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New Window in Brick Wall?
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Posted by idie2live (My Page) on Mon, Jun 29, 09 at 14:52
| Hello all. I have a brick veneer house that does not have any windows in the living room that face the street. There are 2 windows on the side facing north, but as you can imagine, it is usually pretty dark in there. This has bothered me for 38 years, but never enough to part with the money to change it. I recently retired and I may be spending more time in this room since it is the only public space in my house. The question - has anyone ever cut a hole in a brick wall to install or enlarge a window? Can it be done neatly and seamlessly? Can you even hope to be able to match old brick colors so it does not look like a patch job? |
Here is a link that might be useful: New Window in Brick Wall
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: New Window in Brick Wall?
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| Having trouble getting phots to work, uggghhhhh! Last try, if it doesn't work |
Here is a link that might be useful: Try again
RE: New Window in Brick Wall?
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There are two issues with this installation. You need to install a brick lintel over the window to support the bricks above the window and you need to install a brick sill. What will stand out for a long while is the difference in mortar coloring from the old to the new.
Short answer is that it will look like a new installation. Because it is.
Ron |
RE: New Window in Brick Wall?
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| a skilled mason can do this work and make it look seamless. I've seen this done on walls where a truck drove into a brick wall and it was repaired and you cannot tell old from new. Ask a mason to show you photos of his work and don't hire one until you can see for yourself. We have substantial re bricking done around patio doors and you cannot see the old and new mortar lines. |
RE: New Window in Brick Wall?
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| We've had window sizes changed in our brick home and we had the skilled brick masons who matched the mortar perfectly to the existing. It can be done but you need the right masons. |
RE: New Window in Brick Wall?
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| I agree with dgmarie, a good brick mason can do this job pretty easily. And for the most part, it will fit right in (the mortar color should be close, but might be a little off - not a big deal). The bricks you remove for installing the window will be reused to build the lintel. However, you are also going to need to build a structural/load bearing opening in the framed wall for the window - this is assuming it is a load bearing wall, ie; that the roof, or some portion thereof, is sitting on the wall. This is not a complicated job for an experienced framer. But don't let just anyone do it. Whatever is sitting on top of the wall above the new window opening (rafters, ceiling joists) will require temporary bracing while the window opening is framed in; partially just to make sure that the roof does not shift at all and cause cracks in your wall board. The opening itself will consist of a couple of header 'jacks' (2x4 or 2x6 wall studs) that will support the 2x6/8/10/12 (depending on the size of the opening) header. If you need more information, please feel free to contact me. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Harry Artt Construction, LLC
RE: New Window in Brick Wall?
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Guys, I just realized that I had never said 'thank you' for your response. I definitely do not want to be the type of person who fails to acknowledge those of you who use your time, energy and expertise to help us. I am so sorry for the oversight.
I have been consumed with another more urgent home improvement project and this has slid into next year.
Thanks so much
Loretta |
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