Most homeowners expect wall tie failure to show up on the outside of their property but by the time cracks appear inside, the damage beneath the surface is already advanced.
At CavClear, our team recently investigated a property showing severe internal cracking through plaster walls and ceilings. What looked like minor cosmetic damage was actually the result of extensive wall tie corrosion, a structural problem that, if ignored, can lead to partial wall collapse.
What Wall Ties Actually Do
Wall ties are small metal connectors hidden within your cavity walls. Their job is simple but essential: to hold the inner and outer leaves of brickwork together so the wall can act as one strong structure.
When these ties rust and expand, they push outward against the mortar joints. Over time, this creates visible step-cracks in brickwork, bulging walls, and in advanced cases, cracking through internal walls and ceilings, exactly what we found on this recent project.
The Dangers of Ignoring the Signs
Early signs of wall tie failure often start subtly, a few small cracks along the mortar or movement around windows. But once corrosion sets in, the damage accelerates quickly.
Here’s what happens inside the wall:
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Rust expands to up to 5x the volume of the original steel.
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This expansion forces apart brickwork and fractures mortar joints.
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The wall’s outer leaf begins to separate from the inner leaf, creating instability.
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Eventually, both layers can move independently, risking partial collapse.
By the time internal cracking is visible, the structure’s stability is already compromised. As can be seen below, when called in for a survey this is what our team discovered. The extreme side of ignoring wall tie failure where the internal wall is showing signs of potential collapse. This is where repairs can get expensive…
How CavClear Identifies and Repairs Wall Tie Failure
Our process is designed to detect and fix these hidden issues safely and efficiently:
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Wall Tie Survey:
Using electronic detection and borescope inspection, our specialists locate and assess the existing ties to determine their condition and spacing. -
Installation of Stainless-Steel Remedial Ties:
We install new, corrosion-resistant austenitic stainless-steel wall ties engineered for long-term strength and durability. -
Isolation of Old Ties:
The original corroded ties are isolated to prevent further expansion and cracking of the brickwork. -
Structural and Aesthetic Repairs:
Once stability is restored, we complete targeted masonry and plaster repairs to return the property to its original appearance.
This process not only restores the structural integrity of the walls but also prevents the same problem from reoccurring in the future.
Why Early Surveys Save You Thousands
A professional wall tie survey costs a fraction of what full structural repairs or rebuilding would. Identifying the issue early allows for fast, minimally invasive remediation, before cracks spread and stability is lost.
Whether you’re a homeowner noticing new cracks, a surveyor assessing property movement, or an estate agent preparing a listing, a wall tie inspection provides the clarity and confidence you need.
Protect Your Home with CavClear
Ignoring early warning signs can lead to costly and dangerous outcomes. If you’ve spotted cracking in your brickwork, internal plaster, or suspect movement in your walls, don’t delay.
📞 Contact CavClear today on 0333 220 2463 or visit cavclear.co.uk to book your professional wall tie survey.
Our expert team operates nationwide, offering reliable surveys, clear reports, and lasting repair solutions.
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