How to Install Brick Wall Ties

An air gap sits between a wall and a one-course-thick brick veneer. The air gap reduces a brick wall's ability to support itself. The chances of a brick wall falling from lack of support increases as the wall increases in height or when it is subjected to the force of high winds. Wall ties increase the strength of a brick wall by tying the wall into the studs in a framed wall. Correct installation is required to ensure the brick veneer has the strength to survive the strongest windstorms.

1/2-inch-diameter conduit
Tape measure
Pencil
Brick wall ties
8d ring shank nails
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the distance from the top of the concrete foundation to the top of the wall with a tape measure.
- 2
  Place a length of 1/2-inch-diameter conduit on a flat surface. Hook the end of the tape measure on one end of the conduit and pull it until you reach the other end of the pipe. Starting from the hooked end of the tape measure, place one pencil mark every 16 inches until you reach the top of the conduit.
- 3
  Stand the conduit against the framed wall. Align it with one wall stud. Transfer each 16-inch mark from the conduit to the first stud location with the pencil. Move the conduit down the wall, marking each stud as you go.
- 4
  Set a brick wall tie flat against the marked wall. Place the top of the tie a 1/2 inch above a marked line. Place the tip of an 8d ring shank nail on top of the tie aligned with the pencil line. Secure the tie by hitting the 8d nail into the stud with a hammer. Move up the stud, securing one tie at each pencil mark. Secure ties to each pencil mark on each stud.
- 5
  Bend the tie at a 90-degree angle. Ensure the bend sits even with the bottom of the nail head.

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