Following the Christchurch earthquakes MSL began a case study on the function of brick veneer wall ties and their performance under heavy seismic activity.  Wall ties are considered an integral component of residential and commercial brick veneer cladding.  Therefore, the consistency and structural stability of each wall tie is paramount.

The development of The Ultimate Brick Tie was based on findings that many existing wall ties used in the market actually failed to comply with the current building standard. The two most concerning factors were the failure to meet the correct seismic rating and durability requirements specified under standard AS2699.1:2000. 

Using their resources and experience of the manufacturing of steel hardware, MSL designed a tie profile which offers superior strength technology, coupled with significant advancements in galvanising processes of thin steel parts. 

The Ultimate Brick Tie also offers a 3 stage mortar locking system, which allows the tie to be mechanically keyed into the mortar, increasing the torsional resistance under load whilst maintaining flexibility between the veneer and the external framing.

The Ultimate Brick Tie has been manufactured strictly in accordance with the standard, surpassing each of the rigorous testing methods.  This offers the consumer the very highest quality galvanised steel and stainless steel wall ties on the New Zealand market.

The Ultimate Brick Tie is the only tie stamped with EH for Earthquake Heavy making it easily identifiable during the inspection process.

Update

01 Dec 16 - Fortress Fasteners is now part of Steel & Tube's product range.