A Short Guide on Wall Ties

Do I have a cavity wall?

The initial thing that you are ought to figure out is whether you have a cavity wall or not. According to an online store that deals in stainless steel wall ties, in the event that you are not aware if you have a cavity wall, you can easily figure it out by considering the construction of bricks: if bricks alternate between length and width, this is a good sign that the wall is solid. On the other hand, if you notice that the bricks all the bricks in your wall are stacked together, it indicates cavity wall.

What are wall ties?

Wall ties for cavity walls are invisible components that connect the inner and outer leaves of the cavity wall with each other, say an online store that deals in stainless steel wall ties. They are embedded in the cavity wall at the time of construction; the ends of the links are embedded in the mortar layer at regular intervals.

Stainless steel wall ties are meant to cover the cavity, connecting a stable inner sheet to the outer sheet to ensure structural stability. Outer sheets tend to be tall and thin, which makes them structurally vulnerable, while the inner supporting sheets have sufficient support. Wall ties ensure the stability of the outer sheet by offering support to the wall to stay in place. Stainless steel wall ties can also offer help when it comes to maintaining a distance from outside water transfer and allow small movements to deal with temperature fluctuations.

Identifying Wall Tie Failure

It is not so easy to determine exactly when and to what extent wall ties have failed. The appearance of regular horizontal cracks on its outer wall is one of the most common signs of wall tie failure, says an online store that deals in stainless steel wall ties. Special equipment, such as endoscopes comes in handy when it comes to identifying wall tie failure. There are also some external visual signs that your wall tie could fail:

• Horizontal and sometimes vertical masonry cracking
• Sagging or lifting lintels
• Separation of window reveals
• Bulging or bowing of brickwork

It is crucial to seek professional help before replacing your wall ties. You can hire an expert to scan your property and conduct a wall fixing inspection to confirm the scale of the issue. At best, a fully qualified civil engineer should be hired, who have access to specialized equipment that can locate the condition of the wall ties.

The author writes for County Supplies, a leading builders merchant in UK. This article is based on building materials, accessories and tools.