Grouted ties Archives - Page 3 of 5

Failing Bay During Window Replacement

Bay Window Repairs During Fitting of New Windows

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

The Structural Problem

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

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

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

SW London Bay problems 300x225 - Failing Bay During Window Replacement — Before Bay Window Repairs

SW London Bay repaired 300x225 - Failing Bay During Window Replacement — After Bay Window Repairs

The Structural Repair Solution

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

SW London Bay Reinforcement 290x300 - Failing Bay During Window Replacement

SW London Bay Supports 290x300 - Failing Bay During Window Replacement

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

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

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

Read our frequently asked questions about bay window structural repairs.

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

Bowing Pebble Dash Gable Wall

Pebble Dashed Bowing Gable Wall

AWT was called in to investigate a bulging gable wall and cracked ceilings at the end of a terrace in Walthamstow, East London. A structural repair solution was needed that would not require the removal of the Spar pebble dash render.

The Structural Problems

The homeowner called in AWT due to cracking in the internal walls and ceilings near the gable wall in this terraced home in London E17. Significant external outward bulging of the gable wall was also visible.

Gable wall problems are common in properties of this age and type. Ineffective and inadequate restraining of the gable masonry combined with ageing allows the gable brickwork to bulge and bow outwards.

A cost-effective solution was required that would restore the structural integrity, if possible without the need to remove the Spar pebble dash render from the gable wall.

If structural repairs are sought early enough, as in this case, AWTs specialist repair techniques may allow for repairs without removing the render/pebble dash. The small disturbed areas of render/pebble dash can then be made good with a concrete repair mortar system.

Standard building methods would require at least partial removal of the render and then re-rendering afterwards. Removal of the pebble dash render would have added to the expense and inconvenience for the householder. The access to the gable wall was also less than ideal.

The Structural Repair Solution

London E17 Bowing gable repairs - Bowing Pebble Dash Gable Wall — Location of Fixings

AWT used precision drilling techniques to embed fixings within the masonry with the minimum disturbance to the pebble dash finish.

Bed Joint Reinforcement Beaming: As shown by the red dotted line, stainless steel fixings were introduced into the masonry to form a deep masonry beam that redistributed the load from the upper storey and restored structural strength.

Grouted Tie Injection: As shown by the green lines, precision drilling techniques were used to install helical, stainless steel, grouted ties to restrain the gable brickwork.

Lateral Restraints: As indicated in yellow, stainless steel, resin bonded restraints were fitted to tie the gable wall masonry to the timber joists. This further restrained any tendency for the brickwork to bow outwards.

Re-pointing Disturbed Areas: AWT colour matches the mortar that is used to re-point disturbed areas and drill holes.

As can be seen from the after photo, the structural repairs to the bowing gable are barely visible. The pebble dash rendering remains intact and the underlying structural defects have been dealt with in a cost effective manner.

London E17 Bowed gable wall 300x225 - Bowing Pebble Dash Gable Wall — Before Repairs

London E17 Bowing gable repair 300x225 - Bowing Pebble Dash Gable Wall — 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.

Distorted Columns & Lintels

Failing Bay Window Columns & Lintels

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

The Structural Problem

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

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

NW10 BAY COLUMNS AFTER 225x300 - Distorted Columns & Lintels — 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.

NW10 Bay window gaps 1 225x300 - Distorted Columns & Lintels — Before: Large gaps between masonry & double glazing.

NW10 Bay window gaps repaired 225x300 - Distorted Columns & Lintels — 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.

NW10 Bay window gaps 2 300x225 - Distorted Columns & Lintels — Before: Large gaps around windows.

NW10 Bay window gaps repair 300x225 - Distorted Columns & Lintels — 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.

Stone Arch & Bay Window Reinforcement

Reinforcement and Repair of Ornate Stone Arch & Bay

This end of terrace home in Walthamstow, East London had 2 structural issues. The stone entrance arch had significant cracking to the brickwork above and cracking in the internal walls. The ornate bay window was dropping and leaning outwards plus the stonework was cracking and spalling.

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.

