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Rentokil Property Care are structural repair specialists, with decades of experience in the property preservation industry.
Many buildings across the United Kingdom require structural repairs because of their age, general deterioration or environmental factors, such as water damage, vibrations, flooding or subsidence. Carrying out structural repairs can prevent further movement, safeguarding your property.
We can provide advice and solutions for wall tie repair and replacements, crack stitching, lintel repairs, lateral restraints and structural anchoring.
Rentokil Property Care are approved installers of Helifix and Cintec structural products, have experienced surveyors who can carry out specialist structural repair surveys, and can work closely with structural engineers where required.
Structural repairs are carried out to restore the load-bearing components of a building, which can include structural timbers, repairs to masonry, lintels and wall ties.
Often structural repairs are required as over time buildings can show signs of deterioration, and unwanted structural movement can lead to further deterioration through cracks forming and walls bulging. Damage can be further exacerbated by dampness entering the property, which can corrode wall ties, cause internal structural timber to decay and damage plasterwork.
Therefore when buildings show signs of structural damage, structural repairs are required. The repairs will prevent further movement while protecting the long term structural integrity and stability of the property.
Rentokil Property Care can provide long lasting solutions through our structural repairs service.
Cracks in brickwork or masonry can appear for numerous reasons, but the most common reasons are vibrations caused by nearby roads, tree roots, foundation settlement, ground subsidence, changes in temperature, soil pressure, moisture or generally poor construction.
Small hairline cracks are nothing to worry about, but if the cracks become larger over time, this may indicate an issue. When cracks are wider than 2mm this can indicate a more serious problem, and specialist repairs may be required.
When you notice cracks in the brickwork in your property keep an eye on them to make sure they are not getting worse. If they are increasing in size you may require professional help to prevent further movement or damage. It is advisable to take a width measurement and photo so you can gauge movement over time.
Many properties across the UK were built using traditional methods over the centuries, often designed with solid walls consisting of solid brick or stone, with in-built structural timber. Over the years these properties are subject to vibrations, subsidence, water damage and many other factors, especially in buildings with shallow foundations. This can cause cracks in the masonry to form, and increase in size over time.
It was not until the 1920’s when buildings were consistently built using cavity walls, that the two leaves of brickwork were connected using metal wall ties. Due to quality issues these can often corrode and cause issues and ultimately break, meaning they need to be replaced.
This is a particularly common problem in properties along the coast, as salty sea air can increase the corrosion of the wall ties, especially once cracks form and moisture can enter the mortar.
Some of the most common causes of structural damage in properties are:
Subsidence and ground movement - Movement and subsidence from unstable ground can often lead to cracks in walls. This can be further increased in properties with shallow or no foundations.
Poor drainage and water damage - When drains and guttering become blocked or damaged it can lead to ground movement due to waterlogged soil. Penetrating damp from wind driven rain can also penetrate into cavity walls and corrode wall ties.
Defective building materials - Porous or erosive building materials can lead to structural problems. Newer properties built using metal wall ties are susceptible to corrosion. In older and historic buildings built of stone and rubble, water ingress can lead to instability, causing bulging and bowing of walls.
Removal of loadbearing frames - Buildings that have removed the original timber or steel windows are susceptible to lintel problems, as the original frames were often loadbearing. This is often the case when they are replaced with uPVC windows that are not capable of holding the same load, putting more pressure on the lintel and brickwork above. In some properties the lintel is missing and this can cause cracking or collapse when the old window is removed.
Timber decay and timber infestations - When structural timber becomes saturated it can cause woodworm or fungal decay problems, ultimately losing its ability to support heavy loads. This can cause the brickwork above to move, causing cracks and failure.
Lack of maintenance - When gutters and drains become blocked or defective, moisture can penetrate into the fabric of the building, affecting wall ties and structural timber. It can also cause mortar to deteriorate and the spalling of brickwork.
Environmental factors - Environmental factors such as trees with large root systems extracting moisture or causing ground heave can cause structural problems for properties. Buildings built close to busy roads may also be affected by large amounts of traffic passing by, which causes vibrations in the property.
Poor Workmanship - A common reason for structural problems is ineffective DIY fixes that do not address the root cause of the issue. Sometimes properties are built using incorrect products and materials, which can also cause problems.
These problems may indicate a problem with your property, and you may need professional assistance. Rentokil Property Care have a number of trained surveyors who will be able to assess the extent of the damage, whilst providing advice and solutions.
Choosing a company with experience and expertise is paramount when carrying out structural repairs on your property. Rentokil Property Care have a number of specialist repair services, depending on the nature of your problem.
Lateral restraints are used when walls are subject to lateral movement, resulting in bowing or walls pulling away from the rest of the property. A combination of techniques can be used to prevent further movement, including the use of stainless steel bars, wall ties and resin.
If you have a problem with your property and are concerned you require structural repairs, Rentokil Property Care are here to help. We have numerous surveyors with the expertise to fully investigate the problem, and provide you with recommendations for repairs, if required.
When you require structural repairs for your property you want to trust the company you are working with will get it right the first time.
Rentokil Property Care has been working in peoples homes and businesses for over 70 years, correctly identifying property issues and providing long term solutions.
PCA approved: Rentokil Property Care are a proud founder member of the PCA and have a range of CSTDB, CSRT and CSSW qualified surveyors operating out of our network of local branches. When you work with us you can be assured that you’re getting professional and honest advice and structural repairs that follow the industry best practice.
Helifix and Cintec approved installers: We are approved installers of both Helifix and Cintec systems, and have considerable experience of working with structural engineers across the UK.
Which? Trusted Trader: We are endorsed by Which? Trusted Trader - meaning our customer service and workmanship has passed the rigorous trading standards assessments.
Trustpilot: Our damp proofing, structural repairs and timber treatments are rated ‘Excellent’ with over 1,000 reviews from our customers - showcasing our professionalism.
Long Term Commitment: From our origins in the 1920’s to the present day, we have outlived our guarantees several times over. This means you can have complete peace of mind from a Rentokil Property Care guarantee - up to 30 years for some of our services.
