Solution: Bowing bulging wall restraining treatment

London School with Bowing Brickwork

London School with Superstructure Issues & Bowing Walls

This primary school in Southwark, London, had significant visible bowing to the second-floor right side flank wall, putting the structure at risk of collapse. Progressive movement was impacting the entire building and required a plan to reinforce and restrain all the brickwork. Previous repairs had failed to halt the movement of the structure.

According to estimates, to repair the defects using traditional building methods the school would need to close for 6 months. AWT completed their work in just over 2 weeks during the school summer holiday. AWT’s work was also significantly cheaper, accounting for less than 25% of the original projected cost.

AWT worked with the Education Service and the consulting structural engineers to design a permanent, cost-effective structural repair that would minimise disruption to the school’s staff and pupils.

The Structural Problem

The building was a Victorian/Edwardian period property that had been extended and converted into a school. There was significant visible bowging to the front section of the second-floor right side flank wall. There was also bulging brickwork between the rear third floor windows.

These structural defects were severe – nearing the tipping point. Without urgent action, the structure would collapse. The rest of the property was also suffering from movement within the structure, therefore the entire building required remedial work.

during bowing brick repairs 01 300x225 - London School with Bowing Brickwork
Failing Timber Beams

The building appeared to be solid brickwork, however, AWT was prepared for the possibility of decaying timbers within the structure. When the internal plaster was removed, it revealed failing wooden beams that could not support their load.

The Structural Solution

The structural repairs included:

  • Brickwork Realignment
  • Removal of Failing Timber
  • Internal Restraint Posts for Severely Bowed Areas
  • Bed Joint Reinforcement Beaming
  • Lateral Restraints
  • Resin Bonded Ties
  • Resin Bonded Stainless Steel Pins
  • Brickwork Repairs

 

AWT’s specialist tools and techniques allowed them to straighten and reinforce the brickwork without visible fixings. The severely bowed wall was reinforced with internal restraint posts that would be hidden when the plasterwork was reinstated.

AWT introduced stainless steel reinforcements deep within the masonry. The formation of continuous beams within the existing masonry redistributes the upper-storey loads and restrains diagonal cracking and bulging tendencies.

AWT stabilised the superstructure of the building and repaired the bowing brickwork in just over 2 weeks. This allowed plenty of time for the internal finishes to be reinstated before the start of the new school year, thus avoiding any disruption to the pupils.

As well as providing an efficient, long-term solution, AWT’s work was also very cost-effective, accounting for less than 25% of the original projected cost.

Action Wall Ties are specialist structural repair contractors with the knowledge and experience required to stabilise period properties with severe brickwork defects, such as superstructure issues or bowing brick walls.  AWT work with property owners, structural engineers, project managers, education boards, borough councils, local authorities etc. on large and small projects.

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

1970s Bungalow with Leaning Gable Walls

Severely Leaning Gable Walls & Roof

When AWT surveyed this 1970s cavity wall bungalow in Canterbury it was obviously in a perilous condition.

The gable walls at either end of the property were leaning far beyond the tipping point.

Urgent action was required to prevent collapse.

AWT provided a permanent and cost-effective structural repair without rebuilding work on the walls or removal of the roof.

leaning gable Kent 08 - 1970s Bungalow with Leaning Gable Walls
Distorted Roof & Leaning Gable Walls

The Structural Problem

The roof structure including the roof trusses and both brickwork gable walls were leaning precariously to the left. The walls were some 250mm/9.8 inches from vertical. This is far beyond the tipping point and makes structural collapse inevitable.

leaning gable Kent 05 768x1024 - 1970s Bungalow with Leaning Gable Walls
Leaning Gable Wall
leaning gable Kent 02 768x1024 - 1970s Bungalow with Leaning Gable Walls
Severe Lean in Gable Walls
leaning gable Kent 06 768x1024 - 1970s Bungalow with Leaning Gable Walls
Leaning Gable Brickwork

Inspection of the roof revealed no braces had been installed on the roof trusses. The roof tiles, fascia boards and soffits had warped with the structural movement but remained intact. The property also lacked effective wall ties.

