What Is A Tie Bar?
Structural Tie bars are used to connect two opposing external walls that have begun to bow out
from each other. Typically, it’s in the form of metal rods, connecting to the roof, the host wall,
and the extension, creating more structural stability.
A tie bar is most commonly found in old-fashioned homes and acts as additional support to
prevent the structural degradation of a home. Primarily fixed into conservatories and other
extensions and most commonly found in Victorian-style homes, their main purpose is to prevent
bowing or warping under the constant temperature changes of each season and the sun’s constant
summer heat.
Although this may have been of great importance in the old days, it now adds to sightlines and
obstructs the views of many conservatories. Where typically speaking the glass rooves of
conservatories give the illusion of a much bigger space, tie bars tend to tend to shatter that
illusion and take up more space than is necessary.
Why We Believe In “No More Tie Bar”
The reason they’re still so big in central England, especially in the areas we cover like
Birmingham and its surrounding areas is because there are plenty of homes that have been
renovated from Victorian architecture that have still not caught up to modern-day designs.
That being said, there have been more modern iterations of tie bars that are less clunky and are a
series of bars held together by a connecter as demonstrated below:
Although this takes up a considerably lower amount of space than older iterations, it still takes
away from the feeling of a spacious interior of a house’s extension. Now, we no longer require tie
bars because of newer materials and improved engineering.
How To Remove Tie Bars Without Jeopardising Structural Integrity
Here at What Is A Tie Bar?, we of course understand that removing a key component of structural
support can be a bit daunting. But that’s why we have a professional recommendation that
completely eliminates the need for a tie bar. We wholeheartedly recommend the use of
Ultraframe’s Tie Bar Replacement Kit (TBRK). It’s the UK’s only solution to removing tie
bars.
What Makes The TBRK So Effective?
The Tie Bar Replacement Kit is the culmination of the latest technology in home renovations.
Reinforces Existing Beams
The first element of structural stability it offers is a high-quality aluminium bolster beam that
Runs along the entire length of the ridge that compliments the existing one in order to eliminate
deflection entirely.
Cast Aluminium Parts
Its unique feature is the cast aluminium end stop on the eaves beam which has integral slots for
two anchor bolts. This, in turn, securely holds the host wall to the extension with extreme
strength. Think of it as a joint with extreme durability.
These Are In Each Starter Bar
When this piece is used as reinforcement in each starter bar, it prevents the aluminium bar from
being crushed under extreme torque, as well as ensures that a total of three anchor bolts are
drilled into the host wall. It also guarantees that when the bar joins the eaves beam, further
strength is provided.
A Ridge Compression Plate
This is located where the aluminium ridge body ends and contacts the house wall. It allows
installers to build and hang the starter bars before fastening the main ridge body and distributes
compression pressures across the host wall. In order to make two cleats total, an extra cleat is
added to the corners of the eaves beam.
Butterfly Cleats
To strengthen the eaves beams, an additional cleat is put in each corner, and a butterfly cleat is
added providing even more structural support.
Before Buying A Kit
A single TBRK is used to replace a single tie bar. Although most conservatories only ever have
one, there are homes that feature multiple tie bars and it isn’t a case where you can just buy more
than one TBRK. There are special product measurements that go into this specific situation and
you may need to speak to a professional for help.
If you’re interested, special product measures are specified by Ultraframe when ordered. Get in
touch with our Birmingham team for more information.
If your heart is set and you’re ready to make the jump-
You can get a free online quote within just a few clicks.
