How to Install Wall Ties: A How-To-Guide

While walls serve as a barrier of protection, they often need a little extra support. This is where wall ties come into play. Wall ties are essential components – small metal strips or bars designed to secure the inner and outer walls together, enhancing their stability.

Our easy-to-follow guide will take you step-by-step through the process of how to install wall ties. If you’re a DIY enthusiast searching for a reliable method to reinforce your walls, you’ve come to the right place!

Importance of Wall Ties

Properly installed wall ties are crucial to a wall’s structural stability; improper placement could lead to potential water penetration or reduced load distribution.

Wall ties are essentially small metal pieces that join internal and external walls, they act as a link between two separate walls and distribute loads evenly thus preventing the walls from bowing and potentially collapsing over time.

Types of Wall Ties

• Cavity wall ties – Metal connectors used to join two masonry walls together.
• Remedial wall ties– Designed for older buildings where the original wall ties have degraded and need a replacement.
• Masonry wall ties – Otherwise referred to as ‘brick ties’, these connect materials such as bricks or stones in masonry construction.

Tools and Materials for Installing Wall Ties

Before you begin, it is a good idea to have all the necessary materials/tools ready so that your installation process is seamless.

1. Safety Gear – Wear gloves, goggles, and a dust mask for protection.
2. Wall ties– Select the appropriate type based on the wall structure.
3. Mortar – Use a high-quality mix to securely embed the ties.
4. Trowel – For handling and applying the mortar efficiently.
5. Spirit Level – For aligning the wall ties.
6. Hammer or Drill – To install the wall ties either by hammering them into fresh mortar or drilling holes.
7. Saw or Angle Grinder – For cutting or modifying bricks/blocks for accurate tie installation.
8. Measuring Tape – Guaranteeing correct spacing of wall ties both horizontally and vertically.

Requirements for Installing Wall Ties

Before proceeding, you should understand and acknowledge your regional building codes and regulations, as they dictate how to install wall ties. Adhering to these regulations will avoid any potential difficulties later on.

1. Inspection – Examine your walls thoroughly, and check for any existing damage such as cracks or loose bricks that may require repair before installing the wall ties.
2. Placement – Start by planning the placement of your wall ties, which are generally placed at intervals of 450mm vertically and 900mm horizontally. Ensure the spacing considers height, length, and the type of structure you are mounting on.
3. Spacing around openings – Around openings such as windows and doors, it is advised that the wall ties be installed every 300mm vertically and 255mm horizontally.

(The yellow lines indicate spacing, but the measurements shown in the images are not to scale.)

Installing the Wall Ties

Now that you’re all prepped, put on your goggles, gloves, and a dust mask to shield yourself from unwanted debris and protect against injuries during your project.

Mark the positions

• Using a measuring tape, carefully mark the positions where the wall ties will be installed on both the inner and outer walls. According to standard regulations, the recommended placement and spacing is 450mm vertically and 900mm horizontally. Make sure that the marks are visible.

Prepare the mortar

• Next, prepare the mortar by adding the blend into a container. The consistency of the mortar should be smooth, and workable but firm enough to hold the wall ties in place without slumping. Generally, a good mix should be neither too dry nor too wet; essentially it should be pliable yet able to retain its shape when handled.

Insert the wall ties

• Once the mortar is ready, lay it on the wall, ready for the tie to be embedded. Position the wall tie horizontally and level (using a spirit level) and press one end of the wall tie firmly into the now-formed mortar joint until it is at least halfway in and anchored. Ensure the wall tie isn’t slanting – it should be perfectly straight and ready to attach to the outer wall.

Connect the outer wall

• After checking that you have securely installed the wall tie in the inner wall, build the outer wall directly opposite. Place the bricks or blocks over the exposed end of the wall tie, positioning them to fully embed the tie within the equivalent mortar joint of the outer wall.

  This should prevent both sides from any movement, thus stabilising the walls.

Repeat the process

• Continue the pattern for each wall tie, placing them at evenly spaced intervals according to your original markings. After every few ties, use a measuring tape and spirit level to verify that your spacing remains consistent. This will ensure that your walls are built symmetrically, thus achieving structural integrity.

Inspect the wall ties

• Once you have installed all the wall ties, conduct a final inspection to check that they are properly aligned and secure. Afterwards, allow the mortar to harden, keeping the ties firmly in place.

Key Indicators of Potential Wall Tie Failure

Any damage or failure of wall ties could lead to significant and irreversible issues, so vigilance for these warning signs is essential.

Structural Shifts (Leaning, Bending, Bowing, or Bulging Walls)

Visible signs of the above are strong indicators that wall ties within the cavity have failed. These deformations occur because the wall ties are no longer able to effectively hold the two wall layers together, allowing the walls to shift out of alignment.

Subsidence

This occurs when the ground beneath your home shifts downwards due to some factors like:

• Oversaturation – Excessive moisture in the soil, often caused by prolonged rainfall.
• Clay Shrinkage – During hot weather, reactive clay soils can dry out and shrink, leading to movement beneath the foundation.
• Poor Construction – Inadequate building techniques can weaken the foundation over time.

Wall Tie Corrosion

Steel wall ties are susceptible to rust when exposed to moisture over time. Commonly, moisture buildup within the cavity, either from rain penetration or condensation is the main reason for wall tie corrosion.  When wall ties corrode, their function degrades, thus reducing their ability to support the walls, and compromising the stability of the building.

Conclusion

In conclusion, having a solid understanding of the basic steps for wall tie installation and recognising the signs of potential issues is essential for maintaining your property. Our blog has outlined useful information on what to do and what to look for, but keep in mind that every home is different. The complexities of wall tie installation may sometimes call for expert assistance. If you ever feel uncertain, reaching out to a qualified professional can help address any concerns and ensure your home remains secure for years to come.