In 2019 Stone Technical Services were instructed by St Andrew’s Church to carry out an external and internal inspection of the church tower and spire, including a Ferro-scan to investigate the presence of embedded iron content we also carried out de-shaling works to the defective de-laminated masonry and minor lime mortar pointing works.
Following the initial survey Stone Technical Services found that the spire and tower were in poor condition, in addition the church spire was jacking and becoming unstable by 10-15mm due to the original imbedded iron cramps expanding between the stone courses, this was caused by water ingress into the bed joints and subsequent free-thaw cycles causing the masonry to blow.
The team have since carried out the following works:
• Defrassing of the complete Spire and Tower
• Installation of a steel strap retaining band system to the outside of the spire to offer structural support.
• Galletting and indent works to defective spire masonry after initially removing the expanded iron cramps.
• Installation of a fully encapsulating netting system around the complete spire and tower to catch any loose stone that may come away from the spire due to continued weathering/spalling.
• Installation of a tilt monitoring system and anemometer that gave a live representation and feedback via GPS.
As well as works to the spire and tower the team have completed:
• Stonework repairs to the entrance pillar.
• Installation of tell-tale monitors due to the ongoing subsidence issues.
• Low level pointing to consolidate loose stonework and all open joints.
• Installation of netting to the internal archway to protect against falling loose plasterwork.
