Crack Stitching Experts

Cracks forming on brick walls indicate a structural problem, and may require specialist repairs. Cracks can form for various reasons, including environmental factors, age of the property, water ingress and other structural issues.

A common area for movement is double story bay windows, where the upper level of masonry is relatively unsupported and can crack if there is movement in the structure or window below, risking collapse of the upper bay.
 
Crack stitching is a method of repairing and strengthening cracks in brickwork and will stop the cracks getting worse, while preventing further damage in the future.

Our surveyors will survey a property to fully understand the issues, and can provide a range of solutions including crack stitching. We are specialists in structural repairs, with decades of experience in the property preservation industry.

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.

Crack stitching is a technique used to secure and stabilise masonry that has cracks. Often cracks are visible in brickwork, but in some cases external renders can cover the cracking, making it difficult to spot until it is too late, and the wall begins to suffer structural loss.

Crack stitching uses stainless steel reinforcement bars, often referred to as Helifix Helibars. These are cut to size, inserted into a slot cut in the mortar bed and grouted into place. The embedded bar is then covered with fresh mortar.

Crack stitching is a quick and effective method of permanently preventing further movement, with the bar and grouting providing a secure bond with the masonry.

Masonry walls are subject to many factors which can cause cracking over time, especially properties near busy roads that cause vibrations, where there is subsidence, structural issues such as lintel failure and even environmental factors like tree roots.

Stair step cracks that appear diagonal are a clear sign that movement is affecting the wall, indicating structural concerns. Where cracking in masonry shows signs of being wider at the top than the base of the crack, this can be an indication of a more serious structural issue commonly associated with subsidence and ground movement.

Because of this you may require crack stitching, and in some cases elements of underpinning. This will provide a long term solution. If you notice cracks that are wider than 2mm, you should seek professional advice.

If left untreated, structural problems can get worse as cracks become wider, but it can also allow moisture to penetrate into the walls and cause internal issues, including fungal decay to structural timber. If the cracks in the wall are too large, you may require the full wall to be rebuilt.

Understanding the cause of the cracking is key, and crack stitching can help prevent further movement, and problems in the future.

For serious structural defects outside of the scope of our expertise, you may require the services of a structural engineer in the first instance. 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.

We work closely with numerous structural engineers every year, designing structural repairs to meet their specifications for repairs.

The first step is for a surveyor to carry out a thorough survey of the affected area. They will detail their findings in a survey report, along with recommendations for crack stitching, repairs for damp or any associated timber issues, or other structural repairs required. This will be detailed in the survey report, along with details of the costs involved.

If you choose to go ahead with the recommended crack stitching, our technician will first cut out horizontal slots into the mortar beds, designed in a pattern that overlaps the cracked area. They will then clean out the chases, before injecting a specialist grout. Helical bars are then cut to size and inserted into the bed joint, before more grout is applied.

The helical bars work by redistributing tensile loads along the masonry, minimising further cracking. The pattern of helical bars used is designed to provide structural integrity, and prevent further movement. Once the helical bar is in place, the cracks are concealed by using matching mortar, maintaining the original looks of the property.

Compared to rebuilding the whole wall, crack stitching is a very resilient and cost-effective solution. Repairs can also be made with minimal disruption to the occupant.

Rentokil Property Care work closely with Helifix, and are approved installers of Helifix crack stitching products, including stainless steel Helifix HeliBars. These products provide a quick, simple, effective and permanent solution for numerous structural issues.

We have undergone Helifix’s rigorous approval and training process, and have specialists across the country, working from our network of local branches.

As approved installers this means our teams are fully qualified to install Helifix’s proprietary systems, in line with strict industry standards.

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.

Our surveyor will take the time to fully investigate the issue, and you will receive a survey report outlining their findings along with a description of the repairs, if required.

Rentokil Property Care has been working in peoples homes and businesses for over 70 years, correctly identifying property issues and providing long term solutions.