Stitch-Tie Bar for Masonry Repair and Reinforcement

Stitch-Tie Bar — Permanent Masonry Crack Repair and Structural Reinforcement

The Stitch-Tie Bar is a helical stainless steel masonry repair bar designed to repair cracked masonry and provide reinforcement to create structural beams from existing brick veneers. Manufactured from Type 304 stainless steel (Type 316 available upon request), the bar is twisted with a helical-pitched thread to maximize contact with surrounding grout material. It is intended for use by masonry contractors and construction professionals performing structural repairs or reinforcement work on existing masonry walls.

Unlike conventional repair methods that require tearing out and rebuilding damaged masonry, the Stitch-Tie Bar delivers a permanent repair solution installed directly into existing mortar bed joints. When used in combination with SureGrout S, the system provides a superior combination of axial strength and flexibility that helps absorb further localized stress at the repair zone.

Technical Specifications

Key Features & Benefits

Permanent Repair — No Wall Rebuild Required

The Stitch-Tie Bar provides a permanent repair solution that eliminates the need to demolish and rebuild a cracked masonry wall. For contractors, this translates directly into reduced labor time and lower overall project cost compared to full wall reconstruction.

Helical Thread Profile for Intimate Material Contact

The bar's helical-pitched thread geometry ensures intimate contact with the surrounding SureGrout S, distributing load across the full contact area of the anchor. This design contributes to the system's combined axial strength and flexibility, allowing it to absorb further localized stress after installation.

Non-Linear Joint Compatibility

The Stitch-Tie Bar can be bent to follow a non-linear mortar joint's path or turned 90 degrees to wrap a corner, making it suitable for irregular crack patterns and corner cracking scenarios. This flexibility removes the need for special-case solutions on non-straight repairs.

No Special Skills Required

Installation requires no specialized training or equipment beyond standard masonry grinding and troweling tools. This means any qualified masonry crew can perform the repair without additional certification or subcontracting.

Immediate Mortar Top Coat Application

A matching mortar cover coat can be applied immediately after grout and bar installation, keeping the repair on schedule without mandatory cure waiting periods before re-pointing. SureGrout S can be pointed once it reaches thumb-print hardness, and coatings may be applied after 24 hours of cure.

Type 304 (and Optional 316) Stainless Steel Construction

Bars are manufactured to ASTM A580 Type 304 stainless steel, with Type 316 available upon request for more demanding or corrosive environments. Stainless steel construction ensures long-term durability within the masonry assembly.

Common Applications

Crack Stitching in Brick Masonry

Stitch-Tie Bars are installed every 4–6 courses, centered along the height of a crack, extending a minimum of 20" on each side of the crack. This method ties the cracked masonry together and prevents further movement.

Helical Beaming to Reinforce Rough Openings

The bars can be installed in a helical beaming pattern to create structural reinforcement above rough openings such as new doorways or replacement window lintels within existing masonry walls.

Corner Crack Repair

The bar can be bent 90 degrees to wrap masonry corners, making it an effective solution for corner cracking that propagates across a change in wall direction.

Multi-Wythe Wall Repair

For multi-wythe walls where cracking propagates through the full wall thickness, the Stitch-Tie Bar can be installed from both sides of the wall where accessible to fully address the structural crack.

Repair in Close-Proximity Multiple Vertical Cracks

Where multiple vertical cracks occur in close proximity, the bar can be extended 20" past the outermost cracks, or shorter lengths can be lapped with a minimum 6" overlap, allowing a single continuous repair across a wide damaged zone.

Compatible Materials

• Existing brick veneer masonry
• Multi-wythe masonry walls
• Mortar bed joints (standard and thin — 4.5mm bar for thin joints)
• Non-linear and corner mortar joints
• SureGrout S (required companion grout — 3 liter tub, 3,900 psi / 27.5 MPa compressive strength)

Product Documents

• Technical Brochure
• Installation Guide

Application Instructions

SureGrout S Preparation

1. Mix the two-part, ready-to-mix packs of powder with the provided admixture.
2. Pour the liquid into the provided pail, then slowly pour the powder into the pail.
3. Mix with a paddle mixer for a full 2 minutes, ensuring the powder is completely blended. Do not add additional water or powder.
4. Once mixed, the grout is ready to use. Usability time is 45 minutes. Keep the pail covered from direct sunlight.

Crack Stitching Installation

1. Grind away existing mortar to a depth of 1-1/2" to 2", extending a minimum of 20" on each side of the crack. Clean the ground joint with water.
2. Apply a bead of SureGrout S at the base of the ground joint.
3. Insert the Stitch-Tie Bar into the bead of SureGrout S.
4. Apply a second and/or third bead of SureGrout S over the Stitch-Tie Bar and compact with an appropriate trowel. Allow enough room in the slot to re-point with mortar.
5. If an additional reinforcing bar is required (e.g., for helical beaming applications), repeat steps 3 and 4. Compact with a trowel when complete.
6. Apply a matching mortar top cover coat immediately after grout and bar installation. Re-point with mortar once SureGrout S reaches thumb-print hardness.
7. Coatings may be applied to SureGrout S after allowing 24 hours of cure.

Additional Installation Notes

1. In non-linear joints, the bar can be bent to follow the mortar's path or turned 90 degrees to wrap a corner.
2. For multiple vertical cracks in close proximity, extend the bar 20" past the outermost cracks. Shorter lengths may be lapped with a minimum 6" overlap.
3. For multi-wythe walls where cracking extends through the full thickness, repair from both sides if accessible.
4. SureGrout S can be re-agitated by re-mixing remaining contents in the pail. Do not add additional water.
5. Do not use SureGrout S where freezing may occur within 24 hours of installation; freezing may impair grout performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does installation require specialized tools or training?
A: No special skills are required to install the Stitch-Tie Bar. Standard masonry grinding equipment and trowels are sufficient for installation.

Q: Can the Stitch-Tie Bar be used in non-straight mortar joints?
A: Yes. The bar can be bent to follow a non-linear joint's path or turned 90 degrees to wrap around a corner, making it suitable for irregular crack patterns and corner cracking.

Q: What stainless steel grades are available?
A: Bars are manufactured from ASTM A580 Type 304 stainless steel as standard. Type 316 stainless steel is available upon request.

Q: Can the mortar cover coat be applied immediately after installation?
A: Yes. A matching mortar top cover coat can be applied immediately after grout and bar installation. SureGrout S can be re-pointed once it reaches thumb-print hardness, and coatings may be applied after 24 hours of cure.

Q: What bar diameter should be used for thin mortar joints?
A: For thin mortar joints, the 4.5mm diameter Stitch-Tie Bar should be used in place of the standard 6mm bar.

Q: Can shorter bar segments be overlapped for wider crack repairs?
A: Yes. For areas with multiple vertical cracks in close proximity, shorter length bars can be lapped with a minimum 6" overlap, or a longer coil cut to the required length.