Wall ties are an essential component in the construction of cavity walls. Responsible for holding the inner and outer leaf of the cavity wall together, wall ties prevent walls from separating or bowing outwards. Over time, your wall ties can deteriorate leading to potential structural issues. In this article, we give you a comprehensive guide on everything wall ties, from causes of failure to prevention, and when you need to think about replacing wall ties.
What Are Wall Ties?
Wall ties are metal connectors that span the cavity between the inner and outer leaf of the cavity wall. They’re typically made of galvanized steel or stainless steel designed to transfer lateral loads between the two leaves of the wall. They come in various shapes and sizes, such as butterfly ties, fishtail ties, and screw-in ties. You can read more about different types of wall ties here.
Do Wall Ties Really Need Replacing?
As essential components in cavity walls, wall ties help connect the inner and outer walls of your home, making them structurally stable. As a rule of thumb, if your home was built before the 1980s, you have around 15 to 20 years before you need to get a professional to replace wall ties in your home. Wall ties in properties built during and after the 1980s are generally made of stainless steel and can last well over 50 years. If you choose not to replace your damaged wall ties, the structural integrity of your walls can be compromised, causing it to become unstable. This could lead to further cracks and damage and, in severe cases, the wall may collapse, causing serious injury or even death.
Why Do Wall Ties Fail and How to Prevent It?
Wall tie failure can occur due to various factors, but the most common cause is corrosion. Corrosion occurs when your metal meets moisture and oxygen. In the case of wall ties, this process is accelerated because they’re typically embedded in a moist environment within the cavity of a wall. Over time, this can cause wall ties to weaken and eventually fail, compromising the structural integrity of the building.
To prevent corrosion, ensure that the cavity is adequately ventilated, allowing moisture to escape, and reducing the risk of condensation. Additionally, choose ties made of corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel or titanium. These materials are more expensive than traditional galvanized steel ties but offer greater protection against corrosion and are worth the investment in the long run. Another factor that can contribute to wall tie failure includes mechanical damage, such as drilling or cutting into the wall, and damage from improper installation, such as insufficient spacing or inadequate embedment depth. This type of damage can weaken the ties, making them more vulnerable to corrosion and prudent for you to replace wall ties in your property. Ensure that your ties are installed by certified professionals and avoid unnecessary trouble from improper installations.
How do I know if I need to be replacing my wall Ties?
Checking the condition of your ties is an important part of maintaining the structural integrity of your building. While most checking methods are relatively invasive, here are some steps you can take to check the condition of your ties:
1. Look for visible signs of damage:
Most obvious signs that your wall ties are failing are if there are any visible cracks or bulges in the walls. Bulges can indicate that the wall ties have failed and are no longer providing the necessary support. You may also notice that walls are starting to bow or that the mortar joints are starting to crack.
2. Check for dampness:
Damp walls can also be an indicator of wall tie failure. Moisture enters the cavity through gaps in the mortar joints or around the windows and doors, and if wall ties are not functioning correctly, they can act as a bridge for the moisture to travel from the outer leaf to the inner leaf. This results in damp patches or stains on the internal walls, especially near the bottom where moisture tends to accumulate.
3. Inspect the condition of the mortar:
Cracks in the mortar joints between the bricks or blocks of your property’s walls could be an indication that your wall ties are failing. This occurs when your wall ties have corroded to the point where they are no longer able to provide the necessary support for the outer leaf of the wall. As a result, the bricks or blocks can shift and move, causing cracks to appear in the mortar joints. If you notice this, contact a professional immediately, this is a serious issue that requires immediate attention to prevent further damage.
4. Hire a professional:
If you suspect that your wall ties may be failing but are not sure where to start checking, call in a professional. A professional contractor can give you quick and honest advice on whether they need replacing. They’ll have the necessary tools and expertise to carry out a thorough inspection of your wall ties and provide qualified advice on whether you need to replace the wall ties in your property.
Regular inspections of your wall ties can help you catch any issues early on and prevent more serious problems from developing. If you notice any signs of damage or dampness, take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your building and your family.
How Can You Replace Wall Ties?
In general, the process for replacing wall ties involves removing the outer leaf of the wall, extracting the old wall ties, and installing new ones. Once the new wall ties are installed, the outer leaf is reattached, and any necessary repairs are carried out.
The full process to replace wall ties can be complex and invasive requiring careful planning and execution. It’s crucial to seek professional advice and hire a qualified contractor to carry out the work.
Wall ties are a critical component of cavity walls, and their failure can lead to serious structural issues. It’s essential to address any signs of wall tie failure promptly and seek professional advice when necessary. By understanding what causes wall tie failure and how to prevent it, you can take proactive steps to replace wall ties early to ensure the long-term integrity of cavity walls and the safety of your family. Don’t take the possibility of a compromised wall tie lightly. Your home’s structural integrity is too important to ignore.
