Our Services
Mr Brick Fix offers specialized services in pointing, repointing, wall crack stitching, and window and door lintel repair for a wide range of residential and commercial brick and stone buildings and structures.
If your building requires any of our expert services listed below, please contact Mr Brick Fix in St Helens or call 07864 334305 for a complimentary, no-obligation quote.
Pointing refers to the bonding material used by masons and construction professionals to join bricks and stonework together. As buildings age, issues such as crumbling lime mortar or cement, cracks, and general deterioration of the mortar joints become more apparent. Repointing becomes necessary in these situations and should be performed by a specialist.
At Mr Brick Fix, our experienced team can expertly remove defective and damaged mortar from between brick or stonework using specialized tools and dust extraction units to minimize debris.
Cleaning and Filling
After removing the old mortar, the property will be power washed to clean the brick or stonework and eliminate any fine dust from the joints, ensuring a perfect bond. The joints will then be meticulously filled in. This process not only enhances the structural integrity and appearance of the property but also helps insulate and weatherproof your home against freeze and thaw cycles.
BRICK AND STONE POINTING & REPOINTING
What is Crack Stitching?
Crack stitching is a masonry repair technique used to address cracks that appear in walls. It is an effective method for repairing wall deterioration caused by various factors and is a common issue for many property owners. Despite its prevalence, crack stitching provides a highly successful and permanent solution to structural cracks.
How to Repair Structural Cracks
The crack stitching process involves retrofitting crack stitching bars into the wall, which are then grouted using resin to reconnect the masonry and restore its integrity. The repair process includes several steps:
Creating a Deep Chase: A deep groove, or chase, is cut into the mortar bed joint along the crack.
Cleaning the Chase: The groove is thoroughly cleaned to remove any debris.
Injecting Resin: A bead of resin is injected into the cleaned groove.
Inserting Stainless Steel Bars: High-grade stainless steel bars are then placed into the resin-filled groove.
Applying Additional Resin: A second bead of resin is applied on top of the bars to secure them in place.
Concealing the Crack: Finally, the crack is concealed using mortar to blend with the existing style of the building.
This comprehensive process ensures the structural integrity of the wall is restored while maintaining the building's original appearance.
WALL CRACK STITCHING
WINDOW AND DOOR LINTEL REPAIRS & REPLACEMENT
A common structural issue that can affect your property is lintel failure. Lintels, which can be made of brick, concrete, or steel, are installed horizontally above windows and doors to support the structure above them. If you notice cracks above your windows and doors, it is likely that the lintels need to be replaced.
Steel lintels, in particular, are prone to failure due to corrosion, especially in older properties that did not use galvanized steel. As the corroded lintel expands and warps, diagonal cracks will form from the top corners of the opening, causing the masonry to lift and bulge. To address this issue, the existing brickwork needs to be supported with appropriate prop supports, and the failed lintel must be removed.
A new galvanized lintel will then be installed, complete with a cavity tray and weep vents. These features allow water and moisture to drain away from the cavity, preventing dampness from transferring to the inner leaf of the wall. Once the new lintel is in place, the masonry above can be rebuilt, completing the repair process.
