Solution: Bed Joint Reinforcement BJR Beaming

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.

Thanet grade 2 listed - Hazardous Masonry on Grade 2 Listed Building

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.

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.

Scaffolding listed building repairs - Hazardous Masonry on Grade 2 Listed Building

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.

 

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.

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.

Failing Bay During Window Replacement

Bay Window Repairs During Fitting of New Windows

This period property in Southfields, South West London had failing bay window masonry. The old sash windows had been removed but fitting of the new windows revealed the bay window was unstable and out of alignment. Without professional structural repairs this would result in the collapse of the bay window masonry.

SW London Bay Repairs - Failing Bay During Window Replacement

The Structural Problem

As with many Victorian/Edwardian properties, issues with the bay windows became apparent during the fitting of replacement windows. New box sash windows were being installed but the surrounding masonry was clearly out of alignment. Repairs were necessary before the replacement window work could be fully completed.

This property in London, SW18, had visible cracking and dropping to the front bay window masonry. The bay had lost the internal brickwork support during the removal of the old box sash windows. Cracking of the first floor masonry lintel components and rendered brickwork were clearly visible. The original internal supports at the head of the bay window structure had been removed together with the original box sash windows.

The combination of inadequate restraining, ageing and the removal of the structural supports to the first floor during the replacement of the original window frames left the bay window unstable. Without suitable structural repairs the bay window was in danger of collapse.

The Structural Repair Solution

To reinstate stability, the bay window structure required the internal supports to be reinstated plus reinforcement of the masonry. Temporary supports were installed to the underside of the first floor front bay window masonry lintel. All the debris was removed from the crack and the lintel was lifted into a more level line with the adjacent brickwork.

 

Bed joint reinforcement beaming, grout tie injection, resin bonded ties, steel lintels and columns and some masonry repairs were all required. The formation of continuous beams within the existing masonry redistributed the upper storey loads to the supporting structure below while also assisting in restraining diagonal cracking and bulging tendencies. A bespoke steel box lintel frame supported on steel box columns was also fixed to the inside of the masonry columns.

The specialist techniques used by Action Wall Ties installed all the stainless steel fixings within the masonry leaving no visible fixings. Once the area had been redecorated the bay window looked as good as new.

AWT provide cost effective structural repairs for a wide range of structural faults including bay window reinforcement, realignment and lintel repairs. We operate not only in SW London but across the whole of London and the South East of England.

Read our frequently asked questions about bay window structural repairs.

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.

Bowing Pebble Dash Gable Wall

Pebble Dashed Bowing Gable Wall

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.

London E17 Bowing gable wall - Bowing Pebble Dash Gable Wall

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

London E17 Bowing gable repairs - Bowing Pebble Dash Gable Wall
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.

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.

Distorted Columns & Lintels

Failing Bay Window Columns & Lintels

The charming bay window of this period property in Kensal Green, North West London was at risk of collapse due to failing lintels and stonework columns following the addition of a loft conversion.

The Structural Problem

The structural problems of this period property in London, NW10 were clearly visible. There was significant outward rotation of the masonry columns and lintels around the bay window. The structural issues had become more noticeable following the addition of a loft conversion and the installation of new double glazed windows.

The survey by AWT revealed that if the columns and lintels were not restrained and reinforced it would result in the failure of the bay window masonry. Such a serious defect required specialist structural repairs to avoid costly and disruptive rebuilding of the bay window.

The seriousness of the problem can be seem by how far the bay window masonry was leaning away from the main structure. The photo below shows that a gap of several centimeters had opened up between the new double glazing and the original stonework. This outward movement had also caused cracking in the surrounding brickwork.

The Structural Repair Solution

Avoid costly rebuilding work by calling in the experts. At best, traditional building methods would require the partial demolition and rebuilding of the bay window brickwork. This would be costly, disruptive and time consuming. At worst, homeowners may find they have paid for superficial, cosmetic repairs that do not solve the underlying structural issues.

