To mount a security camera on brick, stucco, vinyl siding or concrete, use the right fixing for the surface: masonry screws or sleeve anchors in the mortar joint for brick, masonry anchors in solid concrete, a mounting block or screws into the sheathing and a stud for vinyl siding, and a backing plate fixed into the framing for stucco. Drill with the correct bit (a hammer drill for masonry), avoid drilling the face of the brick when a mortar joint works, seal around every fixing against water, and never rely on siding alone to hold weight. This page gives the fixing, tool and sealing advice for each surface.
PCBy the Pixl Canada install team. Updated October 26, 2026. 7 min read. General guidance.
- Fixing table for four surfaces
- Drilling and sealing steps
- Common mistakes that cause leaks
- When to call a professional
- Match the fixing to the wall: masonry anchors for brick and concrete, framing for siding and stucco.
- Drill into the mortar joint on brick when you can. It is easier to repair than the brick face.
- Vinyl siding cannot hold a camera. Fix to the wall behind it.
- Seal every hole against water, especially before winter freeze-thaw.
What fixing do you use on each surface?
| Surface | Fixing | Tools | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brick | Masonry screws or sleeve anchors in the mortar joint | Hammer drill, masonry bit | Avoid cracking the brick face; seal the hole |
| Poured concrete or block | Concrete screws or sleeve anchors | Hammer drill, masonry bit, dust control | Dust, and rebar or utilities inside |
| Vinyl siding | Screws into the sheathing and a stud through a mounting block | Drill, stud finder, mounting block | Siding must move with temperature; do not clamp it tight |
| Stucco | Backing plate fixed into framing, or masonry screws in sound stucco and sheathing | Hammer drill, caulk, sealant | Cracks and water getting behind the finish |
| Wood siding or fascia | Wood screws into solid framing | Drill, stud finder | Rot in old boards |
If the camera comes with only drywall-style anchors, replace them with the right fixings for your wall. See TV mounting by wall type for how wall type changes the work in general.
How do you mount the camera, step by step?
- Choose the spot. See where to place cameras and how high to mount a camera.
- Check behind the wall for wires, pipes and framing with a stud finder.
- Mark the holes using the camera’s template. On brick, aim for mortar joints.
- Drill with the correct bit. Use a hammer drill for masonry, and a pilot hole for siding.
- Fit the anchors or fix to framing, then screw the mount down firmly.
- Route the cable through a sealed entry. See running cable through walls.
- Seal around the mount and the cable entry with exterior sealant, leaving a drip loop.
- Aim and test the picture before you tighten the final joint.
Which mistakes cause leaks and loose cameras?
| Mistake | Result | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Screwing a camera into vinyl siding only | The camera sags or the siding cracks | Use a mounting block fixed to the wall behind |
| Not sealing the holes | Water gets in and freezes | Seal with exterior-rated sealant |
| Wrong drill bit in masonry | Loose fixings and cracked brick | Use a hammer drill with a masonry bit |
| Cable hole pointing down | Water runs into the wall | Angle the hole up and use a drip loop |
| Mounting too low | Easy to reach and tamper with | See mounting height guide |
When should you call a professional?
Call a professional if the wall is heritage brick you do not want to damage, if you cannot tell what is behind the surface, if the camera must go on a second storey, or if you want several cameras mounted consistently. Pixl mounts and aims cameras as part of an install. See DIY or professional installation.
Mounting a security camera: frequently asked questions
How do you mount a security camera on brick?
Drill into a mortar joint with a hammer drill and masonry bit, fit masonry anchors or screws, mount the camera and seal the hole.
Can you mount a camera on vinyl siding?
Not on the siding alone. Use a mounting block and fix it to the wall framing behind.
How do you mount a camera on stucco?
Fix a backing plate into the framing, or use masonry screws in sound stucco, and seal every hole against water.
What drill bit do I need for concrete?
A masonry bit in a hammer drill, sized to the anchor.
Will drilling void my wall’s warranty or a rental lease?
It can in a rental or a new build. Check your lease or warranty first.
Does Pixl mount cameras on any wall?
Yes. Wired CCTV gets a free written quote and WiFi installs start at $200. You pay after the job.
Let us mount and seal it properly
Send photos of the walls. WiFi installs from $200. Free written quote for wired CCTV. You pay after the job.
How to install security cameras
Run cable through walls
TV mounting by wall type
Sources and method. General mounting practice for common exterior walls. Always follow the camera maker’s instructions and check what is behind the wall before drilling.
About Pixl Canada. Pixl Canada is an installation company based in Edmonton, Alberta, serving cities across Canada with TV mounting, security cameras, appliance installation and smart home setup. Call or text (587) 899-7495. Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday 9am to 7pm.