Lateral Restraints

Signs of bulging brickwork are often highlighted on houses where a middle section of a wall is pulling away from the main structure of the building. The cause of such buckling walls is often due to the combination of excessive vertical loads and inadequate mechanical connection between perimeter walls and the main structure of the building. for example the timber joists. partition walls and party walls.

In older buildings that have no joist-hangers the timbers often sit into pockets in the masonry and rely purely upon friction to maintain their relative position to It. When this frictional resistance is overcome by forces that encourage the wall outwards. the connection between the wall and the joist is lost. leaving the wall free standing and vulnerable. In the past. means of arresting outward movement of the walls have included the insertion of intrusive heavy duty tie-bars and pattress plates.

Other methods of strengthening the walls connection with abutting structural timber include the utilisation of lateral restraint straps or angle irons. often held in place by lightweight screws and plugs; both methods involve much more internal upheaval and disruption as internal floorboards are lifted and plasterwork is disturbed.