Cavity Wall Tie Problem? Call 0161-706-0555 for a Free Survey Today
Stress cracks to the masonry of an brick archway to the front elevation of a period property.
Stress cracks to the masonry of an brick archway to the front elevation of a period property.
We always recommend professional intervention when determining a structural problem and investigating for the corrosion of cavity wall ties. Various methods of investigation are used such as a visual inspection of the masonry and mortar courses, measurements of datum lines to determine bowing of load bearing members, boroscope investigation and in some cases removal of masonry brickwork.
In most cases a boroscope investigation can be undertaken. Holes are drilled into various areas of the masonry brickwork and are blown clean with an air gun. A boroscope cctv camera is then inserted into the cavity of the wall and the images are recorded to media in order to provide to the client of the property.
Identifying Wall Tie Failure.
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Depending on the method of building construction Wall Ties may or may not of been included in the masonry structure of a property. Signs of Wall Tie failure can include the following observations:
* Cracks in external masonry brick walls.
* Bulging or bowing of external masonry walls.
* Cracks in mortar courses (Less serious)
* Cracks in brick courses (More serious)
* Cracks to internal plaster walls and ceilings.
* Cracks to lime and fibrous plaster coving and cornice.
* Signs of masonry failure at piers, abutments and arches.
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Neoprene Wall Ties​
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Neoprene wall ties are the next generation in remedial wall ties to masonry brickwork. Designed with technology in mind they are used with minimal disruption in order to tie the skins of load bearing cavity wall brickwork together. When undertaking operations involving neoprene wall ties holes are drilled into the masonry at pre-determined intervals according to the maufacturers specifications taking care to avoid weak spots such as abuttments and bonded corners. Cavities are then cleaned with blown air and wall ties are positioned and rammed home with a special setting tool. As the wall tie is rammed home the neoprene sleeve expands and fixes the masonry wall skins together providing renewed support to the wall. Holes are then filled with either colour matched wet mortar or dyed linseed putty to suit.
Helical Wall Ties​
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Helical wall ties are an unobtusive method of remedial work which can be carried out from outside your property and with minimal disruption to the homeowner.Helical ties can be used to provide lateral stictching to crack brickwork and can be used to provide additional support to minor subsidence cracks in masonry.
When undertaking repair work to masonry using helical wall ties holes are drilled at pre-determined intervals from the uter skin of brickwork through to the inner skin with care to avoid further disruption or damage. Helical ties are then rammed home using a special setting tool which hammers the ties into both skins of masonry in order to tie them together as one thus creating support between the two masonry skins. A special bonding resin is then applied into the cavity in order to provide final finishing and bonding.
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Helical ties can also be used to tie load bearing timber such as floor joists to the brickwork of a property in order to provide building stabilisation.
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Resin Crack Stitching
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During a repair operation to cracked brickwork and masonry, mortar is raked out using a special keyhole cutting tool in order to provide minimal disruption and mess. Depending on the severity of the crack the correctly sized helical reinforcing bar is then selected and bedded into the mortar joint. At this stage a specail bonding resin is injected into the courseline and allowed to dry. Final finish includes pointing of the brickwork in suitable materials appropriate to the age of the building.
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Lateral Restraints
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Lateral restraints are used to tie in the timbers of roof trusses to masonry such as a gable end to provide lateral support. When undertaking a lateral support project holes are drilled into the skins of the masonry brickwork and are screwed and plugged. Supports are strapped to load bearing members such as masonry chimney stacks, purlins and rafters. Lateral supports are an effective way of tieing in bowing gable end brickwork coupled with supporting wall ties.
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If you feel you have a wall tie or structural problem in your property and reqire a professional no nonsense, no obligation diagnosis
Call us today on 0161-706-0555 for a free no obligation estimate.
Copyright Salford Building Contractors 2016, Article prohibited to be reproduced in any form written or electronic without prior written permission from the owner. Contact sbcdampproofing@gmail.com for all press enquiries.
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