Choosing the best Masonry Reinforcement Systems can be a large choice of options. Building maintenance often reveals hidden structural secrets. While many homeowners focus on aesthetic upgrades, the integrity of the building’s skeleton is what truly matters for long-term safety. Recently, our team was called to a project in Oxfordshire where a routine inspection uncovered a significant structural separation.

The Oxfordshire Challenge: Identifying Structural Instability

While a local contractor was performing unrelated works on a beautiful Oxfordshire property, they noticed a concerning symptom: the front elevation, constructed of traditional stone and brick, had begun to move away from the timber-frame based left elevation. This type of separation is a classic sign that the building’s original binding methods are failing, requiring immediate Structural Masonry Strengthening.

Left unaddressed, this gap could have led to moisture ingress, thermal loss, and eventual structural collapse. The homeowner was understandably worried about the potential for unsightly external plates or intrusive internal beams that traditional “S” or “X” ties often require.

Why Traditional Methods Weren’t the Answer

In the past, stabilising a bowing or separating wall meant bolting a large, visible metal plate to the exterior of the house and running a thick beam through the living space to provide tension. For a property in the scenic Oxfordshire countryside, this wasn’t an option. We needed a solution that offered the strength of industrial engineering with the subtlety of a conservation-grade repair.

As a leading Franchise Business specialising in these niche repairs, we recommended our proprietary Masonry Reinforcement Systems. Specifically, we opted for the Bow Flex Type 2 system.

The Science of the Bow Flex Type 2 System

The Bow Flex Type 2 is a specialised helical-shaped reinforcement designed to provide a “hidden fix.” Unlike standard wall ties, this system uses the existing structural members of the house to provide stability.

Technical Specifications:

• Material: Bow Flex 12mm high-grade Stainless Steel Wall Ties.

• Design: Threaded bar that acts as a robust connection and can act as an internal “noggin.”

• Function: Pins the masonry elevation directly to the internal timber floor joists.

The Installation Process: Method BO-02

Once the plan was signed off, our technicians returned to the site to execute Method BO-02. Precision is the cornerstone of effective Masonry Crack Repair Solutions.

1. Surveying and Marking: We meticulously marked the wall to ensure no electrical services or plumbing lines were disturbed.

2. Scaffolding: Because the pinning was required across both storeys of the property, professional scaffolding was erected to ensure a safe and level workspace.

3. Drilling and Cleaning: A clearance hole was drilled through the external masonry and deep into the center of the internal joist. We then thoroughly cleaned the hole of all debris to ensure maximum adhesion.

4. Pinning: The Bow Flex Type 2 was driven through the masonry. While this system can often span three joists, the unique visibility constraints of this Oxfordshire timber frame led us to a cautious, expert-led approach of pinning to the second joist for guaranteed security.

5. Bonding: To lock the system in place, the remaining hole was injected with Target Fixings Bond Flex, a high-strength bonding agent that ensures the stainless steel becomes a permanent part of the building’s fabric.

An Invisible Finish for Oxfordshire Homes

The primary benefit of our Masonry Reinforcement Systems is the aesthetic result. Once the installation was complete, the small entry points were filled and prepped for rendering. When the wall is re-rendered and painted, there will be absolutely no visual evidence that a major structural repair took place.

This project perfectly illustrates how modern technology can preserve the charm of traditional Oxfordshire architecture while providing the necessary Structural Masonry Strengthening to keep a home safe for generations.

Partner with a Leading Franchise Business

Whether you are a contractor who has spotted a crack during a renovation or a homeowner noticing a gap in your elevations, we are here to help. We provide Dri Flex, Retro Flex and many other of the most reliable repair technologies on the market today.

Are you having structural issues or noticing cracks in your masonry in the Oxfordshire area? Don’t wait for the problem to widen. Contact our Chiltern Franchise team today for a structural survey and discover why we are the preferred choice for invisible masonry repair.