Wall ties play a vital role in cavity wall construction by securing the outer brickwork to the inner leaf of the wall. Over time, particularly in older properties, wall ties can corrode and lose their structural effectiveness. When this occurs, the outer leaf of masonry becomes increasingly vulnerable to movement and structural failure.

WALL TIE CORROSION

The most common reason for wall tie replacement is corrosion. Many older properties were constructed using mild steel wall ties, which can deteriorate over time when exposed to moisture within the cavity.

As steel corrodes, it expands several times its original size. This expansion places pressure on the surrounding mortar joints, often resulting in horizontal cracking, lifted brickwork, and visible signs of distress within the masonry. As corrosion progresses, the wall ties gradually lose their strength and ability to securely connect the two leaves of the cavity wall.

BLACK ASH MORTAR

Properties constructed using black ash mortar can be particularly susceptible to wall tie corrosion. Black ash mortar often contains impurities such as sulphates, chlorides, and unburnt carbon from industrial waste products used during its manufacture.

These contaminants can create a more aggressive environment around embedded steel wall ties. Combined with moisture, they can significantly accelerate the corrosion process, leading to premature wall tie failure and an increased risk of structural defects.

WIND TUNNELLING

Wind pressure is another significant factor affecting properties with failed wall ties. Gable walls and exposed elevations are constantly subjected to wind loading, particularly in coastal areas, elevated locations, and open countryside settings.

Where strong winds are funnelled down the side of a property, increased pressure can be exerted on the external brickwork. In these situations, wall ties play a critical role in transferring wind loads back to the main structure of the building.

When wall ties have corroded or failed, the outer leaf can become detached from the inner structure and may begin to bow or lean outward. Over time, repeated wind loading can cause progressive movement and, in severe cases, partial or complete wall collapse.

STRUCTURAL MOVEMNT

As wall ties lose their effectiveness, the outer leaf of brickwork can begin to move independently of the inner wall. This movement often results in horizontal cracking, bulging elevations, displaced brickwork, and separation between the two leaves of masonry.

These defects are clear indicators that the wall may no longer be adequately restrained and should be investigated by a specialist wall tie surveyor.

RESTORING STRUCTURAL STABILITY

Wall tie replacement is required when existing ties can no longer perform their intended function safely. Modern stainless steel remedial wall ties are installed to create a new structural connection between the inner and outer leaves of masonry, restoring stability and resistance to wind loading.

Following installation, the original corroded wall ties are isolated where necessary to prevent further expansion and damage. This ensures the wall remains secure while preventing ongoing deterioration of the surrounding brickwork.

A professional wall tie survey can determine the condition of the existing ties and establish whether replacement is required, helping property owners address problems before more significant structural damage occurs.

WHY EARLY INTERVENTION MATTERS

Identifying and replacing failed wall ties at an early stage can help prevent more serious structural issues from developing. Wall tie corrosion is often a gradual process, and the first signs of failure may not be immediately visible without a specialist inspection.

When replacement is carried out promptly, it can prevent further expansion of corroded ties, reducing the risk of horizontal cracking, bulging brickwork, and movement of the external wall. Addressing the problem early also helps to minimise damage to the surrounding masonry, which can significantly reduce the extent and cost of future repairs.

In many cases, homeowners only become aware of wall tie issues once visible defects have appeared. However, by this stage, additional remedial works such as crack stitching, brick replacement, or rebuilding sections of masonry may be required alongside wall tie replacement.

A timely wall tie survey and replacement programme can help preserve the structural integrity of the property, protect its value, and provide reassurance that potential defects are being addressed before they develop into more costly and disruptive problems.

Mechanical expansion wall ties, often referred to as neoprene ties, are one of the most commonly installed remedial wall tie systems. These ties are mechanically fixed into both leaves of masonry using expanding sleeves or compression fittings.

The neoprene components help accommodate slight movement within the wall while maintaining a secure connection between the inner and outer leaves. These ties are particularly effective in sound masonry and can be installed with minimal disruption to the property.

Drive ties are designed to be hammered directly into pre-drilled holes within both leaves of masonry. They rely on an interference fit to create a secure mechanical bond without the need for resin or expansion mechanisms.

Drive ties are often used where masonry is in good condition and can provide a fast and cost-effective solution. Their simplicity makes them suitable for many standard cavity wall constructions, although they are not always appropriate for weaker or more heavily deteriorated masonry.

Brass mechanical wall ties utilise brass expansion ferrules to create a secure fixing within the masonry. These systems have been used successfully for many years and can provide excellent load transfer when installed correctly.

Brass components offer good corrosion resistance and are often specified where particular fixing requirements exist. As with all remedial wall tie systems, suitability depends on the wall construction and condition of the masonry being repaired.

Resin wall ties are widely regarded as one of the most versatile remedial wall tie systems available. Rather than relying solely on mechanical expansion, these ties are chemically bonded into the masonry using specialist structural resins.

