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Masonry wall window/door openings

Masonry wall window/door openings

Masonry wall window/door openings

(OP)
I am curious when designing masonry walls(masonry openings) which way everyone tends to lean when they design.

NCMA prefers designing modular wall openings.... or wall openings that allow for all conformant block sizes. I believe they recommend 2" on each side of the window (so 4" horizontal width + window size) and 8" vertically ... 2" above... 2" below and 4" for sill.

But in order to provide modular wall openings you tend to have provide openings that's are fairly larger than the window sizes unless it tends to work out very well for you.

however, most window manufacturer's have set there masonry opening requirements and I often see residential structures designed just based off of that which will cause odd block spacing and due to the odd size openings.

for example say a SH25 the manufacturer would just say provide a 37 7/8" x 63" M.O. this is nice and easy but will cause for several odd blocks or field accommodating by the mason.

I know its not a big deal for the masonry work to be taken care of in the field I was just curious, how everyone sizes their masonry openings.... whether it was based off of the window manufacturer's or whether it was based off of what worked modular to not have odd blocks or partial blocks just full and half blocks and left the openings larger requiring more work by the window installers.

RE: Masonry wall window/door openings

Antnyt23:
I’d go with modular openings, cut block or bricks look like hell, and it doesn’t take many cut block or bricks to cost more than a rough 2x buck (rough frame) and a little shimming and trim. These carpentry items and details can usually be handled easier than messing with the masonry and its construction flow and appearance. Tell the Arch. not to spec. some cheap, out of wack, windows and door sizes, which don’t fit a std. opening. Also, the rough buck, with a vert. 2x4 or two will often act as the construction support for the lintel block over the opening.

RE: Masonry wall window/door openings

I agree with rough openings based on block modules. I have never gotten any push-back from Architects for typical doors and windows.

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