What is the best method for removing hollow concrete cinder block before installing an egress window?

Question

I have 2 people willing to help me with this project. My cousin says we use a sledge hammer and my brother says we use a wet saw? Any thoughts? Other ideas?

Answer 1

seeing that, between the three of you, you don't know what kind of saw to use, you should not be cutting into your foundation. this is especially true because you are asking if it is ok to use a sledge hammer.

i have done this in the past, and the reason it is so expensive to have it done is that it is easy to get yourself in trouble even if you know what your doing. plan your cuts to accomodate your header and master / buck frame. if unsure, speak with your building department to find out what kind of header is needed. make sure you pull a permit (if needed), or your egress window will not be legal.

if you insist on doing it yourself, rent a gas powered circular saw and use a concrete blade. have your new header, supports, blocks and jacks ready just in case.

Answer 2

You can use a dry diamond blade on a circular saw to make the outline, then chisel out the rest. No need for a fancy wet saw on cinderblock.

Answer 3

a four to six inch stone chizel.

Answer 4

I would outline the opening and make a saw cut with a diamond blade (dry) then remove it, a sledge hammer is not precise enough for installing a window.

Answer 5

Suggest you start with a chisel. Chisel out the mortar along the seam  at the top of the opening and install your steel header plate before you knock out the block. Is this necessary - not really an absolute - but is a good first step. It also allows you to see how strong the mortar still is and give you an idea of how much work this will take.

While you may be able to break this out quickly by hand, using either a wet or dry saw may make life easier - just a thought.

In the end, a good hand sledge, a decent mason's chisel and potentially a smaller chisel to work the mortar joints along the edges you are trying to preserve may be all you'll need. Good Luck!

Answer 6

Wet saw is unnecessary.  Use a sledge (carefully) to break the block into manageable sized pieces.  Clean the excess mortar out with a cold chisel, and fill the cavities of the sill block with grout.  If you have more than 2 courses of block remaining in the head, you may want to consider installing a lintel.  Hope this helps.

Answer 7

under no circumstances attempt this without experienced help. to correctly install this window you must cut into your foundation and re-conc and backfill...not a diy job...have it done properly or get someone experienced to help you...fyi there are 2 types of saw to use do not sledge...1-concrete chainsaw 2-cut and break consaw