Lisburn · County Antrim
Crack stitching in Lisburn
Before we stitch a crack at a Lisburn property, we want to know why it opened and whether it has stopped. Stitching a wall that is still moving rarely holds, so the cause comes first and the bars come second.
Guide price from£70per metre of crack inc VAT
- Postcodes
- BT17, BT27, BT28
- Population
- about 78,000
- Area
- County Antrim
- Pricing region
- Northern Ireland
What is the ground like in County Antrim?
We cover Lisburn and its postcode districts BT17, BT27, BT28, part of County Antrim, with a population of roughly 78,000. We also take enquiries from nearby Belfast (7 miles), Newtownabbey (11 miles) and Craigavon (15 miles).
Shrinkable clay is less common in County Antrim than in south-east England. Historic brine and salt working has caused ground movement in parts of County Antrim in the past. Typical buildings in County Antrim: Red-brick terraces in Belfast, Victorian villas, and post-war and newer estates.
Crack stitching prices in Lisburn
Prices in Lisburn are worked out on Northern Ireland rates. They include VAT and are a starting point: access, the extent of the damage and whether an engineer or building control is involved all move the figure.
| Item | Guide price | Per |
|---|---|---|
| Crack stitching with stainless helical bars | £70 – £160 | per metre of crack |
| Small jobs (minimum visit)est. | £310 – £440 | per visit |
| Repointing over the stitched line in matching mortarest. | £25 – £55 | per metre |
How we usually approach crack stitching
Helical bars in resin grout
A resin grout bonds quickly and strongly to the bar and masonry and suits wet conditions or work that must take load sooner. It is less forgiving of soft or crumbly bricks, so the choice of grout is made wall by wall rather than as a rule.
Best for: Dense bricks, damp walls and repairs needing a fast cure
Stitching with crack injection
Once the bars are in, the crack itself is filled. Fine cracks are pointed in matching mortar, while wider or deeper cracks can be injected with grout so the void inside the wall is filled rather than just the face. On older houses, lime mortar keeps the repair breathable.
Best for: Deep cracks running through the full thickness of the wall
What happens during crack stitching, step by step?
Confirm the cause has stopped
Before quoting we check what made the wall crack and whether it is still moving. If there is doubt, we suggest a period of monitoring or an engineer’s view, rather than stitching a crack that will simply open again.
Set out the bars
Bar positions are marked across the crack, typically every few courses up its full height, with each bar extending well into sound brickwork on both sides. An engineer’s specification, where there is one, sets the exact spacing and length.
Repoint to match
The cut joints and crack are pointed in a mortar chosen to match the colour, texture and strength of the existing work. On older houses with soft bricks, a lime mortar is used so the repair does not trap moisture.
What to look for before calling about crack stitching
- Cracking that a surveyor or engineer has said is now stable
- A crack you can fit a coin into, running through bricks and mortar
- Bricks split clean through where the crack crosses them
Rules for crack stitching in Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, minor repairs usually need no approval, but structural work comes under the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 and council building control. There is no Party Wall Act in Northern Ireland.
Questions about crack stitching in Lisburn
What is the price of crack stitching in Lisburn?
Guide prices for crack stitching in Lisburn start from about £70 per metre of crack, including VAT, on Northern Ireland rates. Your fixed written price follows photos or a survey and depends on the extent of the work and access.
Do you carry out crack stitching in Lisburn?
We do. Lisburn and the surrounding area are covered, including nearby Belfast and Newtownabbey. A free initial assessment from your photos is the first step.
Does the ground around Lisburn cause cracking?
County Antrim is largely basalt over chalk, with soft estuarine 'sleech' along Belfast Lough that is notorious for settlement. Historic salt mining is recorded near Carrickfergus. Only an investigation can say why a particular building has moved.
How long does crack stitching last?
Stainless steel bars do not rust, so a stitched repair in a stable wall should last as long as the surrounding brickwork. The repair only fails early when the wall keeps moving, which is why the cause is dealt with before the bars go in.
How far apart are helical bars placed?
Helical bars are usually placed every few courses up the full height of the crack, each one running well past the crack into sound brickwork. Spacing and bar length depend on the wall and the crack width, and where an engineer has specified the repair, their drawing sets them.
More repairs we carry out in Lisburn
- Extension pulling away repairs
- Structural surveys and crack monitoring
- Bowing wall repairs
- Structural crack repairs
- Wall tie replacement
Crack stitching near Lisburn
Hold a ruler against the crack at your Lisburn home, take a clear photo and send it in for a free initial assessment and a guide price.