When the owner of a pair of stone cottages, near Huddersfield, wished to sell the properties a survey undertaken for a prospective buyer identified some major structural defects.

A solution was required that was sympathetic to the building’s materials while being cost-effective and delivered within a limited times frame. Helifix Ltd was able to devise and implement a suitable repair scheme which enabled the properties to be sold.

Built in 1819, the semi detached two storey cottages were constructed with 500mm thick stone walls with a rubble infill. Due to a lack of lateral restraint they were suffering from progressive outward movement of the right hand rear elevation and bowing of the left gable end wall, with a vertical stepped crack to the top rear corner.

Stansfield Surveying Ltd of Holmfirth, working for the client, noted the lack of lateral restraint between the gable wall and the ground and first floor ceiling joists, which run parallel to the wall, and the possible separation of the inner and outer leaves of the wall. On the right hand property the joists run in the opposite direction, parallel to the rear elevation which also required restraint.

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To reinstate structural integrity, the local Helifix Approved Installer, Grove Building Solutions Ltd, undertook the necessary repairs. On the gable end, to stabilise the rubble-filled stone wall they installed grouted CemTies in a staggered grid pattern throughout the top half of the wall and longer versions to secure the wall to the first floor cross wall. To provide lateral restraint, BowTie HDs were installed across the full width of the gable, securing the wall to the upper storey floor joists while, for added stability, stainless steel HeliBars were bonded into mortar beds above and below the BowTies and returned around the front and rear elevations.

On the rear elevation of the right hand property, further BowTie HDs were installed into the floor joists to restrain the wall. Pairs of HeliBars were bonded into the stonework mortar beds either side of the BowTies and again at two levels above the upper storey windows and returned around the right hand gable.

Both stone cottages are now fully secure and, with all the Helifix products being fully concealed, retain their aesthetic appearance. The repairs were rapidly completed, with minimal disturbance to the buildings or their occupants, making the properties saleable.

For further info Tel: 020 8735 5200 or email: [email protected] or visit: www.helifix.co.uk