Ancon SPS Wall Ties: Everything You Need to Know
In the world of wall ties, certain manufacturers have carved out a reputation for delivering exceptional quality, proven performance, and robust compliance with UK Building Regulations. Ancon is one such name frequently mentioned by architects, site managers, and contractors who want reliable solutions for everything from small-scale housing to large commercial developments. Among Ancon’s diverse product lines, the SPS series has proven particularly popular, offering builders an efficient way to ensure correct tie positioning, reduce on-site errors, and maintain structural integrity.
This article explores the distinguishing features of Ancon SPS wall ties, discussing how they are made, how they perform, and what sets them apart from more generic tie options. If you are new to the subject of wall ties, you may wish to start by reading our hub piece, “The Ultimate Guide to Wall Ties: Types, Applications, and Installation Best Practices,” which outlines fundamental considerations for tie selection and placement. Once you have that background, you will be better positioned to assess how Ancon’s SPS ties fit into your specific project needs—be it a residential cavity wall or a complex multi-storey build in a harsh climate.
1. Why Choose Ancon Wall Ties?
Ancon has long been recognised for its engineering excellence and deep understanding of masonry and steel interactions. The company offers a wide range of fixings, reinforcing solutions, and masonry support products. Builders who specify Ancon often cite benefits such as:
• Comprehensive testing and certification to meet BS EN 845-1.
• CE or UKCA marked products that simplify building control approvals.
• Corrosion-resistant materials (usually stainless steel) that stand the test of time.
• A commitment to innovative design features that improve on-site performance.
The SPS range reflects these qualities, combining structural stability with easy installation and minimal risk of error. Whether you are constructing a standard cavity wall for a suburban home or tackling a higher-rise project with more stringent wind-load requirements, there is often an Ancon SPS product suited to your circumstances.
2. What Is the SPS wall tie?
Ancon’s SPS refers to a specific design approach for cavity wall ties that facilitates accurate placement in the mortar joint. The tie itself is typically made of stainless steel, featuring 3 holes in either end to aid mortar adhesion.
3. Key Specifications and Performance Attributes
While different models in the SPS range cater to different cavity widths and structural loads, the ties typically share a few core characteristics:
Stainless Steel Composition
Most Ancon SPS ties are manufactured from austenitic stainless steel, prized for its corrosion resistance. This helps the tie maintain strength over decades, even in moist or exposed conditions.
4. Typical Applications for Ancon SPS Ties
Ancon SPS wall ties are versatile. You might find them in:
Residential Housing
Standard cavity walls in suburban or rural settings often use a Type 2 tie—ideal for moderate wind exposure and typical two- to three-storey homes. The SPS system ensures quick, accurate placement, streamlining the build.
Extensions and Retrofits
Because the SPS ties come in various lengths, they can accommodate existing masonry that requires additional stability or a new cavity leaf. The straightforward design helps contractors upgrade a wall without extensive rework.
Small Commercial Projects
For low- to mid-rise commercial buildings, an SPS tie rated for Type 2 or Type 1 loads could be the right fit, depending on wind load calculations. The brand reputation and clear installation guidelines simplify building control approvals.
5. Installation Guidance and Common Pitfalls
Correctly embedding Ancon SPS wall ties follows similar principles to those outlined in our main wall tie hub. However, the SPS system can reduce some of the common errors:
Maintaining a Clean Cavity
Even with simplified positioning, mortar droppings and debris can undermine the drip point or create a moisture bridge. Using cavity battens and practising good site habits remain essential.
Spacing and Embedment Depth
Follow the recommendations in Approved Document A or NHBC Standards for tie spacing—often 450 mm in vertical coursing and 900 mm horizontally, though check local requirements. Ensure embedment of 50–75 mm, unless the tie’s data sheet specifies otherwise.
Orientation
One key advantage of SPS ties is that the raised features act as a visual guide, indicating where the drip should be. Always angle the drip towards the outer leaf to let water run away. Inadvertently flipping or bending the tie can negate these design benefits.
