Restore your property with the help of PointUK
As period property specialists, we understand the complications that arise with aged brickwork. If you're dealing with issues such as cracks in the walls, sagging floors, or foundation problems, we're here to help.
We offer a range of specialist solutions as part of our structural repair offering: our team of expert builders have years of experience in the industry, and we use the latest techniques and equipment to get the job done right.
Our structural repair services include:
HeliBar Crack Stitching
Cracks appearing in walls is a common structural repair that we see daily on older buildings. One method we use at PointUK to repair these cracks is HeliBar Crack Stitching. This technique involves installing stainless steel reinforcement bars into the brick’s bed joint to help strengthen the wall and stop further displacement.
Structural repairs such as HeliBar Crack Stitching vary from job to job. Most structural problems can be rectified within a few days with minimal disruption to the rest of the brickwork. The process of HeliBar Crack Stitching includes raking out and cleaning horizontal mortar beds, inserting a stainless steel rod (helical bar) into the bed, stabilising the bars into the brickwork using resin and then repointing the mortar bed to cover and secure the HeliBar.
The benefits of HeliBar Crack Stitching include:
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Increases the structural strength of brickwork
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Fully concealed, non-disruptive repair solution
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Quick, simple, effective and permanent
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The masonry remains flexible enough to accommodate natural building movement
Wall tie replacement
Another common problem that occurs with ageing brickwork in cavity walls is wall tie corrosion. Wall ties are spaced at regular intervals, horizontally and vertically, increasing the overall thickness of the wall to the sum of the inner skin, cavity and outer wall, resulting in a more stable construction. However, after years in place, steel ties are likely to rust, which can lead to structural problems (especially in older building and period properties), and ultimately to the failure of the wall’s structure.
No matter what the cause of the wall tie failure may be, it is important that the problem is resolved quickly. Failure to do so can result in major problems including structural damage or even outer wall collapse.
At some point all wall ties need to be replaced, but how do you check if they have failed? The main things to look out for are:
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Cracked brickwork
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Bulging or bowing brickwork
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Horizontal cracks
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Sagging or lifting lintels
