Basement Windows in Brick Wall

bobjohn,

I had the same questions when i wanted to replace the windows on my 1880 brick. Ultimately it is not necessary, but depends on they type of windows you are installing. Weather brick or brownstone, the inner two layers of brick were a larger opening. This provided space for the counter weights that were used with original wood windows. Unless you are land marked or doing some historical restoration, they are not necessary. Wood expands and contracts with the change of weather more that steel or aluminum. Wood failure is the most common problem with windows. I removed all the wood framing and created a brick window box by making the whole window opening flush with the outermost layer. In the case of my house, brick. I installed the new windows directly to the brick. I filled the channels of the windows with a poly-foam insulation. Np-1 seal on the exterior. Been through a winter and summer with no problems. Surprisingly the window openings were level, plumb and square. I gained six inches in width. I did the work myself. I did not need a permit for my class of building.

i n general, the rough opening in a wall is neither level nor square.. the whole idea of finish carpentry ( meaning the molding detail) is to mediate between the inexact rough carpentry and the detail of the finish work.. an inch and 1/2 of molding will make a rough opening out of square unnoticeable