A lot of people have a natural fondness of red brick homes, especially ones with wood windows. While you can argue the aesthetics and durability of a brick house are tough to match, one issue people don’t always consider is how difficult it can be to install or replace windows in an existing brick wall.

The typical method for replacing a brick wall window is to do a full frame window replacement. The thing is, full frame window replacements in a brick house can be tricky, expensive, and potentially harmful to your home. That’s why here at Fenster Components, we are spreading the word about full frame window replacement alternatives. In this blog, we are discussing the “how” and “how much” of installing windows in a brick home, as well as some high quality and cost-friendly alternatives. 

Can You Put a Window in a Brick Wall?   

First things first, the short answer is yes you can install a window in a brick wall. With that said, it can be a major remodeling job, and the process can be tricky. It’s important to get each step absolutely correct. If done improperly, you might run into issues like malfunctioning windows, wall failure, or other structural and aesthetic concerns. To avoid that, let’s look at the general process. 

How Do You Put a Window in a Brick Wall?

While there is no exact list or set of steps in this process, every list will likely include the following: 

1. First and foremost, before you do anything to the wall, make sure it is capable of supporting the load of a window. 
2. Next you should check for any obstacles you may have to work around. This could include brush, tree, shrubbery, wiring, ducting, utilities, or anything else that may get in the way of this project. Of course, the more obstacles you have to work around, the more time and resources you will likely have to spend.
3. Support the areas of the wall that will require reinforcement once the window opening is cut. 
4. Mark the portion that will be removed from the wall clearly on both sides. 
5. As you start dismantling the opening, do so from the top down towards the bottom.
6. Make sure the sides of the opening are square (parallel and perpendicular) to the planes of the wall. 
7. After this, you will install the hardware and glass for the window and frame.
8. Then you can refinish parts of the siding or facade with some new masonry or siding. 

Other Windows in a Brick Wall Details to Consider

It is important to understand that in this process, you run a couple of risks. One risk, whether you’re installing a new window or fully replacing an existing one, is damage to your home. If you don’t execute things properly, you may do damage to parts of the wall or siding that were not intended to be removed as part of the process. Similarly, you might tear up the inside of the wall if you are not careful. 

Another risk is jeopardizing the structural integrity of the wall or even your home in general. If you don’t adequately support the wall, or ensure the load is bearable, you might have created a more expensive, long-term problem for yourself. The same can be said for improperly installing or framing the window in the brick wall, causing damage to the glass or frame.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Window in a Brick Wall? 

To do a full frame window installation in a brick wall, you are looking at anywhere from $2,000-$10,000, according to Home Advisor. Factors that will help determine the cost for you include:

• Window size – The bigger the window, the more expensive it will be to make and install.
• Accessibility – The more obstacles that need to be removed, the more you can expect to pay. 
• Age of home – The older the home, the more likely it is that there will be unforeseen problems, rotten wood, unsound structures, or other issues that may require more labor. This can result in increased costs for you. 
• Type of frame – Framing materials can run anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a couple thousand depending on which type you get.
• Type of glass – The more energy efficient glass you use, the more you can expect to pay.
• Other costs – Can include the cost of insulating, repairing trim or other siding, and drywall installation.

As you can see, there are all sorts of factors that can impact the price of your window installation. It can add up quickly and seem expensive and overwhelming. With Fenster, it doesn’t have to. 

The Fenster Difference

At Fenster Components we know you worked hard for your home. You deserve to live in a place of peace and tranquility that fits your exact desires. We also know a large part of that comes from the widows in your home. Window installation and replacement can be expensive and stressful. That’s why we created window replacement alternatives that can replace just the malfunctioning part of wood windows. With our sash packs and replacement kits, you:

• Can replace just the parts that need fixing
• Don’t have to rip the entire frame out of the wall
• Can match your new windows to older ones in your home, even if they have been discontinued
• Don’t have to spend as much money, time, or stress on your windows

To learn more about how we can help you, visit our website or contact us today.