Wall ties are an important part of any property’s structural integrity. When they fail, the consequences can be significant and cause extensive damage. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the most common signs of a wall tie failure, as well as what you should do if you think your property is in danger. Wall tie failure surveys are a great way to evaluate the condition of your property’s wall ties. Hidden inside cavity walls, wall ties are often overlooked and forgotten. However, their importance cannot be overstated. They help to hold the inner and outer walls of your building together and provide the structural support your building needs to last.
The most common symptom of wall tie failure is horizontal cracking along mortar joints. While horizontal cracking can occur in many different patterns, it is the stepped cracking that typically indicates a more serious underlying problem. If you notice cracking or bulging in the external masonry, this could be a sign that your wall ties are corroded or failing. Bowing or bulging can also be an indication that your ties are failing to provide the necessary support to keep your wall stable.
Other signs may include distorted windows and door frames, lifting of roof edges, wall separation at corners. If you notice any of the above signs, it’s important to request a Wall Tie Failure Survey to determine the severity of the issue.
Once you have determined the cause of the failure, the next step is often to repair or replace the wall tie. The exact procedure will vary depending on the type of damage and your building’s structure. Replacing wall ties can be done in a variety of ways. A professional can provide you with advice on the best way to go about it. Replacing a damaged or worn wall tie requires the removal of the old ties and the insertion of new ones. The process can be time-consuming and requires expertise and accuracy. It’s important to remember that preventive measures are better than reactive ones. Keeping up with regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent wall tie failure in the future and save you money on costly wall tie repairs in the long run.
Getting a wall tie survey
Before beginning the process of replacing your wall ties, it’s important to have a professional diagnosis. You can hire a professional to inspect your property and create a comprehensive wall tie survey that will help you determine the severity of the issue. The survey will typically be done by a qualified structural engineer who has access to specialized equipment that can measure the condition of your wall ties. During a typical wall tie survey, your professional structural engineer will:
- Determine the location of the wall ties with a metal detector.
- Drill a hole in the wall to inspect the ties. A borescope camera should be inserted into the cavity to get a clear image of the ties. If this is not possible, you may need to drill a larger hole into the wall.
- Determine if the ties meet industry visual grading standards.
- Examine the brickwork and wall condition of the house.
- Create a report on the results of the home inspection and make recommendations.