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The Problem
Cavity walls have been constructed since the beginning of the 20th century and were constructed to offer better protection from the elements as well as reduce the amount of heat lost unnecessarily from a property. The system compromises of two separate walls ‘tied’ at strategic intervals using a form of wall tie commonly made of metal coated in bitumen or zinc.
| | | | | | | |  | | In the 1980’s it became apparent that the wall ties deteriorated much quicker than anticipated leading to the need in Cavity Wall Ties Replacements.
There are many issues associated with failing wall ties: -
 | | Detection of the problem requires specialist equipment in the form of metal detectors and a borerscope.
| | | Failure results in horizontal and stepped cracking of the masonry/mortar.
| | | Possible bulging of the walls.
| | | The original building specification may have used too few wall ties.
| | | The removal of old wall ties if required is often a difficult procedure. | |
Cavity wall tie viewed through endoscope | | | | | | | | | | | The Solution
Olympic Construction have fully trained and experienced surveyors who have a range of solutions at their disposal to solve wall tie and structural problems.
Our surveyor will recommend the most suitable structural repairs for your property as well as providing a written report for the works to be carried out.
| | In order to assess the existing cavity wall ties Olympic Construction use various types of specialist equipment. High quality metal detectors are used to locate the wall ties within the construction. | | | After location the condition of the wall ties is assessed using boroscopes. | | | After assessment of the cavity wall ties Olympic Construction will put forward a specification for remedial works if required. | | | In general terms the remedial work is dependant on the severity of the problem and the specific type of wall tie within the construction. Olympic Construction has an extensive range of high quality stainless steel remedial wall ties to suit almost any application. | | | Once completed our remedial works are left to a very high cosmetic standard | | | | | | | | |  | | | |
The result of wall tie failure | | | | | | | | Technical Information
Our range of ties include: -
| | Mechanical Ties
This kind of tie has mechanically expanding ends that lock into each leaf of the wall. The advantages to this tie is that it can be load tested to ensure correct installation immediately after fitting. | | | Resin Ties
This tie is dependant on the resin bond to the base material. This is an excellent solution where the base material is less substantial or unable to take the stress of a mechanical device. | | | Combination Ties
For buildings that are constructed of mixed materials a combination of ties provides a robust solution for your replacement needs. | | | Drive Fix tie.
Drive fix ties are 7/9mm slim design 304 stainless steel bar, that self taps directly into a small predrilled pilot hole. Provides a quick stress free fixing, with the minimum of disturbance.
Quality you can trust: Random insitu load testing is performed to ensure that the ties have correctly locked into place and meet the standards required. Testing coupled with long term and GPT guarantees gives you complete peace of mind. | | | | |  | | |
