The masonry was reinforced using specially designed drilling equipment and precision diamond drilling to install fixings deep within the brickwork.

The AWT designed and fabricated steel spines used to reinforce the bay window columns ensure a long-lasting repair. Unlike the cosmetic repairs offered by traditional builders, AWT’s high-quality fixings and specialist techniques tackle the root cause of the structural failings.

Thanks to AWT’s specialist tools and techniques, the structural repairs to the bay window masonry were completed efficiently and with minimal disruption to the residents. The vast majority of the work was completed without requiring access inside the property and the glazing remained in situ throughout the work.

The bay window structural repairs included:

  • realignment of the arches and brickwork
  • installation of steel spines in bay window columns
  • brickwork arch repair
  • precision diamond drilling
  • injected grouted ties
  • lateral restraints
  • brickwork and concrete repairs
  • colour matched replacement bricks and mortar

As shown in the photos below, the bay window was realigned and strengthened without the need for visible fixings, preserving the property’s period brickwork and maintaining its value.

Action Wall Ties are specialist structural repair contractors with the skills and experience required to repair period properties, including period properties with severe structural defects, such as collapsing bay windows.  AWT work along 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.

Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London

Repairs to Collapsing Bay Window with Terracotta Bricks

Preserving period features has a significant impact on maintaining the value of a property. Period bay windows and decorative architectural features all contribute to the desirability of a property. To find how AWT can help with structural defects in bay windows read our Bay Window Structural Repair FAQs.

AWT was called in to save the front of this period property in Waltham Forest, Greater London, from collapse. The Victorian/Edwardian 2-storey canted bay window, with original decorative terracotta blockwork, was so structurally weak that temporary supports were put in place to prevent the masonry from collapsing.

Traditional building techniques would have required deconstruction and rebuilding of the bay window brickwork. This would likely have damaged the fragile terracotta brickwork that decorates the property. Loss of period features due to structural defects or inappropriate repairs can severely reduce a property’s value.

simple horizontal - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London
bay failing brick - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London
bowing bay columns - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London
collapsing bay E11 - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London
cracked brick bay - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London
failing bay - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London
unstable bay - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London
Failing Bay Columns
Bay Column Gaps
Collapsing Bay
Cracked Bay Brick
Failing 2-Storey Bay
Unstable Bay Window
 
simple horizontal - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London

The Structural Problem

This Edwardian/Victorian-era terraced home in East London, E11 had severe structural issues with the bay window.

The bay window defects included:

  • Unstable, collapsing brickwork
  • Clearly visible bowing of bay window columns
  • Gaps around windows
  • Spreading and dropping brickwork arches
  • Outward movement of the masonry
  • Cracked brickwork
  • Distorted brickwork

As seen from the photos, previous attempts to repair the problem had failed because they only addressed the symptoms rather than the cause of the defects.

The long-term structural problems resulted from ageing, ineffective support from the unrestrained bowing brickwork columns and spreading/dropped brickwork arches. This combination of structural defects had left the structure reliant on temporary supports to prevent collapse.

The Structural Repair Solution

Masonry Realignment:

AWT designed realigning cramping equipment and hydraulic powered jacks were used to realign the arches and brickwork spandrel panel.

simple horizontal - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London
repair bay brick - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London
repaired bay terracotta - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London
restored brick arch - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London
terracotta bay window - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London
repair brick arch - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London
repaired brick arch - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London
restored bay window - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London
Bay Window Structural Repairs
Ornate Bay Repairs
Bay Window Repairs
Bay Repairs
Window Arch Repairs
Window Arch Repairs
Brick Arch Repairs
 
simple horizontal - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London

Steel Reinforcement for Bay Window Columns:

After carefully deconstructing the bowing bay window columns, steel reinforcing spines were fitted between the window frames and the brick columns. Stainless steel retaining ties were built into the brickwork columns as they were rebuilt using the original bricks. The new mortar was matched to the colour and style of the original mortar.

