How to close gap in wall.

[BeagleBob]

We have a single story extension that has rotated. Structural engineer says movement stopped decades ago and it is worth trying to save the extension. We can't afford to pay for the work so I'm trying to scope the DIY job needed. It needs a floor and some new lintels over windows/doors but I've got one problem that I don't know where to start with.
The extension wasn't tied into the house and when it has rotated it has come away as per the photo. How do I tie these bricks into the main house wall, and how do I close that gap? Any ideas gratefully received.

 

[BeagleBob]

Has no-one any ideas?

 

[Notch7]

The extension wasn't tied into the house and when it has rotated

It wouldn’t have mattered whether it was tied in or not, nothing would stop that crack forming.

extensions are of course built on different foundations to the host building and so they can move differently.

the extension may have stopped rotating but it may still move around a bit….if that’s true, I wouldn’t repair with mortar….maybe use compriband.

if it’s stable then maybe you could grind out the pointing and put in stainless steel helical and re point

 

[^woody^]

If your engineer has stated that movement has ended, you don't need to tie this in.

Point it up with mortar or mastic if you don't have the funds. Tooth or block bond if you do.

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

I'd put some sort of monitoring strips across the joint for a year or so first, actually measure exactly what's still happening rather than relying on someone's opinion.

Presumably it's tipping over due to insufficient foundations, it only has 3 sides so the heavy side is sinking.

E.g. these...

Movement Indicator for Brickwork

Industry standard Tell-Tale crack monitoring gauge provides monitoring for both horizontal and vertical movement across a crack on a flat surface.

www.fastbuildsupplies.co.uk

See how good or bad it is then take it from there. If it's moving and you tie it into the brickwork then it may just lead to the extension and/or original building getting pulled apart.

 

[^woody^]

And how does someone who does not know how to interpret movement - be it normal, abnormal, seasonal, single, acceptable or excessive, get any value from crack monitoring - AKA one of the biggest waste of times in the world of surveying?

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

Jeez, just look at it now and then! If it's moved it's moved. There's no interpreting involved, it's just a red cross over the top of a black grid. If it stays in the middle it hasn't moved. If it has then decide whether it's a little or a lottle, and whether it's breathing. Hopefully there's not a lot happening, but you don't know until you know.

I put one in our bathroom over a big crack at the top of the door. I look at it when I brush my teeth, it's been there for 2 years and hasn't budged, well worth the tiny investment. What looks like structural movement is probably just the result of the door slamming in the wind. It's a bungalow so there's only about 4 courses over the lintel with nothing above so not that hard to break. So I know it's nothing to worry about, will probably stick some rods in but can tile over it when I refit without having to put in a movement joint or anything complicated.

Why do you think monitoring a crack is a bad idea? If it's moving then you need to do something else - e.g. underpinning or just knock the thing down. Don't just keep gobbing more sealant into an ever-widening chasm.

Unlike any standalone building, any extension is unbalanced, as it doesn't have a wall where it meets the house. If the foundations are crap then it will tip, and might just keep going. I've seen a few at some crazy angles.

 

[^woody^]

There's no interpreting involved

You seem to comment on a lot of posts without actually knowing what you're talking about. That's probably why you fitted a monitor in the first place, and internally to boot!

Almost buildings built on soils move, and they all move seasonally. So the interpretation is whether the movement is as as I stated in my post. Or whether the OP follows your advice and then has a heart attack when he sees that his building has moved.

 

[noseall]

You seem to comment on a lot of posts without actually knowing what you're talking about.

Him and diynutjob. I think they must be a couple.

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

Hilarious.

They're for.... erm... monitoring movement. I spent a tenner to establish that the alarming looking crack in my bathroom is nothing to worry about, very happy with that.

Interpretation comes after you've found out what is or isn't happening. Being scientific about it, rather than botching a load of mortar in then not answering your phone when they complain it's all cracked again.

 

[^woody^]

Hilarious.

Indeed.

"Monitoring" a crack on a partition wall would be quite funny, on the internal side of a solid wall moderately funny, but on the internal leaf of a cavity wall really would be hilarious.