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Structural Survey, South West London

Structural Inspection, South West London

Newman’s are regularly called upon to carry out Structural Surveys to diagnose Structural Defects and identify areas of masonry that require attention as well as design repair specifications that will provide a lasting solution restoring the aesthetics of the building as well as the structural integrity.

Bulging Walls and Bowing Walls

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 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 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.

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.

Author: Jon Newman
Posted: 07/05/2013
Categories: Bowing Walls, Crack Diagnosis

Subsidence Repairs

Subsidence is a common structural defect which puts structures in serious jeopardy and at risk of collapse.

Subsidence is common across the South East of England and in areas where the ground conditions are formed up of clay. Clay absorbs lots of moisture during wet periods causing it to swell and lift the foundation and once the ground dries it shrinks back to its original state or smaller which causes the foundation to drop.

There are other causes of subsidence such as vibration from machinery, road traffic, trains etc. As well as vibration other factors such as changes in the water table, failed drainage or incorrect foundation types and depths.

Newman’s are specialists in carrying out subsidence repairs using bed joint reinforcement and piling solutions in order to repair structures with minimal disruption.