Can I attach shutters to brick without drilling?

• <div><p>No, it’s not recommended to attach shutters to brick without drilling. Brick is dense and built to last, so adhesives and shortcut methods don’t usually cut it. Even heavy-duty glue struggles to hold up over time—especially against wind, moisture, and temperature changes. Most <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-attach-shutters-to-vinyl-siding.htm">no-drill options are made for materials like vinyl</a> or wood, not solid masonry. Skipping the drill might seem easier, but it puts your shutters—and anything below them—at risk. For a secure, lasting install, drilling is the way to go. It takes more effort up front, but the result is safer and more reliable. </p></div>

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Q: Can I attach shutters to brick without drilling?

• <div><p>No, it&rsquo;s not recommended to attach shutters to brick without drilling. Brick is dense and built to last, so adhesives and shortcut methods don&rsquo;t usually cut it. Even heavy-duty glue struggles to hold up over time&mdash;especially against wind, moisture, and temperature changes. Most <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-attach-shutters-to-vinyl-siding.htm">no-drill options are made for materials like vinyl</a> or wood, not solid masonry. Skipping the drill might seem easier, but it puts your shutters&mdash;and anything below them&mdash;at risk. For a secure, lasting install, drilling is the way to go. It takes more effort up front, but the result is safer and more reliable. </p></div>

Q: Can you enlarge windows in a brick house?

• <div><p>Yes, you can enlarge windows in a brick house. Your masonry contractor will need to cut away exterior brick to make space for the larger window, and you may also need to consult a structural engineer to make sure the window is properly supported inside the frame of the house.</p></div>

Q: What causes black stains on bricks?

• <div><p>In some cases, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/black-stains-brick.htm">black stains on brick</a> are caused by organic substances like algae and mold. However, it's more likely that the black spots you're noticing on your bricks come from carbon from vehicle exhaust or soot. Black stains can usually be removed by scrubbing the brick with a brush and masonry cleaner or power washing. </p></div>

Q: How often does brick need to be repointed and how long does it last?

• <div><p>Professionally done brick repointing can last 20 to 30 years, sometimes longer. However, the exact lifespan depends on several factors, including the quality of the mortar, the skill of the mason, and exposure to weather. If you live in an area with harsh weather or frequent freeze-thaw cycles, you may need to repoint more often. Repointing that is done as a DIY project may only last 10 to 15 years. It's time to repoint when you notice signs of mortar failure, such as crumbling or missing mortar, holes, or vines growing between the bricks. Regular inspections can help you catch these issues early.</p></div>

Q: What is the best tool to break up rocks?

• <div><p>This is largely dependent on the size and hardness of the rock, but a range of tools might work, including hammers, chisels, rock hammers, sledge hammers, and more. You'll need a jackhammer for the very biggest rock-breaking jobs.</p></div>

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Integrity LandscapeLLC

5.0(

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Serving Stanford, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Everything went well and smooth. I had no problems with this company."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Serving Stanford, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I only use James when I need some work done to my house. He responds fast, gets the work done quicker than just about anyone else I've ever used and seems very concerned with leaving his customers happy."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

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TCH Builders & Remodeling

4.0(

)

Serving Stanford, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

If you dream it, we can build it. What's the biggest difference between us and them? We build to last! We offer a full line of Green and Energy Star Certified products, backed by our labor and manufacturer's lifetime transferable warranties. Credit Cards Welcome Financing Available OAC.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Copenhaver Construction

New to Angi

Serving Stanford, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

At Copenhaver Construction we pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We strongly believe in giving our absolute best in all the work we perform. We are experts and will always keep you educated about the work process. We look forward to earning your business.

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Ostermiller Construction LLC

New to Angi

Serving Stanford, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Ostermiller Construction LLC in Shepherd, MT specializes in concrete, asphalt, curb, driveway, walkway, sidewalk, parking lot construction, and dirt work. We offer free estimates.\n\nWe serve in Shepherd, MT, Broadview Town MT; Roundup MT; Camp Three MT; Klein MT; and the surrounding areas.\n\nAsphalt Repair, Asphalt Contractor, Asphalt Driveway Repair, Asphalt Crack Repair, Parking Lot Asphalt Repair\nConcrete Service\n\nFor more information visit our website: https://constructionshepherdmt.com/

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Pride Plumbing LLC

New to Angi

Serving Stanford, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

Response time7 hrs

Response rate88%

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Masonry questions, answered by experts

No, it’s not recommended to attach shutters to brick without drilling. Brick is dense and built to last, so adhesives and shortcut methods don’t usually cut it. Even heavy-duty glue struggles to hold up over time—especially against wind, moisture, and temperature changes. Most no-drill options are made for materials like vinyl or wood, not solid masonry. Skipping the drill might seem easier, but it puts your shutters—and anything below them—at risk. For a secure, lasting install, drilling is the way to go. It takes more effort up front, but the result is safer and more reliable.

Yes, you can enlarge windows in a brick house. Your masonry contractor will need to cut away exterior brick to make space for the larger window, and you may also need to consult a structural engineer to make sure the window is properly supported inside the frame of the house.

In some cases, black stains on brick are caused by organic substances like algae and mold. However, it's more likely that the black spots you're noticing on your bricks come from carbon from vehicle exhaust or soot. Black stains can usually be removed by scrubbing the brick with a brush and masonry cleaner or power washing.

Professionally done brick repointing can last 20 to 30 years, sometimes longer. However, the exact lifespan depends on several factors, including the quality of the mortar, the skill of the mason, and exposure to weather. If you live in an area with harsh weather or frequent freeze-thaw cycles, you may need to repoint more often. Repointing that is done as a DIY project may only last 10 to 15 years. It's time to repoint when you notice signs of mortar failure, such as crumbling or missing mortar, holes, or vines growing between the bricks. Regular inspections can help you catch these issues early.

This is largely dependent on the size and hardness of the rock, but a range of tools might work, including hammers, chisels, rock hammers, sledge hammers, and more. You'll need a jackhammer for the very biggest rock-breaking jobs.

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