Making wall penetrations: A critical step in construction and renovation
Creating wall openings is a crucial step in construction and renovation projects
- doors
- Window
- Creation of additional living space through room openings
- Creation of service hatches and eat-in kitchens
- Integration of interior doors for wardrobes
- Open fireplaces
However, cutting static walls requires extreme caution as the statics of the entire building may be at risk.
Good to know: According to statiker-kosten.de , a statics report is therefore essential in order to determine the right measures for supporting and distributing ceiling loads.
1.1 The key role of the structural engineer and required actions
An experienced structural engineer is crucial to determine the necessary measures for wall penetrations. This includes the use of steel girders to absorb the ceiling load and special designs of the supports. Reinforcements at bearing walls or elsewhere in the building may also be required to ensure stability.ds
- Experienced structural engineer for advice: Assessing the load-bearing capacity of a wall requires specialist knowledge. An experienced structural engineer is essential to take the right measures.
- Use of steel girders: Steel girders are often used in wall openings in load-bearing walls in order to safely absorb the ceiling loads.
- Special Support Designs: Proper support point design is critical to ensure even load distribution.
- Reinforcements on bearing walls: In some cases, additional reinforcements on the bearing walls may be necessary to achieve the necessary stability.
- Careful implementation of the measures: The precise and professional implementation of the static measures is crucial to ensure the safety of the building.
1.2 Recognize load-bearing walls before cutting the wall and eliminate uncertainties
Assessing whether a wall is load-bearing requires experience and expertise. When in doubt, it is advisable to consult a structural engineer to minimize potential risks and ensure safety.
2. Break through or saw through? The choice of method
When cutting wall and masonry to create wall openings, there are two common methods
- the breakthrough
- sawing through walls and masonry
Each method has its own pros and cons to consider to get the best result.
2.1 sawing through for precise results and less contamination
Sawing through walls and masonry is an effective way to create precise and clean breakthroughs.
Compared to breaking through, less dust and dirt is produced because the dust produced is sucked off directly during sawing. This results in a clean and efficient way of working that leaves the environment largely untouched.
2.1.2 Benefits of sawing through
- Precise cuts: Exact cuts can be achieved by using special masonry saws, which are perfect for installing doors and windows.
- Less dirt: Dust extraction during sawing minimizes dust formation and reduces the need for time-consuming cleaning.
- Less Vibration: Sawing through causes less vibration compared to piercing, which means less impact on surrounding areas.
Despite these advantages, sawing through is not always the best choice. With certain building materials and wall thicknesses, sawing can be difficult and special saws with sufficient cutting depth are required.
2.2 Breakthrough for special needs and versatility
Breaking through walls requires special tools and expertise, but is a sensible choice in certain situations. It offers a certain versatility and allows the creation of openings of different shapes and sizes.
2.2.1 Benefits of Breaching
- Flexibility : Punching allows a wider range of punch shapes and sizes compared to sawing.
- Adaptability : Breaking through may be a more appropriate method for special requirements or unusual wall thicknesses.
- Ability to rebuild : In some cases, breaching can allow the original wall to be restored at a later date, should that be desired.
However, breaching involves more dust generation and potential damage to surrounding areas. In addition, it requires experienced professionals to ensure that the breakthroughs are carried out properly and that the structural integrity of the building is not affected.
Case Study - Better to break through a wall than cut a wall and masonry
A construction company is faced with the task of creating a passage between two rooms in an old building in order to create an open living area. After careful consideration by an experienced structural engineer, it is decided that piercing is the best method to achieve the desired size and shape of the passage.
The team uses special tools and techniques to expertly breach the wall and make the necessary reinforcements. The result is a seamless and aesthetically pleasing passage that harmoniously connects the space.
Table: Comparison of methods - breaching or cutting
| method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| sawing through | - Precise cuts | - Restriction on certain building materials |
| - Reduced formation of dust | - Requires special saws |
|
- Less shaking |
||
|---|---|---|
| break through | - Versatile and adaptable | - More dust development |
| - Possibility to rebuild | - Potential damage to surrounding areas | |
| - Flexibility in breakthrough shapes | - Requires expertise and experience |
Our Opinion: The choice between sawing through and knocking out depends on the specific needs of the project and the expertise of the executing team. It is advisable to consult an experienced structural engineer
Tool hire and costs for DIY projects
You can also borrow the tools you need, such as a concrete cutting disc for creating wall openings. However, be aware of the cost, especially for high-powered saws. Find out more about cheaper alternatives for lighter masonry.
Cost statement when cutting wall and masonry
- Concrete cutting disc for the angle grinder : better buy once from 20 €
- High-performance masonry saw: daily rental between 80 and 120 EUR, ideal for sawing through robust masonry and concrete.
- Alternative power foxtail (saber saw): daily rental between 20 and 40 EUR, cheaper option for lighter masonry and brick.
- Additional Cutting Discs: Costs around $10-30 per disc for longer projects or larger areas.
- Safety Gear: Additional spending on safety goggles, hearing protection and gloves to ensure safety.
- Transport costs: Possible costs for transporting the rented tool to the work site, depending on the distance and local conditions.
- Expert advice: Costs for advice or professional execution for complex projects or uncertainty when dealing with wall breakthroughs.
When planning your DIY project, carefully consider these costs to create a realistic budget. Remember that the right equipment and expertise are critical to creating accurate and safe wall penetrations.
Safety and precision: Expert advice should always be sought when cutting walls, masonry and making breakthroughs
Finally, it is imperative to ensure safety and precision when creating wall penetrations. Take the static conditions into account and always consult an expert if you are unsure. With the right tools and expertise, you can create precise wall openings that will make your construction or renovation project a success.
