Wallstarters & Ties

Wall Starter systems and ties join new walls to existing masonry, suitable for both internal and external brick or block walls. Timber Frame Ties suitable for tying masonry outer cladding to softwood structural framework. 

Helical Bar is used in general for crack stitching and reinforcing masonry in both new and existing masonry structures. Wall ties to bind the outer leaf of a wall to the structural wall.

Traditionally tying a new wall to an existing wall this was done by toothing out method - removing alternate bricks or blocks to leave a tooth like shape, to which the new wall is tied. This process is time consuming and labour extensive, therefore more costly than the modern tying methods.

The wall starters are much easier and quicker to mount, reducing construction time and the cost. It also eliminates the problem of achieving adequate mortar bond at the toothed connection. The wall starter connector is simply bolted to the existing wall and wall ties are then slotted into the rack at distances, where it is required to tie into the new wall. The bond is just as strong as the traditional toothing out method.

Stainless steel wall starter systems join new walls to existing masonry, suitable for both internal and external brick or block walls. The connectors can be slotted together up to a maximum of 8 metres or 3 storeys high, from 60 to 250mm thick. One kit has two 1200mm lengths. Available in Austenitic Stainless Steel (Grade 304) and in Ferritic Stainless Steel (Grade 430).

Fixing instructions

• Plumb the lower connector against the existing wall so that it will be central to the new wall.
• Mark the position of the fixing holes. Each connector should be fixed at three points, the first and last slot and in the centre.
• Ensure that one fixing is at the point where the two connectors slot together and overlap. Fixings should be into brickwork and not mortar joints. Drill and plug using an 8mm masonry drill bit. Fix the bottom two holes lightly using the stainless steel coach screws and washers.
• Slot the upper connector into the lower one and repeat the above stages. The upper connector can be cut to length if required.
• Tighten all fixings using a 10mm socket or box spanner. 
• Build wall in the conventional way with a full mortar joint between the existing and the new wall.
• Ties should be inserted at a maximum of 300 centres, every third brick course or each block course.
• Ensure that the ties and connectors are completely embedded with mortar.
• When using in external walls, ensure that the bottom edge of the connector is above the damp-proof course and that a weather seal of approximately 10mm should be created between the connector and the existing wall using a flexible mastic sealant or a compressible sealing strip.