 

simple horizontal - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London
repair bay columns 1 - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London
repair bay columns 3 - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London
repair bay columns 2 - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London
repair bay columns 4 - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London
repair bay columns 5 - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London
Strengthening Bay Columns
Bay Columns- No Gaps!
Realigned Bay Columns
Realigned Bay Columns
Bay Column Repairs
 
simple horizontal - Collapsing Period Bay Window in East London

Masonry Reinforcement & Reconnection:

  • AWT installed rows of twin 8mm stainless steel corded joint reinforcement. This forms a deep masonry beam that adds tensile strength to the structure.
  • Using specialist diamond drilling techniques, AWT installed grouted helical bars to reconnect the bay window masonry with the main elevational brickwork. This restrains the bay window brickwork and prevents it from leaning.
  • Stainless steel lateral restraints were installed in the timber joists and were resin-bonded to the masonry.
The specialist structural repairs were designed to redistribute the upper storey loads to those parts of the supporting structure below which are best able to carry them, while at the same time assisting in restraining diagonal cracking and bulging tendencies. It also added tensile strength thus reinstating the brickwork’s integrity.

After Bay Window Structural Repairs:

As can be seen from the photos, AWT’s structural repairs preserved the attractive period features of the property. AWT’s specialist structural repair techniques also allowed the owners to avoid slow, disruptive and costly rebuilding work.

Action Wall Ties are specialist structural repair contractors with the skills and experience required to repair period properties, including period properties with severe structural defects.  AWT work along with property owners, structural engineers, architects, project managers and local authorities on large and small projects.

AWT are available in London, Kent, Essex, Surrey and Sussex. To arrange a survey or to discuss project details, please use our contact form, email us or call us on 01227 721 255.

Grade 2 Listed Gable Stabilisation in SW London

simple horizontal - Grade 2 Listed Gable Stabilisation in SW London
geograph 3281453 by David Anstiss - Grade 2 Listed Gable Stabilisation in SW London
Dutch gable ornate - Grade 2 Listed Gable Stabilisation in SW London
gable repair plans 2 - Grade 2 Listed Gable Stabilisation in SW London
listed building stone repairs - Grade 2 Listed Gable Stabilisation in SW London
ornate gable repairs - Grade 2 Listed Gable Stabilisation in SW London
Grade II Listed Dutch Gable Repairs
Ornate Stone Dutch Gable Repairs
Structural Repairs for Grade II Gable
Structural Repairs for Victorian Dutch Gable
Victorian Gable Wall Repairs
 
simple horizontal - Grade 2 Listed Gable Stabilisation in SW London

Repairs to Failing Grade II Dutch Gables

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

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.

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.

1930s style low-rise apartments with balustrade wall defect repairs

1930s style low-rise apartments with balustrade wall defect repairs

An estate of 1930s style low-rise blocks of apartments with balustrade wall defects – corroding mild steel balusters cracking masonry to half-brick thick balustrade walls – removal of the baluster embedded into the coping stone and brickwork,case study 56e19a8525f9e9.55425313 - 1930s style low-rise apartments with balustrade wall defect repairs

The subject buildings are 1930s low-rise blocks of apartments in London, of conventional brick and filler joists construction, with open access decks and private balconies.

The Structural Problem

Cracking and dislodging of the brickwork and coping stones to the balustrade walls of the private balconies was reported and noted.

Discussion

Action Wall Ties investigated the defects and reported that the causation was found to be due to expanding corrosion of the handrails mild steel supporting balusters built into the masonry.

case 19 a - 1930s style low-rise apartments with balustrade wall defect repairs

The corrosion of the embedded mild steel results in the formation of ferrous oxide that expands to several times the thickness of the metal it has resulted from, thus breaking out of the brickwork splitting bed joints and lifting of the brickwork.

case 19 b - 1930s style low-rise apartments with balustrade wall defect repairs

Structural repair solution

case 19 c - 1930s style low-rise apartments with balustrade wall defect repairs

Action Wall Ties remediation involved cutting the baluster at the coping stone line, removal of the baluster embedded into the copping stone and brickwork, and completing repairs to the brickwork and coping stone. AWT re-drilled holes down into the walls for grout and designed all the necessary stainless steel fixing plates, thereafter welding the original baluster to a fixing plate.

case 19 d - 1930s style low-rise apartments with balustrade wall defect repairs

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

1970s style low-rise block with defects to balustrade walls on balconies

1970s style low-rise block with defects to balustrade walls on balconies

1970s style low-rise blocks with defects to balustrade walls on private balconies – a combination of single corded bed joint reinforcement, AWT diamond drilled for grouted stainless steel pins, removing the existing reinforcing bars, cut handrail and injected grouted steel pins to repair.

case study 56e19aa4d4c4e1.04848680 - 1970s style low-rise block with defects to balustrade walls on balconies

The subject building is a 1970s style low-rise block of domestic apartments in South East London, of conventional construction with open access decks and private balconies.

Rusting of steel reinforcing bars and the handrail baluster fixings had caused potentially dangerous cracking of the balcony walls.

Action Wall Ties’ solution for fixing the cracked brickwork involved reinforcing the brickwork.

The rusted reinforcing bars and other corroded steelwork balusters were removed to prevent further cracking. New stainless steel fixings designed by Action Wall Ties were then fitted and the balcony walls were rendered and made good.

Detailed Case Study:

case 22 a - 1970s style low-rise block with defects to balustrade walls on balconies

Balcony Problems & issues

Visible cracking of brickwork and previous repairs (in a similar pattern) was noted to the inside of the balustrade ½ brick thick walls to the private balconies.

case 22 b - 1970s style low-rise block with defects to balustrade walls on balconies

The balconies’ balustrade walls were all of a similar construction – ½ brick thick stretcher bond brickwork, with faced brickwork externally and render finish to the inside.

They were finished with a concrete coping stone and a steel tubular handrail supported by tubular balusters embedded through the coping stones down into the first two courses of brickwork.

case 22 c - 1970s style low-rise block with defects to balustrade walls on balconies

case 22 d - 1970s style low-rise block with defects to balustrade walls on balconies

Generally the external bricks and pointing were found to be in good condition with little spalled pointing and spalled bricks noted.

There was visible cracking and previous repairs in a similar pattern to the internal render finish, and cracking to the coping stone and first two courses in line with the embedded steel baluster.

case 22 e - 1970s style low-rise block with defects to balustrade walls on balconies

Action Wall Ties’ inspection revealed a heavily corroding 10mm mild steel reinforcing bar, set into the concrete slab adjacent to the brickwork and fixed to the brickwork with mild steel wire ties bent round the upright bar and built into the brickwork bed joint.

case 22 f - 1970s style low-rise block with defects to balustrade walls on balconies

The cracking and previous repairs noted corresponded with the reinforcing bars built into the render finish.

case 22 g - 1970s style low-rise block with defects to balustrade walls on balconies

In line with the embedded tubular handrail baluster some cracked bed joints and dislodged coping stones were noted.

In some cases the cracking continued down through the first two courses of brickwork, in line with the depth of the embedded baluster. The coping stones have no mechanical fixing required by modern day standards.

Discussion

From Action Wall Ties’ findings it is apparent that the cracking to the render finish and cracking to the coping stones and brickwork noted above were due to two generic defects – that of the advanced expanding corrosion to each of the embedded reinforcing bars and the handrail tubular baluster.

The brickwork has admitted moisture, resulting in expanding corrosion (i.e. the formation of ferrous oxide that expands several times the thickness of the metal it has resulted from) on the embedded mild steel, thus cracking brickwork and further fuelling the process by reducing the section of reinforcing bar and the effectiveness of the reinforcing bars.

The ½ brick thick balustrade wall’s lateral stability is dependent on this reinforcement.

The brickwork has admitted moisture running down from the baluster into the masonry resulting in expanding corrosion to the mild steel baluster, thus cracking the brickwork and dislodging the coping stones further fuelling the process.

From our findings an engineering appraisal and remedial strategy was adopted.

The judgment was to determine the extent of the remedial works that should be instigated to accommodate a maintenance program and safety issues assessment.

Structural Repair Solution

Action Wall Ties’ remedial works were designed to provide a cost effective, long term repair solution ameliorating all the defects noted, retaining the existing appearance with the minimum of disruption to occupants and impact on the environment.

case 22 i - 1970s style low-rise block with defects to balustrade walls on balconies

 

Our proposed remedial scheme provided a viable repair with the introduction of a combination of single corded bed joint reinforcement – to remove the handrail and baluster from the brickwork, drill for and grout in AWT designed stainless steel fixings, cut and weld original handrail in place.

case 22 j - 1970s style low-rise block with defects to balustrade walls on balconies

 

AWT Diamond drilled the full height of the balustrade wall into the concrete slab and injected grouted stainless steel pins, removing the existing reinforcing bars from the brickwork and made good the render, drilled for resin bond stainless steel ties and made good coping stones.

Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in masonry reinforcement and repair, replacing corroded embedded steel and re rendering the surface, providing professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems in the south east including Kent and London. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.

Failing concrete support toes

Failing concrete support toes

Twelve storey concrete frame building with failing concrete support toes – install stainless steel angles reinforcement and re-tie infill walls

case study 56e19ad841d6c3.98871744 - Failing concrete support toes

The subject of this case study was a 12-storey concrete frame building with brick infill walls believed to have been constructed in the 1960s.

