Structural Considerations for Properties in Wells
Wells has a distinctive mixture of historic stone buildings, period terraces, traditional cottages, suburban housing and more recent developments. The age and construction of these properties can affect how structural movement appears and how repairs should be approached. Older buildings may have shallow foundations and traditional mortar, while later extensions can introduce different foundation depths and materials.
The city lies close to the Mendip Hills and lower-lying surrounding land, creating varied site conditions across a relatively compact area. Changes in ground level, drainage and underlying materials may all influence foundation performance. Water escaping from defective drains can disturb supporting ground, while vegetation and seasonal changes in moisture may affect some sites. At ASRS Ltd, we examine the building’s construction and the complete pattern of damage before identifying the most suitable repair. This is particularly important for older properties where retaining original masonry and finishes may be a priority.
Repairing Movement in Traditional and Modern Buildings
Subsidence may cause stepped cracks through masonry, diagonal cracking beside openings or separation between connected sections of a property. Doors and windows can begin to stick as their frames become distorted, while floors may slope where foundations have moved unevenly. Cracks that continue to widen or reappear after previous repairs require investigation before further cosmetic work is completed.
Traditional stone walls can behave differently from modern cavity construction, so the repair must reflect the materials and structural arrangement of the building. Cracking may also relate to failed lintels, inadequate restraint, corroded wall ties or movement within a retaining structure rather than subsidence alone.
ASRS can provide masonry reinforcement, Helifix crack repairs, ground anchors and foundation support according to the identified defect. We also undertake concrete repairs in Wells where deterioration or movement has affected structural concrete within the property.
Helifix
Approved Installer
As an approved Helifix installer, ASRS provides a wide range of repair techniques that can be combined to produce the best solution for your structural problems, from wall cracking to foundation sinking. They include the Helifix systems, Anchor Systems’ ground anchors and micro piles, Cintec sock anchors, and various concrete repair products.
First-class service
I would just like to pass on what a first-class service I received from your company. All the guys who attended, and Gary the Surveyor, were absolutely fantastic. I am so pleased with the work that was carried out.
LG – Witney, Oxfordshire
Professional attitude
I wanted to let you know that we were very pleased with the work, professional attitude, care and attention of the builders who worked on our property. Thank you.
PT – High Wycombe
A credit to ASRS
The team is a real credit to ASRS. Nothing was too much trouble. They took the time to explain what they were doing. Show the works as they were being progressed and left the area very clean and tidy.
LH - Milverton
A pleasure to deal with
Thanks for the work which - as far I can tell - was carried out to a high standard, and which started and finished on time and on budget.
I’d also like to put on record our appreciation of Lee who managed the job. He was careful and thorough, always professional in his approach and was a pleasure to deal with throughout.
TR – Aller, Somerset
Efficient and skilful
Thank you so much for the incredibly efficient and skilful way in which the structural repair work was carried out at my property.
I was particularly reassured by the team who carried out the work and kept me updated on what was happening.
BW - Bristol
Call us for help with any of these
Common structural defects, issues and problems
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. ASRS are approved installers of the Helibeam System, offering cost effective, non-disruptive and concealed solutions to all aspects of remedial masonry stabilisation. 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. 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.
Reasons
To trust ASRS
Free Quotation
Helifix Approved
Skilled Workforce
Guaranteed
Sensitive and Effective Structural Repairs
A repair programme for a property in Wells must address the structural defect while taking account of the building’s age, materials and appearance. ASRS Ltd begins by examining the crack pattern, construction and relationship between foundations, walls and later additions. Drainage, vegetation, site levels and previous alterations may also require consideration. We can work alongside structural engineers, surveyors, insurers and loss adjusters where a detailed investigation or formal repair design is needed.
Stainless steel reinforcement can be installed within selected mortar joints to reconnect cracked sections while retaining much of the existing stonework or brickwork. Where standard bed-joint reinforcement is unsuitable for a substantial masonry element, Cintec sock anchors may form part of a professionally designed solution. Foundations requiring additional support may be stabilised using micro piles. Each method is chosen according to the structure and can be combined with other repairs when movement has affected several areas.
Experienced Specialists in Masonry Stabilisation
ASRS Ltd has extensive experience repairing structural movement in buildings with varied materials, layouts and uses. This enables us to develop coordinated solutions for private homes, historic properties, rental accommodation, commercial premises and managed buildings throughout Wells. Our approach considers how the defects relate to one another, helping avoid isolated repairs that do not address the wider structural issue.
As an approved Helifix installer, ASRS uses established systems designed to strengthen existing masonry with limited disruption. Our trained installation teams follow the agreed specification carefully and work with respect for the surrounding building. We understand that preserving original finishes may be particularly important for period properties, so the repair is planned to retain sound material wherever possible. Clients receive clear information about the proposed work, while access, safety and continued use of the property are considered during the planning of each stage.