These deficiencies in the original construction left the gable walls unrestrained. Over time, the weight of the roof structure and the heavy roof tiles caused the gable walls to lean significantly.

The Structural Solution

leaning gable Kent 09 768x1024 - 1970s Bungalow with Leaning Gable Walls
Before: Dangerous, Leaning Brickwork
leaning gable Kent 07 768x1024 - 1970s Bungalow with Leaning Gable Walls
After: Brickwork Realigned

The structural repairs had 3 main elements:

  • Restoring the gable walls to vertical
  • Bracing the roof trusses
  • Reinforcing & repairing the brickwork
leaning gable Kent 10 768x1024 - 1970s Bungalow with Leaning Gable Walls
During Wall Realignment
leaning gable Kent 04 768x1024 - 1970s Bungalow with Leaning Gable Walls
During Brickwork Realignment
leaning gable Kent 11 768x1024 - 1970s Bungalow with Leaning Gable Walls
During Gable Straightening

AWT designed and installed temporary steel anchors on the right side of the building and attached steel frames to both gable walls. The structure was realigned using AWT’s specialist hydraulic and screw-powered jacks. This shifted the gable brickwork, roof, fascias and soffits back to the vertical position.

To ensure a permanent repair, AWT installed roof truss braces and wall ties. The brickwork gable walls were reinforced and restrained to prevent leaning.

Disturbed areas of mortar and damaged bricks were repaired with carefully matched replacements. The result is a nearly invisible repair with no visible fixings, no rebuilding work and minimal disruption for the residents.

leaning gable Kent 12 768x1024 - 1970s Bungalow with Leaning Gable Walls
After Gable Wall Realignment
leaning gable Kent 13 768x1024 - 1970s Bungalow with Leaning Gable Walls
After Structural Repairs to Gable

AWT provides cost-effective structural repairs for a wide range of structural issues. Our specialist tools and techniques allow rapid and permanent structural repairs without the high price and disruption of rebuilding work.

We work with structural engineers, architects and project managers to find economical and effective solutions. We operate not only in Kent, but across London and the whole 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.

Custom Steel Reinforcement for Bulging Brickwork

Flats at Risk of Being Condemned

This 4-storey period property in Stratford, East London had been converted into flats. The large brick flank wall had significant outward bulging, with corresponding internal movement, resulting in cracking in the front and rear elevations. Without prompt structural repairs, the defect would worsen causing the property to be condemned as unsafe for occupation.

The owners and their structural engineers contacted Action Wall Ties to assist in designing and completing structural remediation works. Action Wall Ties, working with the consulting structural engineers, designed a practical stabilisation method that maintained the internal layouts.

The Structural Problem

This semi-detached Victorian/Edwardian property in London had been converted into a house of multiple occupation (HMO). The building had undergone extensive internal remodelling, including the complete removal of the original central spine wall, which had been replaced with steel beams. A survey found visible outward bulging of the large brick side wall, plus internal movement and cracking in the front and rear elevations.

As with many properties with structural defects, previous repair attempts had provided only short-term, cosmetic repairs but failed to tackle the underlying issues. As shown in the photo, the brickwork had bulged by well over 2 inches/5cm between floors. 

Consulting structural engineers reported that the central spine wall had been removed at the upper ground, first, and second-floor levels. The floors have been re-supported with steel beams. Originally, the central wall would have acted as a shear wall, providing horizontal stability to the building and preventing it from raking/leaning. Its removal has meant inadequate provision for horizontal stability in the central part of the building. This situation is believed to contribute to or worsen the bowing in the flank wall, presenting a significant structural problem that jeopardizes the building’s integrity. If not addressed, this issue is expected to worsen, potentially making the building a safety risk to the occupants.

The Structural Solution

Action Wall Ties, working with the consulting structural engineers, designed a practical stabilisation method that maintained the internal layouts of the flats. This involved forming braced diaphragms on each floor, incorporating the existing replacement steel beams, and introducing fabricated steel angles with welded junctions at ceiling line perimeters. This method reinstated horizontal stability to the central area in compliance with Document A of the building regulations regarding disproportionate collapse.

