Expert Wall Tie Replacement for School Extension Project – Case Study with DM Habens Ltd

In March 2023, 1st Master Wall Ties, specialists in wall tie replacement, joined a building project managed by DM Habens Ltd. The project involved adding a small, single-storey extension to a school in Reading. Normally, our wall tie replacement services aren’t required for new builds, as wall ties are typically fitted during the construction process. However, this project presented a unique challenge, requiring us to design a custom solution for the use of imperial bricks.

Unique Challenge: Aligning Imperial Bricks

The client requested that the extension use imperial bricks to ensure the new brick courses aligned perfectly with the existing building. This posed a structural challenge because imperial bricks are slightly larger than metric bricks, meaning that traditional wall ties would not line up correctly with the inner thermalite block leaf. After consulting with DM Habens Ltd and the client, we determined that a custom-designed wall tie replacement system was required.

Custom Wall Tie Replacement Solution

Our solution involved using a ‘rebuild’ tie, which we resin-fixed directly into the blockwork on the inner leaf. This approach ensured that the imperial bricks on the outer leaf would align correctly, despite the size difference. This resin-fixed wall tie solution provided the structural support necessary to meet the client’s design and aesthetic requirements.

To prevent the inner leaf from collapsing during the construction process, we installed the wall ties at intervals. This method allowed the inner leaf to remain stable before the outer leaf was constructed, ensuring the safety and longevity of the entire structure.

Benefits of Our Custom Wall Tie System

  • Aligned imperial bricks with the existing building as requested.
  • Maintained the structural integrity of the inner leaf.
  • Offered a cost-effective and time-efficient solution, reducing delays and additional costs.

This project highlights how flexible and innovative wall tie replacement solutions can address complex construction challenges, particularly when dealing with non-standard materials like imperial bricks.

A Successful Partnership with DM Habens Ltd

As always, it was a pleasure working with DM Habens Ltd. Their collaboration made it easy for us to implement our custom wall tie replacement system seamlessly. We look forward to many more successful projects where our expertise in wall tie solutions can make a difference.