Chop or Core Wall

[mstrlucky74]

If you had (4) 4" conduits going through a masonry bock wall(existing) would you chop out a "window" or core individual holes. I believe it's usually an opening made with hammer drill. Thanks.

 

[ActionDave]

Are the blocks hollow or solid cored?

If it's hollow just bash though with a single jack sledge hammer.

 

[mstrlucky74]

Are the blocks hollow or solid cored?

If it's hollow just bash though with a single jack sledge hammer.

To be honest, I don't know.

 

[K8MHZ]

To be honest, I don't know.

You should probably find out, as it makes a big difference as to the preferred method.

 

[mstrlucky74]

You should probably find out, as it makes a big difference as to the preferred method.

Ok, thanks.

 

[Coppersmith]

With 4-4" conduits going through the wall, that is the equivalent of taking out two full blocks. You might not have any issue if you spread them out, but if they are close together, the blocks above may lose stability. In that case, a metal lintel (basically angle iron) should probably be installed above the removed sections. I would consult a block mason. Coring is probably more stable since you are leaving more material in place.

 

[JFletcher]

If you had (4) 4" conduits going through a masonry bock wall(existing) would you chop out a "window" or core individual holes. I believe it's usually an opening made with hammer drill. Thanks.

I'd put 2 holes in one block and 2 in another. Avg block is 8"H x 16"L, you're not getting 4 4" conduits thru one block. I'd just as soon not have to use large fire stop bricks to seal the opening or pay a mason to fix the hole.

 

[infinity]

As Dave mentioned if it's solid filled then core drill, if the blocks ares still hollow then chop the hole. Solid filled walls also may have rebar in them which is easier to core drill through.

 

[mstrlucky74]

Thanks guys. Are block walls most always the hollow cored type?

 

[Little Bill]

Not most always, if the block is below grade or being used to hold side pressure then they are filled. Probably other reasons as well.

 

[infinity]

Thanks guys. Are block walls most always the hollow cored type?

A majority of the time yes.

 

[jumper]

It gets really fun when you start punching/drilling through and a 2' pile of vermiculite insulation piles up on the floor.:rant:

 

[qcroanoke]

It gets really fun when you start punching/drilling through and a 2' pile of vermiculite insulation piles up on the floor.:rant:

Yeah! Always fun. I always knew to look for that before knocking a hole.
Do they still use it? I seem to recall it was linked to cancer?

 

[jumper]

Yeah! Always fun. I always knew to look for that before knocking a hole.
Do they still use it? I seem to recall it was linked to cancer?

The old stuff, pre 1990 or so, I think had some asbestos IIRC, the new stuff is probably safer.

 

[KWH]

Is it possible to get on top of wall and look down or does it go all the way to the deck.