ABSTRACT
Openings for windows and doors in mass load-bearing walls of both solid and cavity construction are a source of weakness. If they are numerous and too close together then thin, weak, narrow piers may be formed. If the openings are not adequately spanned across at the top by an arch or lintel of brick, stone, timber or steel, there may be settlement and undue thrust on the supports on either side. This is not quite the case where framed walls are involved since openings are normally provided in the panels at the construction stage. If additional openings were found to be necessary later, it would be foolish to cut and remove part of the frame, although it is not unknown for this to be done. An error such as this is more likely to have been made internally to form an opening in a partition where it was not realised that the partition was framed in such a way as to be virtually self-supporting. Sagging in overloaded floors can be the result.
