Introduction

The cause of bowing walls in many old buildings may well be due to the fact that there was no mechanical connection between the floor and ceiling joists and the masonry. The traditional method of connection has been to rely on friction due to gravity. When this frictional resistance is released, due to movement over the years within the timbers of masonry, it can leave a freestanding wall of considerable height that is very susceptible to bowing.

The problem of bowing walls has been addressed in the past by the use of S or X ties bonded right through the building with bars to connect the front and rear walls and the two side walls together.

The Bow Flex tie uses the same principles as this proven, but unsightly, method of restraint for bowing walls. The advantage of the Bow Flex is that is can be installed invisibly and externally and uses the existing structural members to provide the necessary stability.

The current method of standard repair is to introduce a galvanised strap tying the floor to the wall. Although the product is very cheap the disruption involved during the installation - removing furniture, carpets, skirting and floorboards, the chasing out of plaster, the fixing with plugs or screws or nails and the subsequent making good - make this a very expensive in-place option which relies on the holding capacity of one plastic plug and a screw.