Hanging System for 34"x74" frame with 1/4" mirror above brick fireplace

[stevens]

A client wants a frame with o.d. of 34"x74" and 1/4" mirror (she is buying from another company). The mirror/frame is going above a brick fireplace (not sure if it is brick or stone since that is popular here) and a will weigh around 70# in total. I am putting a 1/8" HDF on the back of the frame to stabilize/spread forces. The custom glass guy was thinking "J" hook hanging. What hanging systems would be suggested?

Rob probably knows what to do.

 

[RParrish]

I would do a Z bar on the top and bottom of the frame.

 

[neilframer]

I would do a Z bar on the top and bottom of the frame.

I agree with that. I have done an installation like this.
If at all possible, you don't want to drill into the brick to install anchors.
What we did was to drill into the mortar or grout in between the bricks with a masonry bit and we used lead anchors in the mortar.

Whatever system you use, you want to put the anchors in the mortar or grout between the bricks.
The mortar can be easily patched if the mirror is ever taken down.
The bricks, not so much.

 

[Rob Markoff]

Lead sheilds used to be my "go to" for all things masonry, but with all the hoopla in CA re: "lead" anything, they are almost impossible to find.
Lately we have been using (with success) the (Alligator) series from Toggler - as a replacement. I agree with Neil, repointing mortar is easier than brick -

But if the mortar is recessed, you need to be sure you are using a non-flanged anchor so it sits firmly into the mortar and also a longer fastener to be sure you have expanded the anchor and wedged it into the mortar. http://www.toggler.com/products/alligator/tech_specs.php Not the "AF" but the "A" series. The "F" stands for, "flanged."

I am not a big fan of z-bar in brick because you are limited to the width and vertical spacing of the grout lines and moulding for location of the z-bar. 34 x 74 is not really that bug. I probably would use double strap mirror hangers and adjustable 100 lb wall straps (like those from Frameware or CRL) attached to the wall through the mortar with an appropriate length screw and anchor.

http://www.crlaurence.com/crlapps/s...pID=2909&History=39325:1491:2901&ModelID=2909
http://www.crlaurence.com/crlapps/s...pID=3053&History=39325:1491:2901&ModelID=3053

You can also use Tapcon scerws directly into the mortar. http://www.concretescrews.com/

 

[RParrish]

I was Rob'ed again dag nabbit!

 

[fourmdev]

A client wants a frame with o.d. of 34"x74" and 1/4" mirror (she is buying from another company). The mirror/frame is going above a brick fireplace (not sure if it is brick or stone since that is popular here) and a will weigh around 70# in total. I am putting a 1/8" HDF on the back of the frame to stabilize/spread forces. The custom glass guy was thinking "J" hook hanging. What hanging systems would be suggested?

Rob probably knows what to do.

I will suggest H/D bridge plate / brass bezel ( Lion UK part no 5444 with 3915 )

http://www.lionpic.co.uk/product/Ke...rs---Bridge-Plate-Brass-Plated-10,9548,0.aspx

http://www.lionpic.co.uk/product/Keyhole-Heavy-Duty-Hangers---Wall-Bezel-10,8863,0.aspx

Fourmdev