Question 1

1. What are wall ties?

Accepted Answer

Wall ties are metal connectors that span the gap (cavity) between the external and internal leaves of a cavity wall. They hold the two leaves together so that they behave as one structural unit, transferring lateral and vertical loads and helping prevent the outer leaf from separating or bowing.

Question 2

2. What’s the difference between wall ties and brick ties?

Accepted Answer

The terms are often used interchangeably. Technically, brick ties refer to ties used specifically in brick-to-brick applications, while wall ties include broader uses.

Question 3

3. Are old wall ties compatible with modern building standards?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Old wall ties may not meet modern building standards. They might lack sufficient corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, or the correct embedment and spacing specifications. Modern guidelines such as BS EN 845‑1:2013+A1:2016 set the performance, material, and testing requirements for wall ties.

If you’re dealing with existing ties, check whether they comply with current standards: look at material (for example stainless steel instead of mild steel), spacing and embedment, and manufacturer performance data (if available). If they fall short, replacement or supplementary ties may be needed.

Question 4

4. How many wall ties do I need per m²?

Accepted Answer

How far apart should wall ties be? As a general guide, for masonry cavity walls with leaves ≥ 90mm thick you should have a minimum of about 2.5 wall ties per m². Alternatively, the standard horizontal spacing is no more than 900mm and vertical spacing no more than 450mm. Around openings and movement joints the spacing must be tighter: vertical centres might reduce to 300mm, horizontal spacing within 225mm of opening edges.

Question 5

5. How do you replace wall ties?

Accepted Answer

Replacing wall ties is something that comes up fairly regularly on older cavity-wall buildings or in remedial work. It might be triggered by the corrosion of wall ties in exposed elevations, or because of poor installation at an earlier date.

Replacing wall-ties begins with a detailed survey to locate the existing ties (often using a metal detector or borescope) to assess their condition. Once the problem area is identified, new ties are installed in a staggered pattern relative to the original ties, with correct embedment and spacing in each leaf. After installation, any drilled holes or openings are made good and severely corroded original ties are isolated or removed. If the work involves a structurally vulnerable building or is complex in nature, the specification should be confirmed by a structural engineer.

Wall ties

Ancon Staifix HRT4 Type 4 Wall Tie 275mm (Pack of 250)

Ancon Staifix RT2 Type 2 General Purpose Wall Tie 225mm (Pack of 20)

Ancon Staifix HRT4 Type 4 Wall Tie 225mm (Pack of 20)

Ancon Staifix RT2 Type 2 General Purpose Wall Tie 250mm (Pack of 250)

Ancon Staifix HRT4 Type 4 Wall Tie 250mm (Pack of 250)

Ancon Staifix HRT4 Type 4 Wall Tie 225mm (Pack of 250)

Ancon Staifix RT2 Type 2 General Purpose Wall Tie 200mm (Pack of 250)

Ancon Staifix HRT4 Type 4 Wall Tie 200mm (Pack of 250)

Ancon ST1 Heavy Duty Wall Tie 225mm

Ancon ST1 Heavy Duty Wall Tie 250mm

Staifix Timber Frame Wall Ties STF50 For 50mm Cavity

Ancon Staifix STF6 Timber Frame Cavity Wall Tie Box 100

Sabrefix 225mm Type 4 Wall Tie - Pack Of 250

Sabrefix 250mm Type 4 Wall Tie - Pack Of 250