The Helifix BowTie is a specialist stainless steel wall restraint tie designed to stabilise bowing and bulging masonry walls by securely connecting them to internal timber floor or ceiling joists. This innovative structural repair system provides an effective solution for restraining unstable external walls without the need for unsightly external wall plates or extensive rebuilding.
Manufactured from high-quality stainless steel, Helifix BowTie features a self-tapping helical design that anchors directly into timber joists, creating a strong connection between the masonry wall and the internal timber structure.
Its concealed installation makes BowTie particularly suitable for historic buildings, traditional stone cottages, period properties and heritage restoration projects, where retaining the original appearance of the building is essential.
Ideal for Bowing and Bulging Masonry Wall Repairs
Over time, masonry walls can become unstable due to inadequate lateral restraint, structural movement, deterioration of original wall connections or changes in building loads. This can lead to outward bowing, bulging or separation between external walls and internal floors.
Helifix BowTie provides a discreet method of restoring lateral restraint by securing affected masonry walls to the existing timber floor or ceiling joists.
Unlike traditional wall tie bars that often require large external metal plates, the BowTie system is installed through relatively small drilled holes, allowing the repair to remain concealed once completed.
This makes it particularly useful for the conservation of historic stone and brick buildings, where minimising disturbance to existing masonry is an important consideration.
Features & Benefits
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Stainless steel construction – manufactured from corrosion-resistant stainless steel for long-term durability
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Effective wall stabilisation – helps restrain bowing and bulging external masonry walls
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Self-tapping helical design – creates a secure fixing into timber joists without conventional expansion anchors
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Fully concealed installation – eliminates the need for visible external restraint plates
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Suitable for traditional buildings – ideal for appropriately assessed stone, brick and solid masonry walls
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Minimal disruption – typically installed externally, reducing disturbance to internal finishes
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Compatible with hardwood timbers – suitable for installation into appropriate existing hardwood or softwood joists
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Resin-bonded masonry fixing – installed using Helifix PolyPlus resin to secure the tie within the masonry
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Suitable for heritage restoration – helps retain original architectural features and external wall finishes
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Testable fixing – installation strength can be checked where required by the repair specification
Typical Applications
Helifix BowTie is suitable for a range of structural masonry repairs, including:
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Bowing external walls – restoring lateral restraint to walls that have moved outwards
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Bulging masonry walls – stabilising affected areas where movement is related to inadequate wall restraint
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Traditional stone buildings – reinforcing wall-to-floor connections in historic properties
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Brick masonry repairs – securing external brick walls to existing timber floor structures
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Period property restoration – providing discreet structural reinforcement without visible external tie plates
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Wall-to-floor connections – strengthening inadequate or deteriorated connections between masonry walls and timber joists
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Gable wall restraint – where a suitable engineered repair detail connects the wall to appropriate roof or floor timbers
Product Specifications
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Manufacturer: Helifix
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Product Type: Stainless Steel Remedial Wall Restraint Tie
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Material: Grade 304 or Grade 316 Stainless Steel
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Tie Diameter: 8mm
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Available Standard Lengths: 155mm, 170mm, 195mm, 220mm, 245mm, 270mm, 295mm, 325mm and 350mm
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Minimum Anchorage into Joist End: 75mm
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Masonry Bonding Agent: Helifix PolyPlus Polyester Resin
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Suitable Substrates: Appropriate solid masonry, brickwork, stone masonry and cavity walls
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Primary Application: Restraining Bowed or Bulging Walls by Connecting Masonry to Timber Joists
Installation
Helifix BowTie is normally installed from the exterior of the building, with the tie driven through a pre-drilled clearance hole in the masonry and anchored into the end of an internal timber joist.
Once the joist position has been identified, a clearance hole is drilled through the wall and cleaned. The BowTie is then installed using the appropriate Helifix support tool, driving the self-tapping helical tie at least 75mm into the joist end.
A plastic sleeve is positioned within the drilled hole, and Helifix PolyPlus resin is injected to bond the tie securely to the masonry. The external opening can then be made good using a suitable repair mortar.
For applications involving joists running parallel to the wall, the Helifix BowTie HD system may be required instead.
The number, spacing, position and length of ties must be determined by a suitably qualified structural professional, taking account of the condition of the masonry and timber structure.
A Discreet Structural Repair Solution for Historic Buildings
Helifix BowTie offers an effective and minimally invasive approach to restoring lateral restraint in traditional masonry buildings.
By connecting unstable external walls to existing timber floor structures, the system helps improve structural stability while reducing the need for extensive masonry reconstruction or visible external restraint plates.
For conservation contractors, structural engineers and restoration specialists, Helifix BowTie provides a practical solution for strengthening existing buildings while helping preserve their original architectural character.
