Wall Tie Surveys The Right Or Wrong Way

The last time I heard from you, there was an order to conduct a pre-purchase examination of a house, a part of which was an examination of the wall ties. The lender was not willing to take the previous survey. Since it was arranged through the estate agents for free. cost. The client then provided me with a copy of the survey report for free comprising three pages that include the cover as well as the quotation.

The house is a basic two-storey semi-detached home built around 1950. The elevations on the outside consisting of the 275mm cavity brick walls with a hipped roof.

The report explains that the surveyor conducted an examination of the wall ties inside the cavity by using an endoscope. They were discovered to be in damaged state, and the installation of a new wall tie needed, however, there was the information regarding the property or the work being provided.

There are some points that you should be aware of before proceeding further”installing wall ties for remedial purposes has its limitations’. It does not fix any damage that been caused by the problems with the wall ties and cannot correct or eliminate any movement caused by other forces or flaws that are causing damage against the structure. It is also crucial to keep in mind that the forces currently exerting pressure on the wall after the move are different to the forces that were originally contemplated when the building was first constructed.

In the course of assessing the visual appeal of the house, these factors were evident, however they weren’t included in the prior “Free report” that was that was arranged with the estate agents which have an impact on the structure and brand new installation of the wall tie.

A retrofit insulation for the cavity walls was constructed that will restrict the inspection. However, there is no indication of drilling a hole in the leaf’s outer surface that would allow for an endoscope examination, but how did the surveyor have inspected the wall tie.
There was a distinct deviation to the central part of the gable’s elevation while the front and rear corners were level.
The bedding mortar of the past was a black ash-based.
Raking cracks were evident in the brickwork over the two window openings.
There there was no evidence of any movement in the foundations.
There was no evidence of raising of mortar beds.
A look inside of the house revealed the stairs running across the gable elevation, with the stairs and landing having a distinct slope to the Gable. But, there was no evidence of cracks in the stair stringer or the plaster.
A look inside the roof’s void discovered ceiling joints running from between the front and rear of the hip rafters that were fixed on a wallplate attached to the leaf’s inner side, but and there was no lateral restraint in place.

Based on the investigation, it was obvious that the house is affected by the ‘Roof spread’ it occurs when downward pressure generated by the roof covering’s weight as well as other forces, such as wind or snow loads on the rafters results in an increase in pressure applied to the wall which, if not properly secured will begin to rotateor deflect. This can create enough pressure to cause the wall structure to move. As the roof’s slope begins to shift downwards. This pushes the walls of the exterior outwards which is a lengthy process, but it can also cause serious damage to the structural integrity of a house.

The first indications of roof expansion are typically cracks, bulging or leaning toward the top of the masonry. This can result in wall bows. The ridge line in the roof must be horizontal. Movement in the structure could cause some deflections in the hips or ridge and the rafters may be able to show signs of the ridge bowing, sagging, or moving which is pushing down the ridge with them.

When the that the bowing of the fascia and gutter of a house is likely to be noticed, and there could be a significant opening in the joint between the roof timbers. Installing wall ties for remedial purposes do not solve the roof’s spread. If it isn’t addressed by an appropriately designed restraining system and pressure continues to be put on the roof by the exterior walls which could cause a malfunction to the tie-up system.

The deflection and pressure to the gable elevation have caused cracks in the masonry above the openings. This is very common because of the changes in the bonds at these points. these flaws also have to be addressed by carrying out Thorhelical repairs to the lintel including lateral restraints in the timbers of the first floor, as well as a remedial wall tie system to stabilize the external structure. Alternatively, the wall can act as a separate panel when impacted by thermal differential motion and wind suction

Conclusion

It is evident that the previous surveyor/report had not identified the structural issues to the client. Instead, it simply erected wall ties for remedial purposes to the exterior elevations. Without performing the necessary remedial work to stabilize the roof. the cracking on the exterior would have caused continuous movement of the external wall and in the long time, the structure will need to be removed and rebuilt, resulting in additional costs and disruption.

It is advisable to conduct some research prior to giving an inspection. A free survey arranged from an agent for estates ought to have sounded the alarm that they are able to do the work for free and are willing to accept the risk.

Estate agents are employed by the ‘Seller’ as well as themselves as well, and are more focused in closing the sale as swiftly and as hassle-free as is possible and at the most affordable price in order to boost their earnings They are not interested in providing advice or taking care of the interests that the purchaser has, regardless of how nice or helpful they appear to be.

It is the responsibility of purchasers to stay on guard purchasing a house will likely be the most costly purchase you’ll ever make, so why would you not ask a qualified professional surveyors to carry out the inspections? It’s your best interest to cover the cost of an examination, it’s the smallest cost you can pay to avoid purchasing an investment property that has structural problems.

Engage wall tie installers near me to conduct the inspections of your home and it’s most likely that it will be your largest investment you’ll make.