Bulging walls in period properties are a common defect that are often seen along the gable and flank elevations of a property. This defect is especially common in Edwardian and Victorian properties but is also evident in properties of all ages.
Bowing Wall
Bowing walls should not be regarded as ‘just the way it was built’ this is a serious structural defect that will require a structural repair solution in order to prevent further movement or complete failure.
If the bowing in the wall is only at the levels where the floor joists run either into or alongside then this is more than likely to indicate that lateral movement also known as outward movement has occurred.
Lateral Restraint Tie
Lateral movement occurs when there is no connection between the masonry and the floor joists or stair case allowing the masonry to move independently. In order to prevent further outward movement you must provide a connection between the two.
Newman’s utilise Twistfix lateral restraint ties which are an 8mm stainless steel tie which are installed externally through a 12mm hole in the masonry into the floor joist. With a concealed resin fix to the masonry we are able to tie the masonry to the floor joist which restrains any further movement.
Wall Tie Failure Caused Bowing Walls
In modern properties or buildings constructed with a cavity wall then the bowing if not confined to the floor joist levels only could indicate that there are other structural defects such as wall tie failure which will need to be assessed.
Out lateral restraint schemes for bowing walls can be guaranteed for ten years covered by an IGL insurance backed guarantee. Contact us today if your property is showing signs of outward movement.
Newman’s have completed a wall tie replacement repair to a property purchased by a private home owner. The home owner became concerned after the purchase as short horizontal cracks were appearing in the outer leaf of the brickwork as well as some of the bricks lifting and rotating.
Wall Tie Installation
Newman’s carried out a wall tie survey using a visual survey and an endoscope survey to determine the condition of the existing wall ties. The wall ties were found to be in a poor state with high levels of corrosion and inadequately spaced.
Current Wall Ties Corroded and Wrongly Spaced
Our specification included the installation of Twistfix’s patented CD 9mm stainless steel Remedial Wall Tie. Installation is a simple process with the helical tie being installed through a 6mm pilot hole.
Isolation of the tie is carried out by locating the existing wall tie and encompassing it with a clan sleeve also supplied by Twistifx. With sleeves in place and the ties isolated re-pointing of the cracked masonry can be carried out and tie holes filled with a mortar to match the existing bricks.
Replacing Current Wall Ties
All of our repair schemes are covered by our own guarantee and for consumer protection we are also members of Insured Guarantees Limited enabling us to provide you with an insurance backed guarantee, which for this particular project guarantees the installation for 20 years even if Newman’s are no longer operating.
Soil investigation underway in Oxford: works began on three soil investigations to determine the soil type and condition so that suitable piling schemes can be designed for to a number of properties for one of our social housing clients due to the cracking indicating subsidence. Our investigations include camera drainage tests to ensure the drains are in good condition and working correctly, sampling of the soil in a laboratory and recorded soil conditions down to 4.5m’s.
Showing Signs Of Recent Movement
The above property is showing signs of recent movement and is in close proximity to a very large mature tree which often cause subsidence and roots ingress damaging foundations. The gable elevation recently had a large amount of ivy removed which has revealed number of further cracks.
Currently Being Monitored For Further Movement
The property is currently being monitored to check for further movement, contact us today to see how we can help with site investigation and crack monitoring call 0333 444 0154 or email enquiries@newmans.com
Monitor shows movement has stopped
This block of garages has suffered from cracking close the the front and rear corners at mid to high level, the monitor period is now complete showing the movement has stopped, our structural repair scheme includes Twistfix bed joint reinforcement installed around each corner preventing further rotation and cracking.
To find out more information on how we can help with your Structural Repair needs contact us on 0333 444 0154 or email enquiries@newmans.com
