Structural Repairs is a technical term used in construction sector. They are necessary changes that are made to the properties ranging from small residential houses to large commercial buildings, public sector structures and historic monuments. The repairs are done to strengthen the construction for safety.
The most vital thing to remember is that you have to involve a professional or trained person for nay kind of structural fixing. A structural engineer, land surveyor or an architect must be called in for looking at the faults or indications of grave damages in your property, especially when you are planning a renovation. It is wise not to depend on the advice of some unprofessional person.
The professionals have received health and safety training. They maintain their standards of workmanship by keeping themselves upgraded with the latest techniques of structural repairs. They assist their clients by carrying out site inspections, make suggestions and provide estimates.
The structures get affected, due to environmental changes caused by the underground movement, weathering or increased load. This leads to volatility in the foundation and walls move out of their position causing cracks. If structural repairs are delayed then there will be larger risk not only to the property but also your family.
Structural restoration is clean, non-intrusive and cost-effective with the application of the advanced technology. The solutions of repairing private or public structures depend on the kind of property.
Techniques used for Structural Repairs
Crack Stitching – It is a simple and effective process that involves rods, which are grouted across the cracks to reconnect the walls. Consequently the construction work is permanently strengthened. The crack stitching bars are concealed after completion, thus maintaining the original quality of the wall.
Cavity Wall Ties – The walls may be cracking or bulging due to cavities and this is tied permanently. The wall-tie is made from zinc or bitumen that holds the cavities. The professionals make use of advanced technical equipments like fiber optic bore scope, low impact drills and metal detectors to locate the defective cavity without fail and tie it quickly.
Crack Injection – Structural cracks within the brickwork, concrete or stonework is carried out by using crack injection resins. Leakage in construction joints are sealed by crack injections thus preventing further damages.
Timber repairs – The structural timber repairs are time consuming and expensive. The rotting within the timber results to an extensive work of changing the timber or bolting in side plates or steel plates in a non-visible manner. If a new section of timber cannot be bolted then changing the entire timber can turn out to be very costly.
Foundation Repair – The structure is held by temporary bars and the supporting earth is removed and concrete is applied, thus strengthening the foundation. Steel rods are driven inside the foundation and secured to the structure.
Restoration of historic buildings present matchless challenges that need a trained eye as well as capability. The conservation of architectural masterpieces need a deep knowledge of materials and limitations that is gained through experience. This helps the professional to offer a complete repair work of strengthening the historical building.