Attaching radiator to damaged wall

Martian2035

I'm currently replacing a radiator on my bedroom wall. The position is directly beneath the window, so an external wall.

However, removing the previous radiator has revealed the wall is damaged where the previous brackets were. The plaster crumbles through to the brick which is now visible on the other side.



The rest of the wall appears to be in good condition. The only noticeable problem is a few cm around where the previous brackets were.

How would you recommend tacking this issue? Realistically getting this wall replastered is out of my budget.

One idea was to:
- fill the hole with polyfilla
- attach a large piece of MDF against the wall, slightly smaller than the radiator
- attach the new brackets to the MDF

... but I have no idea if this is a sound solution.

Do you have any advice?

martinthebandit

Fill hole with filler, let set, drill holes long enough to go into the brick behind filler, use longer wall plugs and screws to fix bracket.

keith969

Clear out the hole, spray some water in then fill with Polyfilla - a couple of goes to fill it evenly. You don't need to replaster as it will be hidden. Then drill and put rawlplugs in.

FreeBear

I'd fill with a mortar mix packed in just below the level of the existing plaster, then finish off with filler. Leave for at least a week, sand smooth, and then refit the radiator - Certainly use longer screws, and perhaps consider chemset fixings rather than the more usual wall plugs.

Seeing as this repair is going to be hidden behind a new radiator, it doesn't have to look pretty, nor does it need to be perfect. Nobody will see it.


Tip - Spray the hole with plenty of water before you start. This will stop the (previously) dry brickwork from sucking all the water out of the filler and give it time to set properly.