Why Wall Ties Should Be Replaced in The Cavity Walls?

Why Wall Ties Should Be Replaced in The Cavity Walls?

Since the 19th century, the wall ties are being used. And now, it has become a standard method for construction of the properties. Although one may feel that there’s just a small aspect of the wall tie in the process of building of the walls. But, wall ties contribute largely to the overall stability of the structure in the long-run. In some cases, the wall ties that were used at the time of construction, become prone to corrosion and hence, it needs to be replaced as soon as possible. For the replacement, it is important for you to know that the stainless steel wall ties are corroded. So, how would you know that corrosion have taken place in the wall ties?

What would be your next step for fixing the problem when refurbishing an existing masonry? For this, it is important for you know the process as how the wall ties work.

So, how do wall ties work?

Wall ties are installed in between the inner and outer leaf of the masonry wall. This requires equal and uniform spacing pattern so that it can handle the external forces such as extreme winds. This is vital for the areas in between the openings and in big reinforced areas. If the wall ties aren’t placed at proper spacing, then it’s possible that the brickwork won’t be able to handle the extreme forces from the external areas.

What happens when wall ties corrode?

In the olden times, galvanized or mild steel were used for installation in the cavity walls. But now, stainless steel wall ties have replaced the galvanized or mild steel ties as they are easily susceptible to corrosion for a long time.

Corrosion in the mild steel ties cause expansion in the cavity walls, which force the brick to run apart.

How would you identify that wall ties are corroded?

There are majorly two things that one must look for:  Identify if the bed joints are cracked in the mortar.  If the external leaf of the cavity wall is bulged.

What action must be taken when identified that wall ties are corroded?

If you found out that the existing wall ties are corroded, then wall ties needs to be replaced. You can hire a specialist contractor for identifying the positioning of the existing wall ties and fix the stainless steel wall ties in replacement for that.