Retrofit wall ties fix the outer wall of a building to the main structure. They are necessary when the existing anchors are rusting, missing or poorly fitted.

Shoddy construction can result in a poor brick tie system. Ties may be lacking or too short to suit the cavity width.

Prior to 1980, the thinking was that galvanised mild steel wall ties would last for the life of the building. Later studies show that some wall ties corrode after only 20 years. As they rot, rust deposits build up. Rusting steel can swell to many times its original thickness. The swelling steel can split and crack the mortar joints where rows of ties lay. A succession of cracks will weaken a wall. Under high winds, the walls can collapse.

A 1981 survey shows that 12 million UK homes are at risk of wall tie failure.

What are the signs of Wall Tie Failure?

• Cracks running along bed joints or render coats may suggest rows of rusting ties.
• Walls that bulge or lean may imply that the existing ties are not holding the outer wall.

What Types of Remedial Wall Ties are Available?

There are four main types of retrofit ties. Each fits into a pre-drilled hole. All are stainless-steel pins that resist rusting.

• Helical wall ties are hammer drive anchors that screw into masonry, concrete, and brick. Use them for tying assorted substrates. This versatile system forms a stress-free mechanical grip within the walls.
• Mechanical wall ties have a neoprene sleeve at each end. The mechanism squeezes the sleeves. The squashed neoprene presses against the side of the hole, forming a friction fit. Please do not use them in perforated masonry or where fire ratings are necessary.
• Resin-fix ties use an adhesive to bond them to brickwork. Avoid using them in hollow bricks. Use a fire-rated epoxy where needed.
• Combination Ties use a mechanical fixing at one end and a resin at the other.

Find out How to Fit Remedial Wall Ties in Existing Walls.

Please visit our product pages to learn how to fit each type of remedial tie. You will find our datasheets helpful for fitting helical, mechanical, or resin-fix ties.

Retrofit wall ties are vital when an existing tie system has failed. Use them to strengthen and stabilise vulnerable cavity wall structures. Read our Professional Guide to Wall Tie Replacement for complete details.

We keep a wide range of remedial wall ties in stock. Speak with a technical team member for free expert advice on corrective tying solutions. Buy them online for fast UK delivery.