ᐅ How do you securely mount BILLY shelves in older buildings with crumbling walls?
Created on: 8 Dec 2018 08:03
D
dratan
Hello everyone, I have the following problem: I want to install my Billy shelves in an older apartment where the walls are quite crumbly, with some plaster even falling off. The usual wall anchors don’t seem to provide enough support here. My question is: which method, technique, or material would you recommend to securely and permanently fix these shelves to such fragile walls? Are there special anchors, maybe some kind of reinforcement, or alternative mounting options that are practical for older buildings with these wall conditions? I look forward to any tips, especially if you have practical experience. Thank you!
dratan schrieb:
What about cavity anchors or expansion anchors in crumbling walls? Cavity anchors are only suitable if there is a hollow space behind the wall – for example, drywall attached to a metal or wooden frame. In older walls with crumbling but solid plaster, you usually don’t have cavities, but a loose surface on a solid wall. Expansion anchors provide strong grip, but they cannot hold well in crumbling plaster because the material is not stable. In your case, chemical anchors or a substructure are the most reliable solutions.
I can confirm that chemical anchors work very well in old masonry walls. It is important to keep the drill hole dust-free; otherwise, the resin will not adhere properly. Always pay attention to the correct curing time of the resin, which is often specified in the instructions. With Billy-style shelving units, the load can be quite high, so this should not be underestimated.
Tommy38 schrieb:
Keep the drill hole dust-free for chemical anchors. This is extremely important, thanks for the reminder! Proper cleaning of the hole with compressed air or manually after drilling prevents the resin from sticking only to dust instead of penetrating the wall.
Good afternoon, one last question before I get started: Are there any recommended brands or types of chemical anchors that work particularly well with old concrete or brick walls? And should the anchors be chosen depending on the type of wall (e.g., brick versus calcium silicate blocks)?
Product recommendations for chemical anchors vary depending on availability. In Germany, for example, Fischer FIS V or Hilti HIT-RE 500 V3 are proven resin anchors. It is important that the product is certified and compatible with the type of wall. Depending on the masonry (hollow or solid brick, calcium silicate brick, etc.), these systems have specific application profiles. Check the datasheet for approvals and load capacities. For private customers, complete kits are often practical, including a cartridge gun. Specialized dealers are happy to provide targeted advice. Also pay attention to the processing temperature and curing time.
From a product perspective, I can only agree with raelto. The proper chemical anchors will give you the necessary hold – but you should drill carefully and allow enough time for curing. Using a cartridge gun feels awkward at first, but after that, it goes smoothly. Good luck!
Similar topics