#Outward bow full
#Outward bow crack

This early form of wall tying was largely phased out for domestic use from the 1940s.

Over the years, corrosion of these iron bosses has been known to cause damage to the surrounding stonework, so it is important to have these checked by a surveyor if they exist in your property. Early wall ties take the form of cast iron bosses (known as pattress plates) and were connected by tie rods to the opposite wall of the building, in an attempt to hold the walls vertical. Remedial wall tying has been used to repair bowed, leaning or bulging walls since the early 19 th Century. Remedial wall tying is a less invasive, quicker and a more cost effective method for domestic structural repairs. There are a number of ways in which external walls can be restrained to prevent further bowing, many are disruptive for the homeowner and consequently more expensive and aesthetically unfavourable, for example channel sections or brick buttressing.

#Outward bow full

The rule of thumb is that remedial measures will certainly be required when the amount of lean in the full wall height exceeds 1/6 of the thickness of the wall at the base. The number of openings and piers in the defective wall.Evidence of historic filling of gaps between internal finishes and external wall.The length, width and position of any fractures - both internally and externally.In all instances, it is important to have a surveyor conduct the same accurate examination of the defective wall, taking into consideration the following points:

#Outward bow crack

It is important to note however, that a bowed wall without a crack will still require the same consideration as it is a dangerous fault. Cracks may be evident at the connection of internal walls and floors with the external wall. You will often be able to identify a bowed, leaning or bulging wall through visual examination. Additionally the internal walls are connected to the external walls. Typically, modern construction methods make use of metal strapping which connects the floors and roof to the external cavity walls. These types of properties are more prone to a decrease in wall stability because they will typically have solid walls (rather than cavity walls) which may have inadequate lateral restraint, a symptom of the construction methods of the time.

Most commonly these properties will also be semi-detached, extended to three storeys, or end-of-terrace.

A lack of restraint between the external walls and the floor joists, beams and partitionsīowed, leaning or bulging walls occur more regularly in older buildings, particularly those built prior to 1914.

The original walls being insufficiently thick in comparison to the building height.An increase in the floor loads (for example where additional floors have been added to an existing building).Prolonged vibrations from heavy traffic or plant machinery.Posted on May 31st, 2012 by Helifix What causes walls to bow or bulge?īowing, leaning or bulging in external walls are a result of decreasing wall stability, these defects are often a symptom of: