This guide will walk you through the process, highlighting key considerations for brick surfaces.
Pre-Installation Planning
1. Choose the Right Doorbell:
Select a smart doorbell model designed for outdoor use and compatible with your existing doorbell wiring (if you have it). Popular brands like Ring, Nest, and Arlo offer models with wedge kits and angled mounts to accommodate the uneven surface of brick. Consider battery-powered models if running new wiring seems too daunting.
2. Check Your Existing Setup:
Determine if you have an existing doorbell transformer (typically 16-24V AC). Its location and power output must be compatible with your new smart doorbell. For hardwired installations, this is a critical first step.
3. Gather the Right Tools:
You will need:
* A high-quality masonry drill bit (carbide-tipped, sized for your anchors)
* A hammer drill (highly recommended over a standard drill for brick)
* Concrete/masonry anchors (often provided with the doorbell kit, but ensure they are appropriate for brick)
* A level
* Safety glasses and gloves
* Silicone sealant (clear, exterior grade)
* A chisel and hammer (optional, for minor adjustments to mortar joints)
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
For Hardwired Installations (Using Existing Wiring):
Shut off power at the circuit breaker to your existing doorbell transformer. Double-check with a voltage tester.
Carefully detach your old doorbell button and disconnect the wires. Note which wire connects to which terminal.
Hold the smart doorbell’s mounting bracket against the brick at your desired height. Use a level to ensure it is straight. Mark the screw hole locations on the brick with a pencil or marker.
Put on your safety glasses. Using the hammer drill and the correct masonry bit, drill holes at your marked locations. Drill straight into the brick (not the mortar, if possible, as brick offers a more secure hold). The hole depth should match the length of your anchors.
Tap the masonry anchors into the drilled holes. Align the mounting bracket over the anchors and secure it using the provided screws. Ensure it is firmly attached without over-tightening.
Feed the existing low-voltage doorbell wires through the center hole of the bracket. Connect them to the terminals on the back of the smart doorbell unit, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Secure the smart doorbell unit to the mounting bracket. Apply a small bead of clear silicone sealant around the edges of the mounting bracket where it meets the brick. This prevents water from seeping behind the unit and into the drill holes, which can cause damage during freeze-thaw cycles.
Turn the power back on at the breaker. Follow the manufacturer’s app-based instructions to complete the setup, connect to Wi-Fi, and configure settings.
For Battery-Powered or Wireless Installations:
The process is similar but eliminates steps involving wiring.
1. Follow steps 3-5 above to securely mount the bracket to the brick using anchors.
2. Charge/insert the batteries into the doorbell unit.
3. Attach the unit to the bracket.
4. Apply silicone sealant around the bracket’s edge.
5. Proceed with app-based setup.
Key Considerations for Brick Walls
* Drilling into Brick vs. Mortar: It is generally better to drill into the brick itself. Mortar is softer and easier to drill, but it is less durable and may crumble over time, compromising the hold of the anchor. If you must drill into a mortar joint, use a slightly smaller anchor and consider using a specialized mortar anchor.
* Wi-Fi Signal Strength: Brick walls can significantly weaken Wi-Fi signals. Before finalizing the installation spot, check the signal strength using your smartphone or the doorbell manufacturer’s app. You may need to install a Wi-Fi extender or use a doorbell model with a strong radio or a separate chime that acts as a signal booster.
* Weatherproofing: The silicone sealant step is non-negotiable for brick installations. It protects the internal brick and wall cavity from moisture intrusion.
* Angling the View: Brick walls are thick. If your doorbell is recessed in a doorway, the viewing angle may be obstructed. Most brands sell optional wedge kits or corner mounts that angle the doorbell outward, providing a better field of view for motion detection and the camera.
Professional Help vs.
DIY
Consider hiring a professional electrician or a certified installer if:
* You are uncomfortable working with power tools or drilling into masonry.
* Your existing doorbell wiring is faulty or non-existent, and you want a hardwired solution.
* You need to install a new doorbell transformer.
Conclusion
Installing a smart doorbell on a brick house requires careful preparation and the right masonry tools. By drilling securely into the brick, properly sealing the unit, and ensuring a strong Wi-Fi connection, you can successfully integrate this smart home upgrade. The result is a robust installation that provides peace of mind, security, and modern convenience, seamlessly blended with the classic durability of your brick home.
