Wall Ties
(5 Products)Wall ties are an important element in ensuring the longevity and integrity of your building. Made of high-quality materials, namely grade 304 stainless steel, these restraint fixings will not rust or corrode and are suitable for timber, stainless steel, and traditional block wall structures. 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. They are typically made of galvanised steel or stainless steel and come in a variety of designs and sizes to suit different types of construction.
These components are essential in the construction of cavity walls, where two masonry leaves are separated by an air space. Their utilisation helps to transfer loads between the two walls and provides stability to the structure. In traditional brick-to-block construction, wall ties are incorporated into the wall leaves during the building process.
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.
Wall Tie 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
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.
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.