Masonry Repairs On The Bank Of The River Thames
Flowing past Cookham, on its way between Marlow and Taplow, the River Thames is not a benign presence, and has caused over four devastating flood disasters in the past 50 years with major damages to the village, and its residents properties.1
Mitigating Risk To Private Residence
Structural Renovations Limited were commissioned to mitigate the risk of further damages to a large, thatched-roofed private residence, located on the bank of the River Thames.
Built in an elevated position, and what could be considered a reasonable distance from the river itself, the property had suffered serious flooding in the past - and insurers confirmed that it would continue to be at risk - until preventative measures were put in place.
Future-Proofing Masonry Stabilisation
Due to the increasingly high-water levels now being experienced by Cookhams riverside properties, unnaturally high insurance premiums and exclusions, and the results of extensive surveys - the property owner took the decision to future-proof the property.
Using hydraulic jacks, and spreader plates to evenly distribute the considerable load, the building was slowly raised until it reached the desired height of just under one metre.
Remedial Crack Stitching
Whilst being raised to new heights, the historic building developed cracks in the rendered block extension. Using designs by the team at Structural Renovations Limited and approved by Helifix, (A global manufacturer of helical wall ties, fixings & masonry repair systems), stainless helical bars were grouted into position, enabling the cracks to be stitched with an effective and permanent solution.
Installed to the satisfaction of the manufacturer, any disturbed render was taken back to a sound substrate, then prepared, and repaired to match the surrounding areas.
This interesting project was completed with the building owners still in residence!
References