Walthamstow brickwork repairs 230x120 - Stone Arch & Bay Window Reinforcement

Walthamstow stoneworkwork repairs 230x120 - Stone Arch & Bay Window Reinforcement

E17 stone repairs 230x120 - Stone Arch & Bay Window Reinforcement

The Structural Repair Solution

Installation of temporary supports & AWT designed cramping equipment
Realignment of masonry with hydraulic jacks
Precision diamond drilling & installation of stainless steel corded joint reinforcement.
Reconnecting the bay window brickwork to the main elevation by embedding grouted 8mm helical bars.
Installation of lateral restaints.
Repair damaged stonework with Flexcrete Monomix concrete repair mortar system.
Crack stitching work to cracked brickwork.
Cutting back damaged brick faces or resurfacing damaged bricks where possible using AWT methods.
Cutting out badly cracked bricks and replacing with colour matched yellow stock bricks.
Re-point disturbed areas with colour matched sand lime and cement mixture.

AWT provided an efficient, cost effective, permanent repair without the need for visible fixings. AWT have the tools and skills to remediate the root cause of these types of period property structural defects. AWT’s specialist fixings meant no rebuilding work was required and so disruption to the homeowner was kept to a minimum. The property was left ready for painting to restore it to its former glory.

Read our frequently asked questions about bay window structural repairs.

For a fast, effective solutions to stone arch and bay window structural problems contact AWT today. We provide professional solutions to a wide variety of structural issues for home owners across London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.

Concrete Frame Remedial Works

Inspection of this 9 storey concrete frame tower block revealed serious defects in the previous remedial works by another company. AWT installed remedial head restraints and wall ties to restore structural integrity.

The Structural Problem

This circa 1970s nine storey social housing apartment block in Dagenham that was over clad some two years previously with a polystyrene insulation system, that was deemed unsafe and removed to be replaced with PermaRock mineral Fibre EWI system. AWT was contracted to undertake an intrusive inspection of the wall ties, head restraints and visible concrete elements.

This concrete framed building’s cavity infill walls rely on wall ties to provide a degree of interaction between the two leaves, increasing vertical load and resistance to lateral movement (generally wind load) than two leaves acting separately and head restraints to tie the inner and outer walls to the concrete frame. Sound, correctly installed wall ties and head restraints are vital to the structural stability.

The British Standards Institution and the Building Research Establishment Specification Digest provide clear guidelines for the fitting of wall ties and head restraints in concrete framed buildings. Not only must the appropriate type and size of wall tie and head restraint be fitted but the number of fixings per square metre and the pattern of fixings within the masonry must also be considered.

Our Structural Repair Inspection

The AWT inspection comprised a limited inspection of the existing wall ties by drilling 12mm holes in the outer leaf of the brickwork to view within the cavity using an Endoscope. A metal detector was used to establish the remedial wall tie density and distribution and condition.

Our inspection revealed the original wire butterfly wall ties were in poor condition and found to be over their useful lifespan. Many of the original wall ties were also incorrectly installed or not embedded at all.

The remedial wall ties installed to replace the original butterfly ties were installed poorly and with insufficient population. Insufficient or incorrectly fitted head restraints dramatically reduce the load bearing capacity of the brickwork. If wall ties are broken, missing or incorrectly fitted this can allow the masonry to bow and crack.

The remedial wall ties were installed in an erratic pattern rather than the recommended pattern for maximum load capacity. The majority of the remedial wall ties had been installed in the mortar bed joints rather than into the bricks. The wrong length of ties had been fitted and insufficiently resin bonded. Many of these wall ties could be removed by hand!

The head restraint fittings were also incorrectly fitted with many being too long and protruding out of the brickwork rather than being securely fixed within the masonry.

The Structural Repair Solution

AWT provided high quality remedial work that is designed to last. Our skilled operatives take pride in their work and are committed to ensuring that every project they complete is safe.

High quality remedial ties were carefully installed in the correct pattern and density. Head restraints were also fitted to restore structural integrity.

AWT provide cost effective, safe remedial repairs to concrete framed buildings throughout London and the South East.

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.

Bowed Flank Wall on Victorian Semi

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

The Structural Problem: Bowing Flank Wall

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

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

What Causes Bowed Brickwork?

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

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

The Structural Repair Solution

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

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

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

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

Cost Effective Structural Repairs

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

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

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

Bowing brickwork on Victorian semi

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

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.

Bed Joint Reinforcement Beaming

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

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.

Read our frequently asked questions about bay window structural repairs.

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

Edwardian Stucco column remediation

London Edwardian Stucco column remediation

Edwardian portico structure with stucco columns cracking and failing – stabilising remediation works involved precision diamond drilling into the edge of the rounded columns directly into the centre of a half brick wall and the injection of grout

The subject building was a substantial, traditionally-built, elegant Edwardian Stucco finished domestic house in Central London.

