Cavity Wall Tie Surveys
Cracks or bulges appearing on external walls could mean structural movement!
If you or your structural surveyor have found horizontal or more importantly vertical cracking or bulges to external wall surfaces it could mean there is structural movement. Structural movement or separation of the brickwork caused by defective wall ties should not be ignored because if left unattended, serious damage may occur even leading to collapse of roofs and walls.
Why are wall ties used?
Since around the 1930’s most properties have been constructed with cavity walls. Cavity walls are constructed with two skins of brickwork that have a space of approximately 70m/m between them. They are connected or ‘tied’ together with galvanised metal ‘fishtail’ ties, at various intervals, horizontally and vertically to prevent them separating.
Unfortunately, especially as you get nearer the coast and salt air, the original wall ties can corrode. As the corrosion builds up the wall tie expands and it’s this that causes the bricks to bulge and rendering to crack. When this happens it’s almost certain that new wall ties and possibly structural strengthening bars would have to be installed together with repairs to any damage the movement may have caused.
A Cavity Wall Tie and Brick Stitching Survey
Tapco HomeDry has been established since 1971 and are experts at diagnosing and strengthening defective brickwork. With over 44 years’ experience our surveyors will carry out a thorough in-depth inspection by using a metal detector to locate existing wall ties and drilling a small hole to insert an endoscope to assess their condition. This will be done at various areas to all the damaged external walls and we will produce a detailed report together with our recommendation to rectify the defects.
How are Wall Ties and Brick Stitching Bars Installed?
Cavity wall ties are installed by drilling holes at designated intervals and inserting a new stainless steel cavity wall tie at the correct depth, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Stainless steel strengthening bars are installed by raking out the brick mortar joint of the damaged area, applying a special resin solution and installing the bar.
All repairs carried out by Tapco HomeDry are covered by our long term guarantee.
As soon as you suspect you have a problem call Tapco HomeDry for a Cavity Wall Tie survey on 020 8398 6663. Delay can be dangerous and costly.