Crack Stitch Kits

Strucsol offers a comprehensive range of crack stitching products designed to repair cracks in walls and enhance structural stability. These products are especially useful for addressing cracks in masonry, which can occur due to various reasons:

1. Subsidence: When the ground beneath or around a property shifts, it can lead to sinking or movement of the structure.
2. Settlement: New build properties often experience settlement shortly after completion, as the building “settles” into the ground.
3. Natural Elements: Factors like tree roots or water table levels can cause structural cracking in masonry.

Crack stitching kits provided by Strucsol offer a quick, straightforward, and permanent solution for stabilizing vertical cracks in masonry. Our crack stitch repair kits include all the necessary components for repairing vertical or stepped cracks in masonry walls. By using this kit, you can stabilize the structure, resist further cracking, and restore the masonry’s integrity.

The crack stitching kit contains everything needed for efficient repairs with minimal disruption. Stainless steel helical bars are inserted into horizontal slots created in the mortar bed joints or across the crack in brick, block, or stonework. These bars are then securely grouted in place using Strucsol HS Grout. Additionally, you can explore the specific products available, such as the heavy duty Stitching Kit.

Crack Stitch Repair Guide

Crack stitching is a process designed to restore the original integrity to the masonry in addition to locally reinforcing the brickwork. Addressing cracks promptly can prevent further damage to your walls and maintain the structural integrity of your property.

Crack stitching is carried out using either Strucsol Ultrabar 6mm x 1000mm OR Strusol Ultrabar Composite 6mm x 1000mm, and either Strucsol HS Grout or Strucsol Polyester Resin

Strucsol HS Grout is a non shrink, high strength grout. It sets around the crack stitching bars and develops compressive strength rapidly to prevent axial deflection of the crack stitching bar under load conditions.

Here are the steps for crack stitching installation:

1. Cutting the Slot:
• Begin by cutting a slot in the mortar bed, positioned just over 500mm on either side of the vertical crack. The slot depth should be appropriate for the wall thickness (refer to specifications).
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• Ensure that all mortar is completely removed to expose the top and bottom faces of the masonry.
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• Flush the joint with water to clean it thoroughly.
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• Typically, vertical spacing between slots should be every 4 to 6 brick courses. If you’re uncertain, consult a structural engineer.
2. Grout Mixing and Loading:
• Thoroughly mix the grout using the provided paddle mixer.
• Load the mixed grout into the application gun.
• Pump the grout into the back of the slot, creating a continuous, even bead that fills approximately two-thirds of the slot depth.
3. Inserting the Helical Bar:
• Firmly push the helical bar into the grout, ensuring that it extends 500mm on either side of the crack.
4. Second Grout Bead:
• Apply a second bead of grout into the slot, ensuring complete coverage of the bar.
• Use the provided trowel to force the grout into the slot until it is approximately 10mm from the surface. Make sure the bar and grout are firmly packed.
5. Finishing Touches:
• Complete the process by restoring the bed joint and filling the vertical crack with an appropriate filler to match the surrounding masonry.

For additional details, refer to our comprehensive guide on Repairing Cracks in Walls. Additionally, if you’re dealing with failed lintels, our lintel repair guide provides insights into identifying and fixing issues using helical bars.

Remember that consulting a structural engineer is crucial to identify the underlying cause of structural movement and determine the correct solution. We can do this for you- contact us directly and we can arrange this for you.