Masonry walls often develop cracks due to factors like settling, weather effects over time, or structural issues they face. It’s crucial to understand the cause of each type of crack and address it effectively to keep the building sound. Thorhelical is a top provider of innovative helical masonry reinforcement solutions that are minimally invasive and effective in fixing various crack patterns. Let’s delve into the causes of crack formation and how Thorhelical offers solutions for each.
Various crack causes and Thorhelical Solutions
Vertical Cracks (Foundation Movement)
How They Form :
Vertical fractures typically occur as a result of subsidence in a building’s foundation. This can be due to soil conditions or water drainage problems. Thus causing uneven shifting of the foundation and resulting in cracks in the structure’s masonry work.
Thorhelicals Solution : Thorhelical offers a solution called the Crack Stitching Kit that effectively bridges cracks. By incorporating steel helical bars into the mortar system to reinforce the masonry structure and distribute loads evenly along the crack line. Preventing any additional movement without requiring brick replacement.
Horizontal Cracks (Thermal Expansion and Reinforcement Issues)
How They Form :
Horizontal cracks typically form due to the masonry expanding and contracting with changes in temperature over the years. Particularly when there’s no reinforcement present in the structure. These types of cracks are commonly located around windows and doors and may suggest that the masonry ties are weak or improperly installed.
Thorhelicals Solution :
Thorhelicals approach involves addressing these cracks by utilising Masonry Reinforcement Bars to provide tensile reinforcement in the wall and counteract movement caused by temperature changes or insufficient reinforcement measures.
Diagonal Cracks (Lintel Failure and Wall Expansion)
How They Form :
Diagonal cracks that slant upward from windows or doors are a sign of structural issues like lintel failure in buildings.They occur when the wall expands and contracts, over time and puts strain on the masonry resulting in cracks appearing.
Thorhelical’s Solution :
Thorhelical offers Lintel Repair Bars that provide a method to strengthen and repair the lintel section without the need to dismantle significant parts of the wall structure. The helical bars enhance the durability and weight-bearing capability of the masonry material while also averting cracking issues.
Stepped Cracks (Foundation Settlement or Wall Tie Failure)
How They Form :
Stepped cracks develop along the mortar joints as a result of foundation movement or corrosion and failure of wall ties in buildings, signifying structural shifts. The cracks usually take on a staircase-like pattern.
Thordelical’s Solution :
Thorhelical Repair Wall fasteners offer a fix for worn-out or absent fasteners in walls. When these fasteners are put in place, both the outer and inner layers of the wall become firmly linked again, bringing back stability and preventing the development of diagonal cracks.
Cracks from Corrosion of Reinforcement
How They Form :
When steel components such as wall ties or reinforcement within the structure deteriorate due to corrosion over time and expand accordingly, it can result in cracks appearing in the surrounding masonry. This phenomenon is commonly observed in structures that lack sufficient protection against moisture infiltration.
Thorhelical’s Solution :
Thorhelicals approach to stopping corrosion-related cracks involves using grout-bonded ties and CDTies to reinforce solid masonry effectively and prevent future rust damage for an extended period.
In Closing
It’s crucial to address any cracks in masonry structures, as they could indicate underlying problems that need attention right away. Thorhelical offers products tailored to tackle these issues effectively and without causing disruption to the structure itself. Through the use of bars and reinforcement systems like wall ties, Thorhelical ensures that repairs not only fix current cracks but also safeguard against future structural issues. This makes their solutions a wise choice for durable and dependable masonry repairs in the long run.
Contact us today to learn more about how our masonry repair solutions can benefit your business. Our team of experts is ready to provide a tailored consultation to meet your specific needs and ensure your property remains in top condition. For further inquiries, simply navigate to our FAQ page by clicking here.