Load-Bearing Walls

1. Structural Cracking

• Diagonal stepped cracks indicate foundation movement
• Vertical cracks often from settlement
• Horizontal cracks can signal serious failure

2. Moisture Damage

• Rising damp from failed DPC
• Penetrating damp through pointing or render
• Freeze-thaw spalling on exposed faces

3. Material Deterioration

• Mortar joints weakening and washing out
• Brick or block faces spalling
• Cavity wall ties corroding and failing

4. Overloading & Bulging

• Walls leaning or bulging outwards
• Doors and windows sticking
• Gaps between walls and ceilings

minor Repairs

• Repointing weathered mortar joints
• Sealing small surface cracks
• Replacing individual spalled bricks

moderate Repairs

• Crack stitching with helical bars and grout
• Cavity wall tie replacement
• Localised damp-proofing and re-rendering

major Repairs

• Underpinning to address foundation movement
• Tie rods or anchors to stabilise bulging walls
• Partial rebuild of severely damaged sections
• Resin injection for deep structural cracks

When Replacement Is Needed

• New build or extension load-bearing walls
• Replacing failed sections in renovation
• Adding a wall to support new loads above
• Forming a fire compartment wall

Installation Steps

1. 1

   Foundation & Setting Out

   • Confirm strip foundation is sound and level
   • Set out with profiles and string lines
   • Lay DPC at correct height to prevent rising damp
2. 2

   Brick or Block Laying

   • Build in stretcher bond or as specified
   • Maintain plumb, level and gauge
   • Tie in to existing walls with anchors or toothing
3. 3

   Openings & Lintels

   • Build in lintels above doors and windows
   • Maintain bearing length each side
   • Pad-stones beneath beams where required
4. 4

   Pointing & Finishing

   • Strike or rake joints as design requires
   • Apply external render or face brick finish
   • Install cavity insulation if applicable