Changing Wooden to UPVC side Door on garage - lintel needed?

[bigi]

The wooden side door in our garage is disintegrating - i've already replaced the windows, but the door frame is supporting one of the roof joists in the centre of it. The door frame is 940mm wide; if i where to replace with a UPVC door will i need a lintel above it or will the frame be strong enough to support the weight? it's a 6.5x4.5m garage, with an OSB and fibreglass coated roof. there are actually two wooden beams across the top of the existing door frame to raise to the right height to support the joist at the moment, so i would probably leave those in place and screw the frame into them - it should be noted through that these wooden supports are not secured to anything except the door frame atm.

 

[RandomGrinch]

Hi,

Can you post a pic?
It may give us a better idea.
You might also get a better response, if this was posted in the 'Building' section

 

[bigi]

Thanks for your reply - photos may well help! i've attached some here. I fitted the fascia boards recently - they are full boards, not covers as the original wood was rotten and twisted. i think they decided to extend the garage length when building, as the "pillar" on the left of the door (inside view) looks like it doesn't tie in to the outside, but the right hand pillar does.

 

[Dereekoo]

Yes you will need a lintel

 

[RandomGrinch]

I would be tempted to put in a concrete lintel. From your photos, it would apear to be relatively straight forward to do.
The uPVC frames usually have aluminium or galvanised steel reinforcement, and may be adequate to support that joist. But for peace of mind and if you should ever sell your house, the lintel will at least look 'Propper'

 

[bigi]

great thanks for the replies, will look into a concrete lintel