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Question
i want to turn a window into a doorway. the exterior wall is constructed of 4 inch brick and 4 inch block all the way to the roof line.The house is a 1950s bungalo.I am assuming the lintel must support both brick and block and i would like to know how this is done. Thanks
Hi kim, if you are only making the new door the width of the existing window then you shouldn't need to do anything to the header. Just cut out the wall below the window and install the door. If the new door is wider than the new window then yes you may have to reinforce the lintel or replace it. Do you have any way of knowing how your window lintel is built? Is there an 8" precast lintel supporting the brick above it? Or are the brick reinforced to create a self supporting bond beam for the rafters to sit on? If your home is a one story structure and the roof rafters sit say 16" from the top of the window and your wall has a continuous tie beam or masonry bond beam then you might not need to do anything to the header even if you enlarge the width of the opening. To enlarge and reinforce a masonry opening if required, for openings up to 6 feet a steel angle 4" x 4" x 3/16" can be inserted from the inside of the wall. You would have a concrete cutting company or your contractor cut the horizontal cut in the masonry at the height required for your rough opening. They would overcut on both sides of the door width at least six inches. Then you can slip your angle into the over cuts and under the masonry. I will attach a simple drawing to illustrate. The drawing also shows how a concrete precast lintel is installed if you prefer to go that route. Over 6' width up to 8' you would need a 4" x 6" angle with the 6" up.I hope this information helps. Please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com
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Answers by Expert:
Bruce E. Johnson
Expertise
I can answer any construction related question in regards to carpentry, concrete, drywall, masonry, structural elements of any type of building, residential or commercial. Interior or exterior.
Experience
Custom Commercial and residential buildings. Churches, theaters, schools and auditoriums. Most recently I am working with the Catholic Church on several design build committees. I have a website related to scheduling and project supervision. Although my expertise is more related to multimillion dollar commercial, educational and theatrical projects my generous credentials in residential and remodelling construction make me a viable source of information regarding all forms of building questions.
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