Brickwork repairs & repointing Archives - Page 3 of 4

Bay window cracking dropping subsidence

Failing Victorian terraced house bay window cracking dropping subsidence – bed joint reinforcement beaming, crack stitching and brickwork repairs

Victorian bay window subsidence repair.

The subject building was a socially-owned Victorian terraced house with significant bay window cracking and rotational movement reported.

Structural engineers had been engaged and their investigation revealed the bay windows’ footing had been affected by leakage from a damaged drain and repairs instigated.

To avoid costly underpinning and new footing, the structural engineers recommended delaying any further works to allow some recovery of the underlying clay to take place.

Thereafter, they recommended that remedial works should be undertaken to include some rebuilding of the rotated brickwork at ground floor and the reconnecting and restraining of the bay window structure at ground and first floor levels with bed joint reinforcement and lateral restraints.

Action Wall Ties designed and completed the remediation works

Our remedial scheme provided a viable repair by introducing bed joint reinforcement beaming, crack stitching and brickwork repairs to reinstate the uniformity of the structure.

To the basement level of the front bay window we provided temporary support and braced the brickwork columns to accommodate the deconstruction of a sufficient amount of distorted brickwork to accommodate the realignment and reconnection of brickwork and masonry elements onto the existing footing.

Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in masonry reinforcement and repair, providing professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems including Victorian bay window cracks and movement including subsidence and other issues in the South East (around Kent and London). Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.

Bay window with cracking and spalled pointing

Victorian terraced house bay window problems with cracking and spalled pointing – bed joint reinforcement beaming, lateral restraints, grout tie injection and resin bonded ties and repointing

The subject building was a traditionally built mid-terraced domestic Victorian/Edwardian residence with cracking to the front bay window and spalling pointing to the rear elevation.

Bay Window Problem

Some visible rotational bulging and cracking movement was noted to the front bay window, distortion and spreading of the supporting brickwork, and the dropping and cracking of masonry lintels was also noted.

The movement noted was clearly progressive, due to ineffective and inadequate restraining.

Bay Window Repair Solution

AWT’s remedial scheme provided a viable repair by introducing bed joint reinforcement beaming, lateral restraints, grout tie injection and resin bonded ties to reinstate the uniformity of the wall and provide restraint.

As indicated with red double dotted lines on our proposal 1, we introduced two rows of twin 8mm stainless steel corded joint reinforcement, forming a deep masonry beam.

As indicated with green parallel lines on our proposal 1, formation of the beam and reconnecting the bay window elevational brickwork. To accomplish this we diamond drilled a 20mm hole through the right hand elevation, chased into the main elevation and installed a grouted 8mm helical bar.

As indicated with green parallel lines on our proposal 1, we drilled for, and installed, grouted or driven 8mm helical stainless steel pins through the window reveals on both sides at ground floor level to tie back to the main elevation. In accordance with data specification sheet TLR 09 Appendix C.

As indicated with yellow stars on our proposal 1, in conjunction with the beams, we drilled for, and screwed, 8mm stainless steel lateral restraints into the floor joists and resin bonded to the masonry. In accordance with data specification sheet TRB 02 & 04 Appendix C

Making Good – Concrete Repairs

As indicated with blue lines on our proposal 1, we raked out the cracks and made good with, a concrete repair mortar system.

To the cracks to the spandrel brickwork scheduled for reinforcement listed above, we raked out the existing cracked mortar and repaired with new coloured sand and cement mortar to approximately 20mm in depth.

As indicated within the blue lines on our proposal 1, we raked out 20mm of the existing spalling pointing and re-point with coloured sand, lime and cement mortar to approximately 20mm in depth with rubbed-in finish.

Action Wall Ties have developed methods and trained skilled experienced operatives to strive to finish our works to be sympathetic with the existing by attempting to match replacement bricks, pointing style and mortar mixture for texture and colour.

Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in structural defect remediation, masonry reinforcement and repair, providing professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems. Greater London, Essex, Sussex and Kent are all covered by the professional structural repair services of Action Wall Ties. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.

1980s Office Building with Failing Brick Slips

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

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

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

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

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

The Structural Problem

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

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

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

The Structural Repair Solution

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

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

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

Seven-Storey Building NHBC Warranty Remedial Works

This seven-storey building in Croydon, South London required remedial work under the NHBC warranty scheme. This included stainless steel support angles, horizontal soft joints and Sika CarboDur strengthening carbon fibre plates.

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

The Structural Problem

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

The Structural Repair Solution

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

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

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

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

Cracking Museum Courtyard Walls

This Grade II listed mansion in London W1 is now a national museum housing the Wallace Collection. AWT were called in to repair cracked brickwork in the courtyard walls. The brickwork repairs on this heritage building needed to provide a cost effective, long term solution while preserving the appearance of the red brick and render walls.

