Investigating hidden wall tie failure in a beachside brick home

After reading about a fatal case involving collapsed brick walls, the owner of this 1930s double-storey beachside home contacted Buildfix for a cavity wall tie replacement inspection. With the house located near Manly beach, she was concerned that salt-laden air may have caused corrosion to the steel wall ties and affected the long-term stability of the building. While the brickwork appeared sound with no visible horizontal cracks, bowing, or movement in the outer wall, we suspected deeper structural issues.

Using specialised camera equipment, we inspected the cavity and confirmed extensive wall tie corrosion hidden behind the exterior masonry.

Decades-old cavity wall ties corroded by coastal conditions

Upon inspection, we found that the brick ties in the cavity wall had severely deteriorated due to corrosion from the salty sea air. The steel wall ties, made of mild steel, had been in place since the home’s construction and had succumbed to the harsh coastal environment over 80 years. As a result, the wall structure was compromised, with both external and internal walls losing their lateral restraint. This posed a significant risk of collapse if not addressed.

Replacing the wall ties with modern wall ties was essential, but traditional methods of wall tie replacement weren’t feasible due to the need for minimal disruption. Instead, we opted for a remedial tie solution, using high-quality stainless steel ties, including Helifix helical ties, designed to withstand the harshest conditions and provide long-lasting stability to the solid walls.

Non-invasive cavity wall tie replacement without removing bricks

Despite no visible signs of damage, the risk posed by the corroded mild steel wall ties was significant. We needed a solution that would stabilise the structure without disrupting the homeowner’s life or the surrounding area. After assessing the wall structure, we chose a non-invasive approach, using HelicalBar™ R304 helical wall ties and resin anchors to provide a permanent solution.

By drilling small pilot holes, we inserted the HelicalBar™ R304 stainless steel material into the mortar bed of the cavity wall. The helical ties, designed to act as lateral restraint ties, effectively restored the integrity of the external and internal walls without removing any brickwork. These high-quality, marine-grade anchors were carefully placed to ensure minimal disruption, while also offering excellent resistance to corrosion. The helical ties, along with a resin injection, created a strong bond within the mortar joints, securing the entire wall structure.

This approach avoided the need for traditional brick removal or costly wall replacements, delivering an efficient and cost-effective solution that provided long-term stability.

Stronger masonry walls through remedial wall tie installation

The successful installation of more than a thousand HelicalBar™ R304 helical wall ties ensured that the brick walls remained stable and secure. The use of high-quality, marine-grade stainless steel material provided long-lasting protection against corrosion, ensuring that the walls will stand the test of time. The homeowner no longer faces the risk of collapse, and the house’s structural integrity is fully restored without the need for invasive reconstruction.

Seeing signs of leaning walls or corroded ties near the coast? A free assessment checks the condition of every tie and explains what remedial wall ties can do.