Choosing the right wall tie depends on the wall construction, cavity width, tie type and the project specification. For cavity walls, timber frame construction, movement joints and masonry reinforcement, the product needs to match the way the wall is built and the performance required.
Expamet wall ties and masonry accessories cover common applications including housing ties, general-purpose wall ties, timber frame ties, movement ties, insulation retaining discs and bed joint reinforcement. For many domestic and light commercial jobs, the main decision is whether the specification calls for Type 2 or Type 4 wall ties, then choosing the correct length for the cavity width.
Quick Summary
- 225mm wall ties are commonly used for 75–100mm cavity ranges, depending on the product specification.
- Type 4 housing ties are commonly used in lower-rise domestic masonry construction where suitable for the project.
- Type 2 wall ties are general-purpose ties used where a higher-duty tie is required.
- Timber frame ties are different from standard masonry cavity wall ties and should be selected specifically for timber frame construction.
- Always check the cavity width, tie type, exposure conditions, manufacturer data and project specification before ordering.
Wade stocks a range of wall and frame ties, including Expamet Type 2 and Type 4 wall ties, Type 6 timber frame ties, movement ties, bed joint reinforcement ladders and insulation retaining discs.
What Are Wall Ties Used For?
Wall ties are used to connect the inner and outer leaves of a cavity wall. In a typical masonry cavity wall, the inner blockwork leaf and outer brickwork leaf are separated by a cavity. Wall ties bridge that cavity and help the two leaves work together while still allowing for the cavity, insulation and moisture-management detailing.
Correctly specified wall ties help provide restraint between the two leaves of masonry. They are part of the wall construction, not just a general fixing accessory. The wrong tie type, tie length or spacing can affect the stability and durability of the wall.
Expamet Wall Ties and Standards
Expamet states that its wall ties are compliant with BS EN 845-1, the standard covering ancillary components for masonry, including ties, tension straps, hangers and brackets.
Wall ties should be installed in accordance with PD 6697 and relevant masonry design guidance, including BS EN 1996-1-1 and BS EN 1996-2. Expamet’s stainless steel wall ties are manufactured from type 1.4301 stainless steel to BS EN 10088-1.
Specification Comes First
This article is a practical buying guide, not a replacement for structural design or manufacturer instructions. Where drawings, an engineer’s specification, building control requirements or warranty-provider guidance apply, follow those first.
What Are Housing Ties?
Housing ties are wall ties commonly used in domestic masonry construction. In product listings and search results, terms such as housing ties, cavity wall ties, brick wall ties and wall ties are often used around the same broad product group.
The important point is not just the name. A housing tie still needs to suit the wall type, cavity width, building height, exposure conditions and specification. A 225mm Type 4 housing tie and a 225mm Type 2 wall tie may look similar, but they are not the same product type.
Wall Tie Sizes and Cavity Widths
Wall tie length is selected around the cavity width and the required embedment into each leaf of masonry. Wade’s Expamet wall tie product names state the intended cavity range, which helps narrow the selection.
| Wade product type | Expamet family | Cavity range | Tie type | Common search terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT225 | PT Housing Wall Tie | 75–100mm | Type 4 | 225mm wall ties, Type 4 housing ties, wall ties for 100mm cavity |
| MPT225 | MPT Housing Wall Tie | 75–100mm | Type 2 | 225mm Type 2 wall ties, cavity wall ties 225mm |
| PT250 | PT Housing Wall Tie | 100–125mm | Type 4 | 250mm wall ties, Type 4 wall ties for 125mm cavity |
| MPT250 | MPT Housing Wall Tie | 100–125mm | Type 2 | 250mm Type 2 wall ties, wall ties for 125mm cavity |
| PT275 | PT Housing Wall Tie | 125–150mm | Type 4 | 275mm wall ties, Type 4 wall ties for 150mm cavity |
| DT275 | DT Wall Tie | 125–150mm | Type 2 | 275mm Type 2 wall ties, wall ties for 150mm cavity |
| SSFS50 | SFS Timber Frame Tie | 50–75mm | Type 6 | timber frame wall ties, frame ties, Type 6 wall ties |
For example, if you are looking for wall ties for a 100mm cavity, a 225mm tie may be the relevant starting point. You still need to check whether the job requires Type 2, Type 4, timber frame ties or another specified restraint product.
Type 2 vs Type 4 Wall Ties
Type 2 wall ties are general-purpose wall ties used where the wall construction requires a higher-duty tie. They are commonly used in domestic and small commercial applications, depending on the building height, exposure and project specification.
Type 4 wall ties are light-duty housing ties. These are commonly used in lower-rise domestic cavity wall construction where Type 4 ties are suitable for the wall design and exposure conditions.
Do not treat Type 2 and Type 4 as interchangeable. The correct choice should come from the project specification, manufacturer guidance and the requirements of the wall construction.
225mm Wall Ties for 75–100mm Cavities
Searches such as 225mm wall ties, 225 wall ties, 225mm cavity wall ties and wall ties for 100mm cavity usually relate to wall ties intended for 75–100mm cavity ranges.
Wade stocks both Type 4 and Type 2 Expamet wall ties in this size range. The PT225 is a Type 4 housing wall tie for 75–100mm cavities, while the MPT225 is a Type 2 wall tie for the same cavity range.
The cavity range may be the same, but the duty type is different. That is why the product code and tie type matter as much as the length.
Wall Tie Spacing
Wall ties should be evenly distributed throughout the wall. A common minimum arrangement is 2.5 ties per square metre, with ties spaced at maximum centres of 900mm horizontally and 450mm vertically.
