FAQs Archive - Page 26 of 29 - Northwest Wall Ties

Q: Can damaged wall ties be replaced?

Yes. Corroded or failing wall ties can usually be replaced using specialist remedial wall tie systems designed to restore stability within cavity wall construction. Replacement wall ties are installed while the original ties are isolated where required.

Q: Can wall tie failure affect a mortgage application?

Yes. Mortgage lenders and surveyors can sometimes request a specialist wall tie survey if structural movement or cracking is identified during a property valuation. The survey helps establish the cause of defects and whether remedial work is necessary.

Q: What happens during a wall tie survey?

A professional wall tie survey typically includes internal and external visual inspections, cavity wall investigations using specialist equipment, borescope inspections where required, photographic evidence, and a written report outlining findings and recommendations.

Q: How do I know if I need a wall tie survey?

A wall tie survey may be recommended if you have noticed cracking, bulging brickwork, movement within walls, or if concerns have been raised by a building surveyor or mortgage lender. A specialist inspection can identify whether wall tie failure is present and determine if repairs are required.

Q: Which properties are most at risk of wall tie failure?

Older cavity wall properties are generally more susceptible to wall tie deterioration, particularly homes built with galvanised or mild steel wall ties. Over time, moisture entering the cavity can cause corrosion, leading to expansion of the wall ties and damage to surrounding masonry.

Q: What are the most common signs of wall tie failure?

Common signs of wall tie failure include horizontal cracking in mortar joints, stepped cracks within brickwork, bulging walls, lifting mortar joints, rust staining, and movement around windows or doors. These defects often develop gradually and may become more severe as wall ties corrode and expand within the cavity wall.

Q: What are wall ties and what do they do?

Wall ties are metal components installed within cavity walls to connect the external brickwork to the internal wall structure. Their purpose is to help both parts of the wall act as a single unit, improving structural stability and resistance to movement. Without properly functioning wall ties, the outer brickwork can become unstable and potentially develop defects over time.