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Cavity Wall Tie Repair or Replacement

Metal wall ties have been used for well over a century to provide strength and stability to cavity wall construction. The two leaves of a structure are relatively flimsy until they are bonded together using wall ties. The cavities between the two leaves of masonry provide an effective barrier to water penetration and also acts as an insulation layer for the building.

PCA Images  Cavity Wall Insulation 5

When things go wrong with cavity wall ties

In some circumstances where steel or iron wall ties have been incorporated into a structure, they can be susceptible to corrosion. The corrosion process causes the metal to expand, and lose strength while reducing the bond strength between the tie and the mortar embedment. 

Corrosion in the metal wall ties can also lead to cracking in bed joints. This can be symptomatic of a loss of structural stability and an acceleration of the corrosion process as water enters the crack.  

Investigating cavity wall ties

Investigations to assess the condition of cavity wall ties is a specialist job and should only be undertaken by skilled experienced professionals that have the tools, skills to understand the construction, and implications of observations and can determine appropriate repair strategies.

New wall ties can be installed to restore or improve the structural stability of cavity walls weakened as a result of wall tie corrosion, while measures may also be needed to ensure the old corroding wall ties are removed from the structure or treated in a way to prevent any future problems associated with there deterioration. 

Corrosion, a lack of ties or incorrectly positioned and embedded cavity wall ties are all commonly encountered in walls built with cavities.  In all situations though, the skill, experience and knowledge of the investigation is key to both competent diagnosis and the formulation of a specification for repairs that can be relied upon. 

The execution of wall tie replacement is also highly specialised and should only be undertaken by skilled technicians that fully understand the critical nature of the work they are undertaking. 

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Learn more about wall ties - check out the CPD video

To understand more about wall ties, why they fail and alternative approaches to investigating and testing, click to watch the CPD video where you will also learn about:

  • Challenges of wall tie corrosion in the age of retrofit insulation
  • The ‘damp problem’ YOU may create (and other associated issues)
  • Remedial wall tie considerations for modern housing and structures
  • Modern approaches to wall tie replacement#
  • Testing wall ties: are you assuming you are doing it right?!?

Structural related technical documents you can view

For those interested, there is a variety of structural, timber and dampness related 'Codes of Practice', Technical Documents, Guidance Notes and other related documents via our technical Document Library.  Simply click on the button below to view the library.  Documents of interest include:

  • Code of Practice for the Installation of Remedial Wall-Ties & Lateral Restraint Ties
  • Fungal Decay in Buildings
  • Guidance Note Party Wall Act 1996
  • Wood Destroying Insects in Buildings
  • Code of Practice for the Investigation and Control of Wood Destroying Insects and Fungi in Buildings

View the technical document library >>

Improve your knowledge - structural related training courses

Want to learn more about cavity wall ties and structural repairs?

For those interested in learning more about cavity wall ties, structural repairs and forms of construction; there is a variety of PCA training options for surveying professionals as well as technical/trade professionals. 

Use the search tool below to find available structural or construction training courses or simply go to our training & qualifications section.  Alternatively, if you want to chat to someone, contract our training team on 01480 400 000 or contact them online.

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More about PCA Membership 

Interested in taking part in the CPD scheme but you are not a PCA member?  Find out more about membership and why it will benefit you!

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Professional Guidance

For those professionals looking for information, technical help and guidance towards and variety of property related problems, why not check out our 'professional guidance' pages.

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