Cracks diagnosed properly, then repaired with stainless steel ties and helical bars that won't corrode.
Book a surveyCracks in brickwork or masonry should never be ignored. Small cracks can occur naturally as buildings settle, but wider, growing or stepped cracks can point to an underlying structural problem.
Tapco HomeDry has over 55 years of experience diagnosing and repairing cracked walls, replacing failed cavity wall ties and carrying out structural masonry repairs.
All buildings move slightly, but excessive movement puts stress on masonry and shows up as cracks in brickwork, render or mortar joints. Common causes include:
Most homes built since the early twentieth century have cavity walls: an inner and an outer wall with a gap between them. Metal wall ties bridge the cavity and hold the two leaves together. Cavity walls improve insulation and sound proofing and help limit damp.
Older mild steel ties corrode over time. As the steel rusts it expands, lifting the mortar joints and causing horizontal cracks. Eventually ties can fail completely, and the outer wall can bulge or become unstable.
Our surveyors inspect the ties using specialist drilling and a borescope, so we can see their condition inside the cavity without unnecessary disruption. We also assess any cracking, lintels and the surrounding structure, so the repair addresses the real cause.
Where ties have failed, we install high-performance stainless steel replacement ties designed for long-term stability and in line with current building regulations. The service includes:
Replacing failed ties before significant movement occurs can often prevent further structural damage.
Mortar joints across the crack are carefully raked out to the required depth.
High-tensile stainless steel helical bars are bonded into the joints with specialist resin, tying the masonry back together.
The joints are repointed to match the existing brickwork, leaving a strong, discreet repair.
We also carry out lintel repairs and replacement, and other structural masonry repairs, as part of the same job where needed.
1971
Established in Thames Ditton
55+
Years of damp & timber expertise
4,000+
Properties visited every year
10
Counties covered across the South East
Why choose Tapco
Every property gets an individual assessment from a qualified surveyor before anything is recommended.
A little more about usOur PCA-qualified surveyors are not paid commission, so we only recommend the work your building genuinely needs.
After your survey you get a clear written report and a fixed quote, with no hidden extras.
Our own teams carry out the work, protect your home, keep dust down and leave everything clean.
Written guarantees, which can be protected by an Insurance Backed Guarantee.
Book a survey
If you’ve noticed any of these issues, arranging a professional survey is the best way to identify the cause and prevent further damage.
The classic sign is horizontal cracking in the mortar joints, often every fourth to sixth course of brickwork, sometimes with bulging walls or lifting window sills.
We drill small holes into the mortar and use a borescope, a small inspection camera, to see the condition of the ties inside the cavity without opening up the wall.
Mortar joints across the crack are raked out and high-tensile stainless steel helical bars are bonded in with resin, then the joints are repointed to match. It reconnects and strengthens cracked masonry discreetly.
Wall tie replacement and most crack stitching are carried out from outside, so disruption indoors is minimal.
Yes. We install ties in the number and pattern recommended by current building regulations, using stainless steel ties and helical bars that won't corrode.
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Client testimonials
Tapco really helped me with the issues I had in my house. I found them really helpful, reliable and organised. The team was really polite and gave me a lot of information about what they were doing and how it would help fix the issues. The Tapco guys cleaned after themselves and that is a big plus in my book.
What else we do
Damp, timber and structural problems rarely come alone. Our surveyors look at the whole picture, so nothing falls through the gaps.
One specialist team, from survey to guarantee.
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From our offices in Thames Ditton and Esher, our surveyors cover London and the surrounding counties, providing fast response times for residential and commercial properties alike.
We regularly work with:
Whether your property requires a damp survey, timber inspection or basement waterproofing system, our experienced team is ready to help.
Our certifications reflect our commitment to the highest standards of work and quality.
Why Tapco
Established in 1971
Choosing Tapco HomeDry means choosing a company with a proven history of protecting properties across the South East.
We believe every property deserves an individual assessment. That’s why our recommendations are based on what your building genuinely needs, not unnecessary treatments.
Tapco (Preservation) Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative (Financial Services Register No. 423558) of Phoenix Financial Consultants Limited (Phoenix). Phoenix is a credit broker, not a lender. Phoenix is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 539195), and offers finance from its panel of lenders. All finance subject to status and credit checks.