This method is particularly beneficial where masonry may be weaker, fractured, or unsuitable for expansion fixings. The resin creates a strong bond within the substrate, allowing loads to be distributed evenly through the wall. Resin-fixed ties are commonly specified for a wide range of remedial applications and can provide exceptional long-term performance when installed correctly.

Grouted sock wall ties are widely used as an effective remedial wall tie system where traditional fixing methods may not achieve reliable performance. These ties are installed using a grout-filled mesh sleeve, creating a secure bond within difficult masonry substrates.

This method is particularly beneficial in hollow masonry, perforated brickwork, rubble-filled walls, or irregular substrates where standard fixings may be unsuitable. The mesh sock controls the grout and allows it to form a strong anchor within the wall, providing a dependable fixing solution and long-term structural performance when installed correctly.

Cementitious (CEM) wall ties are widely used as a reliable remedial wall tie system where a strong bond is required within existing masonry. These ties are installed using a grout-filled nozzle system, allowing the tie to be injected directly into the wall and secured using cementitious grout.

This method is particularly beneficial where a non-resin solution is preferred or where masonry conditions require effective load transfer through a grouted fixing. The grout forms a secure anchor within the substrate, providing a dependable fixing solution and long-term structural performance when installed correctly.

Every property is different, which is why there is no single remedial wall tie system suitable for every installation. We always recommend a professional wall tie survey before any works are carried out to ensure the most appropriate system is selected for the building and its specific construction.

Our specialist surveyors assess a number of important factors that can influence the type of remedial wall tie required. This includes the construction of both the inner and outer leaf, the type and condition of the masonry, the hardness or softness of the bricks and mortar, the material being drilled into, and the age and overall condition of the property. Different wall constructions can behave very differently, and selecting the wrong fixing method can affect both installation performance and long-term durability.

Using this information, we determine the most suitable remedial wall tie system, fixing method, tie length, spacing and specification required for the property. Where necessary, pull-out testing can also be carried out to assess the strength of the masonry and confirm that the selected wall tie system will achieve the required load capacities.

One of the most important factors affecting the long-term performance of a remedial wall tie system is the quality and grade of stainless steel used. Not all wall ties are manufactured to the same standard, and lower-grade materials may provide reduced corrosion resistance, particularly in exposed environments or buildings constructed with more aggressive materials such as black ash mortar.

For this reason, we only install premium-grade stainless steel wall ties on every installation. As a company that provides a 25-year guarantee, we believe the quality of materials used should never be compromised. Our reputation is built on carrying out installations correctly and using products designed to provide long-term durability and structural performance. We believe in doing the job properly, not cutting corners, ensuring every installation is completed to the highest standard.

Click the button below to book a professional wall tie survey and let our specialists determine the most suitable remedial wall tie system for your home.

The process begins when you contact our specialist team to arrange a wall tie survey at your property. We will discuss your concerns, gather initial information about the building, and schedule a convenient time for one of our experienced surveyors to attend your home. This allows us to assess the property in detail and determine the most appropriate remedial wall tie solution.

Once you are happy to proceed, we arrange the works at a time that suits you and provide a confirmed start date for the installation. If scaffolding is required, we will organise and schedule this in advance so everything is in place before work begins. We keep you fully updated before, during, and throughout the project to ensure a smooth and transparent process from start to finish.

The new wall ties are installed in accordance with current British Standards and industry guidelines, ensuring correct spacing, embedment depth, and structural performance. Each tie is fixed using the appropriate system and installed to achieve the required kilonewton load capacity for the specific property. This ensures the new wall tie system provides a secure, durable, and long-lasting structural connection between the inner and outer leaves of the wall.

Where isolation is required, we use specialist metal detection equipment to accurately locate and mark the positions of the existing wall ties. This ensures the original ties are clearly identified prior to isolation works beginning. Careful marking allows the process to be carried out safely and effectively, preventing any disruption to the structural integrity of the wall during the remedial works.

Once the new wall ties have been installed, all drill holes are carefully made good using a mortar or brick match that is as close as possible to the existing masonry. We always aim to achieve a discreet and consistent finish; however, an exact instant colour match cannot be guaranteed and may take time to naturally weather in with the surrounding brickwork.

Where required, the existing redundant wall ties are mechanically isolated by carefully removing the surrounding mortar to free the old tie within the wall. Once isolated, specialist isolation foam is applied around the remaining tie to prevent any future interaction with the masonry. The area is then made good and re-pointed to match the existing finish, ensuring a clean, durable, and unobtrusive repair.

We always ensure your property is left clean and tidy upon completion of the works. Although we use dustless drilling methods, some minor dust and small particles may still be present during the installation, and during isolation works most debris will collect at floor level. Once the works are complete, all areas are thoroughly cleaned and cleared, leaving your property as neat and tidy as possible, as if we have not even been there.

Once all works are fully complete, we carry out a final check to ensure you are happy with the installation and the finished result. We then issue your invoice, and once payment has been cleared, your guarantee is formally signed off and sent to you promptly.

Our support doesn’t end there. If you have any questions after completion, we are only a phone call away and always available to help. We remain on hand whenever you need advice or assistance, giving you complete confidence and peace of mind long after the works have been completed.