Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 13, 1999 04:05am | #1

   *
   Kimd:

   I just ordered the brick for a home I am building. No arched garage door, but arched front entry way. With the door and sidelights the masonry opening is only about 6'4" though. My research told me that I had 2 options a) arch built of standard bricks and a curved lintel or b) an engineered arch. I ordered an engineered arch through the brick manufacturer. Basically, the make bricks in custom wedge shapes to form the arch. Can't remember the exact cost but I think it was about $2 and inch! I might still use the lintel too - 'pends on what my bricklayer says. A properly built arch is supposed to be self supporting - a garage door is pretty wide though - is it a single or double door?

   Keep in mind that just because something is drawn on paper, doesn't mean that it can be feasibly built.

   Another thought is that you might also post your question on the aec info board: http://www.aecinfo.com/forum/qboard.html
   Under the masonry heading. The folks over there are pretty friendly.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 13, 1999 05:26am | #2

   *The arched openings are very common here. the masons typically want the carpenters to leave a template, made of osb, or foam, with the same radius as the arch. They then lay their brick on the window brickmolding, and the pattern. Upon completions, the arch is self supporting.The garage arch will also require the template. The template will match the plywood trim that is usually installed first.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 13, 1999 05:30am | #3

   *For once I agree with Blue

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 14, 1999 04:12am | #4

   *Here is a document with all you ever wanted to know about birck arches:http://www.bia.org/BIA/technotes/t31.htm

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 15, 1999 11:30pm | #6

   *Isn't it wonderful that we can agree Bill?I forgot to mention, that the Mexican crew used to create the arch without a template. The would lay a plank across the opening, and then stack up loose bricks to reach the arch.Since none of them spoke english, they couldn't ask us to make a template!Blue

2. 
   kimd | Apr 15, 1999 11:30pm | #5

   *
   First and foremost, I want to thank you all for all the help. It has been great to have your input.
   I have a question. Our house plans call for an brick arch above the garage doors. The door opening is framed squared for the doors. How do we go about supporting the brick arch and get the arch shape?
   We have a contractor who has built many homes but has never built a home with the arch garage entry.
   TIA]
   KIM