Rough surface block wall

[psbc2009]

Need to install several 4x8 poly-metal signs onto a brick surface. The block is very irregular with high and low spots up to an inch or so giving it a sandstone look. This is our first install on this type of surface. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[d fleming]

Stand offs of some sort to keep it off the wall just a bit.

 

[visual800]

You may think im bein a smarta$$ but I have beat the high parts off with 2lb sldgehammer. Standoffs only hit high spots also. If you were paid to hit them you wouldnt hit a one!

the type block is called open face block

 

[psbc2009]

I had a dream last night that involved a sledge hammer! How difficult is that crap to knock off?

 

[visual800]

Not hard at all. It just crumbles. That stuff looks nice but its hell to accept anything flat

 

[visual800]

Not hard at all. It just crumbles. That stuff looks nice but its hell to accept anything flat. Just be careful and hit it from the side of the high spot not dead on, you could bust the block

 

[Jester1167]

The method used depends on how many high spots and how bad they are. It also depends on whether the longest tapcons will bite with the spacers required. Usually you can hit the high spots with a sledge and a coal chisel to even it out but you will probably still need spacers. Depending on the severity, you can stack fender washers or use tubing cut to length. If it is really severe you may need lag bolts and lead anchors and tubing. All in all it is a judgment call based on what you charged for the install, what is best for the customer, sign and building (customer is a tenant or owner), and the severity of the wall.

 

[FatCat]

Never thought of trying to break off the high spots. My fear would be if the client would like that idea. (After all you are changing the wall permanently.) Also, I think regardless of how careful you are, it's never going to be the same as installing on a true flat wall.

I still say you need to use some kind of raceway top and bottom to tapcon to the wall to create a flat surface to mount to. A treated 2x4 should do the trick and then just screw the poly-metal to the 2x4's. Otherwise you'll have to figure out some kind of shim/blocking to use and because of the irregularity of the wall you're going to be cutting all kinds of different thicknesses....

*BTW - just sent you a friend request.

 

[Billct2]

I've used Fatcat's method.
Get a couple of stringers on the wall as flat as possible and attach to those.
With a 2x4 you can notch it on the high spots, hold it in position and whack it a few times
to mark the back where it hits and knock down those areas.

 

[Modular Systems]

You can also purchase different height standoffs to adjust for the highs and lows of the wall.
Determine where exactly on the wall the sign will be mounted at, use masonry bits to smooth out install points to a workable surface and install sign!


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