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Lateral movement stabilised on new house

Client:	Private Homeowner
Location:	Preston, Lancashire
Reference No:	CS054

A modern, two storey, end of terrace house in Preston was suffering lateral movement of its decorative stone quoins and diagonal stepped cracking at various locations on the front and side elevations. Built just nine years ago using reconstituted stone to form the outer cavity leaf, the engineer's report concluded that the movement and resultant cracking was caused by normal thermal and moisture movements and was likely to be progressive.

Helifix solution

Loss adjusters acting for the owner's insurance company, called in Helifix, who devised a repair scheme to secure the stonework and quoins, stitch the cracks and prevent further movement. HeliBars were bonded into mortar beds above and below each stone quoins, returning 1m around the corners, and into the masonry every three courses across the full width of the gable end wall. To allow normal structural movement, without any resulting problems, a full height movement joint was created on the front elevation. Additional DryFix wall ties were installed either side of the proposed joint, the vertical cut was created and short length HeliBars were installed across the joint, with one end able to move freely inside a sleeve. The fully concealed repairs secured the property to the satisfaction of the insurance company and left minimal signs of the work that had been carried out.