Raising Up A Window Head To Add A New Door?

builditright

I have to break-out a brick arch and install a steel lintel in an existing window opening. The new door out to a deck is too low for a 6 foot 6 door currently. The building is a brick row house. Its 140 years old!! Its face brick with three additional wythes of backup (12 inches thick total. The window is on the second floor of the four stories above grade house.

i am concerned about sagging or cracking while i am doing it. Any ideas on temp support?

thanks

cleveman

just do it when it's rf cold outside and spray some water on the exterior above the header before you start. build up about 1" of ice before you demo. I guarantee this will give you satisfaction.

neolitic

If it's just face brick....
Just demo in a "reverse corbel,"
you will be forming a self supporting
triangular arch.
Then just put in your lintel and
fill the arch back in.

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denver 2

Most likely every 6th or 5th course on the interior and exterior brick tie into the center brick with a header course. If so then all you need to do demo either the exterior or interior brick courses to the desired height and put in the angle and replace the brick that is needed. The next day you can demo the other two wyths of masonry with no fear because above the masonry you laid the day before the brick are tied to one another. I've done this on 10' spans with never a problem.

builditright

Thats right! i did notice the back-up brick was tied in as you say. Thanks for your help.

nick