Damage and the need for structural crack repairs are fairly common in older homes. These are the most Structural cracks and damage often appear in older homes, and several common factors typically cause them:
- Thermal movement
- Using cement pointing on buildings originally constructed with lime mortar
- Natural settling of the house
- High-stress areas such as below windows and above doorways
- Disrupted masonry caused by window or door replacements
- Inadequate or failed load-bearing lintels in key stress zones
To repair these cracks, we use a specialist Arbortech mortar saw, specifically designed to cut mortar from bed joints with precision. First, we cut into the mortar bed to a depth of at least half a brick’s thickness. After removing the excess dust, we create slots that extend 50 cm on either side of the crack. We space these slots every 4 to 6 courses of bricks, depending on the structure’s needs.
Next, we inject cementitious grout or polyester/epoxy resin into the back of each cut slot. This material forms a stable base for the helical bar reinforcement. After placing the helical bar, we apply another layer of grout or resin over the top to secure the bar in place and create a solid, locked seal.
Finally, we conceal the repair completely by repointing the area with colour-matched mortar, blending the work seamlessly into the surrounding brickwork to preserve the original look of the property.
Chimney stack In Margate. Cracks stitched back together with stainless steel helical bar and resin. This was then pointed with a traditional lime mortar.
Contact us if you would like us to quote for any crack repairs or structural damage.
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If you are interested in receiving a quote for restoration work to your home please feel free to call/Whatsapp on 07954 409840 or fill in our contact form here.