Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 28, 1999 12:14pm | #1

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   Hi Larry,

   You can cut the blocks out with a masonry blade fitted to a circular saw, or rent a cut off saw with a masonry blade from a rental center. These rental type saws resemble a chainsaw, but with a sawblade attached instead of a chain and bar.

   Anyway, find your centerpoint for your window location and mark off your width and height. Using a grease pecil, chalk, or permanent marker, draw the outline of your intended cutout. Use a level to make sure you draw these lines plumb. After you have done this layout on the inside, do the same layout on the outside. Again, go off your original centerpoint mark for both layouts.

   I don't know what kind of window you are going to install, but a lot of times, its good to frame in your opening with treated lumber and then install your window inside this "box". If you plan on doing this, then your opening must be wide enough to compensate for the thickness of this wood frame.(plus a couple of shims).

   Get a straight 2X4 and either have someone hold this, or bolt this onto the block wall, and use it as a saw guide when cutting. Make your cut in several passes, each time scoring the block a little bit deeper until cut through.( Do wear a dust mask when cutting, and ear plugs help too) Do cut on both sides of the wall and then carefully knock out your blocks. Dress up any rough spots with a hammer and chisel.

   You might possibly get away from using a saw if you make your window so that it follows the mortar joint lines (which is what you should try to do anyway). You could score the layout lines with a chisel and knock out the middle with a sledge hammer. Again, dress the Block's cut edges with a chisel where needed.

   When installing the window, fill in the block's bottom cavity (sill plate) with a mortar or Sacrete sand mix.

   Hope this info helps you.

   Davo

2. 
   Larry_T | Aug 28, 1999 06:03pm | #2

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   Thanks Davo.
   Sounds like a reasonable approach to an interesting project.
   Larry T.

3. 
   Guest_ | Aug 28, 1999 06:26pm | #3

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   Davo,

   Damn good explanation, ditto.

   Joseph Fusco

   View Image

1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 30, 1999 03:07am | #4

   *Larry,I assume that by "window well" you mean a shaft on the outside of your house to bring light down to your new window. Build it like a foundation. Footing and blocks with caps. Put in a catch basin and connect to your foundation draining system or to daylight. Seal on the outside and pay particular attention to the joint with the existing foundation. Buy or fabricate a hinged glass top angled shed water. Many people put plants in their window wells. If this is your intention I suggest you select a window that will give you access. I have seen at least one window well that was dressed up with brick veneer on the inside. Nice finishing touch.

4. 
   Dallas | Sep 05, 1999 08:49pm | #5

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   Larry T. is this intended to be an egress window? If so do not put a cover on it. If everything else is done right you don't need a cover and it will hinder all envovled in case of an emergency. Good idea to have your window well protude out at least three feet. Track down info on Scapwells built by Bilco. They tend to be a little pricey but add a heck of a nice touch.
   If you cut the opening with a dry blade be sure to hire a good divorce lawyer. Your wife(if you have one) will want to kill you. It is next to impossable to keep the dust out of the rest of your home. We use a wet chain saw. No dust, quick and on blocks very easy. It would be cheaper for you to hire someone to do the cut than trying to save a few dollars because of the learning curve in using these toys.

5. 
   Larry_T. | Sep 05, 1999 08:49pm | #6

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   Would anyone like to offer some tips on cutting into an existing concrete block wall to install a larger window and building a window well? There is a small window in the location and it is a non-bearing wall.