Crack Stitch Repairs

 

Remember that addressing cracks promptly can prevent further damage to your walls and maintain the structural integrity of your property.

Strucsol HS Grout is a shrink compensated grout with added polymer additives. It sets around the crack stitching bars and develops compressive strength rapidly to prevent axial deflection of the crack stitching bar under load conditions.

Strucsol HS Grout is a specialized grout with added polymer additives. It is designed to address cracks by setting around the crack stitching bars and rapidly developing compressive strength. Its primary purpose is 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).
    • Ensure that all mortar is completely removed to expose the top and bottom faces of the masonry.
    • Flush the joint with water to clean it thoroughly.
    • Typically, vertical spacing between slots should be every 4 to 6 brick courses. If you’re uncertain, consult a structural engineer.
  1. 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.
  1. Inserting the Helical Bar:
    • Firmly push the helical bar into the grout, ensuring that it extends 500mm on either side of the crack.
  1. 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.
  1. 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. If you need advice with this, please contact us directly and we can arrange this for you.