A wall tie survey is a specialist inspection carried out to assess the condition of the wall ties within a property’s cavity walls. Wall ties are metal components that connect the outer and inner leaves of masonry, helping maintain the structural stability of the building.

Over time, older wall ties can corrode and expand, causing horizontal cracking, bulging brickwork and, in more advanced cases, structural movement. Many properties throughout Wigan and the surrounding areas built between the 1920s and 1980s still contain original wall ties that may now be deteriorating.

At Northwest Wall Ties Ltd, our wall tie surveys are carried out independently and in accordance with BRE Digest 329 and BRE Digest 401 guidance. Using specialist equipment, including borescopes and metal detection technology, we inspect the wall ties within the cavity and assess their condition using recognised corrosion grading criteria.

Our reports typically include:

• Borescope photographs of inspected wall ties
• External inspection photographs
• Cavity observations where accessible
• Identification of cracking, bulging and other signs of wall tie failure
• Clear explanations of our findings
• Recommendations for remedial works where required

Unlike sales-led inspections, our recommendations are based solely on the condition of the wall ties and the evidence gathered during the survey. Where remedial wall tie replacement is required, we provide clear and transparent recommendations.

If you own a property in Wigan and have noticed horizontal cracking, stepped cracking, bulging walls, or have been advised by a surveyor or mortgage lender to obtain a wall tie inspection, a professional survey can provide the information needed to assess the condition of your cavity wall ties.

Wigan contains a large number of Victorian, Edwardian, interwar and post-war cavity wall properties, many of which still retain their original wall ties. Regularly inspecting properties throughout Wigan, Standish, Hindley, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Atherton, Tyldesley, Leigh and Golborne, we provide independent wall tie surveys and detailed reports for homeowners, buyers, surveyors and mortgage lenders.

A wall tie survey may be recommended by a homeowner, buyer, surveyor or mortgage lender where signs of wall tie failure are present. The symptoms can often resemble general settlement or structural movement, making a specialist inspection essential to identify the underlying cause.

Common signs of wall tie failure include horizontal cracking within mortar joints, stepped cracking through brickwork, bulging or bowing external walls, and movement around windows and door openings. As wall ties corrode, they expand within the masonry, creating pressure that can force the surrounding brickwork apart and lead to visible cracking and distortion.

You may require a wall tie survey in Wigan if:

• Horizontal cracking is visible in the mortar joints

• Stepped cracking is present within the brickwork

• External walls appear bowed, bulging or out of alignment

• Cracks are developing around windows and door openings

• A surveyor or mortgage lender has recommended further investigation

• The property was built between the 1920s and 1980s and retains its original wall ties

• You are purchasing an older cavity wall property

• Previous wall tie repairs require independent assessment

Wigan contains thousands of cavity wall properties built during the Victorian, Edwardian and twentieth-century periods. Many homes across Wigan, Standish, Hindley, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Atherton, Tyldesley, Leigh, Golborne, Pemberton and Ince still contain original wall ties that may now be suffering from corrosion.

At Northwest Wall Ties Ltd, our Wigan wall tie surveys include borescope inspections, photographic evidence and detailed reporting in accordance with BRE Digest guidance, providing clear recommendations on the condition of the wall ties and any remedial works that may be required.

Wall tie failure can develop gradually over many years, with symptoms often becoming more noticeable as corrosion progresses. Recognising the warning signs early can help prevent further damage and allow remedial works to be carried out before significant structural movement occurs.

One of the most common signs of wall tie failure is horizontal cracking within the mortar joints. As steel wall ties corrode, they expand and place pressure on the surrounding masonry, causing cracks to develop along the bed joints.

Stepped cracking may also indicate wall tie corrosion, particularly when found around windows, doors and building corners. In more advanced cases, the outer leaf of brickwork can begin to move independently from the inner leaf, resulting in bulging or bowing walls.

Movement around windows and door openings is another common warning sign. Cracks extending from corners, widening joints, distorted brickwork and gaps around frames can all indicate that further investigation is required.

Other signs of wall tie failure include:

• Horizontal cracking within mortar joints
• Stepped cracking through brickwork
• Bulging or bowing external walls
• Cracks around windows and door openings
• Separation of brickwork at corners
• Loose or displaced brickwork
• Visible movement within external walls
• Defects highlighted by a mortgage valuation or building survey

Many properties throughout Wigan, Standish, Hindley, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Atherton, Tyldesley, Leigh, Golborne, Pemberton and Ince still contain original wall ties that may now be suffering from corrosion. If you have noticed any of the signs above, a professional wall tie survey can determine the condition of the existing wall ties and whether remedial wall tie replacement is required.

At Northwest Wall Ties Ltd, our Wigan wall tie surveys include borescope inspections, photographic evidence and detailed reporting in accordance with BRE Digest guidance, providing clear recommendations for homeowners, buyers, surveyors and mortgage lenders.

One of the most common questions we are asked is, “How much does a wall tie survey cost in Wigan?”

Survey costs can vary depending on the property’s location, size and the level of inspection required. Across the North West, wall tie surveys typically range from £250 to £400, with some specialist inspections costing more.

At Northwest Wall Ties Ltd, most wall tie surveys in Wigan are just £250.00, making us one of the most competitively priced specialist wall tie survey providers in the region.

