Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - brick wall thickness
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nealk
10-24-06, 09:03 PM
I have a house built in 1910 in Pittsburgh, PA, and in mounting a large wall shelf I found the brick of one the exterior walls starts about 1/2" below the plaster wall. I was wondering if anyone had an idea how thick an exterior brick wall would be (i.e. how far can I drill into the brick safely)?
Concretemasonry
10-24-06, 09:25 PM
A typical modern brick is 3 5/8" thick. There are also some structural brick that are thicker.
Your older construction could be several layers of brick and not just a 1 layer (wythe) thick.
I one owned an amazingly good home (built in 1917) that was built entirely out of 10" thick hollow clay tile (large brick block). This had stucco appied to the outside and have 2x4s for interior studding followed by lath and plaster. - Just shows how many different ways the brick can be used.
If you are drilling, try to drill into a mortar joint if you can find it.
Dick
Your older construction could be several layers of brick and not just a 1 layer (wythe) thick.
I one owned an amazingly good home (built in 1917) that was built entirely out of 10" thick hollow clay tile (large brick block). This had stucco appied to the outside and have 2x4s for interior studding followed by lath and plaster. - Just shows how many different ways the brick can be used.
If you are drilling, try to drill into a mortar joint if you can find it.
Dick