Cutting a hole in a brick wall for a new window

[mldrenen]

What precautions must be taken when cutting a hole in a load-bearing brick wall to install a window or door?

[Redoverfarm]

As one would say "it depends".  With that I mean is the brick laid over concrete block?  Brick in itself is not load bearing for the structure but in cutting you are opening the courses that are above the window for failure.  The verticle cuts will not IMO weaken the wall but the horizontal's will.  I would be tempted to cut kerfs in the brick and set a lentel in first before removing the brick. This will support the upper courses.  Then you can cut the verticles from the bottom horizontal cut to the lentel.  I have seen the upper horizontals cut w/o an problem and I have seen some that self destruct. 

Getting back to the concrete block.  That would be load bearing with a brick veneer.

[MountainDon]

Or it could be brick over 2x4/2x6 stick construction like our home.

If really old it could also be a double brick with a space between and tie strips between.

[mldrenen]

redover - i like that idea.  the house in question was built ~70 years ago out of recycled cobblestones.  i haven't had a good look around yet, i just assumed that they were load bearing.

don - i'm hoping that their is 2x4 construction behind the facade.  that would make for less headaches down the road.

thanks!