2 lintels above french doors

[CharlieB1981]

hi,

i'm installing french doors in an opening where there was already a window, but the height will be about half a foot less than the old opening.

there is already a lintel in place that is perfectly fine for the opening just too high.

what i want to know is- is it ok just to leave the old lintel in place, install a new metal T lintel at the right hight and brick up the gap inbetween to bring it down to the right height as this is a lot easier than having too remove the old one and replace completely at the new height.

or to comply with building regs would i need to do the latter.

 

[noseall]

You will still need to remove the supporting masonry in order to be able to fit the new lintel.

I guess if you strongboy+acro the existing lintel it will act as a prop, so go ahead and fill ya boots.

What height from dpc is the existing lintel/window head height?

 

[CharlieB1981]

The plan was to use stronghold to hold up the existing lintel while a,notch is cut to slide the other in underneath.

Current lintel is about 2 metres above the dpc.

Not sure if it makes a difference but it's a solid double skin brick wall and existing lintel is a 8x4 wooden one.

 

[noseall]

Current lintel is about 2 metres above the dpc.

2m.......??? And you are going lower.... Are these new french doors from a pygmy web site?

If the existing lintel is timber then it may be wise to bite the bullet and get rid.

 

[CharlieB1981]

Fair point! Half asleep at the mo! Meant new lintel will be about 2m existing is about 2.5

 

[noseall]

Standard or typical lintel height would be 2.1m. Anything a lot less would mean slightly squat doors especially with upvc profiles.