Wall ties are an important component of many cavity-wall systems because they connect masonry leaves and help the wall act as a stable assembly. Over time, however, existing ties can deteriorate, corrode or become less effective.
Remedial wall ties are designed for repair and retrofit situations where existing masonry connections require attention. HeliMate Australia supplies remedial brick ties and CD wall ties manufactured from stainless steel 316L in a range of lengths for different applications.
Recognising potential warning signs can help property owners and construction professionals arrange an appropriate assessment.
Cracks in Brickwork
Cracking is one of the most visible signs that masonry requires investigation. However, cracks can have many causes, so their presence alone does not prove that wall ties have failed.
Cracks can occur because of building movement, settlement, moisture-related deterioration, thermal movement and other factors. Where cracking is accompanied by signs that masonry leaves are separating or moving independently, the condition of the wall ties may warrant investigation.
A structural professional can assess the crack pattern and determine whether remedial ties form part of the required repair.
Bulging or Separating Masonry
Bulging brickwork can indicate movement within a wall assembly. Where cavity-wall masonry is no longer adequately connected, the outer leaf may move away from the inner structure.
HeliMate's guidance identifies remedial wall ties as a solution for stabilising cavity walls and re-establishing connections between inner and outer brick leaves. Its helical wall-tie information also identifies separated or bulging brickwork among relevant applications.
Any significant bulging or displacement should be professionally assessed before repair work begins.
Deteriorated Existing Ties
Older wall ties may be vulnerable to corrosion depending on their material and exposure conditions. Corrosion can reduce the effectiveness of the connection and may contribute to masonry movement.
A building investigation can determine the condition and distribution of existing ties. Where replacement or supplementation is required, remedial wall ties can be installed into existing masonry without the need to reconstruct the entire wall.
HeliMate's remedial wall-tie range is manufactured from cold-pressed stainless steel 316L, with multiple lengths available.
How Remedial Wall Ties Work
A remedial wall tie creates a new connection between masonry components. The selected tie is installed through the existing wall so that it engages with the relevant masonry leaves or sections.
HeliMate's CD wall ties use a helical design intended to facilitate installation in retrofit situations. The company describes them as suitable where conventional fixing methods are unsuitable and where existing masonry needs reinforcement.
The installation method will depend on the product, masonry construction and project requirements.
Signs That Require Closer Investigation
Several conditions can justify a closer inspection of cavity-wall connections:
- Visible movement: Bulging, separation or displacement of the outer masonry leaf should be investigated.
- Recurring cracking: Cracks that return after cosmetic repair may indicate an unresolved movement or connection issue.
- Older construction: The condition and type of existing wall ties may warrant assessment in ageing buildings.
These signs are indicators for investigation rather than automatic diagnoses. A professional should determine the cause of movement and the appropriate repair strategy.
Choosing the Correct Wall Tie
Wall-tie selection depends on factors such as wall construction, cavity width, embedment requirements, material and project specifications.
HeliMate supplies remedial wall ties in various lengths, including 155mm, 170mm, 180mm, 195mm, 215mm, 220mm, 230mm, 245mm, 255mm, 270mm, 275mm, 280mm, 295mm and 305mm options.
This range allows contractors to select a product according to the dimensions and requirements of an individual wall.
Why Stainless Steel Is Used
Material selection matters when installing a new connection inside existing masonry. HeliMate specifies cold-pressed stainless steel 316L for its remedial wall ties. The company highlights corrosion resistance as an important feature of its wall-tie products.
The environmental conditions of a particular building should still be considered when specifying reinforcement materials.
Remedial Ties and Crack Repair
A wall may require more than one form of repair. For example, deteriorated wall ties can exist alongside cracks in brickwork.
In such cases, remedial wall ties and crack-stitching reinforcement address different aspects of the masonry. Helical bars are used for suitable crack-stitching applications, while wall ties restore or reinforce connections between masonry leaves.
Understanding this distinction helps contractors avoid treating every masonry defect as the same type of problem.
Considerations for Heritage Buildings
Older and heritage buildings may have masonry construction that requires careful treatment. The repair strategy may need to retain original brickwork and minimise visible intervention.
HeliMate's heritage brick repair guidance includes remedial wall ties among the products used to stabilise older cavity walls while retaining the existing appearance.
Heritage projects should be assessed according to the building's conservation requirements as well as structural considerations.
Professional Assessment Comes First
Remedial wall ties can be valuable in appropriate repair projects, but product selection should follow an assessment of the existing wall.
The source of movement, condition of the masonry, cavity dimensions, existing tie arrangement and required connection should all be considered. Where significant structural movement is present, the repair may involve additional reinforcement or other remedial work.
HeliMate supplies the reinforcement products, while project-specific assessment and installation should be undertaken by appropriately qualified professionals.
HeliMate Remedial Wall Ties
HeliMate provides remedial brick ties and CD wall ties for masonry repair and retrofit applications across Australia and New Zealand. Its products are available in multiple lengths and use stainless steel 316L construction.
For contractors working on cracked, separated or deteriorating cavity-wall construction, selecting the right remedial wall tie can be an important part of restoring masonry connections.
When signs of movement appear, early investigation can help establish the cause and determine whether remedial wall ties, crack stitching or another repair approach is appropriate.
