Kettering · Northamptonshire
Bowing wall repairs in Kettering
Landlords with Victorian housing in Kettering often come across bowing front walls during a stock condition survey. A clear written scope and an itemised price make it far easier to plan the repair alongside other planned maintenance.
Guide price from£980per wall inc VAT
- Postcodes
- NN15, NN16
- Population
- about 57,000
- Area
- Northamptonshire
- Pricing region
- East Midlands
Is Northamptonshire prone to ground movement?
We cover Kettering and its postcode districts NN15, NN16, part of Northamptonshire, with a population of roughly 57,000. Nearby places we cover include Wellingborough (7 miles), Corby (7 miles) and Rushden (9 miles).
Shrinkable clay is widespread in Northamptonshire. Historic ironstone working has left disturbed ground in places. Housing stock in Northamptonshire: Ironstone and limestone cottages, Victorian terraces in Northampton and Kettering, and new-town estates in Corby.
Repair options we may recommend
Lateral restraint straps
Galvanised or stainless straps are fixed across three or more joists or rafters, turned down against the inside face of the wall and fixed into the masonry. They work well at ceiling and roof level, where the fixings stay hidden.
Best for: Gables and walls bowing near ceiling or roof level
Restraint ties into the floor
Stainless restraint ties are drilled through the wall and fixed into the floor joists or into blocking between them. Where joists run parallel, noggins are fitted across several joists so the tie has something solid to hold. A neat plate or a buried fixing is left on the outside face.
Best for: Walls bowing at floor level where joists run alongside
What to expect when we carry out bowing wall repairs
Assess the bow
We look at where the wall bows, how far it is out of plumb and how the floors and roof meet it. Photographs from your phone held flat against the wall often show the shape clearly before anyone visits.
Decide restrain or rebuild
If the wall is badly out of plumb, has bricks crushing or follows removed internal walls, we recommend an engineer, and can arrange one. Their view sets whether restraint is enough or a section needs rebuilding.
Fit the ties and straps
Ties are drilled through and fixed, or straps fitted and secured, at the spacing specified. Any rebuild is carried out at this stage, with temporary propping in place until the new brickwork has gained strength.
Is it time for bowing wall repairs? Common signs
- A visible belly in the wall when you sight along it
- Gaps opening between floorboards and the skirting on an outside wall
- Horizontal cracking at first-floor or ceiling level
What should you budget for bowing wall repairs in Kettering?
For Kettering we use East Midlands rates. Treat the table as a budget guide, inc VAT; the price you pay is the one on your written quote.
| Item | Guide price | Per |
|---|---|---|
| Lateral restraint for a typical gable | £980 – £2,950 | per wall |
| Remedial restraint ties installed | £25 – £60 | per tie |
| Partial rebuild of a badly distorted sectionest. | £2,950 – £7,850 | per section |
Rules for bowing wall repairs in England
In England, underpinning and other work that alters or strengthens a wall or foundation is building work under the Building Regulations (Part A, structure), so building control approves and inspects it. Like-for-like repairs often are not, and we tell you which applies before a price is agreed. Work to a party wall, or excavation close to a neighbour’s foundations, can also need a notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Your bowing wall repairs questions
What is the price of bowing wall repairs in Kettering?
Guide prices for bowing wall repairs in Kettering start from about £980 per wall, including VAT, on East Midlands rates. Your fixed written price follows photos or a survey and depends on the extent of the work and access.
Do you carry out bowing wall repairs in Kettering?
Yes, Kettering is covered, along with postcode districts NN15, NN16. We also cover nearby Wellingborough and Corby.
Does the ground around Kettering cause cracking?
Northamptonshire sits largely on Lias clay and Jurassic ironstones and limestones, with historic ironstone quarrying around Corby and Kettering. The clay vales are prone to shrinkage near trees. Only an investigation can say why a particular building has moved.
What is lateral restraint?
Lateral restraint is the connection that stops a wall moving sideways, provided by tying it to the floors and roof. Older houses often have little or none, especially where joists run parallel to the wall. Remedial ties and straps add that connection after the event.
Is a bowing wall dangerous?
A bowing wall is not always dangerous, but it should never be ignored. Many have been slightly out of line for decades. A bow that is growing, crushing bricks or appeared after building work is more serious, and an engineer should look at it promptly. Your engineer will confirm.
More repairs we carry out in Kettering
Bowing wall repairs near Kettering
Our guide-price tool covers restraint work in Kettering; add a few photos and we can say whether ties alone are likely to be enough.