'Pinning back the brickwork' - valuer's report

[David]

"Slight bulging of brickwork was noted above the kitchen window frame. Whilst the movement is considered to be historic, pinning back the brickwork should be undertaken"

I can't remember seeing this when we viewed the property, and can't make it out on the plethora of digi-photos we took as we went round (which is a Really Useful buyer's tip by the way!! - ). Doesn't sound too awful, but what's involved in 'pinning back' as the guy recommends? DIY-able? The loan is not dependent on it. Not sure what the wall structure is but the house is a circa 1900 mid-terrace.

Would it just involve hacking out the damaged area and replacing it?

(I'm sure there will be plenty more posts from this direction once we take possession, as there's a lot to do!)

Thanks David

[dg]

The surveyor is doing a bit of arse covering.

Bulging of brickwork is not a problem, it is a symptom of something else.

Three likely causes are historic movement (early movement when built) and not likely to continue, a problem with the lintol or window frame support, or corroded wall ties.

You really want a proper diagnosis from your surveyor (especially if you paid for a survey), on what the cause was. Telling you something that is plainly obvious to see is not really professional advice.

If the wall is just bulging, then it could probably be left alone. However any excesive cracks should be repointed. Otherwise you can remove and replace the wall section, or use stainless helical ties to bond it to the intenal wall (if cavity) without removing the wall section - but only if further movement is expected.

dg

[dg]

Just noticed that it was a valuers report, so the surveyor is likely to have even less of a clue.

dg

[Hugo Nebula]

On 26 Sep 2003 09:46:03 -0700, a particular chimpanzee named [e-mail] (David) randomly hit the keyboard and produced:

Probably not even that. If it's a small area and out of plumb by no more than a third of its thickness it should be stable and not need any immediate action. Otherwise a tie rod can be drilled through the wall into the floor joists or a cross wall.

[Andy Hall]

... or more to the point, not enough a fee that the surveyor will commit himself. .andy

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