We were originally asked to investigate suspected wall tie failure at this approximately 95-year-old semi-detached property in Cliftonville.
Our pre purchase survey identified horizontal cracking through the rendered elevations, particularly at higher level. Using a wall tie detector, the cracking was found to correspond with the positions of the original cavity wall ties. Further inspection confirmed heavy corrosion of the existing ties, with their condition indicating that replacement was required.
The wall tie repairs
Following our survey, once the sale had completed we returned to carry out wall tie replacement to all original elevations of the property.
New stainless steel neoprene sleeved wall ties were installed at approximately 2.5 ties per square metre, in new positions staggered from the original wall ties and in accordance with BRE recommendations.
The existing corroded wall ties were then located and isolated within the outer leaf to prevent continued corrosion causing further damage to the masonry. Areas disturbed during the installation and isolation process were made good ready for subsequent redecoration of the rendered elevations.
The photographs show the extent of the work particularly well. The numerous individual openings across the rendered elevations identify the positions where the original corroded ties have been dealt with, while the longer horizontal openings show areas where the render has been opened up during the remedial work.
The result
The property now has a new system of replacement wall ties securing the cavity walls, while the original corroding ties have been isolated to prevent them causing further expansion damage.
The work was completed in September 2026 with the client also choosing the WTIF insurance-backed warranty.
This is another useful example of the type of wall tie corrosion we regularly encounter in older rendered properties around Cliftonville, Margate and the Thanet area.