// Specialist repairs
Cross stitching and resin injections
Cracks in masonry can occur for many reasons, including historic settlement, movement, failed bonding or localised structural weakness.
Cross-stitching is a specialist repair technique designed to reconnect masonry across certain types of cracks.
Bars or reinforcement are installed across the crack and bonded into the masonry using specialist resin.
Resin injection may also be used in suitable situations to fill or stabilise voids and cracks.
Benefits of cross-stitching
Cross-stitching reconnects cracked masonry. Rather than simply filling the visible surface crack, stitching physically connects the masonry on either side.
Helps distribute loads
Reinforcement can help spread forces across a wider section of masonry rather than concentrating movement at the crack.
Less disruptive than major building
Certain cracks can be stabilised without dismantling large sections of otherwise sound masonry.
Preserves existing stonework
Where surrounding masonry remains in good condition, stitching can allow more original stonework to remain in place.
Hidden structural repair
Once completed and properly finished, the repair can often be concealed within the mortar joints.
Assessment is important
Not every crack should simply be stitched.
Before carrying out structural crack repair, it is important to consider why the crack has appeared.
Active structural movement, foundation problems or serious building defects may require investigation by an appropriately qualified structural professional before masonry repairs are undertaken.