Pitfalls to Be Avoided While Installing Brick Ties

Pitfalls to Be Avoided While Installing Brick Ties

Brick ties are one of architectural elements that are used for connecting two bricks or two brick walls together. It is also being used to bind a cavity wall or to bind up the brick wall to wood or steel frame. It is commonly used in the form of stainless steel wall ties or braided wires. The main function of the brick ties is to improve the strength of the masonry walls by transferring certain part of the load of the wall to the second load-bearing wall. The brick ties are an effective method of reinforcing brick and mortar construction.

Here are some of the common issues that are faced during the construction of a brick wall. These points should be kept in mind while installing brick ties in the brick walls.  Inaccurate spacing: Most of the construction workers install the wall ties in the places where they find it convenient. This results in attachment only to the plywood. The ties installed should be nailed to framing. Most of the construction rules specify that only one tie should be used per 2.67 square feet of the wall area.

 Poor nailing: Most of the times, it has been noticed that the corrugated wall ties are installed with the uncoated nails. These type of ties are susceptible to corrosion. On the other hand, it has been noticed that some of them use roofing nails, which aren’t penetrated deep within the frame. It is important that you use a minimum of 21/2-inch of the galvanized nail. If corrugated nails are being used then it is important to use the nail close so that it can bend maximum for the good lateral strength.  Upside-down ties: Most of the construction workers install the brick ties as soon as they start to place the bricks. This way the ties line up in the way when bricklayers reach them. One such problem would be that upside-down wall tie would act as spring under load. Another damage to the wall would be water will be dripped down the wall resulting in water seeping in.  Wide Gaps: The brick ties remain stiff only for a 1-inch air space. In most of the areas, the contractors routinely make ledgers wide enough for the stone veneer. Thus, when the brick is used bricklayers align outside of the ledger.

This leaves 2- to 2 1/2-inch space.