We have removed the pebbledash from our 30s house which had an extension added to it in the 80s made from 'solid' 9' thermalite blocks. This has revealed a few cracks that go straight through the blocks. These are only a couple of mm wide but this is the time to sort it out. Cracks in the concrete blocks and mortar joints are exposed where water easily makes its way through. A tall water column builds up inside the hollow blocks and the hydrostatic pressure pushes water indoors, seeping through the pores and thin walls of the lower blocks. The internal walls are made up of Thermalite blocks. The main wall is 38 feet long, and two cracks have appeared about 10 feet apart. Both cracks start at the bottom (above the concrete blocks) and go vertically, through the blocks and mortar joins to the roof. They both widen at the top. Width of cracks at the top is approx.

1. Repairing Cracks In Thermalite Blocks Sizes Concrete
2. Thermalite Blocks Price
3. Repairing Cracks In Thermalite Blocks Sizes At Home Depot
4. Thermalite Blocks Lowe's

We have removed the pebbledash from our 30s house which had an extension added to it in the 80s made from 'solid' 9' thermalite blocks. This has revealed a few cracks that go straight through the blocks. These are only a couple of mm wide but this is the time to sort it out. The plasterer has suggested that a sheet of expanded metal over the area should sort it out. Is this a sensible option?
I guess if it were 2 leaves of brick I would cut out the damaged brickwork and replace but it seems to be more difficult with a solid wall and supporting the existing wall plate.
What about stitching the damaged area? Would this be worth it or just go with the expanded metal.
Thanks in advance.
Matt

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Crack repair products strengthen cracked masonry walls by enhancing the tensile, flexural and shear strength of brickwork using various brick rein­­for­­cement techniques. Sealing fissures with appropriate fillers help to restore compressive strength and protect against water infiltration and frost damage.

Cracks are usually the result of the structural movement of part of a building. The displacement may be historic, cyclic or on-going. Predictably, a masonry structure can move when it exposed to the effects of variations in temperature, chemical reactions, age deteri­­ora­­tion, vibration or changes in the moisture content of brickwork, or the ground that supports it. Once a wall fractures, it is no longer a composite structural unit.

Typical defects that may trigger cracks include any one or a combination of:

• Ground movement – Subsidence, land slip or heave
• Inadequate support – Localised foundation failure, lintel failure, masonry arch failure, etc.
• Insufficient restraint – Lack of wall ties, restraint straps, poor bonding, etc.
• Resizing – Expansion or shrinkage due to thermal or moisture variations
• Rusting metals – Wall tie corrosion, expansion of hoop irons or fixings, etc.

Identifying and eliminating the cause of the fracturing is essential in ensuring the lasting success of a masonry repair scheme.

Generally crack repair strategies fall into one of two categories:

• Sub-structure repairs for below ground foundation movement issues, typically an insured risk
• Supers­truc­ture rein­for­cement for above ground building defects, typically an uninsured risk

Sub-structure repairs may include underpinning or piling.

Repairing Cracks In Thermalite Blocks Sizes Concrete

Supers­truc­ture rein­for­cement generally includes structural repairs accomplished by the insertion of helical bars that form retrofitted brick beams or crack stitching systems Replacement wall ties and restraints tie cavity walls or separating façades, whilst resin injection products efficiently fill and seal cracks in walls

After resolving the source of faults or weakness, fill the cracks and reinforce the zone of brickwork that has fractured to ensure once again it performs like an integrated structural unit.­ Crack repair techniques include mechanical brick stitching and crack injection resins, whilst various tie and strapping systems help to constrain further movement by transferring and sharing loads.

Thermalite Blocks Price

Structural Repair Ties - 10Pk

Helical Bars 7M Long Kit

Repairing Cracks In Thermalite Blocks Sizes At Home Depot

Masonry Crack Repair Kit

Brick Pin Fixing Kit

Crack Stitching Bars

Masonry Crack Rein­for­cement - HD

Thermalite Blocks Lowe's

Wall Anchor Kit - 910mm Spiral Fixings - 10 Ties

Crack Stitching Kit

Masonry Repair Grout

Crack Sealer Plus

Crack Stitching Rods - 100 Pack

Brick Rein­for­cement