Here’s an article on Remedial Retro Fit Brick Ties:
Revitalizing Structures: The Role of Remedial Retro Fit Brick Ties
In the world of construction and building maintenance, the integrity of a structure’s walls is paramount. Over time, the original wall ties that hold a building’s cavity walls together may corrode or fail, leading to structural instability and potential safety hazards. This is where remedial retro fit brick ties come into play, offering a solution to reinforce and stabilize existing walls.
Understanding Wall Tie Failure
Wall ties are crucial components that connect the inner and outer leaves of cavity walls, ensuring the wall acts as a single unit. Traditionally made from galvanized mild steel, these ties were expected to last the lifetime of the building. However, it has been recognized that some ties corrode after just 15 to 20 years, expanding up to seven times their original thickness and causing significant damage, including cracked mortar joints and even wall collapse1.
The Remedial Solution
Remedial retro fit brick ties are designed to replace failed original ties and restore structural integrity. These stainless steel ties come with various fixing mechanisms, including mechanical fixings and resin bonding, effective in all common building materials2.
Installation Process
The installation of remedial retro fit brick ties involves several steps:
- Pilot Hole Drilling: Mark the insertion points on the brickwork and drill pilot holes through the near leaf and into the far leaf.
- Widening and Cleaning: Widen the hole in the near leaf and clean both leaves’ holes.
- Tie Insertion: Load the tie into the support tool, insert it through the near leaf, and drive it into the far leaf.
- Plastic Sleeve Placement: Slide a plastic sleeve over the tie to center it and seal the hole adjacent to the cavity.
- Resin Injection: Inject resin until the hole is filled, securing the tie in place2.
Benefits of Retro Fit Ties
The advantages of using remedial retro fit brick ties are numerous:
- Economical: They provide a cost-effective solution for wall stabilization.
- Minimal Disruption: The installation process causes little inconvenience to occupants.
- Aesthetically Unobtrusive: The ties leave the building virtually unmarked.
- Versatile: Suitable for use where there is hard external brick material or where random testing of the inner leaf’s security is required2.
Conclusion
Remedial retro fit brick ties are an essential innovation in the field of building restoration. They offer a reliable and efficient method to address the issue of wall tie failure, ensuring the longevity and safety of structures for years to come.
I hope this article provides a comprehensive overview of remedial retro fit brick ties and their importance in maintaining structural integrity. If you need more detailed information or technical specifications, I recommend consulting the resources provided by manufacturers like Helifix, Ancon, and Thor Helical21345.
Questions?
Remedial Brick Ties