Problem: Cracks and failing concrete toes/wall ties

The building was of a concrete frame and floor construction, with cavity brickwork infill walls. The infill walls were constructed with an external brick skin on a single course high concrete toe that was visible above the fenestration openings and balcony soffit.

a. Cracking movement was noted to the infill walls.

b. Sections of the concrete toes were found to be failing, along with sections of the external brickwork not supported by the concrete toe.

case 27 a - Failing concrete support toes

 

c. A wall tie deficiency was evident.

Solution – Concrete Repair

AWT completed a remedial scheme, providing a viable repair by the introduction of 10mm stainless steel reinforcement to the concrete toe, remedial wall ties and general brick repairs. Establishing our reputation as a quality concrete repair company.

case 27 b - Failing concrete support toes

Making good and pointing: 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.

Action Wall Ties (AWT) are a specialist concrete repair company, working with concrete, and offering masonry reinforcement and repair, providing professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us to discuss your concrete and masonry cracks and issues for a quote and simple quick and reliable solution.

Grade 2 listed building remedial reinforcing

Grade 2 Listed Building Remedial Reinforcing

Grade 2* listed Spa Green Estate in London EC1, designed by Bertholt Lubetkin. Extensive remedial reinforcing including work to the hit and miss vents, brick slips and widespread brickwork repairs.

case study 56e19bd4a80183.85880495 - Grade 2 listed building remedial reinforcing

Spa Green Estate is a public housing estate in central London designed by Bertholt Lubetkin and Grade 2* listed in 1998.

It is widely viewed as being the finest example of public housing of its type, but remedial works were required and Action Wall Ties were engaged to undertake elements of the project.

Extensive remedial reinforcing was required including work to the hit and miss vents, brick slips and widespread brickwork repairs.

case 32 a - Grade 2 listed building remedial reinforcing

AWT operatives were made aware of the importance of the buildings and accordingly ensured that all works were carried out with the appropriate level of care and respect for the structure, and were completed to be sympathetic with the Grade II* facade all to the approval of English Heritage.

case 32 b - Grade 2 listed building remedial reinforcing

Long Lasting Structural Repairs

The After photos in the gallery below shows the building 14 years after the work was completed. This shows the quality of workmanship provided by AWT.

Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in masonry reinforcement and repair, providing professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems on Grade 2 Listed Buildings in Kent, Surrey, Sussex and London. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.

Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

Large ornate Victorian square stone and brick bay window failing and rotating – stabilizing, realignment, reinforced and make good

case study 56e19dcd0bb767.61122017 - Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

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.

case 43 a 1 230x120 - Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

case 43 a 2 230x120 - Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

case 43 a 3 230x120 - Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

case 43 a 4 230x120 - Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

case 43 a 5 230x120 - Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

case 43 a 6 230x120 - Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

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.

case 43 b - Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

case 43 b 1 230x120 - Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

case 43 b 2 230x120 - Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

case 43 b 3 230x120 - Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

case 43 b 4 230x120 - Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

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.

case 43 c - Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

case 43 c 1 - Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

case 43 c 2 - Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

case 43 c 3 - Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

case 43 c 4 - Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

case 43 c 5 - Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

case 43 c 6 - Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

case 43 c 7 - Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

case 43 c 8 - Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

case 43 c 9 - Failing and rotating Victorian bay window

 

1980s Office Building with Failing Brick Slips

1980s Office Building with Failing Brick Slips

Imposing 1980s quadrangle designed head office building in Essex with failing brick slips. The contract for remedial fixing of the brick slips was awarded to Action Wall Ties.

case study 56e19e50dc7c07.67894388 - 1980s Office Building with Failing Brick Slips

The subject building was an imposing 1980s quadrangle design commercial head office building, over four floors, in four wings with entrance towers to each corner.

case 48 a - 1980s Office Building with Failing Brick Slips

This building was undergoing a major refurbishment for new occupants Cofunds when some detached brick slips were noted. Action Wall Ties was invited by Como Interiors to undertake an inspection of the brick slips and any associated defects, and to report our findings and recommendations.

case 48 b - 1980s Office Building with Failing Brick Slips

case 48 b 1 - 1980s Office Building with Failing Brick Slips

case 48 b 2 - 1980s Office Building with Failing Brick Slips

case 48 b 3 - 1980s Office Building with Failing Brick Slips

case 48 b 4 - 1980s Office Building with Failing Brick Slips

Action Wall Ties inspected Mayland house building, identified the defect, reported on our findings and recommended AWT designed fixing of some 20,000 brick slips.

