Widening the door opening in a brick wall. How to widen a doorway. Step-by-step action plan

According to the Housing Code of the Russian Federation "Chapter 4. RENOVATION AND RE-PLANNING OF PREMISES IN AN APARTMENT BUILDING", as well as the Moscow Government Decree No. 508 PP (download the resolution in.pdf), any changes in a brick or concrete load-bearing wall are redevelopment and are almost always subject to reinforcement, with necessary approvals, permits and amendments to the BTI plan.

However, it is often necessary to widen the entrance door by several centimeters. How to be in this case? Based on our experience, apartment owners order this work without approval.

At the same time, an important note should be made: if you decide to carry out work without a project and approval - do not do it yourself, then you can avoid unforeseen and unpleasant situations. This is important when you need to expand a doorway in a panel house, for example in a concrete wall of an apartment of the p-44 series or a wall made of aerated concrete, since these house structures are prefabricated (constructor). This is especially dangerous for a doorway in a brick wall.

EXTENDING A WINDOW OPENING IN A BRICK WALL

Enlarging your window is a good way to add light to your living space. In practice, expanding a window opening in a brick wall differs significantly from openings in a panel or monolithic house.

During construction, a beam or lintel made of concrete or metal (angle, channel) is placed above each opening on top of the window. The purpose of this beam is to hold the brickwork and redistribute the load. If this is not taken into account, when the opening is enlarged, cracking and, in some cases, collapse of the brickwork may occur.

Initially, it is necessary to examine the structure of the window, obtain data on the type of beam and its dimensions. The expansion is made by installing a new, longer beam/lintel and dismantling the old one.

When working on repairs and redevelopment of premises, it may be necessary to expand the doorway in a brick wall. In some cases, apartment and house owners want to block existing door or window openings and make new ones in more convenient places. Next we will talk about how to properly widen a doorway in compliance with all norms and requirements and how to obtain permits.

The expansion of a window opening in a brick wall, as well as a door opening, is carried out taking into account the design of the walls. Walls are divided into several types. In addition to their own weight, load-bearing structures receive and transfer to the base the weight of ceilings, stairs, roofs, etc.

Self-supporting walls take the weight of the walls of all floors of the house and rest on the base. Non-load-bearing structures are only affected by their own weight, which is transferred floor by floor to other parts of the building. Depending on the layout of the building, the load-bearing wall may also be located inside the apartment, so expanding the entrances may require obtaining permits.

It is prohibited to carry out construction work without prior approval of the project, as it can lead to the destruction of the floors above. Let's move on to the actual work on expanding the entrances. Such work can be performed using two technologies. The first option is used to expand entrances in self-supporting and load-bearing walls, the second - when working with non-load-bearing walls and brick partitions.

Expansion of openings in load-bearing walls

To expand the opening you will need the following materials and tools:

• channels;
• jumper;
• studs with nuts;
• Bulgarian;
• marker;
• perforator;
• metal corners;
• steel strips;
• welding machine.

Before starting work on the entrance, it is necessary to install a reinforcing metal jumper. A layer of plaster is removed from the wall in the places provided for the formation of the opening. This is done so that the brickwork and lintel become visible. The boundaries of the future opening are marked with stylus or chalk. You cannot make a hole in a wall more than 2 m long, as improper distribution of loads can lead to the collapse of the wall.

If there is a need to form such a structure, the installation of a support column - a column - is required. If the lintel turns out to be shorter than the planned width of the opening, it is supported with racks when performing work. The lintel partially takes on the weight of the structures located above, and you can safely carry out the work. The edges of the purlin should protrude beyond the boundaries of the opening under construction by 25 cm on each side.

Let's consider the most common option of framing the entrance with two paired channels, which are fastened together with studs and nuts. Before installing a new lintel, special niches are made in the wall above the opening. The depth of the niche into which the channel will be installed must correspond to its size so that it does not protrude above the brickwork and remains under the plaster after the work is completed. To fasten channels it is necessary to use at least 3 studs with a diameter of more than 15 mm.

Before tightening the channels, to ensure the greatest strength of the structure, the niches are filled with M-100 concrete mortar, which fills the unevenness. Holes of the appropriate diameter are made in the walls of the channels. The channel is placed in a niche, and the through holes in the wall are marked using a marker. After drilling them, jumpers are installed. Now you can begin to disassemble the brickwork in order to increase the doorway. When expanding door and window openings, it is necessary to form a hole with smooth edges, which is possible when cutting out parts of the masonry with a grinder. Due to the dust generated, all work must be performed in a respirator. After cutting, you can disassemble the bricks with a hammer drill. If the length of the jumper is less than the width of the inlet, then it is removed.