The subject building in central London, known as Hertford House, dates from the 1770s and features red brick and render courtyard walls.

As part of a major refurbishment cracking to the front courtyard walls was to be addressed.

Working with the main contractor and architects we proposed and completed remedial works including bed joint reinforcement, brickwork repairs and render finish repairs.

AWT used their specialist structural repair techniques to restore structural integrity without the need for visible fixings or slow, costly rebuilding work. The beauty of the red brick and render finish was preserved.

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

AWT are available for large and small projects 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.

Structurally Unstable Period Property

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.

5 Along side before 225x300 - Structurally Unstable Period Property

Bowing brick columns 1 225x300 - Structurally Unstable Period Property

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.

Bowing brick columns 2 225x300 - Structurally Unstable Period Property

Bowing brick columns 3 225x300 - Structurally Unstable Period Property

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.

repair work victorian pillar 230x120 - Structurally Unstable Period Property — Before

bowing pillar before 230x120 - Structurally Unstable Period Property — Before

pillar after 230x120 - Structurally Unstable Period Property — 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.

Apex 3 230x120 - Structurally Unstable Period Property — Before

Apex 2 230x120 - Structurally Unstable Period Property — Before

Apex 1 230x120 - Structurally Unstable Period Property — Before

Apex 4 - Structurally Unstable Period Property — 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

AC c2 300x225 - Structurally Unstable Period Property

AC c3 300x225 - Structurally Unstable Period Property

AC c4 300x225 - Structurally Unstable Period Property

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.

AC c1 225x300 - Structurally Unstable Period Property

AC c5 225x300 - Structurally Unstable Period Property

AC c6 225x300 - Structurally Unstable Period Property

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.

Replacement of Failing Timber Lintels

This low rise apartment block in the North West of London had severe distortion in 2 of the large support lintels. These failing wooden lintels were supporting the stone corbels and brickwork above. There was also deterioration of the brickwork piers including cracked and spalled bricks and cracks in the plinth render.

Failing Timber Lintels in Occupied Apartment Block

The remedial work on entrance hall of this London Soho low rise apartment block was carried out with the residents still in situ. The work was carefully planned to ensure the safety and security of the residents.

Temporary support was provided by specialist props and bracing. This required removal of a section of the stone cornice with a specialist diamond chain saw. The stone cornice and timber beams were then removed.

Installation of New Timber Beams

The remedial work included:

Installation of new timber beams
Realignment of the stone cornice & making good the disturbed brickwork
Spalled bricks were resurfaced
Defective pointing was replaced with colour matched mortar
Damaged render on the plinths was cut away and made good with a specialist concrete repair mortar system.

AWT provided a long lasting and cost effective structural repair with the minimum of inconvenience to the residents. The buildings facade was left ready for decoration to restore it to its former glory.

AWT provide structural repairs for low rise blocks of flats and period properties in London plus the whole of Essex, Kent, Sussex and Surrey.

Contact AWT today to discuss how our structural repair skills could save you time and money in the long term compared to cosmetic repairs by a traditional builder. To book a time for one of our surveyors to visit your property, call us today on 01227 721255, email us at enquiries@actionwallties.co.uk or use our contact form to get in touch.

Bulging Brickwork and Brick Slips on 60s /70s Apartment Blocks

Concrete frame blocks of social housing in Wandsworth, London with clearly visible bowing to the brickwork and infill brick slip. Defective support to infill wall with cracked and detached brick slips.

The Structural Problem

The structural survey report on this South West London social housing block

The survey of these circa 1960s/1970s blocks of flats revealed, that due to a construction defect, the external brickwork had insufficient support. AWT also found heavily corroded wall ties plus a lack of weep vents and no horizontal expansion joints.

The infill wall external brickwork was originally only supported onto the concrete floor beam by less than 50mm. Where the wall had bulged outward this was reducing the support to just 30mm with the loads onto the brick-slips causing them to bulge out.

Our Structural Repair Solution

The infill wall brickwork was leaning and in danger of becoming detached. AWT promptly made the elevation floor safe (erecting a scaffold to provide access) by installing AWT’s specially developed props.

The remedial work included:

Installation of stainless steel support angles and cavity trays
Clearing debris from the wall cavities
Rebuilding the brickwork by removal, re-bedding and fixing of brick slips
Installation of stainless steel wall ties
Provision of horizontal expansion joints.

Repair and Replacement of Brick Slips

The original bricks and brick slips were reused when possible. Replacement bricks, mortar and sealants were colour matched to maintain the visual integrity of the apartment blocks.

Action Wall Ties are the apartment block structural repair specialists. Our brick slip and wall tie replacement solutions are available to clients in the South East i.e. in London & in Kent, Sussex, Surrey & Essex.

Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in structural repairs to concrete framed buildings and tower blocks. From movement issues to wall tie replacement and brick slip repairs. We provide specialist professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.

Unstable Bay Window

Bay Window Cracking & Sagging After Installing New UPVC Windows

The bay windows in this London, SW2, property had become unstable due to the removal of the original timber windows for replacement double glazing installation. Problems were manifested as cracks in the plaster and brickwork. Gaps also opened up between the ceiling and the bay wall.

AWT was able to restore structural integrity to the bay window without the need for slow, costly rebuilding work. AWT provided a cost effective, long term repair with minimal disruption to the ongoing restoration project.

case study 5b62dbe93c42d4.63894392 - Unstable Bay Window — Gaps, cracks & damaged brickwork. Structural issues caused by replacing windows in period bay windows.

Common symptoms of structural issues arising from fitting replacement windows into bay windows include:

Cracks in internal walls around bay window
Gaps opening up between the ceiling and the bay window wall
Difficulty opening/closing windows
Cracks in external brickwork
Bay window masonry sagging
Bay window masonry leaning/pulling away from the main elevation

The Structural Problem with the Bay Window

During the refurbishment of this mid-terraced Victorian/Edwardian period property in Brixton, South West London it became evident that there was a serious structural issue with the bay windows. Cracks were radiating out from the bay window brickwork and the first floor bay window was leaning outward. Both the plaster and the brickwork showed significant cracking.

The Action Wall Ties team quickly discerned that when UPVC windows had previously replaced the original timber sash window frames the supports afforded at the head of the bay had been removed. This had allowed the bay window to sag, drop and rotate away from the main elevational house wall.

Initially, temporary supports were put in place to the underside of the first floor front bay window masonry. This prevented further deterioration of the brickwork.

This is a common problem that AWT is called to repair. Removal of timber sash windows from a bay window often leaves the bay window brickwork without sufficient support. Structural problems with the bay window masonry may become evident during or after the fitting of new double glazed units to the bay window.

Restoring Structural Integrity to the Bay Window

Action Wall Ties’ plan involved restoring the structural strength integrity of the bay window and redistributing the load from the upper storey of the property.

Utilising our specially developed equipment, tooling, methods and skilled staff allowed the realignment of the leaning masonry. This was followed by the fabrication and installation of remedial steelwork and fixings. The introduction of bed joint reinforcement beaming, to form composite beams within the masonry, together with lateral restraints restored the structural strength, all with minimal impact on the face of the brickwork.

Action Wall Ties used bed joint reinforcement beaming, lateral restraints and grout tie injection to reinforce the masonry. Steel lintels and columns were also fitted.

Replacement bricks were colour matched to blend with the original masonry. The pointing style and mortar mixture were also designed to match the original texture and colour.

Action Wall Ties serve customers in SW London and throughout the South East i.e. in Kent, Greater London, Sussex, Essex and Surrey. We are often called in by homeowners encountering bay window problems following the fitting of new double glazed windows. We are experts in repairing and stabilising bay window brickwork and stonework.

Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in masonry reinforcement and repair, providing professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems including issues with bay windows. Contact us on 01227 721 255, email us or use our contact form.

Bowing and Bulging Wall

The joint owners of this 4 storey semi-detached Victorian villas (converted into flats) reported visible bulging, dropping brickwork arches to the rear and gable solid brickwork walls and long cracks developed internally.

The Structural Problem

The Action Wall Ties surveyor inspection identified ineffective and inadequate restraining plus spreading of the of the brick arches as the root cause of the problem. This had allowed the main elevation brickwork to bulge outward and brick arches over the doors and windows to spread and drop causing the brickwork above to crack. It also caused long cracks in the internal plaster work of the flats.

This is a common problem with properties of this type and age. As well as damaging the structural integrity of the property it often makes doors and windows difficult to open and close as the frames are warped by the pressure of the sagging brickwork load above.

Restoring Structural Integrity

The introduction of remedial reinforcement to the masonry and lateral restraints was recommended to provide restraint and support to restore the brickwork’s integrity.

Specialist equipment developed by Action Wall Ties was used to install bed joint reinforcing beaming, stainless steel lateral restraints and pins within the structure of the property. This restored the structural integrity of the masonry without the need for any visible restraints.

The cracked mortar was raked out and repaired with new coloured sand, lime and cement mortar that was a match for the existing mortar’s colour and texture.

Action Wall Ties’ specialist knowledge allowed them to restore the property’s structural stability without the need for costly rebuilding work. Their specialist equipment also minimised the disruption for the residents.

Action Wall Ties (AWT) are specialists in masonry reinforcement and repair, providing professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems including issues with bowing and bulging brickwork in Victorian properties. Contact us on 01227 721 255, email us or use our contact form.

Action Wall Ties serve customers in North West London and the whole South East of England.