acro prop or not

[cbbella]

my niece wants a upvc window installed to let more light into the bathroom. there was a window previously in place but it was taken out and bricked up. the size of the window will be 940mm wide and 1470mm in height. my questions are

1. would i need to use acro props to support the brickwork above.

2. would angle iron be ok to use as a lintel.

3. if i can use angle iron would i need to use it on the internal wall as well as the external wall

iv'e attached some photos of the job in question

 

[Karis]

You may well find that the original lintel is still in place. It’s almost certainly a cavity wall but what type the lintel is/was will depend on the age of the property; unlikely to be timber but could be concrete cast in situ but if not that old could be steel.

If the original lintel has been remover, you will need to reinstate but you cant use angle iron. Assuming it’s a cavity wall, you will need to install a new & appropriately sized Catnic lintel & yes you need to support the inner leaf as well (the lintel will do that. You will also need to maintain a damp proof barrier between the inner & out brick/block walls.

You could use Acro’s to be totally safe but on an opening that size, you should get away without propping providing you don’t go bashing away with a sledge hammer, at worst you may get a couple of loose brick’s if the original lintel has been removed. How are you proposing to open up the walls?

You should be aware that replacing/reinstating the window is notifyable building work, even if the lintel is still in place & if it isn’t, LABC will want to know what your putting in & inspect the installation before you fit the window.

You need to understand what you’re getting into; rather than helping your niece to save money now, you may well be crating future problems for her if you don’t follow correct procedures.

 

[cbbella]

thanks for your informed reply. I was going to use a stihl saw to open up the wall if i can borrow one, if not I'll use a 9inch grinder.

I'll give my LABC a ring tommorow

many thanks