The front of the house was stabilised by realigning, restraining and reinforcing the masonry using AWT’s specialist tools and techniques. This included:

  • Bed Joint Reinforcement
  • Lateral Restraints
  • Grout Tie Injection
  • Brickwork Repairs
  • Repairs to Ornate Columns
  • Repointing with Colour Matched Mortar

All of this was achieved without visible fixings or rebuilding work. The property was left simply requiring retouching of the paint in the disturbed areas to restore it to its original beauty.

AWT provide cost effective structural repairs for a wide range of structural issues including failing bay window columns and lintels. We operate not only in NW London 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.

Failing Timber Bressumer Lintel

Collapsing Bay & Gable

This period property in Hampstead, North West London had significant structural defects due to a failing Bressumer beam over the bay window area. The entire bay window area and the decorative gable wall above was leaning away from the main structure. Without professional structural repairs, this would result in the ultimate failure and collapse of the structure.

NW3 bressummer - Failing Timber Bressumer Lintel
The Structural Problem

This front elevation of this home in London, NW3 was at risk of collapse. The first floor timber Bressumer beam over the bay window was failing, causing the downward movement of the central column of brickwork. This resulted in significant distortion to the window cills, lintels and first floor causing them to lean down to the centre of the building.

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

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

This type of substantial wooden beam is often found in period properties over bay windows supporting the building above and above shop windows.

Victorian timber Bressumer beams over bay windows are generally over stressed compared to modern day standards. They are often affected by Creep with significant deflection together with further deterioration of the timber due to rot, damp, pest infestations etc. This can render the beam ineffective, deflecting the brickwork above, as well as the floor and the ceiling, requiring remediation. Another common cause of Bressumer beam problems is movement within the building’s structure which leaves the beam lacking adequate support.

Many of the common symptoms of a failing timber bay window beam were clearly visible including:

  1. Significant deflection of the beam
  2. Cracking, bulging brickwork above
  3. Masonry leaning away from the main elevation
  4. Cracking internal plaster
  5. Bulging ceilings
  6. Sloping floors
  7. Bowing of the main roof
  8. Distorted window cills
  9. Distorted window lintels

NW3 sloping floor - Failing Timber Bressumer Lintel

The entire bay window and the decorative gable brickwork was at risk of collapse. Traditional building methods would have required substantial and costly rebuilding work. Without AWT this would have required a major building project to de-construct the front elevation down to the Bressumer beam, replace the beam and thereafter rebuild the front first floor brickwork complete with window cill, lintels, refitting the windows and replacing internal plastering and finishings.

AWT was called in to stabilise the structure and preserve the period features. AWT’s specialist tools and structural repair skills enabled them to restore structural integrity without the need for rebuilding work, saving time, money and disruption.

The Structural Repair Solution

AWT used specialist equipment to realign the masonry, replace the wooden Bressumer lintel with a steel beam and install restraints. A lateral gable beam was also installed, the bulging gable wall was realigned and the structural integrity was restored.

Hampstead bressummer replacement - Failing Timber Bressumer Lintel

Hampstead bressummer realignment - Failing Timber Bressumer Lintel

Traditional building methods often provide a superficial, temporary solution. AWT’s structural repairs get to the root cause of the structural failings.

The structural repair works included:

  • Installation of temporary supports
  • Removal of failing Bressumer beam
  • Installation of new steel Bressumer lintel
  • Installation of lateral gable beam
  • Realignment of masonry by 70mm using hydraulic equipment
  • Bed Joint Reinforcement
  • Lateral restraints
  • Re-pointing disturbed areas with colour matched mortar

The remedial works restored the leaning masonry to its vertical alignment and restrained it from leaning outwards. The new steel Bressumer beam, lateral gable beam and the Bed Joint Reinforcement within the masonry restored the strength of the structure.

AWT provided a permanent solution to the structural defects without the need for expensive rebuilding work or visible fixings.

Satisfied Customers

The first photo below shows the re-plastered ceiling ready to be repainted and the second shows it after redecoration was completed. The beautiful period features of the house can be enjoyed in their former glory.

bressummer repaired - Failing Timber Bressumer Lintel

 

The home owners were delighted with how hassle free the process was and at the finished results.