AWT worked with the structural engineer to design the steel work which was fabricated and delivered to the site. This allowed the on-site structural steelwork and brickwork to be completed in 2 weeks.

structural steel reinforcement 01 1024x576 - Custom Steel Reinforcement for Bulging Brickwork
AWT Designed Steel Reinforcement

The consulting engineers initially recommended two options to restore horizontal stability to the central area of the building while maintaining the internal layouts. However, both options would be disruptive, requiring tenants to move out for an extended period during the work. The owners were keen to find a solution that would not require changing the floor plan of the flats, as this would lead to additional costs and impact the sale/rental values.

The first option suggested by the consulting engineers was to install a three-story steel frame throughout the building, providing the necessary horizontal stiffness. If the existing beams were perfectly aligned (which is unlikely), it might be possible to use them with steel posts installed between them. However, misalignment of at least one beam is probable, leading to non-vertical posts. The second option was to rebuild the central spine wall in blockwork, possibly retaining the existing beams. This option would alter the layouts of the upper flats. It was noted that tying the flank wall to the floor plates and walls would be pointless without addressing the shear wall problem, necessitating both measures to stabilize the building. AWT collaborated with the consulting engineers to find a long-term, cost-effective structural repair solution that minimises disruption to the tenants.

Working with the consulting structural engineers, Action Wall Ties collaboratively designed a practical method of forming braced diaphragms on each floor. This method incorporated the existing replacement steel beams and involved adopting fabricated steelworks welded in situ. This approach maintained the benefits of the internal layouts while reinstating horizontal stability in the central area, in accordance with Document A concerning the disproportionate collapse of the building.

The steel braces restored the structural integrity of the building and realigned the brickwork. The property was left ready for the reinstatement of the internal finishes. Once replastering, repainting etc was completed, no fixings were visible inside or outside the property. AWT provided a long-term structural repair that preserved the floor plan of the flats and protected their sale/rental values.

Action Wall Ties are specialist structural repair contractors with the knowledge and experience required to repair period properties with severe masonry defects, such as bulging brick walls.  AWT work with structural engineers,  property owners, architects, project managers and local authorities on both small and large projects.

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

 

Dangerous Bulging Brickwork

Brickwork Bulging at Party Wall

This mid-terrace period property in the London borough of Lambeth had been converted into flats. The brickwork above the extension at the rear of the property was bulging.

The bowing had reached the point where the entire section of the brick wall was liable to collapse. AWT provided cost-effective structural repairs with minimal disruption to the residents and neighbours.

The brick wall required realignment and strengthening to prevent the problem from recurring. Previous attempts to halt the bowing using standard building techniques had only provided a temporary, cosmetic repair of the mortar gaps and cracks. It had failed to tackle the cause of the progressive brickwork bulge.

front and rear 01 1024x699 - Dangerous Bulging Brickwork
Bowed Brickwork on Period Property in SW London

AWT provided cost-effective structural repairs with minimal disruption to the residents and neighbours.

The Structural Problem

The photo below clearly shows how much the brickwork had bulged compared to the neighbouring property. The masonry was bulged beyond the tipping point i.e. at risk of imminent collapse.

bulging party wall brick 768x1024 - Dangerous Bulging Brickwork

The rear wall had a severe bulge in the 2nd storey masonry that stretched as far as the party wall line. A section of the rear wall was bowing away from the upright line of the adjoining property.

The AWT survey team diagnosed the problem as progressive due to ageing materials, ineffective/inadequate restraining and de-bonding brickwork. It was common practice in buildings of this age for a 9-inch wall to be constructed as two ½ brick walls with snapped headers to the external skin to save on expensive facing bricks.

Debonded brickwork is a common issue in Victorian/Edwardian-era properties. The header bricks that tie the inner and outer layers of brickwork together can snap or crack due to age, weathering or being over-stressed. Many properties were also built with too few header bricks making the brickwork liable to bow under the weight of the structure above.

debonded brickwork bulges 1.3 - Dangerous Bulging Brickwork

The Structural Solution

To stabilise the bowed area of brickwork the team used AWT-designed supports and realigning equipment to straighten the existing external brickwork. This avoided large-scale rebuilding work. Only the most severely compromised area of brickwork was deconstructed and rebuilt. Once the detached brickwork was reunited to reform a solid brick wall it was strengthened further by pinning and reinforcing.

