I have some basement windows that were replaced in the 60s, see picture. At that time, they expanded the window openings by knocking away the foundation wall above each window. I am now going to restore the windows to their original model and size (just over 15 cm lower, slightly narrower), and I am considering how best to restore the wall above each window.
One option I have thought of is to attach a piece of timber above the new frame, which is then plastered and finished, which is a proven construction method, although not on this house...
How else could it be done, as building with load-bearing capacity seems difficult? Or would it be possible to cast something in place?
Have limited experience with masonry work, grateful for any suggestions!
One option I have thought of is to attach a piece of timber above the new frame, which is then plastered and finished, which is a proven construction method, although not on this house...
How else could it be done, as building with load-bearing capacity seems difficult? Or would it be possible to cast something in place?
Have limited experience with masonry work, grateful for any suggestions!
Now I don't know how wide the window is, but it looks like you could "axe" a lecablock slightly larger than the hole and knock it into place. Cut a few supports to be safe under the block. Then fill the gap above with mortar. Finally, plaster the outside. There are surely better ways and I'm just an amateur, so take my advice with a pinch of salt. 
The window openings are about 90 cm. Your response got me looking at beams in Leca and lightweight concrete, like Siporex. Is that perhaps something one should aim for? I initially ruled out the solution with beams because I don't have anything to lay them on on either side, but it should be possible to wedge and secure a beam that only needs to support itself with glue/mortar. I assume lightweight concrete like Siporex is the easiest to work with; are there any disadvantages to it for this use?1977bjorn said:
Now, I don't know how wide the window is, but it looks like one could "axe" a lecablock slightly larger than the hole and tap it into place. Cut some supports just to be safe under the block. Then fill the gap above with mortar. Finally, plaster the outside. There are surely better ways and I'm just an amateur, so take my advice with a grain of salt.
I have not worked with siporex, so unfortunately I cannot answer that.
A quick google search, however, says:
Lightweight concrete beam is a reinforced lightweight concrete element used as a load-bearing component for door and window openings in lightweight concrete masonry.
Which seems to be the same thing, so it should probably work...
Maybe it's possible to knock out a ledge on each side to fit a beam?
A quick google search, however, says:
Lightweight concrete beam is a reinforced lightweight concrete element used as a load-bearing component for door and window openings in lightweight concrete masonry.
Which seems to be the same thing, so it should probably work...
Maybe it's possible to knock out a ledge on each side to fit a beam?