Wall Tie Replacement Bromley
Wall Tie Failure in Bromley Properties
Wall ties are vital components in cavity wall construction, holding the inner and outer layers of a wall together. Over time, these ties can corrode, break, or fail completely — especially in properties built before modern stainless steel ties were introduced. In Bromley, many houses from the 1930s to the 1980s still contain mild steel wall ties, which are prone to rust and expansion, leading to serious structural issues.
When wall ties fail, you might notice horizontal cracks in mortar joints, bulging or bowing walls, or even brickwork separating from the structure. These signs should not be ignored, as the longer the issue goes unaddressed, the more serious the damage can become. At City Structural Ltd, we offer professional wall tie surveys and targeted replacements using modern stainless steel ties that meet current British Standards. We ensure the structural safety of your home without the need for full wall reconstruction.
What Causes Wall Tie Failure?
Wall ties are used in cavity wall construction to tie the inner and outer walls together. Over time, especially in properties built between the 1930s and 1980s, mild steel ties corrode due to moisture within the cavity. As they rust, they expand, causing cracks in the mortar and stress on the brickwork. Eventually, the ties lose their structural function altogether, leaving the external wall layer vulnerable to collapse in extreme cases.
In Bromley, many older homes and buildings were constructed using these now outdated wall tie systems. Wall tie failure is especially common in exposed areas such as gable ends or south-facing walls. At City Structural Ltd, we carry out detailed surveys to assess the condition of your wall ties and, if necessary, replace them using modern stainless steel ties that won’t rust. Our goal is to restore the structural integrity of your property and prevent further damage.
How Our Wall Tie Replacement Service Works
The process begins with a professional inspection of your walls using specialist detection tools. We locate the existing ties, assess their spacing and condition, and check for signs of corrosion or failure. If the ties are still intact but corroding, we can isolate them to stop further expansion. If they’ve failed entirely, we install new ties at the correct intervals to ensure proper structural support.
New wall ties are fixed using either mechanical or resin methods, depending on the wall construction and property type. Once the new ties are installed, the old ties are either left isolated or carefully removed where possible. We then make good any disturbed mortar joints, leaving your wall looking clean and tidy. The entire process is minimally disruptive, typically completed externally without needing access to the interior. All our work is fully guaranteed and compliant with current UK building regulations.
Signs You May Need Wall Tie Replacement
There are several warning signs that could indicate your wall ties are failing. The most obvious is horizontal cracking in the mortar joints, usually between bricks in a straight line. You may also notice bulging or bowing walls, especially on gable ends or upper storeys. In more advanced cases, bricks may feel loose or the outer leaf may appear to separate from the inner wall.
These symptoms are particularly common in older properties found throughout Bromley, especially those built before the widespread use of stainless steel ties. If you notice any of these issues, it’s important to have your wall inspected as soon as possible. At City Structural Ltd, we offer fast, accurate wall tie surveys using modern equipment. If replacement is needed, we’ll provide a fixed quote and carry out the work to the highest standards, ensuring your property is safe, secure, and protected from further structural movement.
Wall Tie Surveys and Reports
A wall tie survey is the first step in identifying whether your property needs wall tie replacement. Our surveys are non-invasive and involve locating a sample of the existing ties using detection tools and, in some cases, small inspection holes. We check for corrosion, incorrect spacing, missing ties, or evidence of tie expansion, which can lead to cracking.
After the inspection, we provide a clear report outlining our findings, complete with photos and recommendations for remedial work if needed. These surveys are useful not only for urgent repair needs but also for peace of mind before purchasing an older property or undertaking major renovations. Many clients in Bromley use our reports to support mortgage applications, insurance claims, or legal requirements during a sale. Our goal is to give you clear, honest advice and practical solutions that keep your home or investment structurally sound for years to come.
Why Choose City Structural Ltd for Wall Tie Replacement in Bromley?
