How to install VJ panels on uneven brick wall?

[SimonM]

Hi Community,

I'm planning to installed the following VJ paneling directly over uneven brick.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/easycraft-2400-x-1200-x-9mm-easyregency150-primed-general-purpose-wall-l...

Photo of brick attached.

The brick is reasonably flat but juts out in spots no more than 5mm. I can chisel off some of the sharper protruding bits. There are smoother, less protruding bits which will be harder to chisel without taking a chunk of brick out.

I don't want to install battens or furring channels as there is existing framing around the door frames, and don't want the panels to sit beyond those. I also don't want to consume space.

1. Do you think it would be fine attaching directly to the uneven brick with these constraints?

2. What would you recommended I use for adhesive to attach the boards to the brick. I am attaching multiple boards so want to use something cost effective p/sqm. I plan to use a combination of adhesive and countersunk masonry screws. Ideally, the adhesive would pad the board out from the brick beyond the uneven parts.

We've previously directly attached GIB plasterboard to the uneven brick on other areas of the house. I'm not sure what the builder used for this and if it would be suitable for VJ paneling.

There is existing cornice I will need to remove and reattach as the 9mm thick VJ boards will exceed beyond the thickness of the cornice width.

I was considering using Gyprock CSR 20kg Drywall Masonry Adhesive.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/gyprock-csr-20kg-drywall-masonry-adhesive_p0734625?store=6431&gbraid=0AA...

Regards,

Simon

[JacobZ]

Hi @SimonM,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

I'm sorry, but EasyCraft has an installation guide for installation to brick and block walls that needs to be followed to comply with their warranty policy. Unfortunately, there is no option for installing their products over brick without using battens or furring channel.

If you were to install any EasyCraft product using a direct stick method, you would do so at your own risk, as it is not recommended by the manufacturer. Unfortunately, I can only recommend methods of installation based on what our suppliers recommend. 

I can, however, confirm that the masonry adhesive that you mentioned is likely what your builder used and is an approved method for installation of plasterboard, based on The Red Book #2 Residential Installation, page 33.

You might have to consider using plasterboard instead of Easy Regency if you couldn't use furring channel or battens.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[SimonM]

I've read that guide. This is a custom installation and does not apply. I'm not concerned with manufacturer recommendation in this instance. 

Could Gyprock CSR 20kg Drywall Masonry Adhesive be used as adhesive for Easy Regency paneling?

[JacobZ]

Hi @SimonM,

It would likely work for some time, but when they need to guarantee their product will stay on the wall based on their guidance, it is not the method they would recommend.

The issue is that MDF expands and contracts considerably more than plasterboard does, and masonry adhesive, being gypsum-based, would not expand and contract in the same way MDF does, so over time it would crack and lose its initial holding power.

If you were to do it, you'd likely be better off using Selleys 350g Heavy Duty Liquid Nails, which is more flexible than masonry adhesive, although once again, you would do so at your own risk.

Jacob