Window Installation in Solid Brick Walls

Getting Started

• Measure the length and width of the window frame on the brick wall by laying the tape measure flush to the brick and marking the dimensions of the opening with chalk. Check each line you make with a carpenter’s level to ensure each line is perfect; if you make a mistake with the cut, you can’t go back and fix it. Outfit your drill with a masonry bit and drill a hole completely through the brick at each corner of the square or rectangular area you marked off.

The First Cut

• Drill more holes in the brick, about two to three more along each line between each of the corners. This makes cutting with the saw easier. Don your safety gear -- eye goggles, ear protection, dust mask and work gloves are all strongly recommended. Once done, power up the brick saw and make your first cut along the top of the frame – use a stepladder if need be. Saw along the lines along each side of the frame, leaving the bottommost line for last.

Finishing the Frame

• The cutout will be loose, so take care when you insert the tip of the pry bar into one side of the cutout frame and forcefully pull up to remove the cutout. It should fall to the ground away from you. Use a hammer and chisel to break apart the brick at the mortar joints to salvage some brick if desired. Look at the frame you cut -- if there are any loose half-bricks, prepare the quick drying cement as directed by the packaging and re-mortar the brick back into place. Be sure to allow ample time for the cement to dry before continuing.

Window Installation

• Pre-fit the window assembly into the bricked frame and note any gaps or differentials between the brick and jamb. Measure these gaps, if any, and cut jamb extensions made from ¾-inch wood stock to size to fill in the gaps. Nail them inside the frame of the wall, directly into the brick. Insert the window back into the frame, line up the sides to the jamb and screw into place using the provided screws.