Q&A

What is a loose lintel?

What is a loose lintel?

A lintel that is not attached to another structural member but is merely placed across an opening in a wall during construction to support the weight of the wall above.

What is a lintel angle?

Lintel angles are usually placed with the vertical edge against the back face of the brick veneer. With larger spans, the horizontal leg must be greater than 31_2 inches to provide lintel angles that are stiff enough to carry the higher loads.

What is a steel angle lintel?

They vary from single angle lintels in cavity or veneer walls, to steel beams with plates in solid walls, to shelf angles in brick veneer panel walls. Most building codes permit steel angle lintels to be used for openings up to 8 ft 0 in. Openings larger than this are usually required to have fire protected lintels.

How much can a brick overhang a lintel?

Brickwork or masonry should not overhang the lintel by more than 25mm.

How do I know if I need a lintel?

Lintels are required for all openings over timber frames greater than 600mm in width, & for all openings over steel frames greater than 900mm.

Is it OK to drill into a lintel?

When drilling into a concrete lintel, you should start with the smallest drill bit for masonry you have in your set. A drill bit of 3mm is a good place to start, and you can then work up from there to get the size of hole you need. When it comes to concrete, the smaller the drill bit, the easier it will penetrate.

How do you attach angle iron to Brick?

Place an angle iron the width of the bricks on the ledge and lag bolt the vertical part to the wood framing. The framing is normally on 16-inch centers so that a lag bolt should be placed into each stud. Then place the first row of bricks on the horizontal part of the angle iron and mortar into place.

What’s the difference between a header and a beam?

Houses typically have one or more main beams supporting the joists that make the first-floor structure. These beams are called headers. Non-load-bearing walls containing openings (or windows or doors) also may have beams or headers, but these are much smaller than load-bearing beams.

How much does a lintel have to sit on?

Steel Lintels should be installed with a minimum end bearing of 150mm, bedded on mortar and levelled along its length and across its width.

When to use loose angle lintels in masonry?

Loose angle lintels are used in brick veneer and cavity wall constructions where the lintel is laid in the wall and spans the opening. This type of lin tel has no lateral support. Figure 1a shows this condition. Combination Lintels. In solid masonry walls, single loose angle lintels are usually not capable of doing the job.

How big of an opening can steel lintels be used for?

Most building codes permit steel angle lintels to be used for openings up to 8 ft 0 in. (2.4 m). Openings larger than this are usually required to have fire protected lintels. Loose Angle Lintels. Loose angle lintels are used in

Why do I need to replace my steel lintel?

The freeze thaw cycles and ensuing water intrusion takes a heavy toll on the steel eventually causing need for steel lintel repair or replacement. This will also likely contribute to quite expensive masonry, window and door frame repairs due to deflection, movement from swelling, rust, etc. if not properly monitored and maintained.

Can you use structural steel lintels in brick?

The design of structural steel lintels for use with brick masonry is too critical an element to be left to “rule-of-thumb” designs. T oo little concern for loads, stresses and serviceability can lead to problems. Information is provided so that structural steel lintels for use in brick masonry walls may be satisfactorily designed.