What are these metal straps on a breeze block wall.

[PleaseDontLeak]

Hello,

This used to be part of a garage and a number of years ago got it converted to a usable room; this is a single storey and the breeze block wall is the inner cavity. However, after stripping back the tiles to redecorate I find these metal straps that are screwed to the breeze blocks and appear to wrap above the top breeze block.

What purpose are these serving and can they be removed?

 

[Dereekoo]

To hold the wall plates down and stop the roof blowing away

 

[KenGMac]

PleaseDontLeak, good evening.

As above they are hold down straps.

Do NOT remove!

Ken

 

[^woody^]

Those aren't doing a thing bent like that, and the plate set forward as it is. If that roof wanted to move it would.

You don't tend to see all the roofs from houses and garages built before the 60's flying around, despite the severe lack of straps.

 

[PleaseDontLeak]

Thank you all. I appreciate they may not be doing a great deal Woody, but considering what they should be doing I'll opt on the safe side and follow the previous advice and keep them in situ.

Thanks once again everybody for your input.

 

[Ian H]

You could swap them for a proper bent one while they are exposed, just in case.

 

[nickjb]

Bet these guys wished they had a few fitted

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/...tm_medium=social&utm_campaign=group_walesmain

 

[^woody^]

Bet these guys wished they had a few fitted

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/...tm_medium=social&utm_campaign=group_walesmain

Yeah, and this one wishes they had a few on the floor.