Case Study:Revitalising London Brickwork: Rope Access Restoration without Scaffolding

The process of brick repointing requires specialist skill and knowledge to allow the most successful restoration and repair service possible. 

The Project

Spectrum was approached by a private client who was looking for a contractor to carry out a brick restoration project without the need for scaffolding, as the extra costs of this equipment were too high. 

Of course, our preferred means of access is rope and so we were able to save our client hundreds on this service. 

The Site

The primary focus of the project was to amend the structural defects of the brickwork and this was achieved through several complex steps. The first course of action was brick repointing, this is where the degraded mortar (what bonds the bricks together) is replaced and refilled, solidifying the structural integrity of the building.

The Logistics

Our specialist team used lime mortar, instead of cement mortar, as it's essential for breathability. Cement mortar has a ‘closed pore’, opposite to lime mortar, meaning that it’s not breathable at all. The use of cement mortar means that any trapped moisture will expand and can cause the mortar to ultimately fail.

The second step that we took in repairing this client’s brickwork was colour-matching the mortar and bricks to the existing. To achieve this we carried out a brick tinting process, and this is where our experts change the colour appearance of the bricks to create a seamless finish.

A heli bar was utilised in this project, and this is a specialist fixing of a stainless steel reinforcing bar used for stabilising and strengthening masonry. We bonded this into cut slots in the masonry leaving our client's brickwork in the strongest most secure condition. This reinforcement bar can only be positioned by specialists, and our team were able to do this via rope, reaching every point of the exterior required.

IRATA trained 

As mentioned, this particular client was in need of a brick repair service that could be performed without the need for scaffolding, to cut the overall costs of this process.

Our team were able to perform specialist repairs via rope, and this is possible because we regularly invest in our team's IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) training. We ensure that our expert team are able to use this access method to not only benefit this client’s pocket, but this technique also make us more time-efficient and less disruptive.

Going above and beyond for our clients

This client wanted the method of access to be rope, however, there was no rigging or eyebolts available on their property. However, our team always come prepared. We are supplied with portable anchors on-site to ensure safe rigging. This allowed us to have a safe means of access, even though this facade didn’t already have the essential man-safes required. 

Get in touch

Here at Spectrum, we always provide solutions for our clients whether that be a portable anchor or an extra service free of charge.  

Get in touch with our team today and allow our expert team to transform your facade back to its original glory.