To prevent a recurrence of the problem, AWT used precision drilling techniques to instal stainless steel fixings within the masonry to strengthen it and restrain it:

  • Bed Joint Reinforcement Beaming
  • Grout tie injection
  • Lateral restraints

The formation of continuous beams within the existing masonry redistributes the upper-storey loads and restrains the brickwork from any tendency to bulge.

Replacement bricks (where required) and the new mortar were matched to the existing texture and colour. AWT’s specialist techniques do not require visible fixings, making it ideal for period properties.

Action Wall Ties are specialist structural repair contractors with the knowledge and experience required to repair period properties with severe brickwork defects, such as bulging brick walls.  AWT work with property owners, structural engineers, architects, project managers and local authorities on large and small projects.

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

Severely Distorted Window Masonry, London

Unstable Period Window Masonry, South West London

This Victorian townhouse in Brixton, London SW9, had severely distorted masonry and large gaps around the top floor windows. The brickwork would collapse without immediate action to repair the structural problems. The defect was also impacting the neighbouring property.

Appropriate structural repairs were urgently required to preserve the period features and the property’s value. Previous attempts to repair the defects by traditional building methods had failed. AWT’s specialist repair techniques allow them to repair period brickwork without visible fixings or slow, messy rebuilding work. This is especially helpful where structural defects are affecting adjoined properties and flats.

The Structural Problem

The visible outward leaning of brickwork and masonry lintels to the front top floor had reached the point of instability. If not addressed rapidly, it would result in the failure and collapse of the masonry. This would then require longer, more disruptive and expensive rebuilding work. It would also cause damage to the property’s period features and impact the resale value.

Wide gaps had opened up between the windows as the brickwork bulged outwards. A large gap had also formed above one window and the masonry and lintels were no longer straight.

AWT’s survey found significant outward leaning of the top floor brickwork pier between the windows shared with the adjoining property. The top floor masonry and lintel lintels also showed movement and distortion. AWT diagnosed a progressive structural defect due to ageing and ineffective/inadequate restraining of the masonry.

Previous attempts to repair the structural problem by repointing the area and filling the gaps with mortar had failed to fix the underlying structural issues.

The Structural Solution

Standard building methods tend to provide temporary, cosmetic repairs rather than tackling the root cause of the structural issues. AWT’s specialist knowledge and equipment allow them to remedy masonry defects, add tensile strength and reinstate the integrity of the brickwork. The result is a long-term repair that is not only cost-effective but also requires minimal disruption to residents.

After installing temporary supports to prevent the masonry from collapsing, AWT used specialist structural repair techniques and equipment to restore the structural stability:

  • Realignment of Brickwork & Lintels using AWT Designed Realigning Cramping Equipment
  • Forming Load Bearing Beams in the Brickwork using Heliforce Bars
  • Restraining Bowed Masonry using Thor Restraint Ties
  • Reconnecting the Internal Partition Wall using Thor Grout Ties

AWT use precision diamond drilling techniques to install the stainless steel fixing precisely where required. The result is a repair with no visible fixings. The vast majority of the work is completed from the outside of the property, keeping disruption to a minimum.

New, colour-matched mortar is used to restore any areas of disturbed mortar. Stonework, window frames etc are left ready for repainting if required.

Action Wall Ties are specialist structural repair contractors with the skills and experience to repair and restore period properties.  AWT works on large and small projects for property owners, structural engineers, architects, project managers and local authorities.

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

Collapsing Ornate Bay & Balcony

Victorian Bay Window & Balcony: Structural Repairs & Restoration

victorian portico bay - Collapsing Ornate Bay & Balcony

This beautiful example of ornate Victorian architecture in Thanet was at risk of imminent collapse due to severe structural issues. The property had visible significant movement including bowing, cracking, dropping of brickwork arches and bowing columns of the front bay window and to the front elevation.