What should I do if I am concerned?
Are you concerned about the condition of your wall ties? Ignoring the signs of wall tie failure can lead you to costlier structural issues or worse, serious injury. Let Atlantis give you some peace of mind. Schedule a professional inspection today.
Damp issues can be a home seller’s worst nightmare. Damp can effect the value of your home. It can affect potential buyers’ perception of your home and how much you can make from a sale.
In this article, the experts at Atlantis will explain how damp can affect the value of your home, and how a damp survey can save you time while maximising your earnings.
Can You Sell a House with Damp Issues?
Although you can sell a house with damp, you have a legal obligation to disclose damp issues to potential buyers. That obligation still exists even if the damp is not clearly visible, for example if it’s covered by a coat of paint.
How Much Does Damp effect the value of your home?
Damp issues will affect the value of your home and how much you can sell it for. Many potential buyers will be concerned if you disclose that your home has damp issues. Remaining buyers will likely use your damp issues as leverage to offer a lower price. If the issue is particularly visible or severe, buyers would consider the additional time and cost of fixing the damp should they purchase your home.
If you’re working with an estate agent, you may be advised to consider other selling options such as private sale or auction, because the house has a lower market value. This naturally leads to a lower commission for them, therefore they may encourage a quick sale.
Ultimately, the severity of the damp will determine its effect on house prices. Conducting a damp survey will give an accurate account of the damp issues in your home.
Should You Fix Damp Before Selling Your House?
It would be wise to address your home’s damp issues before selling. This action may increase your homes value. Even a history of damp is unattractive to some buyers. However, it will significantly decrease the devaluation of your home due to unfixed damp. You’re more likely to get an offer closer to your asking price.
Fixing damp issues after putting your house on the market will delay a sale. Buyers will see your house as a project, rather than a home. Furthermore, the longer your house sits on the market, the more other buyers will assume there’s something wrong with it. Therefore, it’s better to address damp issues before putting your house up for sale.
What Is a Damp Survey and How Can It Help?
A dampness survey is an evaluation to determine the presence and extent of damp in a building.
Having a professional conduct a dampness survey before listing your house is the best course of action, because it will provide useful information that can be used before and during the sale.
You’ll receive a report on whether you have damp and the severity of the issue. If you intend to fix the damp prior to sale, an expert can estimate the cost and time of repairs. If you intend to sell without making repairs, the report can be used to adjust your asking price and explain the issue to potential buyers.
Contact Atlantis to Book Your Damp Survey
Identifying damp before putting your house on the market can determine the value of your home and affect how you proceed with the sale.
A damp survey is a thorough investigation of a property carried out by a professional in order to determine if there is any damp present. It’s vital to have one carried out if you’re purchasing a new property or if you believe your home might be experiencing problems associated with dampness.
In this article, we explain what a damp survey is, what it involves, and how long it takes.
How to Tell If You Need a Damp Survey
A damp survey is a report compiled by a professional damp specialist. There are several instances when you might require one, including:
If you notice any of the following signs, there’s a high probability you have damp in your home. You should arrange for a survey to confirm this. These signs include:
Musty or fungal smells
Visible mould
Rotting timbers
Damaged plaster or wallpaper
Broken masonry
Salty tide marks on walls
What Does a Damp Survey Show?
Importantly, a damp survey will confirm the presence of damp in a property and can also show what type of damp is present.
A thorough damp survey will confirm if you have any of the following in your home:
Condensation
Rising damp
Penetrating damp
Damp surveys are often carried out as part of a wider ‘damp and timber survey’, where a specialist will check for wet and dry rot, woodworm infestations, and other issues associated with damp and timbers.
What Is Involved in a Damp Survey?
A comprehensive damp survey will involve a professional entering your property and carrying out a number of different investigations and tests. They will ask the property owner a number of questions in order to find out how old the property is, whether there are any noticeable problems, and more. Once the survey has been carried out, the specialist will compile a report based on their data, observations and findings.
A few of the key steps that a damp surveyor will undertake include:
Asking the property owner questions
Looking at the history of the property
Taking physical observations of the property
Assessing visible signs of damp
Using specialist equipment such as a damp meter to locate damp
How Long Does a Damp Survey Take?
The time it takes for a damp survey to be carried out depends on the size of the property and the extent of any problems that may be found. This does not include the time required to compile the report afterwards.
Contact Atlantis Damp to Book Your Damp Survey
If you’re worried about damp in your home or if you’d like a thorough damp survey carried out when purchasing a new property, Atlantis Damp is here to help.
Penetrating damp, rising damp and even condensation can cause serious damage if your property isn’t properly protected.
Without appropriate treatment, damp can lead to serious structural issues, unpleasant and hazardous living conditions, and expensive repairs.
Damp proofing is vital. In this article, the experts at Atlantis Damp explain how to damp proof your home.
What Is Damp Proofing?
