Project Overview
Zavza Seal was contracted to perform a structural upgrade and custom window installation at a residential property in Brooklyn, NY. The homeowner requested a redesigned wall opening on the back wall of the house to accommodate a larger, more uniform window layout. The existing layout included mismatched window sizes that disrupted the home’s interior light flow and exterior aesthetics.
Our team’s challenge was to execute structural wall modifications safely and precisely, ensuring long-term integrity and a clean architectural finish. This required careful planning, temporary shoring, and the installation of a new permanent support system.
The Problem
The homeowner was dissatisfied with the asymmetrical appearance and functionality of the two back windows. The current layout included:
- Two sets of misaligned windows with differing heights and sizes
- A lack of structural consistency that made remodeling difficult
- A need for improved natural light and visual appeal from the backyard
Upon inspection, Zavza Seal determined that to achieve the homeowner’s vision, substantial modification of the structural back wall was required. This included safely cutting through load-bearing sections and adjusting framing to fit a new window opening, approximately 96 inches wide by 53 inches tall.
Our Solution
Zavza Seal developed a custom solution that balanced aesthetic design goals with structural integrity. The project was executed in the following phases:
1. Temporary Shoring Support Installation
To begin work safely, we provided temporary shoring support to bear the load of the wall during the demolition and modification process. This protected the home’s structural stability and allowed us to proceed with confidence.
2. Structural Cuts for New Wall Opening
We precisely cut through the back wall of the house:
- 96 inches across at the alignment point of the top of the existing large window
- 96 inches across at the alignment point of the bottom of the small window
These cuts created a rough opening large enough to accommodate the client’s vision for a unified window space.
3. Installation of Permanent Support Header
After completing the wall cuts, we installed a permanent structural support header across the newly opened space. This ensured the wall maintained its load-bearing capacity after removing the temporary shoring.
4. Reframing and Window Preparation
- We framed the bottom of the large window so that it aligned with the bottom of the smaller window, effectively creating a single large opening.
- The final framed opening measured approximately 96 inches wide by 53 inches high, ready for the new window installation.
5. Final Window Installation
The homeowner selected and purchased a new window to fit the custom opening. Our team performed a clean, secure installation to complete the transformation.
Project Outcome
The result was a completely reconfigured window opening that:
- Enhanced natural light throughout the room
- Improved the visual symmetry of the back wall from both inside and outside
- Maintained the structural strength of the home through expert support and framing techniques
- Delivered a modern, functional design that met the homeowner’s vision