How to Replace Cavity Wall Ties
The method of building properties with cavity walls began in the 1920s and was designed to help prevent problems with damp by providing ventilation and by permitting excess moisture to drain safely away. Another beneficial effect is that the cavity between walls acts as an insulator, improving the property's thermal performance via the reduction of heat transfer. Cavity walls were so successful at performing these functions that, by the 1950s, they had become the standard for the vast majority of new properties.
It is crucial to make sure that the inner structural wall is securely attached to the building's facade and this is achieved with the use of wall ties. Unfortunately, a wall tie system may fail for a number of reasons. In some cases, the original system of wall ties may be defective to begin with; common problems include ties that are of too short a length to suit the cavity or the number of ties being insufficient. Particularly in older properties, the original ties may have corroded. If the corrosion continues unchecked, the wall ties will fail, resulting in structural instability.
Whatever the reason for replacing wall ties, the job must be done using products of superior quality like those found in our bestselling remedial cavity wall ties kit. The kit contains everything you need to achieve lasting, reliable and professional results.
The process begins by drilling pilot holes, making sure that the depth of the bore is 10mm longer than the tie itself. A setting device is then placed into an SDS tool and the shank of one wall tie placed into the setting device. With the SDS drill set to hammer mode, the tie is driven into the wall until it is countersunk beneath the masonry surface.
As the helical tie has a diameter greater than that of the pilot hole, it is forced to rotate as it is driven in. The rotating helix advances, undercutting a helical screw thread into the masonry, strongly and permanently tying both walls firmly and securely together. No expansive stress is exerted on the masonry during the process.
No less than 150 wall ties are included with the cost-effective kit, each one made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel of premium quality. The tying system, which carries UKCA approval and the trusted CE Mark in respect of BS EN845-1, includes the SDS tungsten carbide drill bits and remedial setting tool required for fast, fuss-free installation. Five different lengths of helical wall ties are available to suit most cavity widths.
Full details of the Twistfix remedial wall tie kit for cavity walls can be found or our website. If you have any questions or need expert advice then please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated technical team. You could also check out our YouTube video which illustrates just how easy it is to use this wall tie replacement system.