Action Wall Ties was instructed and successfully completed the fixing of 20,000 brick slips to this building on budget and on program. Our work met with the approval of both Como and Cofunds.

The Structural Problem

The building was found to be of concrete frame construction, with cavity brickwork infill walls, an external skin of stretcher bond reddish multi-stock bricks constructed on each concrete floor beam with brick slip facing, and with windows up to the underside of the floor beam above in-between brick clad columns.

The external brickwork infill walls were found to be supported on the floor beam by approximately 60mm, with 50mm protruding to accommodate finishing and with brick slips bedded in front of the concrete floor beam, thus giving the appearance of brickwork. To each wing the brick slips formed a full brick soldier course with three courses of stretcher bond to the return wall and the entrance towers.

Since this building was built the concrete frame had shortened, and the bricks’ first irreversible expansion had taken place. We believed that these movements, together with thermal movement, had resulted in the sand and cement bedding mortar becoming detached from the concrete floor beam. Any further movement within the brickwork, and/or erosion/deterioration of the pointing mortar, could un-lock the brick slips allowing them to become dislodged and fall. Present-day practice is to mechanically fix all brick slips.

The Structural Repair Solution

Action Wall Ties have considerable experience in remediating brick slip defects and have developed methods and equipment to enable the successful fixing of brick slips in situ, avoiding damaging (i.e. cracking with impact hammer type drills) the delicate brick slips. With specially sharpened drills, developed to enable rotary drilling of the slips to complete the fixing, we inserted a special colour matched epoxy putty into the pre-drilled hole then drove a stainless steel fixing into the epoxy putty to fill hole, providing not only a mechanical fixing but bonding all the elements together. We then made good and sealed the access hole with coloured epoxy putty.

case 48 c - 1980s Office Building with Failing Brick Slips

Action Wall Ties have developed a unique approach to fixing brick slip issues on low rise and high rise concrete frame buildings. Using their specialist drilling techniques and carefully designed fixings, AWT can repair brick slip defects in an economical manner that maintains the appearance of the building and minimises disruption.

Kent based AWT provide their expertise to customers in Kent, Essex, Sussex, Surrey & London. To arrange a survey or to discuss your project, please call us on 01227 721 255, email us or fill in the contact form.

Seven-Storey Building NHBC Warranty Remedial Works

Seven-Storey Building NHBC Warranty Remedial Works

This seven-storey building in Croydon, South London required remedial work under the NHBC warranty scheme. This included stainless steel support angles, horizontal soft joints and Sika CarboDur strengthening carbon fibre plates.case study 56e19e6e7125e0.29228426 1 - Seven-Storey Building NHBC Warranty Remedial Works

The subject building was a contemporary designed seven-storey apartment building.

case 49 a - Seven-Storey Building NHBC Warranty Remedial Works

The Structural Problem

The building was found to be deficient from the one that had been designed and remedial works were instigated by NHBC warranty. Consulting structural engineers were engaged to design the required compliant remediation works and Action Wall Ties were engaged to undertake the works.

The Structural Repair Solution

The remedial works involved the introduction of stainless steel support angles with horizontal soft joints and Sika CarboDur strengthening carbon fibre plates to concrete beam, together with remedial wall ties and bed joint reinforcement.

We removed the external brickwork skin exposing the concrete beam and prepared the concrete surface removing any ridges with a concrete planer, cleaned and primed ready for and applied Sika CarboDur structural strengthening system 80mm strips bonded with Sikadur 30 in accordance with manufactures and AWT methods. Thereafter, we installed stainless steel support angles and reinstated the brickwork.

case 49 b - Seven-Storey Building NHBC Warranty Remedial Works

case 49 b 1 - Seven-Storey Building NHBC Warranty Remedial Works

case 49 b 2 - Seven-Storey Building NHBC Warranty Remedial Works

case 49 b 3 - Seven-Storey Building NHBC Warranty Remedial Works

AWT are structural repair contractors. We work with local authorities, housing associations, the NHBC and other organisations to provide cost effective structural repairs to both low rise and high rise blocks. Our repair techniques ensure the minimum amount of disruption to residents.

AWT are available for contracts in Kent, Sussex, Essex, Surrey and the whole of London. Please get in touch using our contact form, by calling 01227 721 255 or email us.

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