Crack Stitching Specialists

If you have spotted signs of cracking in masonry on your property, you may require crack stitching treatment. Properties often require structural repairs including crack stitching due to age, deterioration or unavoidable environmental effects, for example water ingress, flooding or subsidence or other forms of movement.

Peter Cox specialists can provide you with a survey of the property to help understand the problem and offer a range of solutions for structural repairs and crack stitching if necessary. Crack stitching is a cost effective and less invasive way to fix cracks in masonry.

We are approved installers of Helifix and Cintec structural products and have considerable experience of working with structural engineers across the country.
  

Crack stitching is a term for methods of structural work used when securing and stabilising masonry that has cracking. The repair process can involve inserting metal reinforcement bars into the mortar bed joint often grouted in place, designed to overlap the cracked area to provide structural integrity and prevent further movement. It is a similar process to the way in which a thread is used to stitch two pieces of cloth together. Compared to past methods, crack stitching is a very resilient and cost-effective solution.

Over time masonry can move because of a variety of different factors including age, deterioration, subsidence and other environmental influences. The most obvious sign you may require crack stitching is if you notice large cracks in the masonry or a crack that is widening over time, typically in a diagonal or 'stepped' pattern.

If left untreated, these issues often worsen and allow moisture to penetrate walls and exacerbate the problem. Eventually, this could necessitate a complete wall rebuild. Therefore, understanding the cause of the cracking is the crucial first step.

If you are worried about cracking in your property's walls you can arrange a survey from a trained professional surveyor who will be able to assess the signs of damage and provide recommendations for structural repairs and crack stitching, if required.

Often structural repair problems are more complex than meets the eye, hence why it is important for a thorough survey to be carried out by a professional surveyor.

If crack stitching is needed, they will detail their findings in a survey report, with a specification for work along with costs.

Professional repairs can be carried out with minimum disruption and provide a long-term fix, giving you peace of mind. 

For serious structural defects outside of the scope of our expertise, you may require a structural engineer to give more detailed advice. If you have had a structural engineer's report that outlines specialist work, we would be happy to provide a quotation based on their specifications.

If required, crack stitching can be used to prevent further movement and strengthen the integrity of the wall. Compared to a full 'rebuild', crack stitching is less invasive and more ost effective.

A typical repair process involves:

1. Deep chase: Slots are cut into the mortar bed, typically 450mm each side of the  vertical crack, and at a depth of 25-40mm depending on the wall thickness.
2. Cleaned and grouted: The deep chases are cleaned out to remove any debris and a bead of grout is injected.
3. Made to measure bars: High grade tainless helical bars are cut to size and fit into the bed joint.
4. Set and grouted: Grout is then applied into the bed joint on top of the helical bar.
5. Concealed: Once in place, the crack is concealed using mortar to maintain the orginal style of the property.

This method of repair is versatile and provides strctural integrity to the wall giving you peace of mind the problem is solved. Once the mortar dries the repairs are not noticeable. However, replastering may be required internally.

When you use Peter Cox you benefit from 70+ years of experience in the property preservation industry, carrying out a wide range of structural repairs on all types of properties across the UK.

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  When does a crack in brickwork need fixing?

  If you notice a crack in the masonry actively getting wider or spreading across the wall, this could be of concern. Internally hairline cracks in plaster of anything under 1mm may not require immediate action, however anything wider than 2mm may need professional treatment - if you can fit a pound coin into the crack, it could be an issue. If you are concerned about a crack in your wall, book a survey from a trained professional.

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  What is the depth of crack stitching?

  The depth used for crack stitching depends on the thickness of the wall involved, but it is typically around 25-40mm.

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  What does a wall crack mean?

  A crack in a wall typically means there is some form of movement affecting the structure. Hairline cracks are naturally occuring due to seasonal changes in temperature and humidity. Vertical, horizontal or diagonal stepped cracks may be more concerning and could require a pofessional opinion.

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  What is Helifix crack stitching?

  Helifix crack stitching is a method of structural repair using Helifix 'Helibar' products to secure a wall or damaged brickwork, Peter Cox are approved installers of Helifix products and work closely with them when carrying out structural repairs across the UK.