A full building survey carried out during the proposed purchase of this property in Dover identified potential cavity wall tie failure and recommended further investigation by a specialist.
The mortgage lender subsequently required a specialist cavity wall tie survey before the purchase could proceed. The estate agents were initially unsure who could provide the required specialist inspection, and we were contacted to carry out the survey and establish the condition of the existing wall ties.
The property is approximately 110 years old, with solid brickwork to the front elevation and rendered cavity wall construction to the rear. Our inspection identified visible horizontal cracking through the render to the rear elevation, particularly at higher level.
Using a handheld wall tie detector, we established that the cracking corresponded with the positions of the original cavity wall ties. Further inspection within the cavity identified heavy corrosion to the existing ties. When assessed in accordance with BRE Digest 401 Replacing Wall Ties, the condition of the ties indicated that replacement was required.
We subsequently returned to the property and carried out the required cavity wall tie replacement works to the rear elevations.
New remedial wall ties were installed into new positions, staggered from the original ties. The existing corroded wall ties were then located and isolated within the outer leaf to prevent continued corrosion from causing further damage to the masonry. The original specification called for replacement ties at 2.5 ties per square metre, with increased spacing requirements around door and window openings.
The completed work allowed the wall tie issue identified during the buying process to be professionally addressed and provided the documentation required in connection with the property purchase.
This project demonstrates the importance of obtaining a specialist wall tie survey when possible cavity wall tie failure is identified in a building survey or raised by a mortgage lender.
Cavity Wall Tie Replacement Kent carries out wall tie surveys and cavity wall tie replacement throughout Dover and the surrounding areas.