Around openings such as windows and doors, wall ties are normally placed closer together. Wade’s wall tie guidance notes that ties at openings should be no more than 225mm apart.
Spacing may also change around movement joints, reveals, edges, corners and structural openings. If the project has a specific design, warranty requirement or building control instruction, that should take priority over general rules of thumb.
Timber Frame Ties
Timber frame ties have a different role from standard masonry-to-masonry cavity wall ties. They are used where an outer masonry leaf needs to be restrained back to a timber frame structure.
This matters because timber and masonry behave differently. Timber frame construction has different movement characteristics, and the tie must work with the cavity, insulation and moisture-control detailing.
For timber frame construction, use a product specifically designed for timber frame applications rather than assuming a standard cavity wall tie is suitable.
Movement Ties and Expansion Joints
Movement ties are used at masonry movement joints. Their job is to provide lateral restraint while allowing the masonry to expand and contract. This helps maintain stability without locking the joint solid.
They are different from standard wall ties because they are used where movement is expected. For expansion joints, product choice and spacing should follow the project specification and relevant technical guidance.
Brickwork Reinforcement Ladders
Bed joint reinforcement ladders sit within the mortar bed to help control cracking and improve lateral reinforcement in masonry. They can be used in new masonry work and, in some cases, as part of a repair strategy for existing cracking.
They are not the same product as wall ties. Wall ties connect leaves across a cavity, while reinforcement ladders reinforce the masonry bed joint itself.
Insulation Retaining Discs
Insulation retaining discs are fitted over wall ties to help hold partial-fill cavity insulation in position. They are a small accessory, but they matter when the wall specification requires insulation to be retained against the inner leaf while maintaining the required residual cavity.
If the wall build-up includes partial-fill insulation, check whether retaining discs are required alongside the selected wall ties.
What About Wider Cavities?
For wider cavities, standard single-piece wall ties may not always be the correct approach. Expamet notes that wider cavities can require longer wall ties, which may create projection or sagging issues during construction when only one leaf has been built.
Specialist two-part tie systems may be used for wider structural cavities where specified. If the cavity width is outside the common ranges shown on the product listing, check the project specification or seek technical advice before ordering.
How to Choose the Right Wall Tie
Before ordering wall ties, check the basic specification points below.
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Cavity width | Determines the likely wall tie length, such as 225mm, 250mm or 275mm. |
| Wall construction | Masonry cavity walls, timber frame walls and movement joints require different products. |
| Tie type | Type 2, Type 4 and Type 6 ties have different applications. |
| Material and corrosion resistance | Stainless steel wall ties are used for durability in cavity wall construction. |
| Exposure conditions | Wind exposure, location and building height can affect tie selection. |
| Openings and edges | Windows, doors, movement joints and corners usually require closer tie spacing. |
| Insulation type | Partial-fill insulation may need retaining discs fitted to the wall ties. |
| Project specification | Architect, engineer, warranty provider or building control requirements should be followed. |
Common Wall Tie Selection Mistakes
The most common mistake is choosing wall ties by length alone. For example, seeing “225mm wall ties” and assuming all 225mm ties are suitable for the same job. In practice, a 225mm Type 4 tie and a 225mm Type 2 tie can serve different specification requirements.
Another common issue is overlooking openings. Window and door openings need closer tie spacing than the main body of the wall. Under-ordering can delay a job if extra ties are needed part way through the build.
It is also important not to confuse standard cavity wall ties with timber frame ties, movement ties or reinforcement ladders. These products sit in the same broad wall and frame tie category, but they are not doing the same job.
Buying Wall and Frame Ties from Wade
Wade stocks selected Expamet wall and frame ties for common masonry, cavity wall and timber frame applications. The range includes Type 2 and Type 4 wall ties across common cavity sizes, Type 6 timber frame ties, straight movement ties, bed joint reinforcement ladders and insulation retaining discs.
If you already know the required tie type and cavity width, you can browse Wade’s wall and frame ties range online. If the project has a specific drawing, schedule or technical requirement, check the stated product type and cavity range before ordering.
FAQs
What size wall tie do I need for a 100mm cavity?
For a 75–100mm cavity range, 225mm wall ties are commonly used, depending on the product specification. You still need to choose the correct tie type, such as Type 2 or Type 4, based on the project requirements.
Are 225mm wall ties the same as housing ties?
Not always. “Housing ties” usually refers to ties used in domestic housing applications, often Type 4. “225mm” describes the tie length, not the duty rating. Always check both the length and the tie type.
What is the difference between Type 2 and Type 4 wall ties?
Type 2 wall ties are general-purpose ties used where a higher-duty wall tie is required. Type 4 wall ties are light-duty housing ties commonly used in lower-rise domestic work where suitable for the specification.
Can I use standard wall ties for timber frame construction?
No, not unless the product is specifically suitable for that use. Timber frame construction requires timber frame ties designed to restrain the outer masonry leaf back to the timber frame structure.
Do I need insulation retaining discs?
If the wall uses partial-fill cavity insulation, insulation retaining discs may be required to hold the insulation in position on the wall ties. Check the insulation and wall tie specification before ordering.
How many wall ties do I need?
A common minimum is 2.5 wall ties per square metre, with closer spacing around openings, edges and movement joints. Wade’s guidance also uses a practical rule of thumb of allowing one box of 250 ties for around nine packs of bricks, but the final quantity should be checked against the wall area and project requirements.
