What are

Movement joints?

A Movement Joint is essentially a vertical break in masonry to allow for movement.

Generally, movement or ‘expansion’ joints should be provided every 6m to 12m depending on the wall’s construction. From 6m for lightweight, concrete block, up to 10m to 12m for clay brickwork.

Where movement joints have not been provided cracking and/or distortion of the wall can occur. Cracks tends to be vertical and are often seen as stepped cracking where the weak point is the mortar. To overcome this movement joints can be created retrospectively.

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vertical crack caused by lack of movement joint
Creating movement joints diagram

Creating 

Movement joints

A survey is required to determine the correct positioning for the joints, taking windows and doors into consideration, as well as the wall’s construction.

At the pre-determined location, vertical cuts are made through the outer skin and a foam backing cord is inserted. Remedial wall ties are then installed on either side of the vertical slot in a grid pattern. Then at pre-determined distances, horizontal cuts are made into the bed joints, spanning the vertical slot. Lenths of stainless-steel helical bar are inserted into these horizontal slots, with one side bonded directly into the masonry, with the other side inserted into a plastic debonding sleeve. This sleeve allows the tie to move laterally inside the wall. An alternating pattern is used for maximum performance.

The vertical joint is filled with a flexible mastic material, and the slots and wall tie holes are made good using coloured repair mortars to match the original.

Click here to see a case study involving the creation of movement joints, that was carried out by us on behalf of Helifix

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Call us for help with any of these

Common structural defects, issues and problems

Crack Repairs
Bay Window Repair
Concrete Repair
Micro Piles

Cavity Wall Tie Replacement
Movement Joints
Bridge Repairs & Maintenance
Conventional Piles

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Reasons

To trust ASRS

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Free Quotation

We offer free site visits to both domestic and professional clients to assess the problem and propose the appropriate repair programme, tailored to suit the specific needs of the project.

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Helifix Approved

ASRS are approved installers of the Helibeam System, offering cost effective, non-disruptive and concealed solutions to all aspects of remedial masonry stabilisation.

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Skilled Workforce

Our skilled installation teams are trained and experienced in all aspects of masonry repair. They have been trained to the highest standard in every installation process to cover all H+S requirements.

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Guaranteed

With most of our design and installation specifications we are proud to offer a 10yr indemnified guarantee on Helifix repairs and Micro Piling. We offer a 25yr guarantee for Wall Tie replacement.