Crack stitching repairs with helical bars to restore structural integrity

Crack stitching is a method for repairing cracks in brickwork and restoring the strength and stability of damaged masonry walls. Also known as brick stitching or brickwork stitching, it reinforces the wall from within while preserving its original appearance. It is used for cracking in masonry associated with subsidence, thermal movement, ground movement or general wear and tear over time.

Understanding the cause of cracks in walls

Understanding the cause is an important starting point when repairing cracked walls. Before choosing a crack stitching kit, assess the crack and establish whether it indicates a structural problem or ongoing movement. Structural repairs should address the cause as well as the visible damage, rather than treating every crack as a cosmetic issue. If you are unsure what is causing the cracking, seek professional assessment before starting work.

The crack stitching method: helical bars with resin or grout

The process involves the strategic insertion of helical bars, often referred to as crack stitching bars, into carefully cut mortar joints along the affected area. These bars, typically made from stainless steel, are bonded in place using a high-strength resin or masonry grout, creating a reinforced connection that distributes stress evenly across the brickwork.

Unlike traditional methods that may require extensive rebuilding, crack stitching is minimally invasive, preserving the original appearance of the structure while providing long-lasting support. Correctly specified helical bar repairs help provide structural integrity by reinforcing the affected masonry.

Buy now: helical bars · bonding resin · masonry grout

Preparing the joints and stitching brickwork cracks

The process begins with assessing the crack and preparing the mortar joints to accommodate the bars. Once inserted, the helical bars and resin work together to lock the brickwork in place, helping to prevent further movement and deterioration. Brick crack stitching can be considered for damage ranging from minor cracks to more serious structural issues, with the suitability of the repair determined by assessment of the wall and the underlying cause.

See further down for a more visual guide, where you will also find:

• A helpful video
• A collection of detailed application-specific method statements

Choosing a crack stitching kit

A stitching kit, such as a heli bar kit, brings together components for the repair, making product selection more straightforward for professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Check the contents of your chosen kit and follow the relevant installation guide for the specified bars and bonding material.

Choose a helical bars and resin crack stitching kit or a Strucsol Grout Crack Stitch Kit (10M) to suit the specified repair system.

Buy now: resin crack stitching kit · grout crack stitching kit

Whether you are dealing with a single crack or widespread damage, crack stitching repairs offer a cost-effective, durable approach to reinforcing brickwork from within. With the cause assessed and the repair appropriately specified, this technique helps maintain the property's structural integrity, value and aesthetic appeal with minimal disruption. Read below for the guide on how to complete these repairs.

Cracked brick repair: the colour matching kit

To finish your repairs, consider using the Strucsol Colour Matching Brickwork Repair Kit to patch broken or damaged brickwork and make the finished repair appear almost invisible. This finishing step complements the reinforcement work by improving the appearance of damaged brick surfaces.

Buy now: Colour Matching Brickwork Repair Kit