How to Cut a Concrete Block Wall
Concrete block walls offer a stable and durable foundation or wall structure commonly used for garages, basements and buildings. Adding a window or door opening to a concrete block wall requires cutting through the blocks with a circular saw and concrete saw blade. Cutting through concrete causes thick dust to fill the area; therefore, you must wear the proper safety gear and prepare to clean up a large amount of construction debris.
Items Needed
- Safety glasses
- Ear plugs
- Leather gloves
- Respirator mask
- Protective clothing
- Fan
- Shop vacuum
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Level
- Drill with 10-inch mason’s drill bit
- Circular saw
- Masonry saw blade
- Sledge Hammer
- Chisel
Instructions
- Remove insulation, if present, from the interior of the wall. Check for electrical and plumbing running through the area and relocate utilities in the way. Use heavy plastic sheeting taped to interior doorways, to protect dust from entering other areas of the building. Move shrubs and obstacles on the exterior of the wall.
- Measure the length and width of the rough opening needed for the window or door. Use a pencil to mark the area to cut on the interior and exterior of the wall. Make sure the measurements are level by using a straight level. Drill a hole, using a 10-inch drill bit, to mark the corners of the opening. Hold the drill level, and drill through the concrete blocks at each corner. Mark the opening with a black marker, making sure the opening is square.
- Wear safety equipment while you work with power equipment. Use a fan to clear the dust, and a shop vacuum to keep the mess under control. Attach the masonry blade to the circular saw. Set the cutting depth to the maximum setting.
- Place the front of the saw against the wall, lining the blade up with the top horizontal mark. Turn the saw on and lower the blade onto the cutting line. Apply steady pressure, but do not force the blade into the concrete. Cut across the top of the opening and have a person follow the blade with the shop vacuum to reduce dust.
- Cut all sides of the opening on the exterior of the wall. Repeat the steps on the interior of the wall, until each side has been cut. Using a sledge hammer, hit the blocks within the cutout. Knock the concrete blocks out of the opening. Use a chisel and hammer to smooth rough or jagged areas.
- Clean up the rubble with a shovel and bucket or wheelbarrow. Use the shop vacuum to remove concrete dust from the area.