How to build brick pillar between windows

[fosbie]

I need to build a brick pillar in an existing window opening but I can't work out what kind of brick pattern to use. Basically I'm taking out an existing UPVC window, building up a brick pillar in the middle of the opening, ideally about 1 brick width across, and then fitting 2 new smaller windows, one each side of the pillar.

I have an internal and external wall to build on top of with a 100mm cavity. If I just build up a pile of bricks on each of the internal and external walls separately I don't feel like it will be very strong, but I'm not sure if they should be connected to each other as this won't preserve a cavity and I might get damp issues?

What is the right way to do this?

 

[tomfe]

Use 2 slightly larger windows or 1 bigger window.

 

[^woody^]

1 brick width across

Then you are a bit limited on what pattern to use.

You can build it as cavity, with a complete vDPC up the back of the bricks and ties every 225mm and make sure it's well wedged under the lintel or it will fall out. And don't slam the windows.

But you are better off doing what Tom says.

 

[fosbie]

Thanks for the replies but I do need to build the pillar as I am dividing a room in half and the stud wall will join onto the pillar.
I could make it slightly wider than a brick width if there is any advantage in doing that.
I did see the brick ties for sale in Screwfix but I wasn't sure if they are there for structural purposes or just for holding insulation in position.

 

[bobsuerita]

just get 2 windows with a blank between them which will hide dividing wall

 

[fosbie]

What is a vdpc? Do you just mean the cavity?

 

[pilsbury]

Vertical damp proof course..... stop moisture transmission through wall. As opposed to the horizontal DPC put at the base of walls to stop moisture rising up.

 

[fosbie]

Ah that makes sense thanks

 

[tomfe]

Do you really want windows right in the corner of the rooms? Won't this look a bit odd?

 

[Notch7]

If you are worried about strength use a wind post.

A brick and a half 330mm would be neater.

Or buy a window with a spacer between. Basically its a window with 2 mullion set close together and a trim covering.

 

[fosbie]

Do you really want windows right in the corner of the rooms? Won't this look a bit odd?

It's fine, it's only an en-suite.

 

[fosbie]

If you are worried about strength use a wind post.

A brick and a half 330mm would be neater.

Or buy a window with a spacer between. Basically its a window with 2 mullion set close together and a trim covering.

Great suggestions, thanks. Not heard of wind posts before. Do normal builders merchants do them? Can't see any at screwfix.

 

[Notch7]

Great suggestions, thanks. Not heard of wind posts before. Do normal builders merchants do them? Can't see any at screwfix.

IG or Ancon are common makes. Not usually stock items in a merchant.

Or maybe start your stud wall with a steel and fix some wall ties to it