Replies

1. 
   Frankd479 | Aug 11, 2007 02:08am | #1

   Use only pressure treated lumber for the rough framing for the opening of the window.General rule of thumb, never use untreated lumber when in contact with masonry( the moisture off the masonry will cause rot in standard untreated 2x lumber)

    

   Frank

   
   

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   Edited 8/10/2007 7:10 pm ET by Frankd479

1. 
   alrightythen | Aug 11, 2007 03:28am | #2

   good advice. one can also use untreated lumber if there is barrier provided ie: sill gasket. some guys also use both.   View Image                                          View Image    

2. 
   GOLDENBOY | Aug 11, 2007 03:38am | #4

   What makes guys use pressure treated for all wood in contact with concrete.  Have you seen problems?

   In the jurisdiction where I work,  foundation walls only need to project 6 in. above grade, and there is no requirement for treated sill plates.  Never seen a problem.

1. 
   DDay | Aug 11, 2007 04:10am | #5

   There probably will not be a problem but its just good practice to use PT. Concrete does retain moisture, so for the very little extra in money you know you are protected if the moisture content is high. In my area, sills are usually PT 2x6 and a KD 2x6 on top of that, all the older houses, even 30 years old have no PT and they rarely have problems. It just an extra insurance.

2. 
   GOLDENBOY | Aug 11, 2007 03:35am | #3

   Do you need to cut concrete?

1. 
   David T | Aug 11, 2007 03:51pm | #6

   Yes I do have to cut the opening.  This house is 35+ yrs old.  None of the bathrooms had windows.  Something I aim to change.

1. 
   alrightythen | Aug 11, 2007 05:01pm | #7

   life will be easier if you hire a guy to cut it with a wet saw, where they bolt on to the foundation and make the cut.

   you can also do it yourself with a wet or dry saw. regardless it will have to be a big gas powered cut off saw. if you go dry you will dust the whole neighbourhood. I think most gas saws have hose attatchment.   View Image                                          View Image    

2. 
   peteshlagor | Aug 11, 2007 08:16pm | #8

   "life will be easier if you hire a guy to cut it with a wet saw"

   I second that!

    

1. 
   David T | Aug 11, 2007 09:00pm | #9

   I have a wet saw.  Cutting the wall isn't the hard part for me.  It's framing the window properly and ensuring the opening is sealed properly.  I understand what to do for a stud wall, but a concrete wall is new for me.

   Edited 8/11/2007 2:01 pm ET by David T

1. 
   alrightythen | Aug 12, 2007 05:46pm | #10

   well if cutting the wall is the easy part for you , you really should have no problem with the rest.

   there is nothing hard about the framing. line the cut out concrete with your framing. use either PT as said before or use regular lumber with sill gasket between the framing and concrete. most the time there will not be an issue, esepecially with old concrete as in your case. new concrete still has a lot of moisture content, and it is more liekly to have moisture wick from the concree to the wood. but still it is a good habit. with you making a window well, the concrete will most likely get wet from the outside, with concrete being very porous, (depending on how your foundation is damp proofed) moisture can be absorbed and subsquently transfer to the framing.

   make sure to properly fasten your sill plate to the the concrete. I use quick bolts to do so, and simply wire nail or you can tapcon the side framing. when you size your openning that you will cut out. plan and account for the trim you will be using. you will want to the trim overlap the concrete rather the have it end at the openning. this will allow you to seal the edge of your trim to the concrete. you will also have to deal with sealing the top of the window, which could have some different scenarios.

   anyway, hope some of this helps.

      View Image                                          View Image    

   Edited 8/12/2007 12:22 pm by alrightythen

2. 
   David T | Aug 12, 2007 06:46pm | #11

   Thanks very much it does help.  Perhaps I will post a picture of the results.