Cavity Wall Tie Corrosion

Cavity Wall Tie Corrosion Treatments

What Is Cavity Wall Tie Corrosion?

Cavity wall tie corrosion is the term used when the cavity wall ties bedded in a property with a cavity wall construction corrode due to the breakdown of their protective coating. Wall tie corrosion can seriously damage external walls and could, in some cases, make a building unstable.

What Are Cavity Wall Ties?

Wall Tie Corrosion Image

Cavity wall ties are usually made of mild steel and inserted in the cavity space linking the external wall of a property to its internal wall.

Older wall ties are of a flat fishtail design, whilst more modern design is twisted wire butterfly pattern. As cavity wall ties are expected to be exposed to water they are galvanised to resist corrosion. Over time, the galvanising can break down leading to wall tie failure.

How To Identify Cavity Wall Tie Failure

There are a number of signs to help determine if your property is affected:

  • Horizontal Cracks – in the mortar, usually at high level caused by expansion of wall ties.
  • Bulging brickwork – caused by snapped wall ties, which have corroded. This can make your property unstable.

Cavity Wall Tie Survey by Rentokil

A Rentokil surveyor will carry out a thorough inspection to establish the need for remedial work. The surveyor will:

  • Complete a thorough examination of your property, inspecting random wall ties with an endoscope.
  • Identify cracks and damage to brickwork.
  • Provide the most effective treatment for wall tie failure.

Replacements for Cavity Wall Ties

Our specialist technicians have the expertise necessary to effectively treat the problem of wall tie failure. Treatment will include:

  • Drilling holes in brickwork for access to wall ties (using the appropriate access equipment where needed)
  • Installation of new stainless steel wall ties
  • Isolation of existing wall ties to prevent further damage
  • Preserving the appearance of your property – make drilled holes good to match the existing wall appearance

Rentokil’s work is covered by a 25-year guarantee, which can be passed on to future owners of the property.

We can also offer insurance to cover untreated areas for wall tie replacements by taking out a Rentokil Insurance policy.