Hi,

I read and greatly appreciated Mike Guertin’s article on replacing basement windows. However, I had a few questions for the author and fine homebuilding: Why wasn’t there any words (of caution or there are no concerns) regarding the structural aspects of removing the cast-in-place steel window frames for basement windos? and Could these cast-in-place steel frames also substituted for a steel lintel? I’m in the process or replacing my basement windows and believe that the old metal frame should be removed. I’ve checked the rim joist and they are doubled over the span of the window (+ 12″ or so) where the joists intersect the rim (though not doubled when running parrallel to the joists). Looking at the window from the outside, i can see that the brick veneer is sitting above the cast-in-place steel frame in a bed of motar (approx. 24″ span). I cannot see any evidence of a steel ledger to support the bricks across the span of this basement window. Could these cast-in-place steel frames also substituted for a steel lintel?