Straighten a leaning masonry wall?

[mark519]

A client has a 12" wide, approximately 20'-0" high stone masonry gable end wall that is part of a detached garage. The garage is approximately 75 years old. The masonry wall is out-of-plumb 6" due to a large tree leaning on it. Is it possible to straighten out the wall (if so, how?) or is it easier (and cheaper) to demo the wall and re-build? Thanks in advance.

 

[CELinOttawa]

Demo and rebuild is cheaper if risk is included in the consideration.

Risk should always be included.

 

[concretemasonry]

Long tern slow deflection on a tall wall probably built with lime mortar can develop or not as lose as much strength as would expected, but there is no way the really analyze the stability or provide short term corrections, the only choice is demolition AFTER the tree is removed.

Dick

Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.

 

[Archie264]

There are some contractors who specialize in straightening chimneys by putting helical anchors in the ground and using them to jack against the base of the chimney. If there's someone like that in your area you might be able to refer your client to them or work with them yourself to design a solution. Without such a resource, though, I'd be reluctant to try it, especially if rebuilding is financially feasible.