Stone Cottage - Tie Bars

[worriedfather]

Hi,
I own a stone cottage which was built around 1650 and the front and rear walls have wall bulge resulting in cracks.
We had a full structual survey when we pirchased the house and the structual engineer did mention wall bulge in his report stating there would be a gradual bulging of the exterior walls due to the weight of the concrete tiled roof as opposed to the original thatched roof that was replaced in 1910.

The cracks are nothing serious (a few millimeters) which take around 6 months to re-appear after redecorating, but non the less, they are annoying.

The surveyor stated I should install wall to wall tie bars (from front to rear wall) at somepoint and I am now looking towards taking his advise.

Does anyone know where I can purchase these tie bars? Needs to be about 20 foot long with the ornemental face plates on either end. I live in the Northamptonshire area.

Many Thanks

[boxtops]

Not to discourage you, but given the age of your property, is it listed? You might find that you need to buy particular items if it is.

[Count-A-Strong]

Good point Boxtops, also this should not be done without specific details being provided by a structural engineer.

[worriedfather]

It's not listed (part of the reason why we bought it in the first place) and the foundations (if you can call them that) were checked and confirmed the ground work was solid.
I will be asking for another report, but just wanted to know where I could buy the bars from.
I have a feeling I will need to approach a metal works factory.

[The Builder]

I've done this a few times ................ simple to do and very effective.
One way is to use 25mm round bar ............ threaded at each end (the last foot or so).
The plates will depend on how "ornamental" you need them to be.
Do you have a local steel fabricator? Maybe one who also makes gates,railings etc.
The Struct. Engineer will know someone, I'm sure. They'll have done this before, and will be able to help you with the design and shape of the plates.
25mm hole in each plate ......... big washer and nut on the end. Cut off excess thread with an angle grinder and mutilate the end to stop some prat from unscrewing it :o)))

[buildersmate]

These things are more typically called tie rods - rather than tie bars, which generally refer to tying together cavity walls (not what you want).
Try phoning a few smaller metal engineering companies - it is just tensile steeel with ends on.
It will require a structural engineer to undertake the calcs to design it.

The age of a old building has no bearing on a its listing status - absolute zilch. Where do these people get such unhelpful ideas from. The quality of design, provinence and appropriate use of materials has far more weight of importance. How many old listed parish churches do you know Boxtops?

[AlBags]

Not NN11 postcode by any chance?
Al.

[worriedfather]

Thanks all for the advice.

Yellow pages first thing!

[worriedfather]

Hi Allbags - NN14 postcode.

[jaydah]

Find a farrier at your local livery yard/stables. Mine made & fitted 2 X and 2 S each end over 30y ago.

n.b. am not referring to Jaguar cars :)

[peteo]

www.redgwick.co.uk/Fixings.html
Hello worried father.
This link may be too late to help you but it may help others.
They supply technical information as well as Traditional wall tie patress plates
Fixings and accessories