Wall Tie Repair and Bay Reinforcement in Folkestone
We were instructed following a Level 3 Home Survey, which had identified the possibility of wall tie failure affecting the front bay.
The property is an approximately 110-year-old, three-storey building divided into five flats. It is constructed with cavity brick walls and incorporates a circular cavity-brick front bay.
Survey evidence
Our specialist inspection identified diagonal stepped cracking through the mortar joints of the front bay. The cracking corresponded with the positions of the original wall ties.
Further investigation confirmed heavy corrosion of the existing ties. As a wall tie corrodes, the metal expands within the mortar joint and can exert sufficient pressure to lift and separate the surrounding brickwork.
Remedial work
Replacement stainless-steel neoprene-sleeved wall ties were installed throughout the affected bay at the specified density and staggered from the positions of the original ties.
The existing corroding wall ties were located and isolated within the outer leaf. This prevents further expansion of the original ties from causing renewed cracking or displacement.
To strengthen and stabilise the curved brickwork, two continuous rows of stainless-steel helical reinforcement were installed around the bay. The selected mortar joints were opened, the reinforcement was bedded into high-strength grout, and the brickwork was carefully repointed using colour-matched mortar.
Photographic record
The photographs show:
- The opened mortar joints and visible stepped cracking before reinforcement.
- Stainless-steel helical reinforcement positioned continuously around the curved bay.
- High-strength grout being injected around the reinforcement.
- The completed bay following repointing and making good.
Result
The affected brickwork has been stabilised, replacement wall ties have restored restraint between the inner and outer leaves, and the original corroding ties have been isolated.
The helical reinforcement provides additional continuity around the curved bay while allowing the original appearance and character of the brickwork to be retained.
