AWT was called in to investigate a bulging gable wall and cracked ceilings at the end of a terrace in Walthamstow, East London. A structural repair solution was needed that would not require the removal of the Spar pebble dash render.
The Structural Problems
The homeowner called in AWT due to cracking in the internal walls and ceilings near the gable wall in this terraced home in London E17. Significant external outward bulging of the gable wall was also visible.
Gable wall problems are common in properties of this age and type. Ineffective and inadequate restraining of the gable masonry combined with ageing allows the gable brickwork to bulge and bow outwards.
A cost-effective solution was required that would restore the structural integrity, if possible without the need to remove the Spar pebble dash render from the gable wall.
If structural repairs are sought early enough, as in this case, AWTs specialist repair techniques may allow for repairs without removing the render/pebble dash. The small disturbed areas of render/pebble dash can then be made good with a concrete repair mortar system.
Standard building methods would require at least partial removal of the render and then re-rendering afterwards. Removal of the pebble dash render would have added to the expense and inconvenience for the householder. The access to the gable wall was also less than ideal.
The Structural Repair Solution
Location of Fixings
AWT used precision drilling techniques to embed fixings within the masonry with the minimum disturbance to the pebble dash finish.
Bed Joint Reinforcement Beaming: As shown by the red dotted line, stainless steel fixings were introduced into the masonry to form a deep masonry beam that redistributed the load from the upper storey and restored structural strength.
Grouted Tie Injection: As shown by the green lines, precision drilling techniques were used to install helical, stainless steel, grouted ties to restrain the gable brickwork.
Lateral Restraints: As indicated in yellow, stainless steel, resin bonded restraints were fitted to tie the gable wall masonry to the timber joists. This further restrained any tendency for the brickwork to bow outwards.
Re-pointing Disturbed Areas: AWT colour matches the mortar that is used to re-point disturbed areas and drill holes.
As can be seen from the after photo, the structural repairs to the bowing gable are barely visible. The pebble dash rendering remains intact and the underlying structural defects have been dealt with in a cost effective manner.
Before Repairs
After Repairs
For fast, effective solutions to bowing gable walls and other structural problems contact AWT today. AWT can advise on structural repairs to properties with render, pebble dash and spar dash. We provide professional solutions to a wide variety of structural issues for homeowners across London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.
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.
Before: Columns out of alignment.
After: Columns aligned.
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.
Before: Large gaps between masonry & double glazing.
After: Masonry flush with double glazing.
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.
Before: Large gaps around windows.
After: No gaps around windows.
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.
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.
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:
Significant deflection of the beam
Cracking, bulging brickwork above
Masonry leaning away from the main elevation
Cracking internal plaster
Bulging ceilings
Sloping floors
Bowing of the main roof
Distorted window cills
Distorted window lintels
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Reinforcement and Repair of Ornate Stone Arch & Bay
This end of terrace home in Walthamstow, East London had 2 structural issues. The stone entrance arch had significant cracking to the brickwork above and cracking in the internal walls. The ornate bay window was dropping and leaning outwards plus the stonework was cracking and spalling.
The Structural Problem
The period decorative features on this home in London, E17, were showing their age due to structural issues causing cracked brickwork and stonework. The structural movement had exacerbated the deterioration of the paintwork leaving the beautiful, ornate stonework looking shabby.
There was significant cracking above the stone entrance arch in both the external brickwork and the internal walls.
The bay window had visibly shifted and caused cracks in the external brickwork as well as in the interior walls. The supporting columns and cills had become distorted.
These are common problems in such Victorian / Edwardian properties and are usually the result of ageing and inadequate restraining in the original building methods.
The AWT team also had to be prepared in case the masonry components weren’t solid masonry but simply a thin facade covering a timber frame.
The Structural Repair Solution
Installation of temporary supports & AWT designed cramping equipment
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.
For a fast, effective solutions to stone arch and bay window structural problems contact AWT today. We provide professional solutions to a wide variety of structural issues for home owners across London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.
Repairing Distorted Gable Brickwork & Large Gaps Around Bay Window Glazing.
The masonry of the bay window of this property in London E11 was leaning away from the main structure. Large gaps were opening up between the bay window frames and the double glazing units. Realignment of the sagging bay window plus reinforcing failing gable brickwork to restore structural integrity were required.
The skills of the AWT team allowed them to restore the structural integrity in a cost effective and efficient manner without any rebuilding or visible fixings.
The Structural Problem
This East London home had visible cracking in front bay window brickwork and stone lintels. Outward rotation of the first floor bay window was clearly visible. Large gaps had opened up between the bay window frame and the glazing. The cracking and distorting of the masonry bay had caused significant movement to the brickwork gable above.
Problems of this type are common in such Victorian / Edwardian properties and are usually the result of ageing and inadequate restraining in the original building methods.
The AWT also had to be prepared for the possibility that the masonry components might not be solid masonry but simply a thin facade covering a timber frame.
