These are unnoticed ties that help to hold those walls in your house to each other. The rods made of metal, also known as strips, are a vital element of the structure of your home. There’s no building that doesn’t require the support of cavity wall ties!
However, while the idea of cavities wall ties may be on the back of your list and the possibility of failure, a cavity wall tie is a growing problem for UK homes. Damaged or broken cavity wall ties could result in disastrous structural effects for your home.
Our experts were asked to explain what a cavity wall tie failure can be and how to spot it.
What is Cavity Wall Ties?
Wall ties for Cavity are basic metal strips or rods that play an incredibly important function in the structure of your house.
The home is comprised of two layers of wall one of which is the inner wall and another outer wall. The space between them is known as the wall cavity that is vital to provide insulation. For support, the two layers are joined by using cavity wall ties that connect the spaces between walls.
Wall ties for cavity walls are constructed out of various materials. However, the most commonly used are metals or alloys of metals with steel and zinc being the most popular options. If these wall tie fail, the structural integrity of the wall is compromised.
Failure of the cavity wall tie occurs in the event that the worst-case scenario takes place and the ties that hold the two layers of tie together fail and fail.
The most important reason behind this issue is that it has been a long time since corrosion. Because they’re mostly made from metal, the wall of the cavity tie is susceptible to rust and corrosion when water is absorbed in the cavity, or gets through the wall.
Wall ties for Cavity are covered with a protective, anti-corrosive coating prior to installation but it doesn’t remain in place for long.
However, it’s an natural process that can be reduced, not stopped. The heavy rain, flooding or leaks could increase the speed of the process.
Other causes for failure include inadequate construction work and loose brickwork or loose mortar. All of these can affect the strength of the wall. They also weaken the cavity wall ties. Since they are supports, builders might not have considered the amount of cavity wall tie to bear the load, which can lead to more stress and pressure, and ultimately, failure.
What happens when Cavity Wall Ties Fail?
Failure of a wall tie in the event of a cavity can cause serious damage to your home. Because they’re essential to structural stability, failing wall ties could lead to the total collapse of the wall, if not repaired.
Although this isn’t a common occurrence however, it can happen and typically occurs when multiple wall connections fail in a row or when the issue is not noticed by the homeowner.
While wall collapses are uncommon however, a cavity wall tie issue may cause cracks in the masonry, damage to brickwork, as well as problems with other areas of the house, for instance the roof, as walls begin to move or become sagging.
Broken or cracked brickwork may result in problems with ventilation, leading to knock-on effects which can lead to excessive condensation. The water can enter through the walls. This can cause more corrosion and wall ties to become weak as well, but also causes mould or damp inside.
Each of these issues will are not just time-consuming and money to fix and fix, but they are also harmful to the health of people and pose an hazard to the residents.
How do I spot Cavity wall tie failure?
Failure of a wall tie to hold it could have devastating effects over the long run It’s crucial to identify problems in the early stages and take action to repair broken ties if needed.
Since cavity wall ties are concealed between the outer and the inner walls, it’s difficult to recognize the indications. Therefore If you think you may be experiencing a problems with your cavity wall tie it is advisable to contact professionals for an evaluation.
If you are experiencing one of the following signs or indicators, then you should request an assessment:
Horizontal cracks can be found within the bricks or mortar when the ties for the cavity wall expand because of rust.
* Walls begin to expand upwards if the ties for cavity walls have been broken due to corrosion for long periods of time.
* Broken frames or window ledges.
* Collapsing (the most grave indication).
