To install these systems, you will need a tape measure, a spirit level to ensure the channel is plumb, an electric drill with an 8mm masonry drill bit, a hammer to tap in the wall plugs, and a 10mm spanner or socket to tighten the coach screws. A mastic gun is also required to apply sealant between the channel and the existing wall for weatherproofing.
Masonry Wall Extension Systems
Wall starter kits provide a fast, reliable method for joining new masonry walls to existing structures without the need for traditional toothing out. They are typically used in projects such as extensions, conservatory bases, and garden walls. By securing a metal channel to the existing masonry, these systems allow new courses of Facing Brick or Concrete Brick & Block to be built directly off the profile. This approach reduces construction time, minimises structural stress, and ensures a neat finish where the two walls meet.
Most systems consist of corrosion-resistant austenitic stainless steel channels that accommodate varying wall thicknesses, generally between 60mm and 250mm. During installation, the profiles are fixed vertically to the existing wall, and adjustable ties are slotted into the channel to bed into the new mortar joints. When building the new leaf, it is common to use a standard sand and Cement mix to embed the ties fully. For cavity walls, the outer leaf can be finished to match the existing building, while the inner leaf often incorporates Wall Ties to connect the two skins of the new masonry.
A primary benefit of these systems is their ease of installation, offering a straightforward solution that complies with modern building standards. The kits usually include all the necessary fixings, such as plugs and coach screws, reducing the need to source individual components. When preparing the interior side of the new extension, the internal blockwork provides a solid substrate for attaching Insulation Fixings and Plasterboard, completing the structural and thermal layers of the new wall. The integrated ties allow for a small amount of vertical movement, which helps to prevent cracking and maintains the stability of the new addition.
Wall Starter Kit FAQ's
Yes, if you are building an extension or making structural alterations, the work must comply with local building regulations. A building inspector will usually need to check the structural integrity of the join, ensure a damp proof course is present, and confirm that the cavity width is maintained correctly.
Yes, the stainless steel channels are highly resistant to corrosion and are perfectly suitable for both internal load-bearing walls and external cavity walls. When used externally, it is important to apply a flexible weather seal between the metal profile and the existing masonry to prevent water ingress.
Each metal profile typically requires fixing at three points: the top slot, the bottom slot, and in the centre. If you are joining two lengths of channel to reach a greater height, one fixing should go through the overlapping point where the two connectors slot together. Always ensure that the drilled holes go directly into solid brick or blockwork rather than the softer mortar joints.
Once the metal channel is securely bolted to the existing masonry, adjustable metal ties are slotted into the track. As you lay the new bricks or blocks, these ties are folded down and completely embedded within the mortar joint. This process is repeated at regular intervals, usually every third brick course or each block course, to tie the new wall safely to the old one.