Guide
Concrete Wall Cutting for Egress Windows in Wichita, KS
Cutting a foundation wall is the part that worries people most. Here is how it is done, and what to ask first.
- Wet saw cutting
- Poured vs block walls
- Engineer and lintel
Licensed and insured. Many years in business serving the greater Wichita area.
How the cut is made
A wet saw with a diamond blade makes a clean, square opening, and the water controls dust. We mark the opening, drill the corners and cut the slab out in sections so it does not drop.
Poured walls and block walls
Poured walls cut cleanly and can often take a lintel. Block walls need more care, because the cells must be filled or supported around the opening. A structural engineer can confirm the lintel size, at about $500 on average before cutting a load-bearing wall (Angi*).
What comes after the cut
- Frame. A treated buck lines the opening.
- Lintel. Needed for wider openings.
- Window. Set, flashed and sealed.
- Well. Built to match the depth.
- Patch. Concrete edges and caulk.
Why not DIY
Cutting concrete creates silica dust, and a wrong cut can weaken a wall. A permit is also needed. See permits.
Keep reading
Back to the home page, or browse all basement services.
Questions about concrete cutting
Can you cut poured concrete?
Yes, with a wet saw.
Is it messy?
We control dust with water and seal off the area.
Do I need an engineer?
For a load-bearing wall, yes (Angi*).
How long does it take?
The cut can be done in a day. Setting and the well add time.
Will it leak?
Not when flashed and drained. See window wells.
What does it cost?
See the egress cost guide.
Ready to plan your basement?
Call or send the form, and we will walk through your own basement before we price it.
* Costs are estimates from the linked outside guides, not a quote from us.