Mortar Quality
Even the best tie cannot compensate for weak mortar or poor joint formation. Use a consistent mortar mix that offers good adhesion. If you are working in wet or cold conditions, protect newly laid mortar from weather effects.
6. UK Regulatory Compliance
All Ancon SPS ties are manufactured in line with BS EN 845-1, which sets performance and testing standards for masonry ancillary components such as wall ties. They should also come with clear CE or UKCA marking, indicating conformity with EU or UK technical requirements. For projects overseen by the National House-Building Council (NHBC), Ancon ties are often included in their recommended or approved fixings, simplifying the inspection process.
Approved Document A (Structure) remains the primary reference for ensuring adequate masonry support in England, alongside equivalents in Scotland and Wales. If your building meets the height and exposure criteria specified for a Type 2 tie, for instance, you can consult Ancon’s product literature to confirm the tie’s ability to meet or exceed that classification. Always cross-verify with local wind data and building height to choose the correct tie specification.
7. Integrating Ancon SPS Ties with Other Building Elements
Ancon SPS ties work best when considered part of a holistic approach to masonry design. For example:
Movement Ties
If you need to account for expansion and contraction in long or tall walls, you may incorporate movement joints and movement ties in specific sections. The rest of the masonry could employ Ancon SPS ties at standard intervals. To understand how movement ties function, see our spoke article “Movement Ties 101: Managing Expansion and Contraction in Masonry Walls.”
Damp Proof Course (DPC)
Positioning SPS ties above or within a DPC requires careful coordination, ensuring that they do not breach the moisture barrier. Our “Complete Guide to Damp Proof Courses (DPC)” offers insights into the correct placement of ties around horizontal or vertical DPC layers.
Weep Holes
As with any cavity wall system, weep holes let moisture escape at the base of the cavity or above openings. Ensuring the tie’s drip aligns with these drainage paths prevents water from pooling or saturating the interior leaf. For a detailed look at weep hole solutions, see our “Weep Holes” hub.
Fire Socks and Barriers
In certain multi-residential builds, you may need to install cavity barriers or fire socks. The presence of these components can influence tie layout and embedment depth. Our “Fire Socks & Barriers 101” hub breaks down how to incorporate fire protection measures alongside wall ties.
8. Sourcing Ancon SPS Wall Ties and Expert Advice
Spechunter is well-equipped to supply a variety of Ancon wall ties, including the SPS range. By working closely with the manufacturer, we ensure quick availability and competitive pricing. If you are uncertain about which tie specification or length suits your project’s needs, our technical team can provide tailored recommendations, factoring in:
• The building’s height, wind exposure, and Type requirements (1–4).
• The cavity width and insulation thickness.
• Any special concerns, such as bridging, moisture control, or movement joints.
With two strategically located warehouses, we often offer next working day delivery on orders placed before midday, so you can stay on schedule. To review our range and request a quote, visit our wall ties page. Alongside Ancon ties, you will also find other premium brands and specialised solutions for various wall tie applications.
In Summary
Ancon SPS wall ties bridge the gap between tried-and-tested structural reliability and user-friendly installation features. Their stainless steel construction, clear drip points, and visual positioning cues mitigate many of the common errors seen with generic ties, helping you achieve a cleaner, safer, and more consistent finish.
Whether you are a developer aiming for a high-quality finish on a new estate, a contractor renovating an older property, or an architect specifying robust masonry support, choosing the right tie from a trusted manufacturer can provide lasting benefits. By combining Ancon SPS ties with best practices in mortar bedding, movement joint placement, and damp proofing, you create a resilient building envelope fit for the UK’s variable climate.
For further assistance or product inquiries, Spechunter stands ready to help, leveraging our extensive product catalogue, technical expertise, and rapid delivery service. With the correct specification and proper installation, Ancon SPS wall ties can become a cornerstone of your project’s success, ensuring that walls remain stable, moisture-free, and in full compliance with modern building standards.