At the next stage, side racks are installed, the upper parts of which are aligned with the lintel. They are made from metal corners 7-10 cm long. At the junction of the stiffening corners, they are welded to the lintel. The racks must be firmly fixed, for which they are connected to each other with steel strips along the thickness of the wall. Reinforcing rods driven into the wall are welded to the strips. A spacer made of reinforcement or metal corners is installed at the bottom of the opening, which will then remain under the floor. All metal parts are welded into a single frame called a frame. It is possible to increase the doorway by strengthening the lintel with corners. They are fastened to each other with tightening steel strips.

Widening openings in non-load-bearing walls

Enlarging window openings in brick walls of this nature is much easier to do. Partitions are thinner than load-bearing walls. Accordingly, expanding the entrance to them will require minimal labor costs. The work is carried out using almost the same technology as on load-bearing walls. The outline of the future structure is drawn on the surface of the wall, after which the brickwork is dismantled and the old lintel is dismantled. Above the enlarged opening, a longer lintel is installed, on top of which brickwork is laid. After the expansion is completed, a hidden work report is drawn up, which must be signed by representatives of technical supervision. After this, you can start plastering the walls. In order for the plaster to adhere to the metal elements of the structure, they are covered with a chain-link mesh.

As a conclusion

It is impossible to widen an opening in a brick wall without prior approval of the project. Unauthorized work can lead to the destruction of the upper floors of the building.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynokibH5Wk0

The brickwork should be disassembled only after installing the lintel and support posts; the opening should be framed using a pair of channels.

Typically, expansion of openings in the wall is required during the redevelopment process, when replacing doors and sometimes window frames. Also, we do not exclude the case when a large item (furniture, industrial equipment) is not included in the premises. As is customary, there are two ways to solve the listed problems: the impact and unimpact expansion method. In our opinion, perhaps the most effective option is to work with a diamond tool, as indicated in the photo. Its main advantage, in contrast to an impact hammer, is less noise and dust. In addition, the given size is even, without chips. What does it look like?

Stages of expanding a doorway

To expand the doorway, all work is carried out strictly in stages. There are several approaches. We use the fastest and most efficient, reducing labor costs and, accordingly, the cost of work. And so, in order to competently implement our plans, we act as follows.

• Marking - for accuracy, draw a symmetrical contour around the doorway. It is checked against the required dimensions and if everything is correct, we move on to the next step.
• The process involves a specialist carver using a diamond disc to carefully saw through the marked strips with an accuracy of up to a centimeter. Sometimes it is necessary to make reinforcements.
• Garbage collection - solid household waste is collected in bags, loaded into a container and sent to a special landfill for disposal.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated and no pitfalls. Still, we do not recommend that you try to do this yourself. Especially if you are dealing with a load-bearing wall. This is not only difficult, but also dangerous work. It is better to entrust it to experienced professionals.

From our archive. Photo

Brickwork

Window hole

Under the gate

How much does it cost to enlarge the opening? Prices

Here you can find out how much it will cost to increase the opening and find out the prices. We never chase ultra-high tariffs in order to earn more. This is not our style. Our own tools, cooperation with manufacturers and many years of experience allow us to work at an affordable cost for all clients. With us you will really save.

Price

In some cases, an individual cost calculation is required. We are ready to send our appraiser to you so that he can study the upcoming scope of work and name a specific price. It will take a minimum of time, but you will know exactly how much money you will have to spend for the work.

Why do people order services from us?

There are quite a lot of companies offering these services. However, not all of them do their work efficiently, use modern tools and generally understand the matter 100%. We are a team of qualified experts with whom you will receive maximum benefits:

• Accurate adherence to deadlines. We always follow a clear work plan and guarantee that everything will be completed on the agreed day without force majeure.
• Quality assurance. If you find any defects or defects, we will eliminate them free of charge or compensate you for material damage.
• Really affordable prices. We always monitor the market situation and strive to offer truly favorable conditions.

If the offer is relevant to you, our specialists are ready to begin their work on a convenient day and time. All you have to do is leave a request. After that, we will discuss all the details and begin execution. We guarantee that you will not regret choosing us!

How to submit a request? Very simple!