Several companies had surveyed the problems but none offered any solutions. Previous repairs to the property had tackled the symptoms of the structural defect but had failed to cure the root cause of the problem.

It took just 2 weeks of work for AWT to complete a cost-effective, long-term structural repair. Compared to rebuilding work, the disruption to the residents was minimal.

The Structural Problem

The structural issues with this period property in Thanet, Kent were clearly visible. Wide gaps had opened up between the masonry and the window frames. The structural defect had caused damage from the ground floor bay window columns up to the decorative brickwork panels below the eaves. This entire section of the property was in severe danger of collapse.

Bay Window Issues

 

AWT’s inspection of the front bay window found significant distorting movement to the front ground floor causing:

  •  outward movement
  • dropping and cracking of the brickwork arches and stone quoins
  • significant outward bowing of brickwork columns beyond the tipping point

 

First Floor Masonry Issues

Inspection of the front elevational brickwork found signs of distorting movement of the ground floor supporting bressummer beam (over the bay window) causing:

  • dropping of the supported main elevational brickwork
  • dropping brickwork pier stone quoins
  • dropping window arches above the bay window
  • inward sloping and cracking of the brickwork above the bay window

As part of previous attempts to halt the movement of the masonry, the bressummer beam over the bay window had been replaced by an old-style RSJ.

Bay & Portico Balcony Issues

The owners also wanted to deal with some aesthetic problems with the bay and portico balcony balustrade’s decorative wrought iron panels and stone top rails. All the panels required refurbishment. The bay window’s stone top rail had been replaced with an unattractive concrete capping. The portico stone top rails were mainly missing. New stones, in keeping with the period features, were needed to complete the restoration.

The Structural Solution

AWT recommended realigning and reinforcing remediation work to the existing brickwork including:

  • brickwork realignment
  • bed joint reinforcement
  • brickwork arch repair
  • diamond drilled grouted anchors
  • lateral restraints
  • grout tie injection
  • stonework & brickwork repairs
  • addition of fabricated steel spines to the columns
  • addition of an internal restraint post to the first floor

This multi-faceted approach reinstates uniformity and provides restraint to the masonry.

AWT also carefully removed the balcony balustrade panels for refurbishment. The lugs were replaced with stainless steel before the panels were grit blasted, powder-coated black and refitted. The brickwork corner piers were rebuilt. Finally, AWT had replacement capping stones cast in a limestone material with stainless steel reinforcing and bedded them in position.

Fast, Cost-effective, Minimal Disruption, Long Term Structural Repairs

Tackling such serious structural issues using traditional building techniques would have required reconstruction and rebuilding of the front of the property. Rebuilding would have been expensive, slow and highly disruptive to the homeowners. Damage to the original bricks and ornate stonework would be inevitable.

In just 2 weeks, AWT’s long-term repairs were completed without major rebuilding work or visible fixings to mar the internal or external period features.

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

AWT are available in 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.

Period Property with Bulging Brickwork

Repairs to Victorian Period Property with Bowing Masonry

This tall brick-built Victorian-type townhouse in Southwark, South-East London, has 3 floors plus a basement.

The very large rear brick wall of the property was visibly bulging outwards and the brick arches above the windows were dropping and cracking. The property owners had contacted AWT before the problem had become too severe, so there was no significant cracking and failing of the main brickwork. The front bay window was also suffering from some cracking and distortion.

The Structural Problem

In common with many properties of this period, ageing and inadequate restraining of the brickwork had allowed the masonry to bulge outwards. Without structural repairs, the bulging of the masonry would continue and accelerate, allowing the brickwork arches to drop and fail and the main elevational brickwork to become unstable and collapse.

Rebuilding such a large area would be very costly and hugely disruptive to the residents. AWT was asked to provide a cost-effective, long-term structural repair.

The brick window arches were also dropping and cracking, another progressive structural defect that required a long-term solution.

