Types of Brickwork Repairs Explained:

• Crack Stitching: (Helifix)

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Helibars in brickwork are helical, stainless steel rods used for structural reinforcement, primarily for crack stitching to repair cracked walls and create reinforced masonry beams (Helibeam System) in new builds, offering a non-destructive, concealed alternative to taking down and rebuilding, spreading loads, and accommodating movement. They work by bonding with a special grout (like Helifix HeliBond grout) in slots cut into the mortar, providing significant tensile strength to stabilize the structure. 

 

The system involves bonding one or more parallel lengths of helical, stainless steel bars into pre-cut horizontal slots (mortar beds) using a specialized, thixotropic, cementitious grout like HeliBond. The composite action between the bar's deep helical troughs and the grout creates a strong, flexible beam that effectively ties the masonry together and redistributes structural loads away from problem areas

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• Lintel Replacement:

 

Lintel replacement involves supporting the brickwork above a window or door opening, removing the old, damaged lintel (wood, steel, or concrete), and installing a new structural beam to carry the load, often using techniques like helical bars or new masonry for reinforcement and stability before repointing. The process requires careful load assessment by a professional and is done to fix failures like rust expansion in metal lintels or rot in timber ones, preventing cracks and ensuring structural integrity

 

• Structural Repairs: (Cavity Wall Ties)

 

Replacing cavity wall ties is crucial for fixing failing connections between inner and outer brick walls, typically due to rust expansion that causes cracks. This process involves drilling pilot holes, installing new stainless steel helical or mechanical expanding ties, and carefully removing or isolated old ties. Once the new ties are in place, the mortar is repaired to maintain structural stability, ensuring proper spacing of about 2.5 ties per square meter. This reinforces the wall's integrity.

• General Masonry Repairs: (Brick Spalling).

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​Brick spalling is the flaking, chipping, crumbling, or peeling of a brick's surface, often revealing the softer inner part, primarily caused by water absorption followed by freezing/thawing cycles, but also from poor mortar or non-breathable paints trapping moisture. While sometimes just cosmetic, it can signal serious moisture issues and compromise a wall's structural integrity, requiring professional assessment to identify the source and prevent further deterioration.