Cavity Wall Ties - likely cost

Remedy

There are plenty of remedial wall ties on the market that you can buy from Hilti, Screwfix, Ancon or Twistfix. Many ties have independent test results and a long established history of use in masonry construction.

Unless you have hollow bricks or blocks, you don't need to be an expert to select an appropriate cavity tie. UK wind loadings on ties used in two-storey domestic housing are relatively small and can be found in BRE Digest 401 (typically 30-90kG or 300-900N).

Any competent builder or bricklayer can fit replacement wall ties to stabilize a wall that has insufficient ties or has corroding tie irons. It is a relatively low-skill task that requires great care in the drilling operation and the making good

Similarly any competent builder can locate and remove or isolate any ties that are / have the prospect to cause damage through corrosion/ expansion. The height of the bed joint should be 3 times that of the tie for isolation to be relied upon (BRE Digest 329).

Are the ties corroded? A builder of DIY'er is perfectly able to expose sample tie end and to see if rust is present.

Do my wall ties need replacing? Use an independent surveyor or BRE Digest 401 to assess the condition of the tie and the BRE's recommended best action'.

Do not rely on a self-proclaimed 'cavity wall tie expert' to give an unbiased answer if his business is one that relies on obtaining wall tie replacement work.

RealNameDesmond

Dan29 wrote: »

Hi Splott Boy

We're in Cardiff and paid £1375+VAT to have the wall ties in our end terrace house replaced by Protectahome a couple of years ago. We saw some of the existing wall ties once they'd been removed and they were definitely corroded which means they could have been expanding the joints between bricks.

When having yours checked I would say don't pay for a survey as most wall tie replacement companies will do one for free. However they obviously have a vested interest in telling you the work needs doing!

Can I just ask if you needed the render taken off for the wall ties or can it be done with out having to remove all the render? I am also looking to buy a house in cardiff which is reported to likely need wall tie replacement.
Thanks

RealNameDesmond

Splott_Boy wrote: »

Our Homebuyers Report suggests we check these on our proposed property purchase. It seems to be common advice which makes me wonder if its a standard proviso if the concrete render is showing early signs off cracking.

Lets assume its a reasonable suggestion - how much have people ended up paying to have these replaced. Couple of thousand, tens of thousands ? I realise it will depend on wall size etc.

I've seen someone mention £6k when I've searched for references to this issue. Any others done it ?

Do you mind me asking how much you paid and with which company? I'm looming to buy a semi detached house in Cardiff which is likely to need wall ties.
Thanks