Tie (cavity wall)

The tie in a cavity wall is used to tie the internal and external walls(or leafs) constructed of bricks or cementatious blocks together. It is placed in the cavity wall during construction and spans the cavity. The ends of the tie are designed to lock into the cement. Also incorporated into the design of the tie is means of preventing water transfer from the outer to the inner leafs. In flat ties this can be a twist. In wire ties this can be corrugations formed in the wire or again a twist.

Cavitity walls often have insulation in the cavity which may either partially or fully fill the cavity. Partial fill insulation systems require specialized ties or clips to keep the isulation in position. A vapour barrier may be necessary on the inner wall to prevent intersticial condensation. This is often incorporated into the cavity wall insulation system. The spacing of ties is laid down in building regulations, though there may be variations with specialised blocks. Additional ties are used around window and door openings

Improper installation may lead to water damage or fungus formation within the cavity, leading to structural and health hazards.

Ties are exposed to water and chemical attack from cement. They were traditiionally made of galvanized steel, the fishtail tie being the most common. On high quality work ties were occasionally made of bronze. In the mid-twentieth century wire ties were widely used, again made from galvanised steel wire. As time has passed many galvanised steel ties have deteriorated due to moisture in the outer leaf of brickwork. The corrosion may force apart the cement joints and even result in the collapse of walls if no remedial action is taken. Any cracks appearing in cavity walls dating from the twentieth century need to be investigated before irremediable damage ensues. Horizontal cracking is especially suspect. Failed ties have to be isolated and substitute specialist ties installed by drilling through inner and outer leaves from outside the building. The replacement ties may be fixed mechanically or with special adhesives.

Galvanised steel ties are no longer in use for this reason. For a brief period, plastic ties were used but were not satisfactory. Modern practice is to use stainless steel ties.

Cavity walls were traditionally spaced 2"(50mm) apart. Due to the need for thicker insulation in exterior walls these days, a range of longer ties are now available so than cavities of up to 6"(150mm) can be constructed.

Cavity wall tie failure

This is an increasing problem with cavity wall ties made from galvanised steel. It arises when the galvanising is not of sufficient quality and the outer leaf of the cavity wall allows water penetration, usually due to porous brick/blockwork. If the tie rusts, the swelling effect may cause horizontal, external cracks to appear in the wall. Frost action can swiftly enlarge these cracks.