Our Services
Wall Tie Replacement
Restoring the connection between the outer and inner walls with a stainless steel helical wall tie system.
Wall ties are an important part of cavity-wall construction. They are metal connectors built into the wall to join the outer brickwork to the inner wall, helping the two leaves of the wall work together as one structure.
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Many older Sydney homes, particularly buildings over 50 years old, were constructed using galvanised steel wall ties. Over time these ties can deteriorate and corrode, particularly in coastal areas where salt and moisture can accelerate the corrosion process.
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As a wall tie corrodes the steel can expand considerably. This expansion places pressure on the surrounding brickwork, which can lead to cracking, bulging and movement along the mortar joints. If deterioration becomes severe, the wall ties can lose their structural effectiveness, allowing the outer wall to become increasingly separated from the inner structure.
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In advanced cases this can result in significant movement or instability of the outer brickwork and, if left untreated, may ultimately create a risk of partial wall collapse.
Identifying Deteriorating Wall Ties
One of the most noticeable signs of deteriorating wall ties is movement or separation within the outer brickwork. This can often be seen around windows, doors and other openings where larger gaps or cracking may begin to appear between the brickwork and the surrounding structure.
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You may also notice bulging brickwork, horizontal cracking through the mortar joints, rust staining or areas where the outer skin of brickwork appears to be pulling away from the building.
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The extent of deterioration can be influenced by the age of the building and its proximity to the coast. Older buildings, particularly those more than 50 years old, are often more susceptible to corrosion of the original metal wall ties. In coastal areas, salt carried through the air can accelerate corrosion and cause significantly more damage over time.
Restoring the Brickwork
Where failed or severely corroded wall ties are identified, the existing connection between the two skins of the wall needs to be restored.
At Craftpoint we use a stainless steel helical wall tie system. Carefully positioned holes are drilled through the existing brickwork, allowing the new helical ties to be installed into the wall and securely connect the outer brick skin back to the inner structure.
The ties are installed according to an appropriate fixing pattern and spacing for the particular wall and the extent of the damage. This creates a series of new structural connections between the two skins, helping to stabilise the outer brickwork and restore the integrity of the wall.
Once the tie installation is complete, all holes are filled with a mortar mix to match each brick, restoring the appearance of the wall.
The repair process is carried out with care to minimise disruption to the existing brickwork while addressing the underlying problem.