Wall Tie Replacement in Portsmouth – Exterior Refurbishment of Four Blocks of Flats
In October 2021, 1st Master Wall Ties began an extensive project involving the complete exterior refurbishment of four blocks of flats in Somerstown, Portsmouth. The client for this project was Portsmouth City Council, and our primary responsibility was the wall tie replacement across all four blocks. As a specialist in wall tie replacement projects throughout Hampshire, we were honored to be entrusted with this significant project.
Portsmouth City Council’s Wall Tie Replacement Specification
For this project, Portsmouth City Council requested a more comprehensive approach than the usual method of isolating failed wall ties. Instead of isolating the ties—a standard practice in many projects—we were instructed to remove the brick next to the tie and fully extract the wall tie from the inner skin. This specific requirement is in line with Portsmouth City Council’s policies for all their properties across the city.
Challenges of Full Wall Tie Removal in Portsmouth Flats
Removing wall ties from the inner leaf can be a delicate process, especially when working in blocks of flats. In many cases, the existing wall ties can be as close as 20mm to the internal plaster, significantly increasing the risk of damaging the interior walls. Only highly skilled and experienced technicians can successfully remove these ties without causing any damage. We’re proud to report that our team completed the entire wall tie replacement project without causing any damage to the internal walls, ensuring minimal disruption to the residents.
Adjustments to Wall Tie Spacing and Materials
In addition to the unique wall tie removal process, Portsmouth City Council also requested adjustments to the spacing of the remedial wall ties. Instead of our usual pattern of 900mm x 450mm, we reduced the spacing to 600mm x 450mm to ensure additional stability in the brickwork. Furthermore, due to the soft nature of the brickwork on the flats, we used helical resin ties instead of the typical mechanical or neoprene ties. The helical resin ties provided a more suitable and secure solution for the building’s structural needs.
Duration and Collaboration with DM Habens Ltd
This wall tie replacement project took approximately a year to complete, working intermittently to fit within the project schedule. It was a pleasure to collaborate once again with DM Habens Ltd, and we look forward to working together on future projects across Portsmouth and Hampshire.