Building cavity walls with different masonry unit sizes can be a real headache. When you’re working with, say, imperial bricks for the external leaf and standard metric concrete blocks for the internal leaf, you’ll quickly find that you end up with misaligned cavity walls. This misalignment makes using traditional wall ties nearly impossible without extensive and time-consuming cutting of the blocks. But don’t despair! There’s a smarter, more efficient solution. Fastrack Channels!
The problem stems from the inherent difference in the co-ordinated sizes of the masonry units. Trying to force standard wall ties into this situation leads to frustration and potential structural weaknesses. Many builders face this issue when trying to blend older imperial brickwork with modern metric block construction. This is where the use of specialized products like Ancon Fastrack Channels becomes invaluable.
Here’s the top tip: integrate Ancon Fastrack Channels into the inner leaf of your concrete blockwork. These channels are designed to accept Ancon SD28 sliding ties. The beauty of the SD28 ties lies in their vertical adjustability. You can fine-tune their position to perfectly align with the external leaf joint, regardless of the height difference. This simple adjustment saves significant time and ensures a robust connection between the leaves.
Using Fastrack Channels not only simplifies the construction process but also enhances the structural integrity of the wall. By eliminating the need for excessive cutting and adjustments, you reduce the risk of errors and create a more secure and stable cavity wall.
For anyone facing the challenge of misaligned cavity walls due to differing course heights, Ancon Fastrack Channels are a game-changer. They provide a practical, efficient, and reliable solution, saving time and ensuring a strong, well-aligned wall. Hope this helps your next project! 😀
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