ᐅ Fixing Steel Plates to Masonry Without Drilling

Created on: 23 Mar 2023 12:21
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abc12345
Hello everyone,

I have an unplastered concrete block wall. I would like to cover it with steel / corten steel sheets but without visible fixing points, meaning no drilling.

The wall is 80 cm (31 inches) high and about 10 meters (33 feet) long. I was thinking of using sheet sizes of 2 x 0.8 meters (6.6 x 2.6 feet) with a thickness of 2 mm (0.08 inches).

Now to my question.
How can I glue the sheets to the wall?
Should I apply a bitumen waterproofing layer and then simply press the panels into the adhesive?

What types of adhesives are available for this? Unfortunately, I haven’t found anything suitable for such large surfaces through online searches.

By the way, the walls are backed up with soil.

Thanks for your help.
Best regards
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abc12345
23 Mar 2023 18:25
The costs depend on the dimensions and material thickness, so it’s not possible to give a general estimate.

The claddings I have seen have all been made of corten steel, so it must somehow be feasible. I thought someone here might have already done this since it’s become quite common now.

I’ll probably need to look further and, if necessary, consult a metalworker, but they are usually reluctant to provide information if you don’t buy the material from them or have them carry out the work. The material costs me almost half the price online. Keep in mind, this is not cheap steel from China.
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WilderSueden
23 Mar 2023 19:31
I would spontaneously vibrate the sheet metal into the ground to a sufficient depth (about one third?). Similar to how sheet piles are installed.
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Schorsch_baut
23 Mar 2023 19:49
To my knowledge, Corten steel needs to dry repeatedly to ensure the corrosion layer is stable. I would ask a metalworker. It should also be possible to create an invisible, purely mechanical fastener. Tabs welded on the back and a rail embedded in the wall—similar to how Ikea kitchen cabinets are installed.
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abc12345
23 Mar 2023 20:52
Unfortunately, it is not possible to embed it into the ground, as the wall's foundation is located there. I had already considered that idea.

Using welded tabs on the backside is an option, although it is quite labor-intensive. I thought there might be some kind of adhesive that would do the job.

I will actually have to rely on a locksmith's advice regarding the implementation. Thanks for your input on this topic.
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hanghaus2023
24 Mar 2023 07:46
The sheet metal could also be bent and then attached to the bent flange.