When storms damage masonry
Strong winds, falling trees, flying debris and heavy rain can all damage brickwork. Typical casualties include chimney stacks, parapets, gable ends, garden and boundary walls and freestanding masonry. The North Sea coast and exposed ridges across Tyneside are open to powerful storms, and older brickwork with weak mortar is more at risk.
First steps after damage
- Keep people away from damaged or leaning walls and any loose masonry above
- Photograph the damage, including surrounding areas, before anything is moved
- Contact your insurer promptly and ask what they require
- Arrange emergency make-safe work, such as propping, sheeting, netting or taking down unstable sections
- Keep receipts for emergency costs
We can carry out make-safe work and provide a written description of the damage and the repair needed, which may help with a claim. We cannot promise an insurer will accept a claim, as that is their decision.
Assessing the damage
Visible damage may not be the whole story. Impact can crack walls well beyond the obvious area, shift roof structures and loosen wall ties. We check how far damage extends before deciding on the repair, and recommend a structural engineer where needed. See crack stitching and wall tie replacement.
Rebuilding
Sections beyond repair are taken down carefully, sound bricks are saved for reuse, and the wall is rebuilt in the original bond with suitable bricks and mortar. Foundations, damp proof courses and ties are provided as required. Pointing and brick colour are matched as closely as possible, and on older buildings we use lime mortar, see lime repointing. For specific features, see gable wall repairs, chimney stack restoration, parapet rebuilding and boundary wall rebuilding.
Permissions
Rebuilding to match what was there generally does not need planning permission, though listed buildings and conservation areas can have special rules. Party walls may be involved, see GOV.UK, and the Planning Portal has further guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Should I wait for the insurer before making a wall safe?
No. Safety comes first. Take sensible emergency steps, keep photographs and receipts, and tell your insurer as soon as possible so they can advise on the claim.
Can rebuilt brickwork look like the original?
Usually it can come very close. Reusing original bricks and matching the mortar and bond helps a lot. A perfect match is not always possible with weathered older brick.
