Wall ties play a critical role in maintaining the structural integrity of your home. These essential components are designed to hold the inner and outer layers of a cavity wall together, ensuring that your walls remain stable and secure. However, wall ties can deteriorate over time, leading to significant issues if not properly maintained which you can read about here.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the signs of wall tie failure and damp cavity wall insulation. Covering the reasons behind it, and why a professional wall tie inspection is essential, especially when cavity wall insulation is involved.
Signs of Wall Tie Failure
Wall tie failure can manifest in various ways, often indicating underlying problems that require immediate attention. Some of the most common signs include:
- Horizontal or Step Cracking: One of the most noticeable signs of wall tie failure is the appearance of horizontal or step cracks in the mortar joints of your brickwork. These cracks often form in a stepped pattern and can indicate that the wall ties are no longer effectively holding the walls together.
- Bulging Walls: If the wall ties are corroded or broken, the outer wall may begin to bulge outward, especially in areas exposed to the elements. This can lead to serious structural issues if not addressed promptly.
- Separation of the Inner and Outer Walls: Wall ties are designed to keep the inner and outer layers of a cavity wall connected. When they fail, these layers can begin to separate, compromising the stability of your walls.
- Rust Stains: If you notice rust stains on your brickwork, it could be a sign that the wall ties inside the cavity are corroding. This is particularly concerning because rust weakens the ties, making them more likely to fail.
Why Wall Ties Fail
Wall tie failure typically occurs due to corrosion. Most wall ties are made from metal, which are susceptible to rust when exposed to moisture.
Over time, this corrosion weakens the ties, causing them to fail.
One of the main contributors to wall tie corrosion is the presence of damp conditions within the cavity wall. This often happens when cavity wall insulation becomes wet, either due to poor installation, water ingress, or general wear and tear.
Wall Tie Failure and Damp Cavity Wall Insulation
During a wall tie inspection, it’s not uncommon for professionals to discover that damp cavity wall insulation has been installed within the cavity. While insulation is meant to improve energy efficiency, it can also trap moisture if it becomes damp, leading to a host of problems; you can read more about this here.
When cavity wall insulation becomes damp, it can’t dry out effectively and instead holds the moisture in place. This trapped moisture then comes into direct contact with the wall ties, accelerating the rusting and corrosion process.
As the wall ties corrode, they lose their strength, making them unable to hold the wall layers together. This not only compromises the structural integrity of your home but also poses significant safety risks.
Risks of Ignoring Wall Tie Failure
As the wall ties continue to deteriorate, the stability of your walls is compromised, potentially leading to partial or complete wall collapse in extreme cases. This not only puts the safety of the occupants at risk but also results in costly repairs and potential damage to the property’s value.
Furthermore, damp and moisture within the walls can lead to additional problems such as mould growth, which can cause health issues for residents, including respiratory problems and allergies.
Contact CavClear for a Wall Tie Survey
If you’ve noticed any signs of wall tie failure or damp cavity wall insulation in your home, it’s crucial to act quickly to prevent further damage. At CavClear, we offer professional wall tie surveys that provide a thorough assessment of your property’s structural integrity. Our surveys include a detailed inspection, followed by a comprehensive report and recommendations, with the option to move forward with remedial works as required, such as wall tie replacement or cavity wall insulation extraction.
Don’t wait for small issues to become major problems. Contact CavClear today for a 5-star rated wall tie survey. Our experienced team is here to help with expert advice, thorough inspections, and effective solutions tailored to your property.
Call us now on 0333 220 2463 or get in touch here.
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