Signs of wall tie failure
Horizontal cracks in mortar joints at regular vertical intervals, bulging brickwork, or lifting of the roof verge. Older galvanised ties, especially in walls built before the 1980s, are the usual suspects.
Ties and cavity insulation
Ties should be checked before a cavity is filled. Fitting remedial ties does not normally stop a cavity being insulated later, and we can do both in one visit. Where cracking suggests movement, we recommend a structural engineer's view first.
What is included
- Tie inspection with metal detector and borescope
- Remedial stainless ties to a set pattern
- Isolation or removal of old ties where needed
- Making good
Wall tie replacement prices
| Wall tie replacement guide prices | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Remedial wall ties, detached house | £1,995–£3,495 |
| Remedial wall ties, semi-detached house | £1,495–£2,495 |
| Remedial wall ties, terraced house | £995–£1,795 |
This work is not insulation, so it is normally standard-rated for VAT. Guide prices include VAT where it applies. Guide ranges only: the fixed price is confirmed in writing before any work starts, and anything that could not be seen at survey is agreed with you first.
Rules and funding by nation
The building regulations route and the funding schemes differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The local pages for your area explain the rules where you are; in short:
- England: Filling a cavity is notifiable building work and needs a building notice or competent-person self-certification.
- Wales: Filling a cavity is notifiable work under the Building Regulations as they apply in Wales, usually self-certified through a competent person scheme.
- Scotland: No building warrant is needed for insulation within a wall, but the work must meet the building standards.
- Northern Ireland: Inserting cavity wall insulation needs a building control application to the council before work starts.
Sources: Energy Saving Trust: cavity wall insulation; Planning Portal: cavity wall insulation and building regulations; Welsh Government: building work competent person schemes; Welsh Government: issues arising from cavity wall insulation installations; CIGA: the CIGA guarantee; HMRC: VAT on energy-saving materials (Notice 708/6).
