air-conditioningbrickwalls
I want to install a mini-split unit myself. I can't afford to do it any other way and I'm going to die of heat exhaustion if I fail because these window units just aren't doing the trick.
The only problem is all of the guides say to drill a hole in the wall. My house is all brick.
What am I supposed to do? Should I just run the hoses through the window or can I / should I drill a hole through the brick wall?
Obviously the ideal solution if the birckwork is generally poor is to rebuild the wall.
In this case this doens't seem to be an option. To replace existing ties that have problems or sections of the wall where ties are missing you can get drill and fix wall ties. I believe you can get this type of system from Helifix in the UK but I'm sure similar systems exist around the world. You can get systems that rely on some fairly unattractive face plates but other systems do not rely on this but have a resin bond to the brickwork. You will probably need specialist advice on what the right system for you is and to identify if there are any other issues associated with the poorly constructed wall other than the lack of ties.
you definitely don't want to drill into the brick. Drilling into the mortar isn't too bad though, and easily repairable if ever desired.
I've used Tapcons for anchoring into mortar. They work well:
The box will say what size masonry drill bit you need to pre-drill, then you just screw them in with your driver like any screw. I'd suggest longer is better (though no longer than the width of the brick, as that may be as thick as the brick is.)
Also, make sure this brick you are drilling into isn't a chimney. If it is, make sure it's either not in use, or has a metal flu inside (and don't puncture the flu)
Your idea of installing a wood cross-member into the brick and then hang something from there isn't a bad idea. I'd suggest 3 screws, then perhaps attach peg board to that, hanging the pots from peg board ala Julia Child
Best Answer
You can drill small holes through a typical masonry wall without compromising its load-bearing.
Assuming the holes are no more than a few inches in diameter, well spaced apart and are few in number, there should be no problem.
If in doubt, ask an engineer.