Despite our competitive pricing, we do not compromise on quality. Our surveys are carried out in accordance with BRE Digest guidance and include detailed cavity wall investigations using specialist inspection equipment. Every report is based on evidence gathered during the inspection, not sales targets.

Our Wigan wall tie survey reports typically include:

• Borescope photographs of the inspected wall ties
• External inspection photographs
• Cavity observations where accessible
• Assessment of wall tie condition and corrosion grading
• Identification of defects associated with wall tie failure
• Clear recommendations for any remedial works required
• A comprehensive written report suitable for homeowners, buyers, surveyors and mortgage lenders
• A detailed quotation for any recommended remedial wall tie replacement works

Where remedial works are recommended and instructed, the full survey fee is deducted from the cost of the repairs. This effectively makes the survey free whilst still providing a detailed independent report and professional assessment.

For homebuyers, this can be particularly valuable. A wall tie survey can identify defects before contracts are exchanged, helping buyers make informed decisions and, where appropriate, negotiate the purchase price to reflect any remedial works required.

We regularly carry out surveys throughout Wigan, Standish, Hindley, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Atherton, Tyldesley, Leigh, Golborne, Pemberton and Ince. Due to Wigan’s close proximity to our Bolton office, we can often offer fast appointments and rapid report turnaround times.

If your property is located outside Wigan, pricing may vary depending on distance. Use our instant quote generator below to receive an accurate wall tie survey price based on your property’s location and book online in minutes.

Many companies advertise “free wall tie surveys”, but in reality these are often quotation visits rather than detailed wall tie inspections.

A professional wall tie survey involves far more than simply looking for cracks in the brickwork. The surveyor must travel to the property, carry out a thorough visual inspection, undertake borescope investigations, assess the condition of the existing wall ties and record photographic evidence throughout the inspection.

Following the visit, significant time is spent reviewing the findings and preparing a detailed written report. This report must accurately assess the wall ties, identify associated defects and provide recommendations based on recognised industry guidance.

At Northwest Wall Ties Ltd, our Wigan wall tie surveys are carried out in accordance with BRE Digest guidance and are designed to provide genuine value to homeowners, buyers, surveyors and mortgage lenders. When you consider travel time, specialist equipment, an experienced surveyor’s time on site and the hours required to prepare a professional report, it would be impossible to maintain this standard whilst offering completely free surveys.

In many cases, a “free survey” is actually a free site inspection designed primarily to secure remedial work. Whilst these visits may identify obvious defects, they do not always provide the level of investigation or reporting required for property purchases, mortgage applications or lender requirements.

A detailed wall tie survey can influence decisions worth thousands of pounds. For buyers, it may support price negotiations before contracts are exchanged. For homeowners, it helps determine the most appropriate remedial solution. For surveyors and lenders, it provides documented evidence of the wall tie condition.

Importantly, wall tie replacement is not always as simple as installing new ties. Existing wall ties may also require isolation or removal to prevent ongoing expansion forces within the masonry. Simply installing replacement ties without addressing heavily corroded originals may not always provide a complete long-term solution.

This is why a professional survey is so important. Its purpose is not simply to determine whether new wall ties are required, but to establish the condition of the wall and provide clear, evidence-based recommendations.

Where remedial works are recommended and instructed, the full survey fee is deducted from the cost of the repairs. This allows clients to benefit from a comprehensive independent survey and report while effectively receiving the survey free of charge if remedial works proceed.

If you have noticed cracking within your brickwork, bulging walls, movement around windows and doors, or have been advised by a surveyor or mortgage lender to obtain a wall tie inspection, Northwest Wall Ties Ltd can help.

We provide professional wall tie surveys throughout Wigan and the surrounding areas, delivering detailed reports supported by photographic evidence and specialist cavity wall inspections. All surveys are carried out in accordance with BRE Digest guidance and provide clear, evidence-based recommendations.

Located close to Wigan, we are able to offer fast appointments and rapid report turnaround times for homeowners, buyers, surveyors, landlords and mortgage applicants across the area.

We understand that arranging a wall tie survey is often part of a property purchase or sale. To make the process easier, we can liaise directly with estate agents, vendors and occupiers to arrange access on your behalf, helping keep transactions moving forward smoothly.

We regularly carry out surveys throughout Wigan, Standish, Hindley, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Atherton, Tyldesley, Leigh, Golborne, Pemberton, Ince and surrounding areas. In most cases, inspections can be arranged within days, with reports issued promptly following the survey.

Why Choose Northwest Wall Ties Ltd?

• Independent specialist wall tie surveys
• Fast appointments across Wigan and surrounding areas
• Detailed reports with borescope photographs
• BRE Digest 329 and BRE Digest 401 compliant inspections
• Clear, evidence-based recommendations
• Competitive fixed pricing
• Detailed quotations for any recommended remedial works
• Full survey fee deducted if remedial works proceed
• Trusted by homeowners, buyers, surveyors and mortgage lenders

Booking a wall tie survey is quick and straightforward. Simply use our instant quote generator below to receive an immediate survey price for your property. Once booked, we’ll arrange access, carry out the inspection and provide a detailed report to help support your property transaction.

Whether you’re purchasing a property in Wigan, selling a home in Standish, responding to a lender’s request in Hindley or require an independent wall tie assessment anywhere across the borough, our experienced team can help.

Use the instant quote tool below to receive your survey price and book online in minutes.