Finding the appropriate wall ties and curb anchors for your construction project can be challenging. There are many kinds available, yet not all will fit your specifications. Make sure to explore your choices before making a selection. Keep these things in mind when in the market for these materials.
Looking for the Right Wall Tie
Wall ties play an important role in any construction project. It connects a brick wall to another structure designed for additional support. This could be an inner or outer brick wall, or perhaps a wood or steel frame. A wall tie minimizes damage by transferring pressure from your brick wall to another structure. This is useful especially for buildings in earthquake-prone areas, as well as structures subjected to high winds.
You can choose a wall tie design based on two things – your desired connection type and your construction need. Flat metal or plastic ties work well when you use it as part of the construction process. You can embed these in the brick wall mortar to connect inner and outer walls. Its inverted V-shaped center gets rid of moisture between the two walls. Its corrugated ends, meanwhile, add to its gripping power.
Those looking for retrofitting selections may choose brackets and wire ties instead of flat metal ties. These ties do not require embedding in brick mortar. All you need to do is nail or screw them directly onto the brick layers and dry mortar. This is perfect for those doing restoration projects.
Older wall ties use galvanized steel and copper. You should avoid using these materials today. Moisture causes these materials to rust, making them weaker in as short as a decade. Modern ties use plastic materials and stainless steel for long-lasting support.
Looking for a Good Curb Anchor
People commonly use curb anchors to hold markers during the winter time. You can find one of these marking parking lots and streets, traffic lanes, sidewalks, pedestrian lanes, and other street entities. These markers help you avoid accidents and serve as guides for snow plowing companies. You can ask your construction company to install these outside your facility or you can do it yourself.
Check the material each curb anchor uses. Unlike a ground anchor, which you need to bury underground, a curb anchor stays above the surface of the concrete. You need to find a durable material that can withstand the elements. Stainless steel is the most common material used for these anchors.
Determine if your choice of anchor easily screws onto the concrete or if it requires grout. Anchors you need to embed in grout require at least two days’ drying time. This allows the grout to set and harden fully, providing a more sturdy anchor for your marker. In contrast, you can use screw-on anchors quickly, but these may have a shorter life than an embedded curb anchor. Consider the amount of rain and snowfall in your area, as well as any human abuse your anchors may have to endure. These affect the lifespan of your anchors; therefore, they are important factors in anchor selection.