Some of their comments were:

“You managed to diagnose pretty much what was wrong over the phone without having seen a photo i.e. Bressumer beam failure. We felt we were dealing with a professional company with a real idea of what we would need.”

“Your surveyor, Scott, was again reassuring. He gave the impression that whilst our house was of concern it was nothing compared to some properties you’ve repaired and it wouldn’t be beyond you.”

“Once we agreed to go ahead you were again very supportive and we felt comfortable and confident that we were in good hands.
The building team you that sent us were very reassuring and immediately had our confidence. The entire team were polite and professional and inspired confidence.”

“My elderly neighbour 2 doors away asked me when the works were starting and I was happy to tell her they were already finished….”

“We have a family friend that was very concerned with us walking blindly into a massive building program with no clue as to what we were doing and that it could all go horribly wrong.  I’ve been very pleased to let him know everything went better than expected and AWT completed the works quicker than we hoped. It’s all been a very positive experience.”

new bressummer beam - Failing Timber Bressumer Lintel

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

Read our frequently asked questions about bay window structural repairs.

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.

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.

Walthamstow bay repairs - Stone Arch & Bay Window Reinforcement

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.

E17 stone arch repair - Stone Arch & Bay Window Reinforcement

The bay window had visibly shifted and caused cracks in the external brickwork as well as in the interior walls. The supporting columns and cills had become distorted.

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

The AWT team also had to be prepared in case the masonry components weren’t solid masonry but simply a thin facade covering a timber frame.

 

The Structural Repair Solution

  • Installation of temporary supports & AWT designed cramping equipment
  • 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.

E17 bay arch repairs - Stone Arch & Bay Window Reinforcement

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.

Bowed Flank Wall on Victorian Semi

Bowed Flank Wall on Victorian Semi

Victorian semi-detached house with very large bowed flank wall. AWT used bed joint reinforcement, lateral restraints and resin bonded ties to realign and stabilise the bowing brickwork. As with many properties that AWT is called in to repair, the property showed signs of previous repairs that had failed to address the underlying structural issues.

case study 56e199919bebb7.47063350 - Bowed Flank Wall on Victorian Semi

 

The Structural Problem: Bowing Flank Wall

This substantial Victorian traditionally built semi-detached house is a domestic residence spread over three floors. As shown in the photo, the flank wall had a significant visible bulge in the centre of the wall at first-floor level. No significant cracking was noted. The third floor (top level) appeared to have been rebuilt.

The AWT survey team judged the movement of the masonry to be progressive and in need of stabilisation to avoid the entire wall collapsing. The previous rebuilding of the third floor brickwork failed to tackle the weakness in the structure that was allowing the brickwork to bow outwards.

What Causes Bowed Brickwork?

As is common with Victorian properties, the bowing masonry was due to some downward movement compounded by ineffective or inadequate restraining. Under the weight of the masonry above, and without strong enough fixings to tie it to the main body of the property, the brickwork bulges outwards.

debonded brickwork bulges 1.3 - Bowed Flank Wall on Victorian SemiThe bulge may have been formed by some de-bonding of the brickwork (or cracking of the headers). It was common practice in buildings of this age for a 9-inch wall to be constructed as two half-brick walls with snapped headers to the external skin to save on expensive facing bricks. This results in a less structurally stable wall, compared to fully bonded brickwork, because the inner and outer skins of the wall are only connected by mortar.

The Structural Repair Solution

AWT’s remedial scheme involved the introduction of bed joint reinforcement, lateral restraints and resin bonded ties (see coloured remedial works on our proposal picture.) This added tensile strength and reinstated the brickwork’s integrity and the uniformity of the wall. After installation, the pointing was raked out, reinstated and tinted to match the existing.

case 1 a - Bowed Flank Wall on Victorian Semi

1. Bed Joint Reinforcement:
The AWT team installed two rows of twin cord reinforcement, forming a deep masonry beam – indicated by red double dotted lines in the image.

2. Lateral Restraints:
In conjunction with the beam, 8mm stainless steel lateral restraints were introduced and screwed directly into timber floor joists’ end grain or into the side grain and resin bonded to the masonry – indicated with yellow stars in the image.

