March 7, 2024Structural Wall RepairsNorthbridge, NSW

Northbridge Structural Wall Repairs

Heritage-sensitive structural wall repairs over 16-day timeline

The Challenge

Progressive stress cracking in three load-bearing walls threatened this 1920s heritage-listed residence. Heritage NSW rejected traditional brick reconstruction as too invasive for the Category 2 listing. The occupied home housed an elderly couple determined to remain during repairs. Heritage NSW imposed a 30-day compliance deadline for structural stabilization, with non-compliance risking delisting and substantial penalties. Narrow site access limited equipment options while heritage requirements demanded hand-selected mortar colors matching original 1920s construction.

Our Solution

We combined traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering. Specially formulated epoxy injection stabilized cracks in heritage masonry. Stainless steel helical bars embedded within existing mortar joints provided invisible structural reinforcement without altering original brickwork. Custom-mixed lime mortar matched the original 1920s composition with carefully selected pigments achieving perfect color consistency. Heritage-trained masons worked methodically across 16 days with daily progress reports to Heritage NSW. The elderly residents remained comfortably in their home throughout.

Results

The repairs stabilized all three walls while achieving full Heritage NSW approval. Structural testing confirmed 100% load-bearing restoration with zero crack reactivation over six months. The invisible helical bar system provides long-term support without visual impact. Heritage NSW commended the project as exemplary, upgrading the property from provisional to permanent heritage status. The elderly homeowners avoided $8,000+ in relocation costs. Property insurance valuation increased 20%. The repairs secured structural integrity for 50+ years while preserving irreplaceable heritage significance.