What's Wrong With Your Building?

Cracks in brickwork or stonework

Cracks can be cosmetic or structural. Fine hairline cracks from old shrinkage often just need filling and redecorating. Wider cracks, stepped cracks that follow mortar joints, or cracks above windows and doors may need crack stitching. If a crack runs through several courses or has opened noticeably, ask for a proper assessment before decorating over it.

Bulging or leaning walls

A wall that bows outwards or leans is under stress. Causes include failed cavity wall ties, roof spread, missing lateral restraint or weakened mortar. Our bowing and bulging wall repairs page explains the common causes and how they are dealt with.

Damp patches, mould or musty smells

Damp inside a building can come from below (rising damp), through the walls (penetrating damp) or from condensation. A damp cellar or basement may benefit from tanking and waterproofing. Poor airflow under a timber floor can be improved with subfloor ventilation. Rainwater getting into walls calls for penetration remedial works. Start by working out where the moisture is coming from.

Crumbling or damaged mortar joints

Mortar joints wear out, especially on exposed elevations and older buildings. Cement repointing on a Victorian property can cause more harm than good. If the building is pre-1920, lime mortar repointing is usually the right approach. For newer buildings or general joint failure, see mortar joint restoration.

Damaged or spalling bricks

Bricks that are flaking, crumbling or have lost their face are called spalled bricks. This is common on older buildings, especially where moisture has frozen inside the brick. Individual bricks can be cut out and replaced to match the original, and decorative features such as brick arches can be restored.

Chimney problems

Chimney stacks sit at the highest, most exposed point of the building. Deteriorated pointing, cracked pots, failed flashings and leaning stacks are common. See chimney stack restoration and lead flashing replacement.

Roof leaks and valley or flashing failures

Water coming through the ceiling does not always mean new roof tiles. Often the problem is a failed lead flashing, a blocked or cracked roof valley, or damaged flat roof details. Dormer windows are another common source of leaks. Weak or sagging roof timbers may need strengthening.

Bay window roof leaks or damage

Bay window roofs are a frequent trouble spot, particularly on Victorian and Edwardian terraces. Lead, felt or fibreglass coverings deteriorate, and the timbers underneath can rot. See bay window roof restoration.

Salt damage near the coast

Properties in Tynemouth, Cullercoats, Whitley Bay and along the North East coast are exposed to wind-driven salt spray, which accelerates the deterioration of brickwork, render and mortar. See salt-damaged masonry repairs and coastal render repairs.

Rotten floor joists or bouncy floors

Timber floor joists can rot where ventilation is poor or damp has reached the timber. A bouncy or uneven floor may mean the joists need restoration or replacement. Improving subfloor ventilation helps prevent the problem returning.

Concrete spalling on balconies or structures

When steel reinforcement inside concrete corrodes, it expands and breaks the concrete away. This is common on balconies, lintels, steps and retaining walls. See concrete spalling repairs.

Accessibility and adaptation needs

If someone in the household has reduced mobility, the property may need adapting. We build access ramps, widen doorways, create level-access entrances, carry out accessible bathroom adaptations and convert ground-floor rooms into bedrooms.

Not sure what the problem is?

Describe the problem or send us a photograph, and we will tell you what we think is going on and which service applies.

Frequently asked questions