The Cause
Most old buildings and walls move to some degree during their life.
Structural movement can occur, usually caused by decay, temperature change or poor foundations.
Most buildings of traditional construction are built with brick or stone, or a combination of the two. This is an example of a crack I discovered at Ravenscraig Walled Garden in Fife whilst walking my dog Pippin today.
Damp walls built with brick or stone can become saturated and when the temperatures plummet during the winter months. Further damage can be caused through Freeze / thaw action.
The use of inappropriate mortars can also be the cause for structural issues. We believe the mortar design should be resilient when hardened to accommodate minor structural movement and no stronger than the masonry units to be bonded. Finally, durable enough to suit the purpose of the construction and aesthetically pleasing in appearance.
The Solution - Crack Stitching
Crack stitching is a service the Mason Works offers as a solution to cracks in walls built of stone and brick. The process involves embedding helical bars in to horizontal slots created in to the mortar bed joints of your wall. This strengthens the wall and maintains its integrity. We use a suitable lime mortar design to repair and conceal the crack after the stitching has been undertaken.
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