Damp proofing is essential if you want to keep your home structurally sound and safe to live in.
But what exactly is damp proofing?
There are three main types of damp that could affect your home. These are rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation. Damp proofing aims to combat rising damp.
There are several ways to tackle damp issues within a property, but the main methods will involve a combination of the following:
Repairing and maintaining infrastructures such as drains and gutters to reduce risk of penetrating damp
Making structural improvements, such as installing a damp-proof course to reduce the risk of rising damp
Improving ventilation to avoid condensation
What Happens If Damp Is Left Untreated?
If damp is left untreated, it can cause serious structural problems within your home. Importantly, toxic black mould can also cause health problems to residents, which is why it’s so important to have problems fixed as soon as possible.
If damp is left untreated, you could experience the following problems in your home:
Damaged wallpaper, plaster boards and decoration
Damaged walls and timber supports
Fungal growths and musty smells
Crumbling masonry and brickwork
Respiratory illnesses
Serious structural damage to property
What Is the Best Method of Damp Proofing?
Damp proofing involves protecting your home against unwanted moisture and water entering the property.
This can be as simple as opening windows when showering to avoid condensation build-ups, or it could require more complex work, such as installing a chemical damp-proof course to protect against rising damp.
Your home will need to be protected against all three types of damp, and you will need to use the following methods to do so:
Ventilation: opening windows; installing extractor fans or dehumidifiers to stop condensation. Whole house, PIV ventilation units are often recommended.
Removing potential water sources: fixing broken guttering pipes or installing better drainage systems to remove water sources that can cause dampness.
Damp-Proof Course: installing a damp-proof course (usually a chemical damp-proof course that’s injected into the walls) to create a waterproof barrier that stops water from rising from the earth up the walls of your home.
Groundwork: lowering the ground level around your home to ensure water can’t seep in from the outside. An internal tanking solution may also be recommended when external levels remain higher than internal floor levels.
Why Is It Better to Hire Damp Proofing Specialists to Damp Proof Your Home?
If you need to damp proof your home, it’s always best to hire a damp proofing specialist to carry out the work.
Damp proofing is complex, as there are multiple types of damp that need to be protected against, across a property.
Different types of damp require different solutions, so it’s important to have an expert identify the cause of problems and highlight the best way to treat the damp and protect against it in the future.
Contact Atlantis Damp to Find Out More About Damp Proofing Your Home
Atlantis Damp’s experienced team of damp proofing specialists will ensure that your property is fully protected.
From masonry wall ties to timber wall ties, different types of wall ties are designed for different purposes, so it’s crucial that the right wall ties are selected for the task at hand.
In this article, the experts at Atlantis Damp explain everything you need to know about the different designs and types of wall ties, and when and where they are needed.
What Is a Wall Tie?
A wall tie is a thin strip of metal designed to hold two layers of masonry together. They are commonly produced from zinc, steel and other metal alloys, and are usually installed in the cavity space between an inner and outer wall.
Wall ties are vital to the structural integrity of a property. They provide the support that’s necessary for a building to be constructed with two layers of brickwork or masonry. If they fail, the walls will become destabilised and could even collapse.
Because wall ties allow for the creation of a cavity space, they are also important for insulation.
This cavity space can be filled with insulating materials, which then keeps heat in and energy costs down.
What Are the Different Types of Wall Ties?
Because they are vital to the structural integrity of a property, it’s important that the correct wall ties are installed.
The most common types of wall ties include:
Masonry to Masonry Wall Ties: Are designed to hold two layers of masonry together, thereby allowing for a secure inner and outer wall with a cavity space in between. There are three major designs of masonry-to-masonry wall ties, and they are classed as ‘heavy duty’, ‘general purpose’ or ‘light duty’ wall ties.
Masonry to Timber Wall Ties: Designed to hold an outer wall of brickwork together with an inner wall that’s been constructed from timber.
Lateral Restraint Wall Ties: Designed to stop any lateral movement occurring between a layer of masonry and existing structures in a building, such as supports or older walls.
Remedial Wall Ties: Are specifically designed to be installed into an existing cavity space where wall ties have become damaged, broken or corroded.
There are several other types of wall ties, too, which are often suitable for specific or niche construction purposes.
How Do I Know Which Type of Wall Tie I Need?
The most common types of wall ties needed are generally masonry to masonry wall ties. If the walls in your property are constructed from different materials, such as timber, then it may also be readily apparent which type you require.
However, because of the importance of wall ties to the structure of a home, it’s vital that you seek professional assistance when replacing wall ties or installing new ones.
Contact Atlantis Damp Today for More Information on Different Types of Wall Ties
Atlantis Damp provides a comprehensive range of wall tie services.
Wall tie failure can lead to serious structural issues, but our experienced team is on hand to carry out surveys, maintenance and repair work to ensure your property is safe.
Contact Atlantis Damp today for more information on different types of wall ties, and to find out how we can help you.
