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Grouted sock anchors help secure gable wall

Client:	Private homeowner
Location:	Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan
Approved Installer:	Protectahome
Reference No:	CS121

This three storey semi-detached stone property, built around 100 years ago and constructed from Blue Lias, was suffering from a bowing gable end wall. This was the result of a loss of bond between the inner and outer stonework and settlement of the rubble fill coupled with inadequate lateral restraint of the high wall. An economical non-disruptive means was required to stabilise the 500mm thick wall, fully secure it to the main property and stitch cracks in the masonry.

The Helifix Solution

The Approved Installer proposed a repair scheme that used a combination of Helifix products to restore structural integrity to the building. These included BowTies, CemTies, HeliBars and, for the first time in this application, SockFix grouted anchors.

HD BowTies were installed at first and second floor levels. Clearance holes were drilled through the wall and the BowTies then inserted and driven through the first two parallel floor joists before the outer ends were bonded into the stone work.

Individual 1m long stainless steel HeliBars were bonded into channelled-out mortar beds, using HeliBond cementitious grout, to permanently stitch cracks.

Grouted CemTies were installed across the whole gable end wall, in a 450mm x 450mm staggered matrix pattern, to provide lateral restraint and secure the inner and outer leaves of the rubble-filled wall.

Following the core drilling of clearance holes, 3m long SockFix anchors were inserted through the wall and the floor joists around the landing areas. Once the SockFix had been inflated with grout it expanded between the joists to secure the wall to the floor structure further into the property.

The combination of Helifix products rapidly restored full structural integrity while causing minimal disruption and leaving the building's appearance unaffected. Download the full case study here