The Structural Repair Solution

repair bulging house wall - Period Property with Bulging Brickwork
Before Repairs

As indicated with red lines and green stars, stainless steel corded joint reinforcement and grouted helical bars were installed within the masonry using precision diamond drilling techniques. This forms a deep masonry beam that adds tensile strength to the structure. It also redistributes the upper-storey loads and restrains any diagonal cracking and bulging tendencies.

As indicated with green lines, grouted helical stainless steel pins were used to realign and reinforce the brick arches.

As indicated with yellow stars, resin-bonded stainless steel lateral restraints were used to restrain the brickwork from bulging outwards.

The cracked window cill at the front of the property was repaired with an anti-carbonation cosmetic-grade mortar. Areas of damaged or disturbed mortar were made good with colour-matched mortar.

No Rebuilding, No Visible Fixings

AWT’s specialist structural repair techniques allowed masonry to be realigned and strengthened without rebuilding work or any visible fixings. This preserved the property’s period features and saved the homeowners time, money and inconvenience.

Action Wall Ties are specialists in structural repairs, including bulging and bowing masonry. AWT works on large and small projects with homeowners, architects, project managers, London borough councils and local authorities.

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

Bowing Gable End Wall in South London

Structural Repairs to Bowing Gable Wall Prior to Loft Conversion

The AWT team were called in to inspect this Victorian / Edwardian end-of-terrace home in London SE15. The owners planned to add a loft extension but their plans were on hold due to the significant, visible outward bulging of the large gable end wall.

simple horizontal - Bowing Gable End Wall in South London
bulging end wall South London - Bowing Gable End Wall in South London
repairing end wall Southwark - Bowing Gable End Wall in South London
repaired end wall Southwark - Bowing Gable End Wall in South London
Before Repairs to Bulging End Wall
During Repairs to Bulging End Wall
After Repairs to Bulging End Wall
 
simple horizontal - Bowing Gable End Wall in South London

The Structural Problem

A survey team visited this property in the London borough of Southwark to identify the root cause of the bulging of the large, solid brick flank/gable wall. The survey team reported that due to ageing, ineffective and inadequate restraining of the brickwork the entire gable wall was de-bonding and disconnecting from the rest of the masonry.

debonded brickwork bulges 1.3 - Bowing Gable End Wall in South London

This large gable wall would continue to pull away and without structural repairs, eventually collapse. Traditional building methods would have required the partial deconstruction and rebuilding of the gable wall. Rebuilding work is slow, expensive and disruptive and it would not solve the root cause of the problem which is the inadequate restraining of the gable end wall.

The loft conversion project could not proceed until the gable end wall had been stabilised. The owners were looking for a fast, cost-effective, long-term solution to the structural defect in the gable end wall of their property that would allow the loft conversion to proceed.

The Structural Repair Solution

The bowing gable brickwork required restraining before loft conversion work could begin. AWT designed a complete structural repair program that would realign the brickwork and also add tensile strength to the structure. Their specialist tools and fixings allowed the restoration of the gable end wall’s strength and integrity without the need for visible fixings or costly rebuilding work.

AWT utilised several specialist techniques:

  1. Bed joint reinforcement beaming
  2. Grout tie injection
  3. Lateral restraints

bowing end wall Southwark - Bowing Gable End Wall in South London

 

The structural repairs were carefully targeted to reinstate the uniformity of the wall and restrain the masonry from bulging outwards. The formation of continuous beams within the brickwork redistributed the upper-storey loads and restrained diagonal cracking and bulging.

A specialist drilling rig, designed by AWT, was used to drill through the brickwork at a shallow angle to maximise the number of bricks connected by each helical, grout bonded fixing. The internal timber beams were reconnected to the masonry using resin-bonded stainless steel fixings.

Cracked and disturbed areas of mortar were replaced with new mortar that was matched for colour, texture and pointing style.

AWT’s specialist gable end wall repairs provided a long-term solution for this bulging gable wall masonry. The work was finished swiftly and with minimum inconvenience to the residents. The hidden fixings used by AWT also preserved the appearance of the old yellow stock brickwork.

Action Wall Ties are structural repair experts. We have specialist skills in the reinforcement and repair of large areas of bulging or bowing masonry, such as gable end walls. AWT work along with property owners, architects, project managers and local authorities on large and small projects.

