Different Types of Brick Ties

Over the years, many different materials have been used to make brick ties. In large number of instances, the how old a properly is and its location will dictate the construction of its brick ties. Some common types are:

1 – Metal

At present, stainless steel is widely used but mild steel, copper, wrought iron and cast iron have traditionally been used. Wrought iron and cast iron brick ties are usually quite heavy, and in case of corrosion it should be removed in most cases. Copper brick ties are for the most part quite rare, but in fact they are very strong and durable.

2 – Brick or Terracotta

It is rarely and usually isolated in certain regions, says an online store that deals in brick ties. They also have several drawbacks as they create cold thermal bridges to the interior walls, allowing moisture and cold to pass through them.

3 – Stone or Slate

Once more, this is not common and has numerous drawbacks, including an inclination to breakage and cracking in the event of movement. Nevertheless, they are fairly corrosion-resistant and, if owned, where there is no sign of movement, they should last a long time. Again, however, this type of tie can transfer moisture and cold to the inner skin.

In most maximum properties dating back to the 1930s, mild steel is the element preferred for the manufacture of brick ties, and under normal circumstances, the mild steel used is left as it was (uncoated) or coated with a bitumen type material. As technology has emerged and recognition of rust and corrosion has progressed, galvanizing has become the preferred coating, providing the joints with an outer layer that is resistant to water and moisture to extend their service life.

How to Replace and Install Cavity Wall Ties

In the event that you notice visual cracks due to corrosion caused by brick ties, it may be beyond DIY. You are ought to seek help from a qualified civil engineer to assess and suggest the following steps. In this situation, corroded brick ties must be removed. This will be a highly qualified work that must be completed by a person with the abilities and experience essential to repair degraded brick ties so as not to cause additional architectural harm to property.