3. Wall Ties to De-bonding Brickwork:
Using specialist precision drilling rigs, the AWT team drilled for and installed new resin bonded, 6mm stainless steel remedial ties – indicated with blue lines in the image. Disturbed areas were re-pointed with colour matched sand and cement mixture.

Cost Effective Structural Repairs

Rebuilding work would have been, slow, messy and expensive. The affected rooms would also have been uninhabitable during the rebuilding work.

AWT was able to provide a long lasting structural repair that got to the root cause of the bulging brickwork. The bowing masonry was strengthened and brought back into vertical alignment. No visible fixings or rebuilding work was required. The vast majority of the work was carried out from the exterior of the property thus minimising the disturbance to the residents and to interior finishes.

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

 

Dropped failing lintel on Victorian semi

Dropped failing lintel on Victorian semi

Victorian semi-detached house with dropped failing lintel – introduction of bed joint reinforcement, resin bonded ties

case study 56e199aa5036f5.60583150 - Dropped failing lintel on Victorian semi

The building was a substantial traditionally built semi-detached domestic residence set out over two floors below a pitched tiled roof.

Problem

Signs of distortion and dropping to the brick arches, along with some cracking to the brickwork above. Previous attempts to repair the symptoms were noted to the rear ground and first floor fenestration openings.

Causation

The movement noted was clearly progressive, due to a combination of ageing, seasonal moisture, thermal expansion and contraction (i.e. hygrothermal) and inadequate restraining.

Solution

AWT’s Remedial scheme involved the introduction of bed joint reinforcement beaming and lintel repairs to add tensile strength, thus reinstating the brickwork’s integrity and the uniformity of the wall. After installation, pointing was raked out, reinstated and tinted to match the existing (see coloured remedial works on our proposal picture).

case 2 a - Dropped failing lintel on Victorian semi

1. Bed joint reinforcement:
We introduced two rows of twin 8mm stainless steel corded joint reinforcement, forming a deep masonry beam – as indicated by red double dotted lines on our proposal images.

2. Fenestration lintel repair:
To the underside of the fenestration openings head we drilled for, and injected, grouted 8mm helical stainless steel pins through the brick arch and into the line of the deep masonry beam – as indicated with green parallel lines on our proposal images.

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

 

Bowing brickwork on Victorian semi

Bowing brickwork on Victorian semi

Victorian mid-terrace house rear addition bowing and dropping brickwork – stabilisation, bed joint reinforcement beaming, crack stitching, fenestration lintel repair, grouted tie and lateral restraints

case study 56e199b5a11814.78242588 - Bowing brickwork on Victorian semi

The subject building was a traditionally built Victorian mid-terrace domestic residence, consisting of three floors below a pitched tiled roof.

Problem

Signs of distortion and distress, with localised cracking, were noted to the far external gable wall of the rear addition – along with cracked and dropped brick arches to the first and second floor level. Previous repairs of old tie bars with patress plates, large steel straps, rebuilding and re-pointing were noted, indicating a history of movement.

A significant outward bulge to the side elevation at first floor level with localised cracking was also noted, as was significant downward movement at the rear doorway with all brickwork leaning towards that point.

Causation

The movement noted was attributed to subsidence, which may well be historic as internal redecoration shows no sign of cracking. Under these circumstances we did not consider that underpinning was warranted at this stage. Our pragmatic solution was to reinforce and tie back the building by using a combination of bed joint reinforcement and lateral restraints into the first floor construction to reinstate structural integrity.

Solution

AWT’s remedial scheme was the introduction of bed joint reinforcement beaming, crack stitching, fenestration lintel repair, grout tie injection and lateral restraints – adding tensile strength and restraint and thus reinstating the brickwork’s integrity and the uniformity of the wall. After installation, pointing was raked out, reinstated and tinted to match the existing.

case 3 a - Bowing brickwork on Victorian semi

1. Reinforcement:
We introduced two rows of twin 8mm stainless steel corded joint reinforcement to form a deep masonry beam – as indicated with red double dotted lines on our proposal images.

