Crack stitching wall repair with Thor Helical bars
Greetings and welcome to Thorhelical! We pride ourselves on being the ultimate authority in crack stitching repair solutions.
Whether addressing minor cracks or significant structural damage, our comprehensive range of crack stitching products, including helical bars, grouts, and installation tools, guarantee reliable and enduring solutions.
Explore our insightful blog for invaluable advice, and feel free to contact us should you have any queries. Count on Thorhelical to bolster and restore the integrity of your structures!
Helically twisted crack stitching bars reconnect and reinforce cracked masonry walls and brickwork. These 6mm stainless steel bars are profiled and twisted in design. They are bonded across wall cracks to enhance masonry’s tensile and flexural strength.
Thor Helical crack stitching bars, manufactured in the UK to patented engineering tolerances, come in lengths of 1 metre and 2 metres.
In use, the high tensile reinforcing bars redistribute tensile forces along the full length of the helix. This provides added resilience to shear loads to fully restore the stabilised structure to full strength.
When is Stitching necessary?
Wall cracks occur due to movement beyond the tolerance of construction materials. This is often concentrated in areas of high stress or minimal reinforcement such as around windows or doors. If crack diameters are less than 5mm, simple brickwork stitching techniques suffice for repairs.
Cracks are categorized as Active, expanding in size; Passive, no longer expanding; or Cyclic, expanding and contracting seasonally.
Inspect masonry walls for any visible cracks, as well as signs of bowing or bulging that may be present. Signs of water or dampness, even an odd discoloration, might indicate a problem. Additionally, inspect any crumbling mortar.
Concrete walls are no exception. Spalling: the chipping away of the concrete surface may be a sign of an underlying issue, as well as exposed rebar being a serious concern. With sufficient corroding of reinforced steel, structural integrity becomes compromised.
Using Thor Helical crack stitching bars
Stainless steel rods, shaped and twisted, are bonded into walls, stitching masonry across cracks at regular intervals. This brick stitching system enables the cracked wall to act as a reinforced, non-fractured unit.
With a helical configuration, the crack stitch rods physically interlock with the bonding agent, showcasing a unique and resilient torsional, spring-like quality. This allows for minor wall movement and recovery without brittle failures.
For a half brick single leaf, slot depths should be 30mm, and for a full brick leaf, 45mm. Thicker walls require treatment from both sides. Space the bars at intervals of 300mm to 450mm.
How bad is it?
Always consult with a structural engineer or a qualified professional if you are uncertain about the severity of the issues or the appropriate repair methods. Regular inspections and addressing issues promptly can help prevent more extensive damage and costly repairs in the long run.
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