Walkthroughs and openings in homes and outdoor spaces serve many purposes.
They can add much-needed light and air circulation inside a home, as well as passageways from one room to the next. Outdoors, they can be intricate features that add architectural interest and step up a space to the next level.
Openings are a necessary part of all construction, and there are many components that must come together in the correct way to ensure that these openings — as well as the overall structure — is safe, sound and supported well.
In these cases, lintels play a critical support role in holding structures above them up where there isn’t a continuous wall or other support that attaches directly to the ground.
Below, we’ll look further into what lintels are, including the different types and functions as well as their importance in construction.
What is a Lintel?
A lintel is a horizontal beam that spans the width of any construction opening. It serves to distribute the weight of the structure that’s above it to the surrounding vertical supports.
In door opening, for example, a lintel will distribute the weight of the top of the opening to the two walls on either side that connect to the floor.
Lintels, therefore, are critical components in all building construction, as they allow for openings and ensure that the structural integrity of not only the opening but of the entire surrounding area is upheld. Without lintels, the structural integrity of buildings would be compromised.
In addition to being placed above doors, lintels are installed to support the weight of other openings such as windows, garage doors and fireplaces within homes.
Types of Lintels
All types of lintels serve the same purpose, though there are many different types of them. Some examples include timber lintels, concrete lintels, steel lintels and brick lintels.
The type of lintel that will be used for a project will depend on a number of factors, including the availability and cost of the material at the time of construction. In addition, contractors may choose a certain type of lintel depending on the job at hand.
For example, steel lintels are typically used when the load above is quite heavy and the opening gap is quite large. This is because steel is very strong and can hold that weight for larger opening gaps.
Stone lintels are very common, and they’re often used where stone is readily available. They’re also used in both indoor and outdoor installations to match the surrounding aesthetic.
Functions and Importance
Lintels have an extremely important function in construction. They are crucial, in fact, to ensuring the structural integrity, support and overall stability of a building.
When installed, they resist compression, tension and shear forces that act on them, which holds up the weight of the structure or wall that is located above them.
They also serve an important purpose to overall structures. The stability and support they provide prevents sagging and the potential for the structure to collapse.
Buildings cannot be constructed without lintels if there are opening gaps, which every building will have somewhere.
Installation and Maintenance
Installing a lintel is a specialized job that requires particular expertise with load handling, weight management and more. Whenever an opening is created in a structure — whether it be for a door, a window or a fireplace — temporary support must be added to ensure the property and brickwork is secured in place.
If these temporary supports aren’t added before the lintel is installed, there’s a high probability that the structure could sag or collapse.
During installation, the lintel has to be level and fastened securely to the wall. Only after this is done can the temporary supports be removed.
Once installed, lintels need to be maintained regularly to ensure that it remains in good condition.
Common Applications
Lintels, sometimes referred to as header beams, are used to support many different structures during remodeling projects. They are used for doorways, windows and/or arches that are added or changed to a structure.
In older homes, they may also be installed after the fact to reinforce openings that already exist. They are used whenever features such as patio doors or bay windows are added, or are also used for larger opening gaps such as shop entrances or garage doors.
Just about every large structure will require a lintel or some type.
Steel Lintel Benefits
Steel is a very popular material used in construction because they are less affected by erosion and rust. These characteristics make them very reliable and durable, as they can last for years.
Not only that, but steel lintels can be less labor-intensive when you need to install a lot of them in a building. They are also practical to install and maneuver, which are key components of construction.
At the same time, steel isn’t as popular an option when you want to highlight the lintel as part of the aesthetic design. In these instances, natural stone and other masonry is popular due to its form, function, strength, durability and aesthetic appeal.
Repair and Replacement
Like any other part of a home or structure, lintels need to be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they are working properly. If any damage is identified, it needs to be repaired as soon as possible so that further structural issues don’t occur.
The quicker that you can identify a failure in a lintel — and get it repaired or replaced — the less expensive and invasive the repairs will be in the future.
There are different ways that you can repair the different types of lintels. So, having the knowledge, experience and expertise in knowing how they need to be repaired is essential.
If the repairs aren’t done correctly, they can easily lead to further problems. That’s why you should always consult with an experienced architect or engineer for any major construction project.
Trust the Masonry Experts at All Brick
Lintels are critical components in construction, properly managing the weight distribution and support for opening gaps such as doors, windows, archways, fireplaces and more.
There are many different types of lintels, and knowing which ones should be used in which applications — as well as how to properly install, repair and/or replacement them — is essential to ensure that your building is structurally sound.
In your next construction project, trust the masonry experts at All Brick. We have been mastering the art of masonry for more than 10 years now, and have particular expertise in installing beautiful lintels that provide structural support and aesthetic beauty at the same time.For more information, or to receive a free quote, please contact us today.
