Gaining Access / Window Cuts

If you need to gain quick access into an inaccessible portion of a wood frame building, consider a "Window Cut." Window cuts are fast and do not affect the structural integrity of the building.

They are easy to do:

Tools needed:

Personal protective equipment, chain saw, rubbish hook or pike pole, and a ladder if necessary.

Choose the window:

You can use any window, but remember that kitchen windows may involve additional cabinets and plumbing.

Open the window or break out the glass.

Probe the floor with a rubbish hook or pike pole near the window opening if someone might be down on the floor near the window.

(The chain saw bar extends approximately 10 to 12 inches inside the structure)

Make two cuts from the windowsill to the floor level with the chain saw.

Run the saw approximately 2 to 3 inches inside of the vertical frame members. This will prevent you from ripping the cripple that is supporting the end of the sill plate. When done properly, you will only cut the siding and the interior finish of the wall, which should cut very easily. However, you still may hit a cripple depending on the wall layout.

The point to remember is this: if the saw is cutting slowly, reposition.

Simply pull out and down on the wall section once both cuts are made.

As is always the case, when we cut structures with our saws there is the hazard of contacting electrical wiring. Kitchen or laundry room windows may have higher voltage wiring. Base your decision to perform this technique on risk vs. benefit.