Structural Repair Specialists Scotland

Across Scotland properties require structural repairs due to the age, deterioration and environmental factors. Should you notice signs of structural damage you should carry out repairs to prevent further problems at a later date.

Wise Property Care are experts in wall tie repair and replacements, and other structural repairs such as crack stitching, lateral restraints and lintel repairs.

We are also able to install specialist bespoke sock anchors for structural anchoring - a type of repair used to reinforce and strengthen a structure or building. Over the years we have stabilised some of Scotland's well known listed heritage assets, the likes of Taymouth Castle and Glasgow Royal Opera House to name just a couple.

All repairs are suited to the property in question, so no matter the type or location of your property in Scotland, we have solutions.

We are approved installers of both Helifix and Cintec structural products and can work with structural engineers to provide you with a solution.

From time to time homes and buildings across Scotland will show signs of structural faults, and once discovered should be repaired by professionals. Unwanted structural movement or preservation issues can lead to cracks or bulging walls. A structural repair is the restoration of load-bearing components of a building, typically structural timber such as joists and beams, or in many cases, masonry.

This can mean repair methods such as wall tie replacements, crack stitching, lintel repairs or lateral restraints. Many properties in Scotland have external renders, but signs of cracked or damaged masonry can still be noticeable - if you know what to look for.

Brickwork can develop cracks for many reasons, such as the ground shifting, changes in temperature, moisture, or poor construction. Tiny hairline cracks are usually nothing to worry about, but bigger cracks, or ones that keep getting wider (more than about 2mm) can point to more serious issues, and require specialist attention. If you notice cracks in brickwork on your property, it’s best to keep an eye on them and get professional advice to avoid further damage and keep your property safe.

There are many warning signs that you may require structural repairs carried out on your property in Scotland, and acting as quickly as possible will save further deterioration and more costly repairs.

Signs of structural issues include:

• Cracked external masonry
• Cracks in external renders
• Cracks in or above window lintels
• Horizontal cracking
• Cracks on internal walls or ceilings
• Bowed or bulging walls
• Lifting of roof edges
• Leaning or cracked chimneys

If you have noticed any of these problems, you may require a structural survey to fully understand the source of the problem. They will be able to assess the interior and exterior of your property, and give you a detailed report outlining their findings, and if any repairs are required.

In Scotland, Home Reports are required when selling a property, and these can often highlight problems related to structural issues. Mortgage lenders often demand further investigation if concerns are raised, and if repairs are required, this can be used to renegotiate.

Design, construction and environmental factors can all impact a building, and without regular maintenance structural problems can occur. They are typically caused by:

Scottish properties have been built using traditional methods over hundreds of years, with buildings consisting of solid brick or stone walls which may suffer delamination over time and in-built structural timber which can decay. Properties built after the 1920s were usually built with a cavity wall with wall ties connecting the two brick leafs. These are susceptible to corrosion and over time they may need to be replaced. Given the majority of Scotland’s cities (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness) are geographically located near to or on the coast, the salt laden air exacerbates the problem of wall tie corrosion leading to remedial works being required.

Poor workmanship or incorrectly installed materials may also cause building defects.

Original timber or steel windows are often loadbearing, and if these are replaced with newer uPVC windows they may not be capable of holding the same load. This leads to more pressure put onto the lintel if present, causing failure over time.

Wise Property Care have experienced and qualified surveyors - meaning we can provide advice and assistance if you’re concerned about a structural issue on your property. Our surveyors are supported by our national specialist services team who have decades of experience in structural stabilisation having helped preserve some of Scotland’s historic buildings and bridges. This includes the likes of Abbotsford House the home of Sir Walter Scott, Torosay Castle on the Isle of Mull, Milton Lockhart Estate in the borders and The bridge of Keig in Aberdeen

Lateral restraints are required when walls are being affected by lateral movement, usually resulting in bowing, or the walls moving away from the main body of the building. Wise Property Care technicians can install a lateral restraint system to tie the brickwork back to the fabric of the building, using a combination of structural repair techniques. This can include the use of stainless steel bars, ties and resins installed into the affected elevations and tied back usually into superstructure, for example floors and intersecting walls.

Properties across Scotland are vastly different, so a specialist survey must be conducted to fully understand the root cause of the problem, and the right specification is implemented.

Structural anchoring is a proven repair technique often used in Scotland designed to strengthen and stabilise buildings and structures. A grouted sock anchor system is used which consists of a stainless steel bar surrounded by a fabric sock, which is then inserted into place with grout injected into the sleeve. This causes the anchor to expand and create a bond with the substrate, fixing the anchor in place. It is especially suited to heritage buildings given its near-invisible repair, hence why it is the system of choice utilised by Historic Scotland (Alba Aosmhor).

This technique is ideal for preserving and reinforcing historical properties, masonry bridges, monuments, railway structures, and solid walls - all common across Scotland. Indeed we have utilised this system to repair buildings of historic importance on numerous occasions.

At Wise Property Care, our specialist installation team has extensive experience in installing structural anchors, working closely with engineers, project managers and Historic Scotland. As approved installers of both Helifix and Cintec systems, we bring expert knowledge and a wealth of practical experience to every project.

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  When do I Need Structural Repairs?

  Structural repairs may be required when your premises have signs of damaged masonry, including  bowing walls, horizontal cracked brickwork or stonework, cracks above lintels or the lifting of roof edges. If you have these symptoms you should arrange a survey from a professional to fully understand the problem.

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  Can you Sell a House with Structural Problems?

  In Scotland you can sell a house with a structural problem, however it may be identified on the Home Report - making it more difficult to sell, and could even devalue the property. They may carry out a structural survey to fully understand the extent of the issue and get a second opinion on whether repairs are required.