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.
H
headroom
1 May 2023 23:07
Wouldn't concrete formwork blocks actually be the perfect middle ground? You could pour concrete in one go and wouldn't have to worry about the formwork boards—well, except for the last part. What are your thoughts on the issue of efflorescence?
P
Philfuel
2 May 2023 05:44
headroom schrieb:

If only I could find those strange brackets mentioned and give the bricks support in the reveal

Either bend flat anchors at a 90-degree angle and fix them into the reveal with wall plugs, or drill holes and secure anchor bolts with quick-setting mortar (from a cartridge). The ends are laid into the new joints and mortared in.
Efflorescence only occurs with moisture, or when it dries out. And if you really want to reinvent the wheel, use shuttering blocks. But it’s just more effort and doesn’t bring any benefit at all.