ᐅ Remove basement windows and seal with concrete.

Created on: 15 Mar 2023 16:35
H
headroom
Hello,
my wife would like to have our basement window removed and the resulting opening closed. The window is completely below street level.
Our basement was poured with waterproof concrete, coated with bitumen, then the perimeter insulation was applied, and finally the dimpled membrane.

My questions are:
1. What is the best way to close the opening?
2. Should I use formwork and concrete? If so, all at once? What is the best way to seal the top edge, considering concrete shrinkage?
3. Or should I use masonry?

Thank you in advance.
Fenster mit geschlossenem Rollladen in heller Wand, von Grünpflanzen umgeben.

Garten an beige Hauswand: Rosmarin links, Kellerschacht mit Rollladen, Gartenschlauch rechts.

Weißer Fensterrahmen mit geschlossener Jalousie; Arbeitsplatte mit Werkzeugen und Kleinteilen.
P
Philfuel
1 May 2023 19:48
Yes, just regular mortar. You push it in there with a pointing trowel. If it’s a bit drier, you can pack it in better.
H
headroom
1 May 2023 21:12
What about swelling mortar? Wouldn't that be better?
P
Philfuel
1 May 2023 22:08
Source mortar does not "swell" in that sense. It is simply especially dimensionally stable and not necessary for your purpose. If you are doing masonry anyway, just fill the last gap as well. There is really no need to overcomplicate it. If it absolutely must expand, you can also use construction foam.
H
headroom
1 May 2023 22:11
Would you also use lime sandstone or would you prefer another building material or type of stone?
P
Philfuel
1 May 2023 22:15
Yes. Do it as Karsten described in #7; that works.
H
headroom
1 May 2023 22:42
If I could just find those strange brackets that are described and give the stones support in the reveal.