Stone cottages, Mains of Sluie, Forres, near Inverness
Approved Installer: Tony Brown Building
Client: Moray Estates
 
  PROBLEM
These extremely dilapidated and abandoned former shepherds cottages, constructed from Field Stone and lime mortar, had developed major cracks in the gable end stonework that were large enough to put an arm through and were considered to be beyond economic repair and likely to be demolished.


  SOLUTION

Helifix demonstrated that its designed repairs would structurally secure the cottages for an economical amount and taking down and rebuilding could be avoided.

To secure the gable end masonry and prevent its separation from the main structure, stainless steel HeliBars bars were bonded into cut slots at eight different levels across the wall and returned around the front and rear elevations. These secured the masonry, stitched the cracks and distributed the loads.

To provide lateral restraint BowTie HD’s were installed through clearance holes drilled through the stonework and screwed through the first three ceiling joists and roof trusses before being bonded into the masonry.

Following the structural repairs the cracks were filled, deep re-pointing carried out and lime mortar sprayed onto the walls. After complete re-fitting, the cottages provide holiday breaks for the disabled and infirm and Moray Estates, who were very impressed by the high quality conversions.