2. Grout tie injection:
We drilled into the party wall and bent into the hole one of the grouted 8mm stainless steel cords – as indicated with red stars on our proposal images.

3. Lintel repair:
To the underside of the fenestration openings head we drilled for and injected grouted 8mm helical stainless steel pins through the brick arch and passed into the line of the deep masonry beam installed within the existing masonry – as indicated with green parallel lines on our proposal images.

4. Crack stitching:
We stitched localised cracks with the introduction of single 8mm stainless steel corded joint reinforcement – as indicated with red single dotted lines on our proposal images.

5. Lateral restraints:
In conjunction with the beam, we introduced 8mm stainless steel lateral restraints screwed directly into the timber floor joists’ end grain or into the side grain, all resin bonded to the masonry – as indicated with yellow stars on our proposal images.

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

 

Bed Joint Reinforcement Beaming

Bed Joint Reinforcement Beaming

Victorian property in Hampstead, NW3. Three-storey bay windows with pulling away outward movement, dropping brickwork (all with previous failing repairs) and bowing side flank wall. Repaired using bed joint reinforcement beaming, lateral restraints, crack stitching, and resin bonded ties.

case study 56e199d5b84726.15696458 - Bed Joint Reinforcement Beaming

The subject building was a substantial Victorian end-of-terrace domestic residence in North West London.

Structural Problems

Outward movement to the gable wall, patress plates and tie bars were noted, which indicated that a previous attempt to restrain the outward movement had been made. No significant cracking was noted. Also, a steel band to the front bay window on the first and second floors was found to be heavily corroded and delaminating.

Causation

The movement noted is progressive, attributable to historic subsidence (downward movement) compounded by outward movement due to ineffective or inadequate restraining to the main elevational walls and the bay window, allowing the brick arch to spread and drop and the brickwork above to crack.

debonded brickwork bulges 1.3 - Bed Joint Reinforcement Beaming

Structural Solutions

AWT’s remedial scheme was to introduce bed joint reinforcement beaming, lateral restraints, crack stitching and resin bonded ties – adding tensile strength and restraint and thus reinstating the brickwork’s integrity and the uniformity of the wall.

After installation, pointing was raked out, reinstated and tinted to match the existing (see coloured remedial works on our proposal picture).

case 5 a - Bed Joint Reinforcement Beaming

case 5 b - Bed Joint Reinforcement Beaming

1. Bed joint reinforcement:
The introduction of two rows of twin cord reinforcement, forming a deep masonry beam – as indicated with red double dotted lines on our proposal images.

2. Lateral restraints:
In conjunction with the beam, 8mm stainless steel lateral restraints were introduced and screwed directly into the timber floor joists’ end grain or into the side grain, all resin bonded to the masonry – as indicated with yellow stars on our proposal images.

3. Crack stitching:
To stitch localised cracks, single 8mm stainless steel corded joint reinforcements were introduced – as indicated with red single dotted lines on our proposal images.

4. Wall ties to de-bonding brickwork:
Wherever possible, we drilled for and resin bonded 6mm stainless steel remedial ties to the centre of a brick. We then re-pointed the disturbed areas with a coloured sand and cement mixture – as indicated with blue line on our proposal plan images.

5. Making good and pointing:
We then raked out the existing mortar and repaired with new coloured sand and cement mortar to approximately 20mm in depth.

AWT operatives are highly skilled in traditional building methods and always attempt to match replacement bricks, pointing styles and mortar colour to be sympathetic with the existing building.

High Quality Structural Repairs

The photo below shows the completed structural repairs 14 years after the project was completed. Unlike the previous repairs by traditional builders, AWT’s structural repair techniques got to the root of the problem.

AWT provide long lasting, cost effective structural repairs so you can enjoy your home.

Bed joint beaming - Bed Joint Reinforcement Beaming

Read our frequently asked questions about bay window structural repairs.

Action Wall Ties (AWT) based in Kent are specialists in masonry reinforcement and repair covering London, Kent and the whole South East area. AWT provide professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.

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