When people think of construction, they usually picture bricks, cement, and steel frameworks. However, the real strength of a building often lies in the smaller components that go unnoticed. Brickwork sundries, such as wall ties, damp proof courses, fire barriers, and cavity closers, are essential to ensuring a structure remains solid, safe, and weather-resistant for years to come.
Despite their importance, these materials are often overlooked until something goes wrong. Failing to use the right brickwork sundries or installing them incorrectly can lead to structural weaknesses, damp problems, and even fire risks. Understanding the role of these materials can help homeowners, builders, and developers make informed choices that protect their investments.
What Are Brickwork Sundries? (And Why You Should Care)
Brickwork sundries refer to the essential building components that support the structural integrity and longevity of masonry work. While they may seem minor compared to bricks and mortar, these elements work behind the scenes to prevent movement, moisture damage, and even fire hazards.
Many people only realise their importance when problems arise. Without proper wall ties, a cavity wall could separate or collapse. Without a damp proof course, rising moisture can lead to internal mould and structural decay. Fire socks help to slow the spread of flames in cavity walls, and cavity closers improve insulation while preventing damp issues.
For builders and developers, choosing high-quality sundries is as important as selecting the right bricks. These materials ensure compliance with building regulations, improve safety, and reduce costly repairs down the line.
Wall Ties: The Silent Support System for Your Walls
Wall ties are one of the most critical yet overlooked components in cavity wall construction. Their primary role is to connect the inner and outer layers of a cavity wall, ensuring they function as a single, stable unit. Without properly installed wall ties, walls can bow, crack, or even collapse over time.
There are different types of wall ties designed for various applications. Traditional stainless steel ties are widely used, but modern designs include low thermal conductivity ties, which help reduce heat loss through cavity walls. In areas exposed to harsh weather conditions, choosing the right type of tie can prevent long-term structural issues.
A common problem in older buildings is wall tie failure. Over time, ties can corrode, especially in homes built before stainless steel ties became the standard. If left unaddressed, this can lead to serious safety risks. Builders and homeowners should regularly inspect cavity walls for signs of failure, such as cracked mortar joints or bulging brickwork, and replace deteriorated ties when necessary.
Damp Proof Course (DPC): Your Home’s Shield Against Moisture
Damp is one of the biggest threats to a building’s structural integrity. Left unchecked, moisture can seep into walls, causing mould, rotting timber, and weakening masonry. A damp proof course (DPC) is designed to prevent this by creating a barrier that stops water from rising through a building’s structure.
There are several types of DPC, each suited to different applications. Traditional physical DPCs, often made from polyethylene or bitumen, are installed during construction to form a waterproof layer between the brickwork and the foundation. For older buildings where damp issues have developed over time, chemical DPC injections can be used to create a moisture-resistant barrier in existing walls.
Failing to install an effective DPC can lead to costly remedial work. Homeowners should look out for telltale signs of rising damp, such as peeling wallpaper, musty smells, and salt deposits on walls. Once damp takes hold, it can be difficult to reverse without significant intervention.
Cavity Closers: The Secret to Energy Efficiency
Cavity closers play a vital role in modern construction, yet they often go unnoticed. Positioned at the edges of cavity walls, they help to seal gaps around windows, doors, and other openings, preventing heat loss and moisture penetration. Without them, cold bridging can occur, leading to condensation, damp problems, and increased energy bills.
A well-installed cavity closer improves the thermal efficiency of a building by ensuring that warm air stays inside during winter and unwanted heat stays out in summer. Modern cavity closers are often made from insulated materials, helping to meet strict energy efficiency regulations and improve a building’s overall performance.
In addition to improving insulation, cavity closers also contribute to fire safety. Many high-quality products are fire-rated, meaning they help to slow the spread of flames in the event of a fire. This makes them an essential component in both residential and commercial builds.
Fire Socks & Barriers: Keeping Flames from Spreading
Fire safety is a crucial consideration in construction, and cavity barriers such as fire socks play an essential role in slowing the spread of fire within a building. These components are designed to seal off cavities and gaps where flames and smoke could otherwise travel unnoticed, particularly in cavity walls and roof spaces.
Fire socks are typically made from non-combustible materials such as mineral wool or intumescent strips that expand when exposed to high temperatures. Installed at key points, they prevent fire from rapidly spreading between floors and through voids, giving occupants valuable time to evacuate and helping buildings meet fire safety regulations.
For developers and builders, compliance with fire regulations is not optional. Using approved fire barriers ensures that a structure meets UK fire safety standards while protecting lives and property. In the wake of stricter building regulations, particularly for multi-storey buildings, ensuring proper fire protection is more important than ever.
Weep Holes: The Tiny Openings That Save Your Walls
Weep holes may be small, but they play a crucial role in maintaining the health of a building. These small openings, typically found at the base of cavity walls, allow trapped moisture to escape, preventing water from accumulating inside the structure. Without them, moisture build-up can lead to serious damp issues, mould growth, and even structural weakening over time.
Weep holes are particularly important in brickwork because bricks are porous and can absorb rainwater. If there is no way for this water to drain out, it can seep into internal walls, causing damp problems indoors. Concealed weep holes offer a neater finish while still allowing effective drainage, making them a popular choice for modern construction.
Despite their benefits, weep holes are sometimes mistakenly blocked or covered during renovations, leading to unintended moisture retention. Ensuring they remain unobstructed is a simple but essential step in maintaining a dry and structurally sound building.
Brick Reinforcement: Preventing Cracks and Weak Spots
Brickwork may appear solid and durable, but without proper reinforcement, it can be prone to cracking and structural movement over time. Brick reinforcement systems, such as expanded metal lath, ladder reinforcement, and Murfor Compact, help to strengthen masonry, ensuring walls remain stable under pressure.
Reinforcement is particularly important in areas of high stress, such as around doorways, windows, and large openings, where movement is more likely to occur. By distributing loads more evenly, these systems reduce the risk of cracking and prolong the lifespan of a structure.
In modern construction, reinforced masonry is essential for compliance with building regulations, particularly in areas prone to ground movement or extreme weather conditions. Choosing the right reinforcement for the job can prevent costly repairs and improve the overall durability of a building.
As Blink 182 once said it’s “all the, small things”
While bricks and mortar form the visible structure of a building, it is the unseen elements that often determine its longevity and performance. Brickwork sundries such as wall ties, damp proof courses, cavity closers, fire socks, weep holes, and reinforcement systems all play a crucial role in keeping buildings safe, dry, and structurally sound.
Overlooking these essential components can lead to costly problems down the line, from damp and mould to structural instability and fire hazards. Whether you are a homeowner, builder, or developer, investing in high-quality materials and ensuring they are installed correctly is key to building durability and compliance with modern regulations.
By choosing the right brickwork sundries, you are not only protecting your investment but also ensuring that your building stands the test of time.