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Brickwork Crack Repairs

 

Should you worry when cracks appear in your brick and limestone walls?

Here in Perth, cracks on the walls of buildings are not uncommon; although some may be relatively harmless, others may be signs of a foundation that is sinking or has been damaged (subsidence). In so far as problematic cracks on walls are not taken care of, the damage to the foundations can greatly decrease the value of the property.

When may cracks on a wall be signs of a problem with the structure itself?

In so far as there are larger cracks that display the following characteristics, the foundation of the building may be weak:

  • The two sides of a wall are at different heights
  • There is a gap between doors and windows and their frames
  • Any cracks are wider than about 5mm

Cracks on walls that may be problematic usually originate at windows, doorways or the corners of buildings. Generally, smaller cracks that are hairline in nature are harmless. The appearances of these such cracks are commonly due to seasonal expansions and the contraction of soils beneath the building that take place over time and can be easily patched and re-painted.

How can we assist you with the issue?

Here at SouthSide Heritage we know the first point of action is to determine the correct cause of the crack. This could be anything from shifting foundations, tree roots, subsidence to name a few.

We will come and assess the effected area and provide a full breakdown of what is required. Sometimes this can be as easy as using a system of brick repair or limestone repair that minimises the disruption to the brick or limestone wall. 

In other cases, a more advanced system of installing stainless steel helical ties is required. With the use of the Thor Helical crack repair system we will reinforce to 500mm each side of the brick and mortar cracking to stabilise and strengthen the wall. 

We will then repoint and brick repair the affected area using our expertise to match the original masonry works.

Rising Damp – What are the causes?

Rising Damp occurs when moisture from the ground travels up through the walls by capillary action. Due to the natural evaporation from the surface of walls, rising damp will usually rise to a height of 1.5 metres. and go lateral.

Rising damp may be caused by a lack of damp proof course in the construction or by bridging of the cavity. Other affects such as garden beds, retic and concrete paths directly against the wall can often enhance the problem

What can we do to assist?

We use the most effective method of damp proofing by applying a physical damp proof course. We remove the bottom layer of brick and debris that may have built up inside the cavity. We install a PCV coated aluminium sheet to avoid any further repeat of rising damp. This is by far the most effective and long term solution for any of the properties across Perth.

For enquiries and a no obligation quote on our brick and limestone crack repair and rising damp services, contact us on 0419 210 756 or email us directly at info@southsideheritage.com.au and one of our professionals will be available to help. Alternatively, contact us via our Enquiry Form.