What Are the Different Types of Wall Ties?

Given all the different tasks that wall knots have to perform and all the associated regulations for their use, it's no wonder that the question of which wall knot should I use? Smart Craftsmen is one of the professional wall ties manufacturers and can advise you on the right one.

This is a complex area and therefore this blog will not cover every detail of every wall tie we make. It is simply intended to give you a good overview of what can be used, where, and why. Of course, if you need further advice, our technical team is always happy to answer any questions.

What are the different types of wall ties？

These ties act to secure two leaves of a cavity wall to each other, allowing them to act as one structurally. A cavity wall tie usually incorporates some mechanism, (usually a change of shape) to discourage moisture from moving across the tie. Most cavity wall ties are available with a dedicated clip to secure insulation (usually in sheet form) within the cavity. There are 4 standard classifications (Types) of masonry to masonry wall ties:

Heavy Duty Wire Wall Tie 

Type 1 - Heavy Duty Wall Tie

A heavy-duty wall tie is suitable for most building sizes and types. These ties are rigid and should not be specified where large differential movements are expected or where low-strength masonry units are used. They are suitable for buildings of any height and most UK locations.

Type 2 – General Purpose Wall Tie

A general-purpose wall tie for applications such as small commercial buildings and domestic properties. They are suitable for buildings with a maximum height of 15m and for flat sites where the basic wind speed is up to 31m/s and altitude is not greater than 150m above sea level.

Type 3 – Light Duty Wall Tie

A light-duty wall tie is used in box-form domestic dwellings that have inner and outer leaves of a similar thickness. They are suitable for buildings with a maximum height of 10m and for flat sites where the basic wind speed is up to 27m/s and altitude is not greater than 150m above sea level.

 Cavity Wall Tie

These types of wall ties are specifically designed for fixing internal timber frames to external brick skins. The main characteristic of these ties is that they can absorb a lot of vertical movement between the bricks and the timber, while still fulfilling their structural function.

Type 4 – Timber Frame Ties

These are timber frame ties suitable for domestic houses and industrial/ commercial developments of up to three storeys high. They are suitable for buildings with a maximum height if 15m on flat sites where the basic wind speed is up to 25m/s and the altitude is not greater than 150m above sea level.

Building height, intended use, structural form, exposure to wind, altitude, cavity size, different brick and block types, insulation - all these factors and more affect the specification of a wall.

If you want to get more information about the best cavity wall ties, welcome to contact us today or request a quote.