cardhouse

Hi Phil, Thanks for your response! your description of your walls does sound very similar, its amazing these buildings have stayed up so long isnt it? Anyway, at the moment i'm considering all options! Carl  

Thankyou once again for your advice, their is so much to consider!! Anyway, initial thoughts are that it sounds feasable, however I will bear in mind the use of a pro when I have had a better look at the situation. I had concluded that the longer the overlap, the better. Regards Carl   

Hi,   Thanks for your reply Dave. The wall which I am hoping to put the French doors into is a small one up, one down former barn. The lintel would be just lower than roof/gutter height. I'm not quite sure what you mean by a 'wall plate'. I have 2 galvanised steel lintels just over 2m lg which I hope to use to support etc. and once cemented into position I will probably face them off with a wood front cover. My initial thoughts are to go right through the wall twice from inside to out, and put a piece of rsj through.Then support them both on acros, before removing the stone and inserting the 2 galvy lintels side by side, into the wall. Anyway, I will wait with interest to have a look at your photos. Carl

Hi,   Thankyou very much for your advice, I am hoping to persevere as I have permission from a declaration de travaux, however may consider a large window. Cardhouse

I would like to ask advice about the best way to install some French Doors. My small house in Basse Normandie has walls about 2ft thick, and are virtually dry stone with a small amount of lime 'pointing' on the exterior face. Also, centrally to where I wish to put the doors is a large oak beam. Although, I am obviously aware to support the beam on an acro jack, I would be grateful of some advice on how about supporting the interior-exterior wall,  fitting the lintel, and removing the stones. Thus avoiding irrepairable damage!! Thankyou