Vista extends their VST1 wall tie range
Now available in lengths of 325mm and 350mm, the Vista VST1 wall tie range has been expanded to negate problems experienced over wider cavities.
Having listened to the issues raised by our customers in relation to larger cavity widths during construction, The Vista Group have expanded our VST1 wall tie range to ensure we remain one of the leading manufacturers of masonry fixings.
It’s categorisation as a Type 1 (Heavy Duty) tie means the VST1 is suitable for most building sizes, types, and geographical locations. The VST1 is manufactured from stainless steel and is available in boxes of 250 ties. Each tie is designed with a constant drip feature to prevent moisture travelling across the cavity.
Design cavity embedment guide
Available in numerous sizes, the Vista VST1 wall tie range offers solutions for cavity widths up to 225mm. Recommended tie sizes are presented in the table below:
| VST1 Length (mm) | Cavity Width (mm) |
| 200 | 50-75 |
| 225 | 76-100 |
| 250 | 101-125 |
| 275 | 126-150 |
| 300 | 151-175 |
| 325 | 176-200 |
| 350 | 201-225 |
Installation
The Vista VST1 range of ties should be installed in line with the guidance of PD 6697:2019. As a result, ties should typically be installed at 900mm horizonal centres and 450mm vertical centres, staggered by 450mm between courses. This spacing should be reduced to 225mm around openings and at unbonded edges within 300mm of the edge or opening.
In accordance with PD 6697:2019, the minimum embedment of a wall tie in the mortar joint should not be less than 50mm in each leaf. However, Vista recommends that ties should be selected so that there is a 62.5mm embedment in each lead of masonry to ensure its adequate performance under load.
Test results
The VST1 range are designed as symmetrical cavity wall ties as defined in BS EN 845-1:2013. The Type 1 performance of the tie has been independently verified by tension and compression tests in M2 (iv) mortar by Lucideon in accordance with BS EN 846-5:2012 to distinguish compressive and tensile capacity. The minimum mortar joint thickness that this tie is intended for is 10mm. The test values can be found below:
| Load Direction | Test Results (N) |
| 300mm Long Tie @ 175mm Cavity | |
| Tensile Load Capacity | 3150 |
| Compressive Load Capacity (Cavity + 15mm) | 2790 |
| 325mm Long Tie @ 200mm Cavity | |
| Tensile Load Capacity | 3150 |
| Compressive Load Capacity (Cavity + 15mm) | 2510 |
| 350mm Long Tie @ 225mm Cavity | |
| Tensile Load Capacity | 3150 |
| Compressive Load Capacity (Cavity + 15mm) | 2510 |