Crack Stitching

Historical architecture often did not involve any form of lintel or beam support over windows but instead relied upon self supporting brick arches.

In some instances timber beams were used but often these are found to be rotten or failing on inspections.

Without a lintel and over the course of time brickwork can begin to slump causing loads to be transferred to window frames and causing cracking to the pointing. You may notice damage to window frames, difficulty in opening them or a drop towards the middle of the window above.

Without treatment or repairs these areas can get significantly worse quite quickly.

In order to strengthen the masonry and prevent further movement the brickwork can be ‘stitched’ using high grade stainless steel helical bars inserted directly into the bed joints. The purpose of the stitching is to stabilise the masonry and redistribute tensile and compressive loads to minimise or remove further development of the crack.

The advantages of such remedial work are that it is an extremely cost effective way of repairing defective brickwork and is also incredibly versatile. The helical bars can be used to repair even weak materials and often the entire process can be completed externally and is all but invisible once installed. This type of repair can be less invasive and cause less damage to older properties. This may be considered more appropriate when dealing with grade listed properties or properties located within a conservation area.

The process is straightforward and quick and has become universally used as one of a number of ways of structurally repairing brickwork and other solid walls. A variation of the process is also used to reattach inner and outer sections of a cavity wall where necessary.

If you have noticed cracking, bowing or slumping to brickwork within your property, contact our team today to discuss further.