The Structural Repair Solution
After the initial inspection, the AWT team conducted an intrusive survey by drilling carefully placed inspection holes and using an endoscope where necessary. This allowed them to determine that this property’s bay window was constructed using solid masonry elements.
The first element of the structural repairs required the installation temporary supports to the underside of the first floor bay window lintels. AWT designed realigning cramping equipment and hydraulic powered jacks were used to realign the columns and brickwork ready for reinforcing.
Specialist drills were used to introduce rows of 8mm stainless steel corded joint reinforcement fixings. This redistributed the upper storey load to the supporting structure below and restrained the diagonal cracking and bulging tendencies.
Precision drilling rigs were used to install helical stainless steel pins through the brick arch. Resin bonded stainless steel pins were used to reconnect the brickwork to the main body of the building.
Internal gable restraints were fixed in place. Stainless steel lateral restraints were installed directly into the timber joists and resin bonded to the masonry. This restored the structural integrity of distorted gable brickwork.
Any disturbed mortar was re-pointed with mortar matched for colour and texture to blend with the existing pointing.
For a fast, effective solution to bay window structural problems contact AWT today. We provide professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems for home owners across London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.
Concrete boot lintels to window openings were in common use in the 1970s and have the unique appearance of a visible one course high concrete toe that appears not to have any bearing onto the adjacent brickwork (i.e. the visible concrete toe is in between the brickwork reveals).
Many low rise blocks from the 60s and 70s develop defects that require concrete boot lintel repairs due to cracks, gaps and sagging brickwork above the windows. Failure to address these issues promptly can lead to dangerous, collapsing masonry as well as extensive damage to internal walls.
AWT are able to provide long term, cost-effective boot lintel repairs with minimal disruption to residents.
Concrete Boot Lintel Problems
Rotating Boot Lintel Causing Gaps & Cracks
Stepped Cracks Due To Failing Boot Lintel
Gaps Above Concrete Boot Lintel
Boot Lintel Defect Causing Compression Cracks
As shown in the gallery, in the 60s and 70s, many concrete boot lintels were incorrectly fitted onto unsuitable bearing allowing the lintel to rotate and the supported brickwork to drop and crack.
This fundamental flaw in the installation of concrete boot lintels means that the weight of the heavier brick outer skin is too great for the relatively soft and lightweight inner blocks to support. The lintel rotates, causing gaps to open up, compressing the blocks of the inner wall and causing the outer brickwork to sag.
Common symptoms of boot lintel problems:
Cracks in the visible part of the concrete lintel
Stepped cracks in the brickwork above windows/doors
Dropping of the brickwork above windows/doors
Bulging or bowing brickwork above windows/doors
Cracks in the internal walls and ceilings above windows/doors
Warped window/door frames making them difficult to open and close
Chris Nichols explains, “This type of lintel has no bearing onto the external brickwork the concrete lintel rarely fails. (As with any concrete the toe of a boot lintel can be affected by corroding reinforcing bars and require concrete repairs.) The boot lintel is reliant on the bearing onto the internal skin. The internal skin bearing the lintel should be of a material capable of withstanding and spreading the load (e.g. pad stone concrete blocks or engineering bricks). “
“In many cases the lintel was bedded directly onto lightweight blocks that are unable to take the imposed load and compress the outer edge of the bearing, rotating the lintel and allowing the external brickwork above to crack and drop as described in BRE Good Building Guide 1.”
Cracking Concrete Boot Lintels
Gaps & Cracks Above Concrete Boot Lintel
Gaps & Cracks Around Concrete Window Lintels
Rotated Boot Lintel Causing Gaps
Boot Lintel Problems Due To Incorrect Installation
Concrete Boot Lintel Repairs
Action Wall Ties provide a cost-effective, long term solution that retains the existing appearance of the brickwork with the minimum disruption to the occupants and the environment.
Action Wall Ties have developed a remedial system and methods, including specifically designed equipment, to remedy the problem of cracked concrete boot lintels. Action Wall Ties slightly anti-rotate the lintels back in place, drilling for and then resin bonding 16mm stainless steel shear pins to both end bearings. Once the resin bonded fixings are set the props are released, pre-loading the shear pins, thus reducing any further cracking.
To larger openings and with advanced movement it may be necessary to introduce two rows of twin cord reinforcement, forming a composite deep masonry beam. To the underside of the concrete toe, we drill for and inject grouted 8mm helical stainless steel pins passing into the line of the deep masonry beam to arrest any further rotation of the concrete lintel.
Action Wall Ties concrete boot lintel repair and replacement solutions are available to clients in London and the South East.
Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in masonry reinforcement and repair, lintel repairs, replacing a damaged lintels, and providing professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems. We work with home owners, London boroughs, social housing providers, architects, project managers, local authorities and insurance companies.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Bowing gable wall to a 1950s style semi-detached house in Sittingbourne, Kent. Remedial wall ties, isolating the existing ties, bed joint reinforcement beaming, crack stitching and lateral restraints.
