Expert: Stephen Major (Owner--Major Design Group) - 6/27/2007

Question
What is the proper procedure for cutting through a brick wall to add an exterior door?
Thank you

Answer
Kimberly,

I assume that you are describing a brick veneer wall, which is one brick thick and backed by a wood-framed or cement-block structural wall.  The other type of brick wall is a solid brick wall (found in very old structures), with bricks on both inner and outer sides.

If you are cutting a door opening that is no more than  about 3 feet in width, then the brick is generally self-supporting enough to simply make the cut with a diamond cutting wheel.  Immediately afterward, you will want to temporarily support the cut, and then install a steel lintel (usually a 3x3 piece of 1/4" angle iron) behind and under the brick.  The lintel is inserted into the mortar joints on either side of the opening, and ideally bears on at least 8" of masonry.  This is a somewhat complex operation, and it generally requires opening the inside wall, to gain access to the backside of the brick.  

If you can salvage the brick, you can instead install a jack arch over the opening, and a lintel is not needed.  This is generally an operation for a skilled mason.  

The cut ends of the brick on the sides of the opening may be unattractive.  It may be possible to cover them with trim or lightly sandblast them.

Please let me know if you have additional questions.

--Steve Major