Whats the best way to do this? I have a client that wants two windows put in an existing brick wall. This is a gable wall and it doesnt look like i’ll have to worry about a lentil as it looks like the top of the window will go right up to the aluminum frieze.
I guess my question is, do I make the opening wider than necessary, install a new const window then rebrick to it? Or should I just open it up to the proper size, frame the opening and use a replacement type window?
I’ve done this in vinyl and wood before but not brick.
Replies
No one here has put a window in a brick wall?
I think i've figured out my plan of attack but I could use any input available.
Is this veneer brick over frame?
I would bite the bullet and go for the brick by brick deconstruct to allow a proper reframe for a new construction window. Then, with the window properly flashed, I would rebuild the veneer with the brick I salvaged and cleaned. This will result in a job that matches rather than looks add-on. Matching the mortar color could be the hardest part of the job.
A small air chisel would be my choice of tool to remove the mortar and avoid damage to the brick to be reused. Saves wear and tear on the hands, too. Starting at the top of the wall with a diamond blade through the mortar makes the job easier. Don't try to cut a finished opening. Tooth it all in.
Edited 2/25/2005 11:28 pm ET by Ralph Wicklund
I am with you on this one Ralph.
I have cut in a couple of doors and except for the air chisel, I use your method. I use a 4" angle grinder to cut the motar joints, and avoid cracking joints beyond the area I am working on. I also use a small Milwaukee demo hammer with a chisel bit to pop the bricks out.
The important thing is getting the window or door properly flashed, and matching the existing trim treartment on the rest of the house.
Dave
If I may take this opportunity to gripe off-topic...This particular subject is what I've been asking for as an article in FH to no avail.
All I ever see repeated over and over again is cutting open a clapboard or vinyl sided house for new windows.
There was some discussion to write such an article couple years ago but yet another one appeared using a clapboard house.With countless brick veneered houses out there with windows that need to be updated/replaced/added, it's about time.And, no, not with the thick/ugly vinyl replacement windows.
Show some installation sequences with an assortment of stock or custom sizes as well as different types such as wood, clad, and even commercial metal frame windows.This, ofcourse, is probably wishful thinking due to cost/time involved.
Edited 2/26/2005 6:54 pm ET by Ahneedhelp
I've noticed that too. The title of the article will tease about answers to the most difficult install of whatever("New window in an old Wall"). Then when you get to the article........"Luckily our home owner lives in a cardboard box. Step one: Remove butter knife from utensil door.........."
Doesnt really help much in the real world.
Yes, you will see my past rants on this matter and some FH folks have acknowledged with kind replies but with nothing to show for afterwards.I've been a longtime subscriber and this particular topic has been the holy grail.It's as irritating as the endless episodes of This Old House that takes place in yet another location in Mass.No more window-type roundups.
No more vinyl window installations.Let's see some retrofitting articles dealing with steel basement hopper windows and 1950s era brick ranches which are prime for replacements (and not with the thick/ugly white vinyl replacement windows that are advertised in newspaper inserts every sunday.)(I can see some of the editors rolling their eyes as I sound like a broken record again.)
Its a brick veneer over frame. As I said the window will go right up to the frieze so no lentil.
Glad to read that you guys are agreeing with what I was thinking. I am concerned about proper flashing so i'm guessing i'll be pulling back some extra brick.
The first one, wider than necessary.
Or should I just open it up to the proper size ?
How would you do this ? By sawing the opening in the bricks ? This always looks awful, especially if the bricks are cored. You need to tooth the opening back on both sides so that you can get the new windows in and then reuse the old brick to cut in to the new winddow.
carpenter in transition
I thought about simply cutting the opening for about a minute. I agree that wouldnt look so good. I'll be toothing the opening.
How are the other windows done. In my home the brick is turned over side ways and stick out slightly. It's a decorative detail. As long as there is enough lip or flange on the window to cover the brick opening I would cut it to the size needed so I din't have to flash around it.
Free Sancho!
The only brick detail i'll need to match is a different color brick for the sill. Shouldn't be too much of a problem the sill is white.