Masonry plays a crucial and central role in modern construction across the UK.
Brick and concrete will always be the most popular choices, due to their durability, fire resistance, and structural reliability. However, modern masonry projects are no longer straightforward. Buildings now need to meet higher energy standards, stricter safety regulations, and more demanding architectural requirements than ever before. As a result, specialist construction fixings have become an essential part of successful masonry design and installation.
Construction fixings are the systems used to secure materials to masonry, concrete or steel structures. They include wall ties, anchors, support brackets, cavity fixings, restraint systems, resin anchors, and reinforcement products. Although relatively small compared to the rest of the structure, these components are fundamental to the safety and efficient operation of a building.
One of the main reasons specialist fixings are increasingly important is the variety of substrates used in construction today. Dense concrete blocks, lightweight aerated blocks, natural stone and historic brickwork all behave differently under load. A fixing suitable for one substrate may perform poorly in another.
Refurbishment projects create even more challenges, as existing masonry may vary greatly in condition of materials, such as weathered stone or could contain obscured voids or weakened mortar, all of which cannot easily be identified prior to construction work commencing. Specialist fixings help contractors more easily adapt to these conditions safely and efficiently.
Modern buildings also incorporate more external systems than older structures. Rainscreen cladding, solar shading, balcony supports, suspended features and external wall insulation all require reliable attachment points. Specialist fixings allow these systems to connect securely to masonry while maintaining structural integrity and reducing movement over time.
The changing landscape following the awful Grenfell Tower disaster is another consideration, Fastener + Fixing Magazine had an interesting insight regarding this “For the fixings industry, the BSA represents both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, the increased accountability demands higher levels of expertise and due diligence at every stage of the fastening process. On the other hand, it pushes the industry towards higher standards, ensuring that anchors and fixings are selected, designed and installed correctly, as well as functioning as intended – ultimately reducing risks and improving overall safety.”
One of the most important things is to identify and use the correct fixing. Concrete throughbolts are one of the most used heavy-duty fixings in modern construction because they provide strong and reliable anchoring into concrete and dense masonry. They work by expanding against the sides of a drilled hole as the bolt is tightened, creating a secure mechanical connection capable of supporting substantial loads. Throughbolts are frequently used for structural steel connections, handrails, machinery bases, framework installation and heavy-duty support brackets. Their popularity comes from their relatively quick installation and high load-bearing performance, making them suitable for both commercial and industrial construction projects.
Resin anchors, also known as chemical fixings, are another widely used solution where high-strength fixing is required without placing excessive stress on the surrounding substrate. Instead of relying on mechanical expansion, resin anchors bond threaded rods or studs into the base material using specialist chemical compounds. This makes them particularly useful in cracked concrete, hollow blockwork and applications where edge distances are limited. Resin fixings are commonly specified for structural steelwork, façade supports, balustrades and retrofit projects because they offer strong pull-out resistance and greater flexibility in difficult installation conditions.
Concrete anchor bolts as sourced on speedyfixings.com are increasingly used in modern construction due to their speed and ease of installation. Unlike traditional anchors, they cut their own thread directly into concrete or masonry after a pilot hole is drilled. This allows for quick fixing without the need for plugs or resin systems in many applications. Concrete screws are often used for framing systems, cable trays, timber battens and lightweight structural supports. Their removability also makes them popular for temporary works and projects where future adjustments may be required.
Cavity wall ties and frame fixings also play a critical role in modern building construction. Wall ties are designed to connect the inner and outer leaves of cavity walls, providing stability while allowing for slight movement and moisture management within the wall structure. Frame fixings are commonly used to secure window frames, door frames and timber or metal sections into masonry substrates. These fixings are designed to maintain strength while reducing stress on the surrounding material, helping improve long-term durability and installation performance across residential and commercial projects.
Melissa Williams