Wall Ties
(5 Products)Wall ties securely connect the inner and outer leaves (or skins) of masonry, allowing them to act as a single, cohesive unit. This connection is vital for resisting lateral loads (such as wind pressure and suction), preventing damp penetration across the cavity via an integral drip feature, and accommodating minor differential movements between the masonry leaves. In traditional brick-to-block construction, wall ties are incorporated into the wall leaves during the building process.
We stock a range of cavity wall ties (in pack quantities of 250) and wall starter kits complete with the necessary fixings.
Wall Starter Kit 2236mm
What Are Wall Ties?
Wall ties, often referred to as 'brick ties', are metal connectors used to join two masonry walls together.
In a cavity wall, two separate masonry leaves (e.g., an outer brick wall and an inner block wall) are constructed with a space (the cavity) between them. Wall ties bridge this cavity at regular intervals, providing a crucial link.
Key Functions
- Structural Stability & Lateral Load Resistance: Wall ties transfer lateral forces (primarily wind loads) acting on one leaf to the other, distributing the stress across the entire wall system. This prevents individual leaves from bowing, bulging, or collapsing under pressure or suction, ensuring the overall stability of the wall.
- Preventing Damp Transfer: Most cavity wall ties incorporate a drip feature (a downward kink or twist) positioned centrally within the cavity. This design detail is critical as it prevents any rainwater that might penetrate the outer leaf from tracking across the tie and reaching the inner leaf, thereby protecting the internal structure from dampness.
- Accommodating Differential Movement: Masonry materials can expand or contract due to thermal changes or moisture variations. Wall ties are designed to be sufficiently flexible to accommodate these minor differential movements between the inner and outer leaves without compromising the structural connection or causing cracking.
Applications
For wall ties to effectively connect the leaves, they should be pressed into fresh mortar, not inserted into an existing joint. The ties should be placed with a slight slope towards the outer leaf to prevent moisture from bridging the cavity.
Should moisture occur within the cavity, the effectiveness of any insulation present will be compromised, as will the thermal performance of the structure. For this reason, ensure the drip section of the tie faces downward and is located near the centre of the cavity.
Benefits
- Used to join the two leaves of a cavity wall together
- Compatible with a range of materials
- Typically made of stainless steel, galvanised steel, or aluminium
- Allows two masonry leaves to act as a homogeneous unit
- Prevents water transfer from the outer wall to the internal wall
Understanding Wall Tie Types (Classifications as per BS EN 845-1)
BS EN 845-1:2013+A1:2016 (Specification for ancillary components for masonry - Part 1: Ties, tension straps, hangers and brackets) is the primary European standard governing the specification and performance of wall ties in the UK. Ties are classified into "Types" based on their strength, stiffness, and intended use:
- Type 1 Wall Ties (Heavy Duty):
- Designed for more demanding applications.
- Suitable for most building sizes and types, including those over 15 metres in height, buildings in areas of high wind exposure, or where larger cavity widths or greater structural stiffness are required.
- Often made from heavier gauge stainless steel or feature more robust designs.
- Type 2 Wall Ties (General Purpose):
- Suitable for domestic houses and commercial buildings up to approximately 15 metres in height.
- Commonly used in buildings with cavity widths up to 100mm (specific tie lengths will vary).
- Type 4 Wall Ties (Light Duty):
- Specifically designed for use in domestic houses and small commercial buildings, typically up to 10 metres in height, in areas with basic wind speeds up to 25 m/s.
- Ideal for standard cavity widths (e.g., 50-75mm, for which a 200mm tie is common).
- This is one of the most frequently used types in UK domestic construction.
(Note: Older classifications like Type 3 are less commonly referenced now, with Types 2 and 4 covering most standard applications. Specialist ties also exist for timber frame construction, movement joints, and remedial work, but are distinct from these standard cavity ties.)
Selection of the correct tie type is critical and should be based on structural calculations considering building height, geographical location (wind zone), cavity width, and the type of masonry units being used.
Choosing the Right Wall Tie for Your Project
Selecting the appropriate wall tie involves considering several factors:
- Building Height & Type: Determines the required tie type (e.g., Type 4 for low-rise domestic, Type 1 for taller or more exposed structures).
- Geographical Location & Wind Exposure: Areas with higher wind speeds may necessitate stronger ties or closer spacing.
- Cavity Width: The tie length must be appropriate for the specified cavity width to ensure correct embedment and drip positioning.
- Masonry Type: Different masonry units (brick, block, stone) may have specific requirements.
- Structural Engineer's Specification: For any non-standard construction or larger buildings, wall ties will be specified by a structural engineer.
Always refer to project-specific structural calculations, BS EN 845-1, and BS EN 1996-1-1 (Eurocode 6) or relevant Building Regulations Approved Documents (e.g., Approved Document A - Structure in England) when specifying wall ties.
Frequently Asked Wall Ties Questions
Are Wall Ties & Brick Ties The Same?
Yes, wall ties are often referred to as brick ties. Although referred to interchangeably, they are the same product.
What are Remedial Wall Ties?
Remedial ties are used as replacement wall ties in existing cavity walls to correct an original tying system that has weakened as a result of corrosion.
What Are Type 4 Wall Ties?
Type 4 wall ties are a robust component suitable for use in timber, stainless steel, and traditional block wall structures as well as buildings up to 10m high.
Constructed from high-grade 304 stainless steel, type 4 wall ties boast impeccable rust and corrosion resistance. Despite their inherent strength, they are also malleable and can be shaped or positioned as needed.
To add to their convenience, they also comprise a double drip feature to prevent moisture from penetrating the internal wall and causing dampness in the building.
What Happens When Wall Ties Fail?
Cavity wall ties have long been a staple in the construction industry - since around 1900. However, the galvanising protection that we see on a lot of metalwork products today was not as reliable in the past. Due to this, a lot of older ties we see in buildings are more susceptible to damage, allowing moisture from the outside skin to infiltrate the structure and thus, corrode the tie.
This corrosion and rusting causes the ties to expand in thickness, which as a result, causes mortar beds to expand along with them. This chain reaction can disrupt the outer brick skin, causing cracks in the mortar joints.
This can be a serious issue if not addressed and it is important to address this problem as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the wall.
How Many Wall Ties Do I Need Per Square Metre of Masonry?
Two and a half wall ties will need to be fixed per square metre of masonry.
What Is A Collar Joint Wall?
Collar-jointed walls, otherwise known as double-leaf walls, are walls that feature two masonry leaves bound together by stout wall ties. The gap between these two leaves (commonly referred to as the collar joint) is then filled with mortar.
What Are Some Common Types of Wall Ties & Brick Ties?
- Brick-to-block ties
- Timber frame ties
- Thin joint blockwork ties
- Bubble foil insulation ties
- Steel frame ties
What Is A Wall Starter Kit?
A wall starter kit is a set of components used to begin building a cavity wall. The benefits of using wall starters include:
- Convenience: The kit includes all the necessary components and fixings to secure masonry layers together, which can save time and effort when starting a new wall construction project.
- Consistency: The components in a wall starter kit are designed to work together and are manufactured to a consistently high standard, which helps to ensure that the wall is built correctly and to the correct specifications.
- Quality: The components in a wall starter kit are made of high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the elements and last for many years.
- Cost-effective: Wall starter kits are often more cost-effective than buying the components individually, and they can save you money in the long run.
- Technical support: Many manufacturers of wall starter kits will provide technical support to help builders correctly install the components and ensure that the wall is built to the correct specifications.
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