Wall Tie Replacement And Isolation Service
What is a wall tie we hear you ask? Well to put it simply it is an essential component of cavity wall construction, wall ties are used to connect the inner load bearing leaf to the protective outer leaf of a building, thereby providing structural stability. Nowadays, wall ties are typically manufactured from stainless steel due to its corrosion resistant properties, but this has not always been the case and some older buildings may include wall ties manufactured from other materials.
Brickwork Direct provide a variety of wall tie replacement and repair solutions for private properties as well as our commercial clients. Our company has 15 years of experience successfully replacing wall ties throughout the North East. As specialists in brickwork, our wall tie replacement services include Cavity Wall Tie Replacements, Remedial Wall Ties, Identifying Wall Tie Failure and Wall Tie Corrosion. Brickwork Direct’s fully trained teams can review and diagnose any structural issues you may have, get in touch today.
Common Signs of Wall Tie Failure
Vertical or horizontal cracks
Normally caused by expansion of corroded wall ties. As the tie corrodes, the rust or metallic oxide that is produced takes up more space than the original tie did and due to this the bricks above and below the tie are forced apart cracking the mortar bed.
Bulging Brickwork
This can occur when the corrosion of wall ties and the resultant expansion in their mass forces the outer wall skin either up or down. If there is no where for it to expand into then the brickwork itself will have no choice but to bulge outwards.
Cracks or Separation of Window Reveals
This issue normally manifests itself on the internal walls of a property. When expansion and movement is caused, gaps and cracking can appear between the window frame and the window reveal. Additionally the depth of a window reveal can also appear as inconsistent.
Lintels Lifting or Sagging
Again, due to expansion movement, lintels can either be pushed upwards or downwards. This can also be the same for window sills.
Collapse of The Outer Leaf
In a worst case scenario there could be no signs of wall tie failure or corrosion until its to late, we have had many customers have no signs of any issues until the external leaf of their property has collapsed.
Wall Tie Failure London
Why does wall tie failure occur?
Wall tie failure can happen where there has been corrosion of the existing wall ties or when insufficient or incorrect wall ties have been installed.
When a mild steel or galvanised steel wall tie corrodes, there is a build up of rust (also known as iron oxide), which causes the tie to expand in size. The resulting pressure on the surrounding masonry causes cracking in the mortar bed. Expansion in the external wall can also cause the brickwork to bulge outwards.
Poor installation during the construction phase can also result in wall tie failure. When building with wall ties, it is important to install the correct tie for the type, height and location of a building and a tie of sufficient length for the cavity.
If wall tie failure is not addressed it can lead to severe structural issues including the potentially dangerous collapse of the masonry outer leaf.
Our Services
Wall Tie Survey
As a company safety is paramount! For this reason alone we offer a FREE visual inspection for customers in the North East, simply click below to book or call our office one 0191 427 4774 to arrange one of our WTIF certified surveyors to come and visit your property if you feel it is at risk. We also offer a full cavity wall tie inspection with an in depth written report for a small fee.
Wall Tie Replacement and Isolation/Removal
Brickwork Direct use an array of different repair methods and techniques for installing replacement wall ties and preventing damage from existing ties. Our surveyors will specify the most appropriate method of repair based on Wall Tie Installers Federation guideline and individual circumstances.
Crack Stitching
In basic terms crack stitching is the masonry repair method for repairing cracked walls and ensuring that they are reinforced. It involves retrofitting a number of crack stitching bars which are grouted across cracks in walls in order to reconnect them and provide stability to the masonry.
Lateral Restraints
Lateral restraints are used when the façade of a building is separating from perpendicular masonry partitions or party walls the two walls can be reconnected using axial constraint ties, which can be bonded to, or driven through, solid flanking walls and into the cross walls.
Lintel Repair
Our comprehensive service ensures that after installation we match the pointing or render repair to your existing colour and finish. This seamless blending means that the lintel replacement is an invisible repair to your property, enhancing both its structure and appearance.
Why Choose Us?
Repaired External Wall and Fitted New Wall Ties
‘The company were great to deal with from my estimate through to the completion of the job. I found company very professional from start to finish and was kept informed of the progress on my job. The staff were very friendly and helpful and the job they did was excellent. Site was left clean and tidy and all finishing touches were done as promised. I had to have some additional work done extra to my quote and this was priced very fair.’ – Mr Stephen Hunter
Wall Tie Installers Federation Accredited
We are 1 of only 2 installers in the North East that are a part of the Wall Tie Installers Federation. Which is the representative trade organisation for registered installers of remedial and replacement wall ties and related services in the UK with a 25 Year insurance backed Warranty Scheme.
16 Years Experience
Here at Brickwork Direct we have over 16 years experience and over 250 full checked and vetted tradesmen working for us to complete all aspects of our business, avoid cowboy builders and get work completed to the highest standard the first time around!