Any suggestions on how to fill a hole in the block when I remove a 32"x18" window in the basment? I am putting a shower in the basement and instead of trying to replace the old window I would like to just frame right over it. I just need some ideas on how to fill the space properly. The window is above grade and at the top of the blocks. Do I need to take the window out and fill it with cement?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

Yes, you'll want to remove the entire window first. The times when I've had to fill in blocks, it's never been easy. The best thing I've found to do is to mix up a little mortar mix, butter the blocks as best as you can, set them in place, then tuck point more mortar into the joints, filling them up as best as you can by continuing to mash mortar into the joints. Blocks are roughly 15 3/4 x 7 3/4 so your first layer of block will be 2 wide. It will be strongest if you stagger the next layer, using a 1/2 block, then a whole block, then a 1/2 block. I'm not even sure if they make 2" cap blocks or not for the top row.

After you have everything packed with mortar, you'll want to tool the joints to smooth them out. They make a tool to do just that, but if you don't have one, the back of a small spoon would probably work for your small repair.

Before doing this make sure that the temperatures at night will not be dropping down into the 30's, because the mortar will take about a week to dry out, and you don't want it to freeze and form frost in the mortar- that would wreck everything.

 

If you are filling in the window opening, but could still use some light and maintain privacy you could use glass block. They work well in a location like yours and do not rot. You get some light, but cannot see through.
In many areas you can buy prefab panels that you slip in or if you have an odd dimension you can put in individual glass block.

Just a thought -

Dick

 

I would also suggest the glass block method, some of these arrangments also come with a vynil vent that can be opened and closed. Good Luck

 

Glass block. There's nothing worse than a basement without natural light if it is available. But I understand about putting in the bathroom and solidifying the wall if it is not going to be a usuable area. Maybe you could rearrange the room to utilize the opening.