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    Cavity Wall Tie Surveys & Wall Tie Mapping for Commercial Buildings

    • Visual Defect Analysis
      Inspection of the elevation for typical signs of wall tie failure, including stepped or horizontal cracking, bulging brickwork and damp ingress.
    • Endoscopic Examination (Borescope Survey)
      Using a fibre-optic camera, small diameter holes are drilled to visually assess wall ties in situ within the cavity to examine for corrosion, embedment, misalignment or displacement.
    • Tie Type Identification
      Classification of existing ties and material assessment to determine long-term durability.
    • Wall Tie Mapping
      Plotting of tie positions and spacing across sample areas to verify installation density in accordance with design standards.
    • Corrosion Grading
      Ties are graded according to their condition (e.g. clean, lightly rusted, heavily corroded, or sheared) to determine if remedial isolation or replacement is required.
    • Remedial Specification
      Where failures are identified, we provide engineered recommendations for remedial tie systems such as Helifix or Twistfix, including fixing schedules and installation notes.

    Specialist Cavity Wall Tie Surveys for Multi-Unit, Institutional & Commercial Properties:

    • Commercial buildings with cavity masonry elevations over 2 storeys
    • Multi-unit residential schemes such as social housing and PRS blocks
    • Schools, hospitals, offices and government buildings
    • Buildings in coastal, exposed, or corrosive environments
    • Properties undergoing external envelope refurbishment

    • Alpine Surveys methods aligns with applicable British Standards 
    • Over 30+ years of surveying experience
    • All inspections carried out by qualified structural or chartered building surveyors
    • Optional integration with drone or thermographic survey to support high-level or hard-to-access areas

    Cavity Wall Tie Surveys

    Cavity Wall ties were bonded between the brick work within the mortar, at regular spread intervals of 900mm horizontally, and 450mm vertically.

    The ties were generally made from steel, although in earlier years other less strong materials were utilised such as slate and specially shaped bricks to tie the external and internal skins.

    In later years the steel ties were galvanised in an attempt to prolong their life span.

    As we know, water and moisture penetrate the external skin of the wall, and in turn, the moisture reacts with the steel ties causing corrosion and deterioration.

    This in turn causes the metal to expand, and then the joint between the brickwork to crack, allowing yet more water penetration, thus increasing the deterioration of the tie, and increasing the potential for dampness within the property.

    When the moisture in the crack freezes during the colder weather, the water expands again causing the crack to open further.

    The defects that become visible as a result of deteriorated wall ties are longitudinal cracks along the wall, or in much worse cases, bulging of the wall, which is normally a result of incorrectly spaced ties across the cavity, therefore not providing the bond required for the particular wall.

    As there are so many issues related to wall tie deterioration or the lack of ties, Alpine Surveys will undertake a thorough survey to establish the extent of the problem, and in order to provide recommendations for rectification.

    As per the damp surveys offered, Alpine Surveys has no connection to wall tie installation companies or builders, and neither do we provide the service, thus negating any financial benefit from recommending unnecessary works for the client.

    We will scan the affected wall with a metal detection device, in order to locate the ties within the cavity, marking them externally with chalk.

    This will allow us to confirm if there is an issue with the density and spread of the ties. We will then drill a small hole through the external skin, and seal it on completion.

    This will allow us to insert a small-ended camera, and inspect a sample of the ties, thus allowing an accurate report on their condition.

    On rare occasions, it is necessary to remove a brick, in order to clearly see the tie, and this is normally when cavity wall insulation obstructs the visibility.

    On completion a detailed report will be provided, detailing exactly what has been undertaken as part of the investigation or survey, the results, and our unbiased recommendations for the rectification of the issue.

    Cavity Wall Insulation & Damp – What You Need to Know

    Cavity walls were introduced in the 1930s to reduce internal damp by creating a 50mm air gap between the external and internal masonry leaves. This cavity allowed moisture to drain down without penetrating the inner wall. The walls were held together using metal ties.

    From the 1970s, cavity wall insulation became a popular way to improve thermal performance, and by the 1990s, it was mandated under Building Regulations. However, the original purpose of the cavity—to prevent moisture bridging—was compromised when insulation materials were added.

    While insulation was marketed as moisture-draining, many properties now suffer from penetrating damp due to saturated or slumped insulation. This often mimics other issues such as rising damp or wall tie failure, leading to misdiagnosed and unnecessary treatments like injection damp-proof courses.

    Our inspections involve non-invasive methods and, where necessary, the use of small endoscopic cameras to examine the cavity and insulation. In rare cases, a brick may be removed to take a sample. We provide a detailed report outlining the findings, causes, and our unbiased recommendations for remediation—whether removal of insulation, addressing external defects, or other corrective works.

    Make an Enquiry

    Complete the enquiry form and we will call you back during office house, usually within the same day of receiving your contact request.

    Or call one of our advisors now on

    0330 333 9238

    Alpine Surveys are a specialist family-run Independent Property Surveying company covering the south of England and Greater London.

    We aim to satisfy our clients by providing a courteous and responsive service, backed by professional detailed reporting and recommendations to resolve any known issues.

    Office opening hours: Monday – Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm

    Proud winners of the Best Property Surveyors (South) of England and London

    South West England Prestige Awards Winner

    Make an Enquiry for a Cavity Wall and Wall Tie Survey

    Get in touch today for a free no obligation quote and advice from professionals. We aim to reply within one hour at most.