0208 6448308

Property Restoration Specialist serving London & South East

We are partnered with a Structural Engineer who is able to survey, identify and detail the exact requirements in order to rectify any structural issues

Subsidence & Underpinning

Subsidence happens when the foundations fail to adequately support the structure of a building for a variety of reasons. Over time the consistent movement of a building can cause large cracks to appear, walls to start leaning or drop and eventually would result in a sudden collapse. Underpinning is the most common method to rectify this, Ardent Restoration will ensure this is carried out in a safe and controlled way, closely following the Structural Engineer’s details. Typically this is done by excavating 1 cubic meter, every 1m apart apart in a hit and miss format, and infilling with concrete. There may be some steel beams required to assist with the load bearing capacity of a building.

Structural Movement & Cracks

Vertical cracks through masonry indicate some structural movement has taken place. If the foundations are deemed to be sufficient, or after underpinning, we carry out brick stitching. By inserting helical bars to the mortar beds embedded in a strong resin with 500mm of bar either side of the crack, this ensures the masonry above will not move any further. After this, the crack can be repaired by rendering, painting or other methods.

Beam & Lintel Installation

A failing lintel could be caused by an incorrect end bearing or in some older properties, timber was actually used to support the masonry above. The material expands and shrinks with the weather and results in cracking within the mortar joints, a slope in the head of a window or door opening and eventually the window or door becomes stuck shut, stuck open or just out of level as the weight of the masonry above bears down into the frame.