CRACK REPAIR FAQs
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Crack stitching can provide a long-term repair when the cause of the cracking has been identified and the method is suitable for the wall. Stainless steel helical bars are installed across the crack to reinforce and reconnect the brickwork rather than simply filling over the visible crack.cription text goes here
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Crack stitching may be suitable when cracks run through or follow the mortar joints in brickwork and the masonry needs to be reinforced across the damaged area. The cause of the cracking should be identified first, as crack stitching is not the correct repair for every type of wall crack.
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The cost of crack stitching depends on the extent of the cracking, how many helical bars are required, access to the wall and whether additional brick or mortar repairs are needed. An inspection of the cracked brickwork is usually required before an accurate quote can be provided.
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Crack stitching reinforces and reconnects the brickwork across a crack, but the underlying cause of the movement must also be understood. When the cause has been addressed and crack stitching is the appropriate repair, it can provide a strong, long-term solution.
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If a crack requires structural reinforcement, simply filling it may only hide the visible damage. Crack stitching uses stainless steel helical bars installed across the crack to reconnect and reinforce the masonry, providing a more substantial repair where crack stitching is appropriate.m description
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When correctly installed using stainless steel helical bars and specialist grout, crack stitching is designed to provide a long-term masonry repair. Its effectiveness also depends on the underlying cause of the cracking being properly identified and addressed.
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Yes, crack stitching is commonly used to repair stepped cracks that follow the mortar joints in brick walls. Helical bars are installed across the crack at selected mortar joints to reconnect and reinforce the masonry. The cause of the cracking should be identified before the repair is carried out.
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Yes, crack stitching can sometimes be used to reinforce cracks around window and door openings. However, cracking in these areas can also be caused by lintel problems or building movement, so the cause should be identified before deciding on the correct repair.
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Usually, very little. The helical bars are installed inside the mortar joints and covered with matching mortar after installation. With careful mortar matching and finishing, the repaired area can blend closely with the existing brickwork.
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Usually, no. Crack stitching is normally carried out by cutting into selected mortar joints and installing helical bars across the crack. This allows the brickwork to be reinforced without dismantling large sections of the wall.
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Yes. Crack stitching is commonly used on external brick walls where suitable. Stainless steel helical bars are installed across the crack within the mortar joints to reinforce the masonry while allowing most of the existing brickwork to remain in place.
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Yes. Crack stitching can be used on internal masonry walls where it is an appropriate repair for the cracking. The helical bars are installed across the crack within the mortar joints to reinforce and reconnect the affected brickwork.
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Yes. Crack stitching can be used for many vertical cracks in brickwork. Helical bars are installed horizontally across the crack through selected mortar joints, helping reconnect and reinforce the masonry on either side.
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Yes. Crack stitching can be used for some cracks around the corners of brick buildings. Helical bars can be installed to reinforce and reconnect the affected masonry, but the cause and pattern of the cracking should first be assessed to determine the correct repair.
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It depends on the number and length of cracks, access to the brickwork and how many helical bars are required. Smaller crack stitching repairs can often be completed relatively quickly, while more extensive cracking or additional brick and mortar repairs will take longer.
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Not always. Many straightforward cracks can be assessed by an experienced masonry repair specialist. However, if the cracking is severe, continuing to move, or there are concerns about the structure or foundations, advice from a structural engineer may be recommended before repairs begin.
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Crack stitching can reinforce brickwork that has cracked because of previous foundation movement, but it does not repair the foundation itself. If movement is still occurring, the underlying cause needs to be investigated and addressed before the brickwork is permanently repaired.
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Yes. Crack stitching is normally installed through the mortar joints rather than through the bricks themselves. This allows the cracked wall to be reinforced while retaining as much of the original brickwork as possible.
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Yes, crack stitching can be suitable for some older and heritage brickwork because the reinforcement can be installed within the mortar joints with minimal disturbance to the original bricks. The mortar, installation method and repair finish should be compatible with the existing masonry.
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Helical bars are stainless steel reinforcement bars designed for masonry repairs. They are installed across cracks within the mortar joints and bonded with specialist grout, helping reconnect the brickwork and spread loads across the repaired area.
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Brick walls can crack because of building movement, foundation settlement, moisture changes, failing lintels or other movement within the structure. Finding the cause is important because crack stitching reinforces the damaged brickwork, but it does not necessarily correct whatever caused the movement.
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Yes, potentially. A crack that keeps returning can indicate that simply filling or repointing it has not addressed the problem. The cause of the recurring crack should be assessed first to determine whether crack stitching is the appropriate long-term repair.
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There is no single crack width that automatically means crack stitching is required. The location, pattern and cause of the crack are more important than its width alone. The brickwork should be assessed to determine whether crack stitching is the appropriate repair.
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Crack stitching requires the correct positioning, depth and length of helical bars, suitable specialist grout and proper preparation of the mortar joints. Incorrect installation may not provide the reinforcement the wall needs, so crack stitching is generally best carried out by someone experienced in masonry repairs.
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Bricks Fix WA provides crack stitching and cracked brick wall repairs throughout Perth. The work is owner-operated and carried out by a fully qualified Australian bricklayer with over 40 years’ experience, using stainless steel helical bars and specialist grout to reinforce cracked masonry.

