STEEL LINTELS IN CONCRETE BLOCK WALLS HOW TO
STEEL LINTELS IN CONCRETE BLOCK WALLS FULL

Use full bricks or blocks as bearing areas.Steel lintels typically require propping at intervals of 1.2m and should remain in place until the mortar cures.When uncertain about the lintel’s structural performance, seek advice from the manufacturer’s technical department.Always adhere to manufacturer guidelines during installation.Always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations. For lintels with a channel design, propping becomes crucial as the masonry built into the channel provides additional strength. When to Use Proppingĭepending on the lintel type, some might require temporary propping until the mortar sets. For masonry buildings, a minimal fall of 150mm for the DPC is a general guideline. The DPC, often made of a flexible damp proof material, prevents moisture from transferring between the inner and outer leaves of the wall. In cavity walls, incorporating a damp proof course is crucial. Per the guidelines of BS EN 1996-2:2006 and NHBC standards, it’s mandatory for all external wall lintels to have a flexible damp proof course installed, unless they are sufficiently shielded by features like an eaves overhang or an equivalent protective measure. Such a method ensures that the pressures on each side remain balanced, reducing risks of damage. While laying bricks above the lintel, balance the load by laying bricks on both the inner and outer leaves simultaneously. If you’re short on time, ensure you use temporary propping beneath the lintel to prevent any shock loading. Let the Mortar Cureīefore placing any point loads or heavy components on the lintel, ensure the mortar has cured completely. Any imbalance could result in unequal pressure on the masonry, causing potential structural issues. Check for levelness across the length and width of the lintel. Ensuring the Lintel is LevelĪ spirit level becomes your best friend here.

When working with cavity wall applications, it’s pivotal to bed the lintel on both the inner and outer leaves, providing balanced weight distribution. This bed aids in managing potential irregularities between the lintel and its supporting masonry. Laying the lintel on a bed of mortar ensures even distribution of loads. Although some cases might permit a lesser extension, consulting with a manufacturer or supplier is crucial. Ideally, it should extend a minimum of 150mm on both sides of the opening. This bearing is the part of the lintel that sits on the masonry, supporting the wall’s weight.

STEEL LINTELS IN CONCRETE BLOCK WALLS HOW TO

Getting Started: How To Install a Lintel Understand the Minimum End BearingĮvery lintel, whether steel lintel or concrete lintel, demands a proper minimum end bearing. By redistributing this weight, lintels prevent undue pressure on window and door frames. Imagine a window without a lintel: the entire weight of the masonry would rest on the window frame, which could lead to structural failures. These horizontal supports span the openings in walls, diverting the weight from above, such as masonry or roof loads, to the walls on either side of the opening. Lintels date back thousands of years, as evident in structures like Stonehenge in the UK. These are frequently installed above doorways and large apertures in buildings, including load-bearing wall applications. Lintels are horizontal elements generally made from either prestressed concrete or metal, designed to offer essential support for bearing loads across gaps between two vertical pillars. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of installing lintels correctly, ensuring a secure and long-lasting result. Lintels play a pivotal role in sustaining the structural integrity of a structure, especially around openings such as doors and windows. Installing a lintel is a vital step when constructing or renovating buildings.

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Steel lintels in concrete block walls