Wall and frame ties are used to restrain masonry, connect wall elements and support the correct performance of cavity wall, timber frame and brickwork construction. This range includes Type 2 wall ties, Type 4 housing ties, Type 6 timber frame ties, expansion joint ties, brick reinforcement ladders, wall starter kits and insulation discs for cavity wall ties.
Choosing the right product depends on the wall construction, cavity width, tie type and project specification. Wall ties should not be selected by length alone; the tie type, cavity range, material, exposure conditions and building design all matter. For a fuller explanation, read our guide to choosing wall ties, housing ties and cavity wall tie sizes.
Wall Tie Sizes and Cavity Widths
For standard masonry cavity wall construction, common wall tie lengths include 225mm, 250mm and 275mm. As a general guide, Wade stocks Expamet wall ties across these common cavity ranges:
Always check the stated cavity range on the individual product page before ordering. A 225mm wall tie may be the correct starting point for a 75–100mm cavity, but the tie type still needs to match the project specification.
Type 2 Wall Ties vs Type 4 Housing Ties
Type 2 wall ties are general-purpose wall ties used where a higher-duty tie is required. They are commonly specified for external wall applications, larger dwellings, extensions and commercial buildings, depending on the design and exposure conditions.
Type 4 wall ties are light-duty housing ties. They are commonly used in lower-rise domestic cavity wall construction where Type 4 ties are suitable for the project specification.
Both types are available in common cavity sizes, including 75–100mm, 100–125mm and 125–150mm. If you are unsure whether you need Type 2 or Type 4 wall ties, check the drawings, engineer’s specification, building control guidance or warranty-provider requirements before ordering.
Wall Tie Spacing
Wall ties should be distributed evenly throughout the wall construction. A common minimum arrangement is 2.5 ties per square metre, with maximum spacing of 900mm horizontally and 450mm vertically.
At window and door openings, wall ties are normally placed closer together. Ties at openings should generally be no more than 225mm apart, unless the project specification states otherwise.
Timber Frame Ties
Timber frame ties are different from standard masonry-to-masonry cavity wall ties. SSFS50 Type 6 timber frame ties are used where an outer masonry leaf needs to be restrained back to a timber frame structure.
This matters because timber and masonry move differently. The correct timber frame tie helps provide restraint while allowing for the movement characteristics of timber frame construction.
Expansion Joint Ties
Expansion joint ties are used across masonry movement joints. They provide lateral restraint between adjoining masonry panels while allowing the joint to accommodate movement caused by temperature change, moisture variation and normal masonry movement.
SMT200 straight movement ties are used for masonry expansion and movement joints. These are not the same as standard cavity wall ties. Standard wall ties connect leaves across a cavity, while expansion joint ties are used at designed movement joints.
Brick Reinforcement Ladders
Brick reinforcement ladders are laid into mortar bed joints to reinforce masonry horizontally. They are commonly used as bed joint reinforcement or mortar bed reinforcement where the wall design requires additional crack control or lateral reinforcement.
Wade stocks 60mm brick reinforcement ladder and 100mm bed joint brick reinforcement ladder. Reinforcement ladders may help control cracking and support movement-joint design, but they should be used in line with the project specification. They are not a direct substitute for cavity wall ties.
Insulation Discs and Retaining Clips
Insulation discs for cavity wall ties, also known as insulation retaining clips, are used with cavity wall ties to hold cavity insulation in place. They are commonly used where partial-fill insulation must be retained against the inner leaf while maintaining the required clear cavity.
These discs are accessories for wall ties and insulation systems. They are not a replacement for the wall ties themselves.
Wall Starter Kits
Wall starter kits are used to tie new masonry walls into existing brickwork or blockwork. They are commonly used for extensions, internal walls, external walls and other building work where a new wall needs to be connected to an existing structure.
The Catnic wall starter kit in this range includes starter strips, wall starter ties, fixings and instructions for tying new masonry into existing walls.
Need Help Choosing Wall or Frame Ties?
If you already know the cavity width and tie type, choose the matching product from the range above. If the job has specific drawings, structural notes or warranty requirements, follow those first. For project support, contact Wade and our team can help you identify the most suitable product from the range.
