Can anyone tell me how to enlarge an existing opening in a 8′ block wall. The wall is an exterior wall of a block wall house, homeowner wants a larger window(s). I have done this before on stick frame, I know I will probably need to get paper from an Engineer, but I need some advice, I dont want to sub it out,,,,
Thanks
Replies
C-4 or det. cord.
Mr T
Happiness is a cold wet nose
Life is is never to busy to stop and pet the Doggies!!
I am hoping for a Hurricane!
tnx
det. cord.
"Once you go explosive entry, you never wanna go back . . . "
Det cord is better (if the cells are hollow).
Real, real, real good idea to know if the jamb blocks are filled solid to support the header above.
Oh, uh, that applies to remodeling, too . . . Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Platter, diamond or shaped charges.... never worry about what it is that you can't see or a D10 if you want some working room........
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming.... WOW!!! What a Ride!
D-10 , C-4, whatever it takes!Mr T
Happiness is a cold wet nose
Life is is never to busy to stop and pet the Doggies!!
Openings in block walls should have a lintel, either poured or prefabricated, at the top. They generally extend at least 8" (half a block) on each side. This is nothing more than a header. The holes in the blocks next to the opening should have a piece of #4 (1/2") rebar from the floor to the lintel. They should be filled with concrete. The blocks at the bottom of the window should be filled for the depth of at least one block to give lateral stability and a surface that will hold a fastener; or there should be a lintel there too. I have always filled my lintels with concrete and one #4 rebar, as they are usually a u-shaped flower-box shape with open ends. This is sometimes difficult to do on a retrofit.
Make sure you support what is above, just as in stick framing. Put something under the lintel to catch it. Get out your rotary hammer with the chisel attachment and your dust mask. Chip away what you don't need, and build it as in paragraph 1. Once you have chipped away at the opening, it might be a good idea to form up the sides and make a small pour to get some plumb jambs.
Les, Thanks,
Your guidance is similar to what I had anticiapted. I will be meeting with an Engineer at the site next week, and will start the work soon after, Thanks again.
Paul.