QUESTIONS
Helifix bars: how long does it take to fit them and what does it cost?
Updated 04/26
Cracks in brickwork or masonry are fairly common, but they can still be unsettling when you spot them.
Sometimes they’re nothing serious, but sometimes they’re a sign that the wall needs repairing before things get worse.
Helifix bars are often used to stabilise cracked walls and restore structural strength without the need to rebuild large sections of masonry.
If someone has suggested fitting Helifix bars, you’re probably wondering how long the job will take, and how much it’s likely to cost. Here’s what you need to know…
What Helifix bars are and how they stabilise cracked walls
How long installation typically takes
Typical costs for materials and labour
How Helifix bars are installed step by step
Whether this is a DIY job or best left to a professional
When it’s worth getting help from a qualified tradesperson
What are Helifix bars?
Helifix bars are stainless steel helical reinforcement bars used to stabilise cracked masonry.
‘Helifix’ itself is a brand name — one of the most widely used systems — so you may also hear people talk about helical bars or Helibars when they mean the same type of repair.
In practice, the bars are fitted into the mortar joint across the crack and held in place with a specialist grout. Once the grout has set, the wall is strengthened and the crack is less likely to come back.
They’re commonly used for things like:
Cracks running through brickwork
Movement around windows or doors
Failed or missing lintels
Localised subsidence damage
In many cases, this approach avoids the need to rebuild the wall entirely, which is why it’s often chosen as a practical repair rather than a major structural job.
How long do Helifix bars take to fit?
The actual installation is usually quicker than people expect.
For example, fitting around five Helifix bars across a typical cracked section of wall (approx. 5m x 18m) might take about half a day (roughly five hours in straightforward conditions).
After that, the bonding grout needs a day or two to cure before the joints can be pointed and the repair fully completed.
In most cases, the wall can be finished and looking normal again within a couple of days.
How much do Helifix bars cost?
Costs can vary depending on the size of the repair, access to the wall, and the complexity of the work.
Most repairs are completed in a single visit once the scope of work is confirmed.
As a rough example:
Materials for a typical repair area: around £500
Labour costs: added separately (labour rates vary across the UK)
Example total cost: around £600, depending on hourly rates and location
Factors that affect the price include:
Length and number of cracks
Wall thickness and structure
Access requirements (e.g. scaffolding)
Extent of underlying structural movement
Local labour rates
If a quote seems high, ask for a breakdown of the cost. A clear breakdown of materials and labour usually makes it much easier to see what you’re paying for.
How are Helifix bars installed?
Although the process is relatively quick for a trained tradesperson, fitting Helifix bars requires specialist tools and careful placement.
Typical installation steps:
Cut a horizontal slot into the mortar joint along the crack
Clean out dust and debris from the slot
Inject specialist bonding grout
Insert the Helifix bar into the slot
Apply additional grout to secure the bar
Allow the grout to cure
Repoint the mortar joint to finish the repair
Helifix bars strengthen the wall from within, so the crack can be stabilised without rebuilding large sections of brickwork.
Can you install Helifix bars yourself?
You could install Helifix bars yourself, but it’s usually not worth the risk unless you really know what you’re doing.
Installing Helifix bars involves cutting precise slots into the mortar joint and using specialist bonding materials.
A grinder is usually part of the process, and the placement of the bars matters more than people realise. If they’re set incorrectly, the crack can simply return.
Most homeowners are better off bringing in someone who does this type of repair regularly, particularly if the crack relates to movement or structural stress.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
When is it worth hiring a tradesperson?
If the crack keeps coming back, or you’re not sure what caused it in the first place, that’s usually the moment to get a professional opinion.
It’s especially sensible to involve a tradesperson if:
The crack is getting wider or spreading
Doors or windows nearby have started sticking
The wall feels unstable or uneven
The repair may affect a survey, insurance claim, or future sale
A good builder will not only repair the crack, but also help work out what caused it.
Checklist: Helifix bar repairs
Why choose a Checkatrade tradesperson?
When work involves the structure of your home, confidence in the person carrying it out matters just as much as the repair itself.
Comparing a selection of quotes from local tradespeople can also help you understand what’s reasonable for your specific situation.
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FAQs
Can you bend Helifix bars?
You can bend Helifix bars, to a degree. They can be gently shaped to suit the wall, but they’re not designed to be heavily bent or forced into position. Doing that can weaken the bar and reduce the effectiveness of the repair, so adjustments are usually kept minimal and done during installation.
What do Helifix bars do?
Helifix bars reinforce cracked masonry by stabilising the wall and redistributing structural loads. They help prevent cracks from widening or reappearing and can strengthen weakened brickwork without rebuilding the wall.
How long are Helifix bars?
Helifix bars are available in a range of lengths, typically between 1 metre and 10 metres, depending on the repair required. The correct length is chosen based on the size of the crack and the structure of the wall.
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