You are here:

Building Homes or Extensions/Attaching wood framing to brick wall

Expert: Dave Johnson - 11/6/2007

Question
I would like to know the best way to attach a 2"x4" piece of lumber to the exterior brick wall of my home.

I'm trying to build a passive solar collector using the exterior wall of my home as a heat sink.

The home is almost 50 years old and I don't want to cause any permanent damage to the brick.

I would appreciate any help you can give. Thanks!

Answer
There are a couple of ways:
You can drill and use lead shields then anchor the 2x4 with screws into the shield.
There are also some newer version of the same using just a "masonry screw" by just drilling into the masonry and using no shields...the screws tap themsilves.
Try and NOT use the mortar joints in this older masonry, it may not hold up as well as the bricks themselves.
Best of luck, and if you need more info...ask!
Dave

Questioner's Rating

Rating(1-10)	Knowledgeability = 10	Clarity of Response = 10	Politeness = 10
Comment	Thanks Dave, you've been a big help. Even though I hadn't asked....your comment about drilling into the brick and not the mortar was a very important point. Thanks again!