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.
Today’s Structural Survey’s included this large Victorian Property located in Putney, South West London.
Defects found during our survey included lintel failure to a number of brick arch Lintels and outward movement to two of the three bay windows on the rear elevation due to a lack of lateral restraint.
Our structural reports include detailed specifications of the recommend repairs include CAD drawings.
If you require a structural survey to your property call us on 0333 444 0154
At Newman’s we utilise modern methods of masonry repair to restore bowing walls and lintel failure to name but a few structural defects.
Our specialist services were called upon by a building surveyor managing the refurbishment of a Victorian built 1890’s semi detached house in Croydon, South London.
Bowing Building London
After completing our survey it was discovered that there was extensive outward movement to the front and gable elevations and with the loft conversion in progress the additional stress to the masonry was sure to cause severe movement.
Bed Joint Reinforcement
Over 30 Lateral restraint ties were used on the gable elevation alone into the first floor and the new loft floor to restrain the outward movement combined with bed joint reinforcement ensuring there would be no further outward movement.
Lateral Restraint Ties Installed
With the bed joint reinforcement being installed front the front elevation wrapped around the gable and into the rear elevation the lintel failure was repaired and the bowing restrained.