You can leave us a request in two simple ways. Call the phone number that is on our website. Or, fill out the feedback form. Also, you can send us a message, ask any question and briefly tell us about the upcoming work. We will call you back within 15 minutes.

Related sections:

Concrete cutting

Disk

Today, diamond cutting of concrete products is a popular activity and is in demand among the population.

Drilling

Unit (drill)

You can order from us at an angle and in hard-to-reach places. Don't believe me? Call! Let's prove it in practice.

Many property owners are not happy with the standard layout of their apartment. Professional construction and repair organizations will help transform the appearance of your home by qualitatively completing the entire range of works, an integral stage of which is widening openings in load-bearing walls. It is unlikely that you will be able to implement your plans on your own, without the involvement of experienced specialists. To ensure that the entire technological process does not take a lot of time and financial costs, the following factors will need to be performed simultaneously:

• Make accurate preliminary calculations;
• Decide on a competent performer. Only top-class professionals with relevant specialized skills and the ability to handle modern technology will be able to achieve a positive result in the shortest possible time;
• Create the most comfortable working conditions for workers, in particular, free access to the site;
• Think over the budget for the event, calculating all the cost items for paying craftsmen, renting specialized tools, removing construction waste and other important nuances.

Prices: Diamond cutting (diamond blade)

Thickness of structures (cm.)	Brick	Concrete	Monolith	Asphalt
Up to 12	400	700	900	300
13-15	600	900	1300	450
16-19	800	1200	1600	580
20-22	1200	1600	2000	800
23-25	1600	2000	2300	-
26-30	2000	2300	2800	-
31-35	2300	2800	3300	-
36-40	2800	3300	3800	-
41-50	3300	3800	4300	-
51-60	3800	4300	4800	-
61-70	4300	4800	5300	-
71-80	4800	5300	5800	-

Possible actions when expanding openings

It is important to understand that carrying out dismantling work yourself using a hammer drill, sledgehammer and jackhammer can cause a lot of trouble.

Removing concrete wall fragments with a percussion tool along a preliminary outlined contour is a very labor-intensive task that will take a lot of time. At the same time, due to constant vibration loads, the strength of wall structures will significantly decrease, and microcracks will appear on the surface.

Dismantling window and door blocks

Using a grinder to enlarge a doorway is a relatively good alternative, but you will have to make dry cuts on both sides of the wall, and the ubiquitous dust will cause discomfort until the very end of the work process. By the way, the diamond disc is subject to greater wear due to rapid overheating.

The most gentle and effective method, which is successfully used by real professionals, is a special diamond installation. As a result, the elimination of excess sections of the wall occurs much faster, the cut is neat, of the correct shape, and the level of contamination formed during dismantling is minimal.

Frequent reasons why a customer resorts to the service of increasing openings in load-bearing walls:

1. Visual expansion of space without changing the overall dimensions of the living space. The room will seem more spacious and bright;
2. Installing a modern, fashionable door structure in an old opening is impossible due to size discrepancies;
3. Personal design preferences.

Experts recommend that before making changes to the load-bearing structures of panel houses, have a clear understanding that there are certain risks. If you do not comply with generally accepted construction technology standards and tolerance standards, without paying enough attention to strengthening the opening, you can cause irreversible damage to the integrity of the structure.

Formation of a strong frame is a preventive precaution

The correct technique in brick and concrete load-bearing walls is a guarantee of safety for the inhabitants of the house. An electric cutter or a gas cutter are effective units that will allow you to achieve the desired result as quickly and efficiently as possible. The wall is gradually cut into separate rectangular or square blocks, and rolled metal is used for strengthening.

In brick buildings, the technological process has some differences. To prevent the brickwork above the opening from collapsing, you will need to install a floor beam - a metal channel or reinforced concrete beam. With a significant thickness of the brick wall, it is appropriate to frame the opening with metal corners.

Additional strengthening of the opening with the installation of a protective metal structure is a mandatory procedure, especially in old buildings, as well as obtaining permission for redevelopment from the relevant housing authorities. For example, by increasing the width of the door, the norms of impact on the load-bearing wall with a remote section from the side of the overlying floors will be exceeded. This is a critical situation that can lead to fatal consequences.

To properly implement a process expansion project, it is necessary to adhere to safety precautions:

• Preliminary preparation of the workspace: providing access to the electrical network, protecting furniture and other items with film from construction dust;
• Providing special bags for removing debris and other debris;
• Using a respirator and special glasses to prevent small fragments from damaging the eyes and face of the performers.