We have removed the pebbledash from our 30s house which had an extension added to it in the 80s made from 'solid' 9' thermalite blocks. This has revealed a few cracks that go straight through the blocks. These are only a couple of mm wide but this is the time to sort it out. The plasterer has suggested that a sheet of expanded metal over the area should sort it out. Is this a sensible option?
I guess if it were 2 leaves of brick I would cut out the damaged brickwork and replace but it seems to be more difficult with a solid wall and supporting the existing wall plate.
What about stitching the damaged area? Would this be worth it or just go with the expanded metal.
Re: Cracked 9' thermalite block wall Post by cotswold builders » Tue Apr 09, 2013 6:57 pm 42 years ago I packed in an electrical apprenticeship, wages £4.50 pr week, went into the building side at £9 pr week. How much concrete repair should cost. Average costs and comments from CostHelper's team of professional journalists and community of users. Patching a concrete driveway, patio, walkway or basement/garage floor can be a fairly straightforward do-it-yourself project. Patching compounds can cost $3-$10 for a small tube, tub or pail; or $5-$30 for a larger bucket or bag, depending on the quantity. If the blocks are used on the external skins then the cracks cannot be covered because they will almost invariably show through the render. Even if the build mortar is the right strength to allow for movement in the blocks, this good work can be undone by applying render that is too strong. Re: Cracked 9' thermalite block wall Post by cotswold builders » Tue Apr 09, 2013 6:57 pm 42 years ago I packed in an electrical apprenticeship, wages £4.50 pr week, went into the building side at £9 pr week.
I guess if it were 2 leaves of brick I would cut out the damaged brickwork and replace but it seems to be more difficult with a solid wall and supporting the existing wall plate.
What about stitching the damaged area? Would this be worth it or just go with the expanded metal.
Thermalite Products Inc
Thanks in advance.