Wall Tie Condition

Following a home buyers report, it was highlighted to us that the wall ties may need replacing due to horizontal cracking visible in the rear elevation render. What is the best way to inspect the current wall tie condition
without drilling into the external walls, as we don't yet own the property.

Asked by Nathan on 22nd May 2024
Expert Trade Answers
"Hi Nathan,if there is an external vent or air brick you might be able to use an inspection camera to check the condition of the wall ties.This only happens in cases where the said wall is taking the worst of the weather and the rain soaks the bricks enough to rust the wall ties.Ive only come across this a couple of times on houses that where built in the 1960 s.In both instances I dealt with there were numerous bricks that had to be cut out and replaced due to weather damage which would be an indication of the problem"
Answered on 22nd May 2024 - Member since Nov 2023 - report
"Hi, try find a ventilation or check is there a space near boiler outlet. Often there's enough space to use a tool called "endoscope inspection camera".
It's rather cheap thing, can be found on Amazon for something about 30 pounds."
Answered on 22nd May 2024 - Member since Mar 2020 - report
"A camera would be the best option but if the cavity wall has full fill cavity insulation the that won’t help , surprised it’s wall ties if the wall is rendered, are the cracks more horizontal and vertical"
Answered on 22nd May 2024 - Member since Feb 2024 - report
"I would say you're best of bets would be a camera inspection, not too intrusive in comparison to cutting lots of brick out ...."
Answered on 22nd May 2024 - Member since Dec 2021 - report
"Unfortunately there is no way of inspecting wall ties unless you drill a hole and use an Endoscope to look at the condition of the ties. They can be replaced with remedial wall ties which basically, drill a hole through the face brick and into the inner skin. insert the new tie and tighten with a socket.
Horizontal cracks are a different issue !! Check out StayFix rods on YouTube to resolve this problem.

Mark Fletcher
Independent Building Services"
Answered on 20th Jun 2024 - Member since Jan 2024 - report
"A camera inspection would be your best bet id say, or maybe if there are any air vents etc that could potentially be pulled out for further inspection."
Answered on 10th Jun 2024 - Member since Jul 2019 - report
"Horizontal cracks in brickwork is foundation problems and not tie wirers.
Its vertical crack or bulging brick when ties fail"
Answered on 22nd May 2024 - Member since Dec 2023 - report
"You can buy a metal detector and will tell you where toes are think they do small ones for this"
Answered on 13th Jun 2024 - Member since Dec 2023 - report
"The easiest why of doing this 8s by drilling pilot hole and using a endoscope device to examine the cavity wall ties and the type of existing cavity insulation being used"
Answered on 10th Oct 2024 - Member since Sep 2021 - report
"Is there a cavity by which you could insert a camera, or get between the Crack and wall?"
Answered on 13th Jul 2024 - Member since Jun 2024 - report
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