What are
Movement joints?
A Movement Joint is essentially a vertical break in masonry to allow for movement.
Generally, movement or ‘expansion’ joints should be provided every 6m to 12m depending on the wall’s construction. From 6m for lightweight, concrete block, up to 10m to 12m for clay brickwork.
Where movement joints have not been provided cracking and/or distortion of the wall can occur. Cracks tends to be vertical and are often seen as stepped cracking where the weak point is the mortar. To overcome this movement joints can be created retrospectively.
Creating
Movement joints
A survey is required to determine the correct positioning for the joints, taking windows and doors into consideration, as well as the wall’s construction.
At the pre-determined location, vertical cuts are made through the outer skin and a foam backing cord is inserted. Remedial wall ties are then installed on either side of the vertical slot in a grid pattern. Then at pre-determined distances, horizontal cuts are made into the bed joints, spanning the vertical slot. Lenths of stainless-steel helical bar are inserted into these horizontal slots, with one side bonded directly into the masonry, with the other side inserted into a plastic debonding sleeve. This sleeve allows the tie to move laterally inside the wall. An alternating pattern is used for maximum performance.
The vertical joint is filled with a flexible mastic material, and the slots and wall tie holes are made good using coloured repair mortars to match the original.
Click here to see a case study involving the creation of movement joints, that was carried out by us on behalf of Helifix
Gallery
First-class service
I would just like to pass on what a first-class service I received from your company. All the guys who attended, and Gary the Surveyor, were absolutely fantastic. I am so pleased with the work that was carried out.
LG – Witney, Oxfordshire
Professional attitude
I wanted to let you know that we were very pleased with the work, professional attitude, care and attention of the builders who worked on our property. Thank you.
PT – High Wycombe
A credit to ASRS
The team is a real credit to ASRS. Nothing was too much trouble. They took the time to explain what they were doing. Show the works as they were being progressed and left the area very clean and tidy.
LH - Milverton
A pleasure to deal with
Thanks for the work which - as far I can tell - was carried out to a high standard, and which started and finished on time and on budget.
I’d also like to put on record our appreciation of Lee who managed the job. He was careful and thorough, always professional in his approach and was a pleasure to deal with throughout.
TR – Aller, Somerset
Efficient and skilful
Thank you so much for the incredibly efficient and skilful way in which the structural repair work was carried out at my property.
I was particularly reassured by the team who carried out the work and kept me updated on what was happening.
BW - Bristol
Call us for help with any of these
Common structural defects, issues and problems
We offer free site visits to both domestic and professional clients to assess the problem and propose the appropriate repair programme, tailored to suit the specific needs of the project. ASRS are approved installers of the Helibeam System, offering cost effective, non-disruptive and concealed solutions to all aspects of remedial masonry stabilisation. Our skilled installation teams are trained and experienced in all aspects of masonry repair. They have been trained to the highest standard in every installation process to cover all H+S requirements. With most of our design and installation specifications we are proud to offer a 10yr indemnified guarantee on Helifix repairs and Micro Piling. We offer a 25yr guarantee for Wall Tie replacement.
Reasons
To trust ASRS
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