Wall tie replacement in Rotherham & Sheffield
Wall tie replacement fits new ties where the old metal ties holding the two layers of a cavity wall together have rusted. We are a family firm in Rotherham, working across Sheffield and South Yorkshire, and we check the ties before we quote, because cracks in brickwork have more than one cause.
- Family-run
- Over 30 years in the trade
Signs to look for
Signs of wall tie failure
Failing wall ties show on the outside of the house, in the brickwork and render.
Horizontal cracks in the mortar
Often about every sixth course of bricks, where the ties sit.
Bulging or bowing brickwork
The outer wall pushed out of line as the ties swell or give way.
Cracks in render along the same lines
On a rendered wall the cracks show through the render instead.
The top of the wall lifting
At the eaves or under sills, as rust builds up in every joint below.
No cracks at all
Thin wire ties can rust through without cracking the brickwork, so only checking the ties shows it.
What causes it
Why wall ties fail
A cavity wall is two walls with a gap between them, held together by metal ties built into the mortar of both. Cavity walls became common in houses from the 1920s onwards.
- Rusting steel
- Older ties were coated steel. Over decades the coating wears away, and the steel in the wet outer wall starts to rust.
- Swelling and cracking
- Rust takes up far more room than steel, so a rusting tie swells, lifts the brickwork above it and cracks the mortar joint. A tie that rusts through no longer holds the two walls together.
- Other causes
- Settlement or a failed lintel can crack brickwork too, so the ties are checked before anything is replaced.
How we find the cause
We check the ties before we quote
Horizontal cracks are a strong sign of failing ties, but not proof. So we look at the ties themselves.
We read the pattern of cracking
Where it runs, how far apart the cracks are, and whether they follow the mortar joints or cut through the bricks.
We find and check the ties
Where they are, what they are made of and how badly they have rusted.
We rule out other causes
Settlement, a failed lintel or movement in the wall can crack brickwork too, and need a different fix.
We explain what needs doing
How urgent it is, and a free quote for the work, with no obligation.
Talk to us about wall tie replacement
Wall tie replacement is priced on the size of the wall and the state of the old ties, so we do not publish a price list.
- Based in Rotherham, working across South Yorkshire and nearby
- Most jobs take one to five days
Treatment
How wall ties are replaced
New ties take over the job of holding the walls together, and the old ones are stopped from doing any more damage.
Why fix it properly
Why it is worth dealing with
Your safety
In the worst cases, an outer wall no longer tied to the inner one can become unstable, especially in high winds.
Your walls
Cracked joints let rain into the wall, adding penetrating damp to the problem.
Your sale
Wall tie failure picked up by a buyer's survey can hold up a sale until it is dealt with.
Reviews
In our customers’ words
More reviews, or read every one on Google (opens in a new tab) and Trustpilot (opens in a new tab)
Questions
Questions about wall tie replacement
Not covered here? Ask us. A photo of what you have noticed helps.
What are cavity wall ties?
Metal ties built into the mortar of both layers of a cavity wall, bridging the gap between them. They hold the outer wall to the inner one, so the two stand as one.
How much does wall tie replacement cost?
It depends on the size of the wall, the state of the old ties and the access, so we price each job on what we find. Scaffolding for upper floors and gable ends, and any repointing or rebuilding, add to the cost. The quote is free and sets out exactly what it covers.
How do I know if my wall ties have failed?
The usual signs are horizontal cracks along the mortar joints, often about every sixth course of bricks, bulging brickwork, and cracks in render along the same lines. Cracks have other causes too, so it is worth having the ties checked.
Are older houses more at risk?
Houses with cavity walls built before the 1980s are more likely to have steel ties that rust, especially on walls that take the worst of the wind and rain.
Is wall tie failure dangerous?
It can become dangerous if it is left. A wall that has lost its ties can bulge and, in the worst cases, become unstable. Caught early, it is put right by fitting new ties.
Do the old ties have to come out?
Not always. Ties rusting badly enough to keep cracking the brickwork are cut out or cut off from the outer wall. Others can be left in place once the new ties are in.
Will I need to move out?
Usually not. Most of the work is done from outside, though upper floors and gables may need scaffolding.
Not sure what you are looking at? Send us a photo.
A picture of the wall, floor or timber helps us understand the problem.
or call 07579 009 735, or see all the ways to reach us
