Wall Tie Survey and Replacement Specialists

Wall ties connect the inner and outer leafs of walls together, creating a space that is known as the cavity void or cavity wall.

If a single leaf wall is built too high without the correct support it becomes unstable, hence the need for wall ties connecting the two leafs at regular intervals.

Cavity walls became the accepted norm in the 1920s, buildings before were mainly constructed with solid walls - often built of brickwork or stonework laid directly against each other with differing patterns of bricks laid lengthway and widthway for stability. Cavity walls became standard as they offer greater protection against rainwater penetration and can assist in reducing condensation through improved thermal insulation.

The British Standard (BS 1243) for wall ties was launched in 1945, but prior there was no standard - so the quality of the wall ties in properties could vary dramatically.

Regulations regarding zinc content were changed between 1964-1981 leading to widespread issues with wall tie corrosion during this period. Properties built during this period may still have wall tie issues if they haven’t been replaced.

Even properties which have had mild steel ties installed will eventually corrode over time, which can cause structural problems and horizontal cracking in walls - hence why it is essential to have them checked.

The purpose of wall ties means they are hidden within a cavity wall, so identifying the extent of corrosion or if a wall tie has failed can be difficult.

Professional surveyors have equipment used to inspect the condition of the ties, which involves identifying the location of each tie by using a metal detector, and then using an endoscope to inspect the tie.

There are however visual signs wall ties have failed:

If you think you have a cavity wall tie problem in your home or property and would like a professional opinion, we can provide you with a survey to inspect the condition of the wall ties.

A trained and experienced surveyor will be able to assess the extent of the damage, if any, and whether repairs are needed.

Often structural repair problems are more complex than meets the eye, hence why it is important for a thorough survey to be carried out by a trained professional.

They will take time to:

• Assess the construction type of the building
• Conduct a visual inspection of the roof from ground level
• Check the condition of brickwork and pointing
• Understand if there are any high ground levels or other potential issues that may cause issues such as damp
• Use a metal detector to identify the location and the amount of existing wall ties
• Drill an inspection hole under the wall ties, and use an endoscope to look at the condition of the tie.

They will rate the condition of the tie against Building Research Establishment digest 401 - which contains nine classifications of wall tie conditions from uncorroded to total failure. This rating will then be used to determine if remedial wall tie replacement is required.

The surveyor will then present their findings in a detailed survey report, detailing the condition of the wall ties and if the current amount of ties is adequate. Where necessary the report will contain diagrams and images to support these observations.

If work is required the report will describe the scale and scope of remedial wall tie repairs, and details of the long term guarantee, if applicable.

If cavity wall insulation is present we may require a more invasive inspection to understand the condition of the wall ties.

Peter Cox are a Which? Trusted Trader and are rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 2,500 independent customer reviews, meaning we are the preservation company you can trust.

Once you have had a wall tie survey and choose to go ahead with the recommendations, our experienced technicians will:

• Mark the location of existing ties for removal or isolation
• Install new wall ties by drilling into the external leaf in a pattern to meet building regulations, as detailed in the survey report.
• Pull test the required number to ensure long lasting protection
• Drill holes are then covered to match the existing wall appearance and preserve the facade of your property.
• The existing ties are isolated or extracted to prevent further corrosion

If the wall ties have corroded to the point that bulges or cracks in the wall require crack stitching or lintel repair services then our specialist team will then carry out these repairs. 

Unless stated in the report, our wall tie replacement services are backed by a 20-year guarantee, giving you long term peace of mind.

Our standard replacement wall ties are made from stainless steel and are available in differing lengths to suit cavity widths up to 110mm. There are different types of wall ties available, including resin, mechanical drive ties or cementitious ties, which come in differing lengths to suit different cavity widths.

The type of tie used depends on the type and condition of the masonry and brickwork involved. All newly installed wall ties incorporate a drip detail to prevent water transmission across the cavity.