Galvanised Steel Straps...the Saga Continues

[purplelily]

Hi all,
It's been a while since I posted this question and had great responses:

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Home-and-Garden/DIY/Question1331951.html

As the structural engineer wasn't too concerned about the crack in the wall, I wasn't either, which is why I left it a couple of months before buying the straps I needed. I've since taken the wallpaper off the wall, and found a lot of blown lime plaster underneath. I've also found a bodge of a patch job on the crack in the wall, that was apparently just being held in place by the lining paper, as it fell out once this was removed.

This left a crack about an inch wide - nearer an inch and a half where the plaster has come off on the front wall. On shining a torch through on the party wall side, I can see the front wall is definitely forward of the party wall.

My question is, are the steel straps still the way to go? Once I've taken the blown/bodged plaster out, there will be a gap of about an inch. I can put the straps on, then fill the gap with the lime plaster I'm using on the other walls, but would this be okay?

I don't have much money for a costly repair job - but if this is what I'll need for the house to be safe, I'll have to find it! :)

Thanks for any responses or ideas!
purplelily

[The Builder]

Normal in this kind of situation, Lily. It should make no difference to the Structural Engineer's judgement.

"Lateral restraint" it's called. Something we could all do with occasionally ;o)

Actually, where the plaster has come away will give you better access to fit the straps. You have a facebrick wall at the front. The bit I don't like is that the part of the strap that goes on the outside face is going to be seen. If it were rendered, then this could be covered up.

30mm wide straps are not going to be able to be "lost" within a brick joint, which will only be 12mm.

Perhaps he intended them to NOT pass through the front wall, but to be fixed to the inside face (in the bedroom). That way, they wouldn't be seen outside.
For various reasons, I can't see that being anything like as effective.

I could rattle on with loads of solutions, but we need to think this through first.

[purplelily]

Thanks The Builder, I'm so glad you saw this question.
I could definitely do with some lateral restraint sometimes, haha!

The engineer said for the straps to go inside the room - just to knock back the plaster, put the straps to the brickwork and then re-cover with plaster. This would definitely be preferable from an aesthetic point of view, and a lot easier to get done.

I realise that this wouldn't be as strong as placing it on the outside of the brick, but do you think it will be strong enough? At least for the next few years, by which point I'll have saved up enough for a fuller revamp!

Thanks, as always!
PL

[The Builder]

Ok, so, if the Engineer is happy with that, then I also think it would be fine to go with that.

Obviously the problem isn't that onerous. What the Engineer is looking for is simply a mechanical means of checking any further movement. He's not looking for a heavy duty solution.

Remove enough of the plaster to expose the brick where the straps will be placed. Screw them to the brick rather than the mortar joints. The brick is likely to be more substantial. Use plenty of rawlplugs and longish screws.

Let me know when you're ready to re-plaster. I'll give you a couple of ideas to reinforce the plaster and add greatly to the strength of the repair.

That should be the end of it then Lily. Engineers would never offer short term solutions only. They will advise as to a permanent solution usually, or they would look rather silly if it failed.

[purplelily]

Thanks so much, The Builder. I'm sure that I echo lots of people on here when I say that I'm glad you take the time to help us with your expertise.

I'll definitely repost when the work has been completed up to this point, I'd be grateful for any suggestions in making the work as strong as possible!

Thanks again,
purplelily

[The Builder]

You're welcome Lily. Thanks for those kind words.
I guess I'm just lucky that I do enjoy my job............. speaking of which... it's about time I went off and actually did some of it ;o)