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

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.

Surrey bowing masonry repairs - Remedial Wall Ties for Victorian Semi in Surrey

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.

Failing Victorian wall ties surrey - Remedial Wall Ties for Victorian Semi in Surrey

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

Completed wall tie repairs Surrey - Remedial Wall Ties for Victorian Semi in Surrey

Unlike some cavity wall tie repair contractors, AWT always works to the standards laid out in the Building Research Establishment Specification Digest. This means that the separation between new wall ties, the layout pattern of the new wall ties and the material used to manufacture the new wall ties all meet the highest standards to ensure a safe, long term structural repair.

To avoid failure of the brickwork and brickwork arch AWT realigned the bulged brickwork, installed new stainless steel wall ties, isolated the old ties to prevent them causing further damage and formed a composite beam within the external brickwork. The formation of deep masonry beams within the existing masonry supports the masonry and maintains the integrity of the brickwork.

AWT use their own custom designed hydraulic realignment equipment and diamond bladed precision drilling rigs. This allows the new fixings to be installed with minimal disturbance to the masonry. A variety of specialist fixings were introduced into the brickwork to restore the strength and stability of the wall.

As can be seen in the photo above, when the work is complete there are no visible fixing either inside or outside the property. The AWT team also take the time to colour match any replacement bricks as well as matching the colour, texture and pointing style of the mortar where work has taken place.

AWT provide cost effective structural repairs for a wide range of structural faults including failing cavity wall ties and bulging brickwork. We operate not only in Surrey but across the whole of London and the South East of England.

To book a time for one of our surveyors to visit your property or to discuss your requirements, call us today on 01227 721255, email us at enquiries@actionwallties.co.uk or use our contact form to get in touch.

Bulging Gable Wall in NE London

Bulging End of Terrace Gable Wall

The owners of this Victorian / Edwardian end of terrace home in the Redbridge area of North East London called in AWT because of the significant outward bulging of the large gable wall of their property. There was also cracking to the internal gable end walls as well as to the internal party wall between the property and its neighbour.

The Structural Problem

The AWT survey team visited the property in Woodford Green to identify the root cause of the visible bulging movement of the large, solid brickwork flank/gable wall. Due to aging, ineffective and inadequate restraining of the brickwork the entire gable wall was de-bonding and disconnecting with the rest of the masonry. This was leading to additional problems with the internal beams losing support.

debonded brickwork bulges 1.3 - Bulging Gable Wall in NE London

Without structural repairs, the large gable wall would continue to pull away and eventually collapse. Traditional building methods would have required the partial deconstruction and rebuilding of the flank wall. Even then, it would not have solved the root cause of the problem – inadequate restraining of the gable wall.

The Structural Repair Solution

The team at AWT designed a structural repair package that would bring the brickwork back into alignment and add tensile strength to the structure. The specialist tools and fixings used by AWT enable them to restore the brickwork’s integrity without visible fixings or rebuilding work.

Bed joint reinforcement beaming, grout tie injection and lateral restraints were employed to reinstate the uniformity of the wall and provide restraint. The formation of continuous beams within the existing masonry redistributed the upper storey loads while at the same time assisting in restraining diagonal cracking and bulging tendencies.

A specialist drilling rig, designed by AWT, was used to drill through the brickwork at a shallow angle to maximise the number of bricks connected by each helical, grout bonded fixing. The internal timber beams were reconnected to the masonry using resin bonded stainless steel fixings.

Cracked and disturbed areas of mortar were raked out and replaced with fresh mortar that was matched for colour, texture and pointing style.

AWT provided a long term solution for the bowing gable brickwork. By targeting the repairs exactly where they were required the work was completed swiftly and with minimum inconvenience to the residents. The hidden fixings used by AWT preserved the beauty of the old yellow stock brickwork.

Action Wall Ties are structural repair contractors with the specialist skills required to reinforce and repair large areas of bowing and bulging brickwork. AWT work along with property owners, architects, project managers and local authorities on large and small projects.

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

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