Structural Integrity

[cdombek]

Hi All
I am preparing to remove 2 old basement hopper style windows (33 1/2 inch by 19 inch)that are at the top of a poured concrete foundation. My concern is that I don't see any iron lintel above the window frame on either window. Does this mean that the metal frame is part of the load bearing foundation? I have a brick home and I assume that something must support the bottom brick course on the outside. Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Chuck D.

[marksr]

Welcome to the forum

I can't see any window or its' casing being load bearing. As far as the structure of the house - the bottom plate and the joists above it should be transferring the weight of the house to the foundation. Are you sure there isn't a lintel that has been painted and looks to be part of the window? I suppose the bricks could be tied to the house with brick ties along with interlocking with themselves. Are you replacing the windows? If the mortar is in good shape I doubt that the bricks will move when removing the windows but I would want to add a steel lintel or support it with masonary shortly.

[cdombek]

Yes, I wanted to cut and remove the steel frame and window and replace them with fiberglass windows to eliminate the cold draftiness in my basement in winter.
Thanks
Chuck