How to install a folding arm awning on brick veneer?

Question

Hi All

I wanted to install a foldable awning in my backyard. The problem is that my house is brick veneer and I'm not sure how to secure the awning to the wall.

Appreciate your input about, if it is feasible to attach an awning (5m length by 3m extention, around 30-40kg) to the brick veneer wall. If yes, please give me some advice on:

How many screws to use along the 5m?

What screw and plug to use?

Any hint on where om bricks is more stable to make the holes?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance,

Moe

MitchellMc · Answer

In terms of finding studs behind brick veneer @moe88, a standard stud finder won’t work. Brick and the cavity behind it prevent the tool from detecting timber framing, so unfortunately it’s not a reliable method in this case.

You’re on the right track thinking about the fascia or soffit instead. The fascia board is typically fixed into the ends of the roof rafters, so they can provide a solid fixing point.

If you’re looking for a secure fixing, the safest approach is to either fix into structural timber like the rafters or use a mounting method specifically designed for brick veneer (such as appropriate anchors that bridge the cavity).

Mitchell

moe88 · Answer

Hi @MitchellMc

Thanks for the respond.

I have jot purchased it yet and agree on not mounting on the brick veneer.

I wondered if you have knowledge on how to find the studs behind the brick, is the basic stud finder able to detect it?

Also, I thought if it can be instead, screwed into the studs behind either the facia or the soffit? (I am assuming there are studs there.!)

MitchellMc · Answer

Hi @moe88,

Attaching a folding arm awning to a brick veneer wall needs careful consideration, particularly because brick veneer is not structural. It’s essentially a single brick layer tied back to the timber frame, not designed to carry significant loads. While the static weight of a 30–40kg awning might seem manageable, the real concern is wind load when the awning is extended. Even moderate wind can create substantial outward and uplift forces, which can lead to the fixings pulling out of the brick or, in worst cases, damaging the wall itself. For this reason, fixings should never rely solely on the brick veneer; they typically need to be anchored back to the structural framing behind the brick, or installed using a properly engineered mounting system designed for this application.

Is this an awning you’ve purchased from Bunnings? If so, I’d be happy to help by reaching out to the manufacturer to confirm the correct fixing method if it’s not clearly outlined in the instructions. If it’s from another supplier, the best course of action is to contact the product manufacturer directly, as they can provide installation guidance specific to their awning and ensure it’s suitable for your wall type.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell