Window / Conservatory - Install Lintel

What Is A Lintel?

A lintel is a horizontal structural member that spans an opening in a wall. In the case of a window, a lintel is extremely important since it distributes the weight of anything above the window onto the surrounding wall instead of placing the weight onto the window frame. Today, lintels are made of several different materials that are appropriate to the different compositions of walls in old as well as modern buildings. The reasons for installing a lintel are to replace a bad lintel or when installing a new window in a wall. In both cases, care must be taken to prevent damage to the existing structure.

Which Type Of Lintel Should You Choose?

When choosing a lintel, it is necessary to consider the wall type: cavity, timber frame, exterior solid, internal partition or load bearing. It is also necessary to consider the type of load: roof trusses, masonry, floor joists. A wood lintel is usually found in older homes and is susceptible to dry rot and insects. Brick should never be used alone as a lintel, they are usually supported with flat steel. Stone is sufficient for a small span but is poor under tension. Concrete with steel rods running through for strength is a better choice than stone or brick. One of the easiest lintels to work with is pressed and galvanized steel, which is good for both brick and wood frame walls.

Is The Wall A Load Bearing Wall For My Lintel?

It is important, prior to the start of work, to discover if the wall in question is a load-bearing wall. This determination is done either by pulling up the floorboards to discover which way the joists run or by consulting with a structural engineer.Note that it is important to check the direction of the joists along the whole wall since a common refurbishment includes trimmer joists, which distribute a new load such as a stairway.

Installing The Window Lintel

To install a new lintel, determine the size of the structural opening and add a minimum of 150mm to each end. Above the area of the lintel, install anchors and use acrow props to support wall as you remove masonry for the lintel. Use a hammer and chisel to remove mortar around the bricks to be removed. Once the mortar is removed, remove the bricks to make room for the new lintel. A bed of mortar should be laid and the lintel installed. The mortar needs to cure for at least two days before any other work can be done in the area of the new lintel.

Building Regulations, Professional Advice And Lintels

It is important to note that installing a lintel involves structural work that needs an approval from the building authority. Moreover, determining whether a wall is load bearing can be tricky and is worth a professional opinion.