The subject property in Swale, Kent, comprised a 1950s style two-storey semi-detached house of cavity brickwork construction.
Problem – Gable wall bowing & cracking
The gable wall: The right side gable wall had a visible outward bulge at the centre of the wall at first floor level and significant cracking was noted (no corresponding internal cracking was present). The front elevation external skin was rebuilt after suffering damage in a hurricane. No downward movement at DPC level was noted.
An AWT investigation with a metal detector and an endoscope revealed that the wall ties viewed to the right side gable wall and rear elevations were mild steel vertical twist ties, all in a similar heavily corroded condition and showing signs of de-laminating.
Horizontal cracking, lifting and opening up of joints were noted at irregular intervals on the right side and rear elevations, with corroding ties clearly visible.
Discussion
Right side elevations: We believed that the movement was progressive, due to ineffective and/or inadequate restraining, and not attributable to significant subsidence.
Wall ties: Our opinion, in accordance with the Building Research Establishment’s recommendations, was that the symptoms noted above were likely to be representative of the majority of the cavity wall ties to the right side, and the main rear elevation suffering from corrosion.
It was believed that the building’s right side and main rear elevation would benefit from remedial wall ties and the isolation of the existing ties.
Structural Repair Solution
AWT completed a remedial scheme providing a viable repair by introducing remedial wall ties, isolating the existing ties, then employing bed joint reinforcement beaming, crack stitching and lateral restraints.
Remedial wall ties and isolation of existing ties: Our operatives undertook remedial wall tie treatment to the right side and main rear elevations in accordance with AWT’s wall tie treatment – Generic Repair.
Bed joint reinforcement beaming: The introduction of two rows of twin 8mm stainless steel corded joint reinforcement forming a deep masonry beam – as indicated with red double dotted lines on our proposal plan.
Crack stitching: We stitched localised cracks with the introduction of single 8mm stainless steel corded joint reinforcement – as indicated by red single dotted lines on our proposal.
Lateral restraints: At approximately 900mm centres we drilled for, and screwed directly into alternate timber floor joist’s end grain or into the side grain, 8mm stainless steel lateral restraints into the timber floor and ceiling joists, all resin bonded to the masonry along with corresponding wall ties – as indicated with green stars on our proposal plan.
Make good the pointing: To the cracking schedule for reinforcement listed above, and to areas of weakness to pointing to the right side elevation, we raked out the existing cracked 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.
Homeowners, landlords, housing associations and councils across Kent, London, Surrey and Sussex can call on AWT’s experts to repair rusting wall ties and other structural problems. Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in gable wall repairs, masonry reinforcement and repair. We provide professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.
Victorian / Edwardian property in Harrow, Greater London, saved from partial demolition and rebuild.
This period property in North West London was saved from partial demolition and rebuild by our specialist structural repair techniques and solutions.
The Structural Problems
Slender brick columns between the front windows were severely bowing outwards.
The masonry above the windows was dropping and sagging. The gable wall above was leaning inwards and had started to collapse.
There was evidence of previous attempts at repairs by traditional builders.
The building had been deemed structurally unstable and was unoccupied. Standard building contractors has proposed demolishing the affected areas and rebuilding. This process would be lengthy and costly.
Demolition and rebuilding would have destroyed much of the ornate brickwork and altered the character of the property. A partial rebuild of the property would also have entailed removing all the internal finishings from the affected areas which would add to the costs.
Click on the gallery below to see how far out of alignment the brick columns were.
Before
Before
After
The brick columns around the windows of this Victorian / Edwardian property had rusting metal fixings within the brickwork. This is a common cause of cracking and bowing in brickwork.
The slender support columns were visibly bowing causing structural instability in the brickwork above.
The brickwork of the gable above was leaning in and was only being held in place by the internal roof rafter. Some of the brickwork had collapsed inwards leaving a hole in the wall.
Before
Before
Before
After
Structural Repair Solution
Specialist equipment designed by Action Wall Ties was employed to firstly retain the columns to allow the removal of the corroded fixings and debris then realign the columns back to inline before installing new stainless steel fixings to reinstate the structural integrity of the masonry.
Specialist hydraulic rams developed by Action Wall Ties were used to gradually realign the thin brickwork columns. Custom made stainless steel fixings were then installed to strengthen and stabilise the masonry.
Replacement bricks, where necessary, were colour matched to the existing bricks. In areas where the mortar was disturbed repointing was carried out using colour matched mortar.
Long Lasting Structural Repairs
The precisely targeted repairs carried out by Action Wall Ties preserved the decorative brickwork of this Victorian / Edwardian property. The repair works were substantially cheaper and faster than the proposed rebuild. In contrast with rebuilding, the precision techniques used by Action Wall Ties left the internal finishings of the property virtually unscathed.
Action Wall Ties offer structural repair services to period properties for clients in the South East – in London & in Surrey, Kent, Sussex & Essex.
Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in repairs to period properties with bespoke solutions avoiding the need to demolish and rebuild. We also offer professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.