This period property required work to remedy cracking and parting of the entrance porch structure without detracting from the look of the property.

Action Wall Ties have highly trained staff with a wealth of experience in dealing with period properties. AWT used their own design of diamond drilling equipment to drill for, and install, ties to strengthen the structure. The property was then made good using special mortars to match the existing finish.

Detailed Case Study

Defect

Cracking to the junctions of the front portico stucco columns with the main elevational walls was reported and noted.

Discussion

An underpinning scheme was completed, addressing the downward movement leaving the superstructure to be reconnected. Action Wall Ties’ remediation works were designed to assist in restraining the masonry to return the integrity to the structure.

Structural repair solution

The remediation works involved precision diamond drilling into the edge of the rounded columns, directly into the centre of a half brick wall by 1800mm each way to accommodate the injection of grouted ties, reconnecting the columns and walls (as indicated with green lines).

With the structure stabilised the cracked junctions of the columns with the main elevation were raked out cleaned and injected with cementitious grout, finished and made good with concrete repair mortar.

Action Wall Ties have, over many years, developed specialised equipment and methods to facilitate precision diamond drilling in almost any location, into almost any substrate, drilling 20mm diameter holes up to 3 meters long, through to 80mm diameter holes to almost any length, to accommodate the proposed remediation works (i.e. the removal of corroding steel and or installing many types of fixings).

Action Wall Ties have developed methods, and trained skilled experienced operatives, to strive to finish 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 masonry reinforcement and repair in London and Kent, providing professional solutions to a wide variety of structural problems. Contact us on 01227 721 255, or email us.

Bowing brickwork piers and dropping arches

Victorian two-storey bay window with bowing brickwork piers and dropping arches – realignment, bed joint reinforcement beaming, lateral restraints, reinforcement to the brickwork columns and grout ties and concrete repairs to masonry cill

The subject building was a traditionally built mid-terraced domestic Victorian/Edwardian house in South London on two floors below a pitched tiled roof.

Bowing brickwork piers and cracking, dropping and sagging of the structure around the bay window required urgent attention. Using equipment and methods designed by Action Wall Ties, the bay window was reinforced and repaired.

Detailed Case Study

Defect

Action Wall Ties’ investigation reported distortion and distress with localised cracking to ground floor, external spandrel brickwork and cracking and dropped key stones to the brick arches.

The slender brickwork columns to the ground floor had bowed outwards leaving a bow shaped space between the timber box window frame and the brickwork column that has been repeatedly re-pointed.

The bay window has a very large overhanging cill with supporting corbelled knees.

Causation

Action Wall Ties reported that the movement noted was considered to be progressive due to a combination of ageing and ineffective restraining of the slender brickwork columns and rotational effect of the overhanging cills, causing the bowing out of the columns and the arches to spread, crack and drop – cracking the supported spandrel brickwork above.

Structural repair solution

Our remedial scheme involved the introduction of bed joint reinforcement beaming, lateral restraints, reinforcement to the brickwork columns and grout tie injections, together with concrete repairs to masonry cill, all to reinstate the uniformity of the wall and provide restraint.

We provided temporary support to the underside of the ground floor brick arch key stones, removed the debris from the cracks and lifted the stones/arch back into a more level line with the adjacent brickwork.

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

As indicated with green parallel lines on our proposal 1, the beam reconnected the bay window elevational brickwork, and this was accomplished with AWT designed equipment enabling us to diamond drill through each elevation and chase into the main elevational brickwork and install a grouted helical bar.

The formation of continuous beams within the existing masonry should redistribute the upper storey loads, to a large extent, to those parts of the supporting structure, below which are best able to carry them while at the same time assisting in restraining diagonal cracking and bulging tendencies.

As indicated with yellow stars on our proposal 1, in conjunction with the beams, we drilled for, and screwed direct into the timber floor joists, 8mm stainless steel lateral restraints – all resin bonded to the masonry.

As indicated with green parallel lines on our proposal 1, to assist in alleviating the rotation affect from the large cills we installed grout ties vertically, drilling for and injecting a grouted 8mm helical bar.

As indicated with blue parallel lines on our proposal 1, we introduced a purpose fabricated steel reinforcing post, fitted and fixed to the inside of the brickwork columns, fixed with stainless steel resin bonded fixings.

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