As a local structural repair company with years of experience in Bromley and the wider South London area, City Structural Ltd offers expert advice, skilled workmanship, and competitive pricing. We’ve replaced wall ties in hundreds of homes and commercial buildings, always with a focus on safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
We use only stainless steel wall ties approved to British Standards, ensuring long-term performance and protection from corrosion. Our engineers and installers are fully trained, and we work cleanly and respectfully at every site. From initial inspection to completion, we communicate clearly and provide full support throughout the process. All our work is insured and backed by a written guarantee. If your property in Bromley is showing signs of wall tie failure, don’t wait for the damage to get worse — contact City Structural Ltd today and book a professional wall tie survey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wall ties are essential components in cavity wall construction. They link the outer leaf (usually brickwork) to the inner leaf (often blockwork), allowing the two walls to act as one solid structure. Over time, especially in properties built between the 1930s and 1980s, older mild steel wall ties can corrode due to exposure to moisture and air within the cavity. As they rust, they expand — causing cracking in the mortar joints and stress on the brickwork. Eventually, the ties lose their strength and the wall layers can start to separate, leading to bulging or even collapse in severe cases. In Bromley, where many homes still contain these older tie systems, wall tie failure is relatively common. At City Structural Ltd, we carry out wall tie surveys to assess their condition and, if needed, replace them with modern stainless steel ties that won’t corrode and meet current UK building standards.
The most obvious sign of wall tie failure is horizontal cracking in the mortar joints — usually running in a straight line across the brickwork. You may also notice bulging, bowing or leaning walls, where the external brick skin has started to move away from the structure. In more severe cases, individual bricks may feel loose or detached. If you tap the wall and it sounds hollow or the surface moves, it’s another clear warning sign. These problems are often found in exposed parts of the property, such as gable ends, or on south-facing walls that receive more weathering. At City Structural Ltd, we’re trained to spot the early warning signs of wall tie failure and confirm the issue with specialist detection tools. If you live in Bromley and your home is older or shows any of these symptoms, it’s important to arrange an inspection to avoid more serious structural damage.
Wall tie replacement is a straightforward but highly skilled process. First, we use detection equipment to locate and assess the existing wall ties. If they’re found to be corroded or failing, we drill into the mortar joints and install new stainless steel wall ties using either mechanical or resin-fix methods. These new ties are corrosion-resistant and built to last. Once the new ties are installed and tested for load resistance, the original failed ties are either isolated (so they can’t cause further damage) or removed where necessary. We then repoint any disturbed brickwork, leaving the surface neat and tidy. The process causes minimal disruption and doesn’t usually require internal access unless there’s been internal cracking. At City Structural Ltd, we complete most wall tie replacement projects in Bromley in just a few days. We always work cleanly, safely, and in accordance with British Standards for cavity wall repair.
Yes, a survey is essential before any wall tie replacement work is carried out. This ensures that wall tie failure is the actual cause of the issue — rather than another structural problem such as subsidence, settlement, or thermal movement. At City Structural Ltd, we carry out detailed wall tie surveys for properties across Bromley. Using specialist detection equipment and borescopes, we can examine the condition of the existing ties without damaging your walls. We check for corrosion, spacing, tie type, and overall cavity wall performance. Our surveys come with a clear diagnosis and a written report, including photographic evidence and recommendations for any remedial work. If replacement is needed, we’ll provide a fixed quotation and walk you through the process. The survey is a small investment that ensures you’re getting the right repair — not just a temporary fix. It also provides valuable documentation for property sales, insurance or planning purposes.
Not at all. While it may sound invasive, wall tie replacement is generally a low-disruption job. All work is done externally, and we don’t usually need access inside the property unless there’s internal damage that also needs addressing. At City Structural Ltd, we take care to work neatly and respectfully, especially on occupied homes in Bromley. We use precise drilling techniques to avoid unnecessary damage to brickwork and always match the mortar as closely as possible during reinstatement. Most projects are completed in a few days, and we make sure the property is left clean and tidy at the end of each day’s work. We also plan the work around your schedule to reduce disruption and provide updates throughout the process. Our goal is to deliver a long-term structural fix while keeping the process smooth and stress-free for our clients. You’ll hardly notice we’ve been — but your walls will be secure.