While there is no exact figure, it is estimated that around 10 million homes across the UK are in danger of faulty wall ties causing structural issues and will need to call upon a professional to deal with it.
At Croft Preservation, we are a team of specialists who are able to remove problematic ties and replace them with galvanised ones, which are guaranteed to last longer and will comply with new building regulations.
Sometimes called brick ties, cavity wall ties connect each side of a cavity wall, ensuring stability and strength.
Each side of the tie is added to the cement joints between the bricks during the construction of the building. The idea is that the toe holds the weaker exterior wall to the stronger interior one, reinforcing the outside wall with the strength of the inside wall.
Problems stemming from cavity wall failure are common among UK households for several reasons.
Any construction projects prior to the 1930s that used this system would use ties that didn’t have a galvanised layer for protection. This makes any cavity wall ties from this time susceptible to corrosion, which leads to further problems with the structure of the property.
Most cavity wall ties are made from metals such as stainless steel or galvanized steel because these can withstand most elements. However, exposure to moisture can cause these materials to corrode over time.
As the metal corrodes, it gets weaker, reducing the strength of the cavity walls and leading to failure.
For a cavity wall tie to be effective, it must be installed properly. Errors such as incorrect embedment into the mortar joints or insufficient spacing between ties can compromise their effectiveness in providing structural support.
There are a number of different types of wall ties, each suitable for different wall constructions. Therefore, the right type must be used for the cavity wall being built.
As steady as we think buildings are, they are subject to movements such as settling, expansion and contraction due to temperature fluctuations and various forces.
Movements can put pressure on any cavity wall ties, causing them to shift or deform. Sometimes, the wall ties are unable to accommodate these movements, which can cause failure. Additionally, any corrosion is likely to have weakened them and also lead to further structural problems.
As with most components in construction, cavity wall ties have a finite lifespan. As they age, they can weaken and degrade meaning that they become more likely to cause problems.
Factors such as exposure to pollutants in the air or the presence of aggressive chemicals in the surrounding environment can accelerate this process, leading to premature failure.
Environmental factors like excessive pollution or exposure to extreme weather conditions like acid rain or salt spray can often cause cavity wall ties to corrode quickly. In addition, other elements can raise the chance of corrosion and subsequent failure, such as being close to industrial areas or coastal regions with high salinity levels.
Because these wall ties are out of sight, knowing if they are failing can be difficult. However, there are several signs to look out for:
While it can feel like a small problem, cavity wall tie failure can lead to serious consequences if not dealt with.
As the ties play a critical part in connecting the stronger interior wall with the weaker exterior wall and provide lateral support, they prevent the walls from separating or collapsing. If the ties become weak and start to fail, then the structural stability of the walls can be compromised, leading to bulging, cracking, or even partial collapse of the wall.
Another purpose of cavity wall ties is they maintain the weatherproof integrity of the building envelope by preventing water from penetrating the inner wall cavity. As ties start to fail, gaps can start to form which can allow moisture to enter the space between the inner and outer wall.
Once moisture is present, it can lead to dampness, mould and damage to internal finishes and structural components.
Cavity walls work to add thermal insulation to a home. Should the wall start to get holes and gaps in it, the insulation properties of the structure start to deteriorate, increasing energy consumption of the property and reducing the comfort levels within the property.
There is a likelihood that a faulty cavity wall tie will lead to aesthetic damage within the property.
If you suspect that your cavity wall ties are failing, don’t hesitate to call our professionals.
We have over 30 years of experience in the industry and understand the severity of this problem.
After your call, we will quickly get a member of our team out to your property (always arranging this for a date and time that suits you) to assess the property and locate any faulty ties.
Where possible, we will look to retrofit replacements, choosing the least invasive course of action so that we can minimise the impact on your house and routines.
Once we have determined the severity of the problem and a course of action, we will talk it through with you, giving you a quote before arranging another date and time to sort the problem.
Our actions are swift and efficient, so you don’t have to worry about living with the issue for long.
Don’t forget, we are also experts in dealing with damp, rot and mould and can install damp-proofing treatments where needed.
Get in touch with us today by calling us on 01202 737739 or completing our online enquiry form to request a callback.
