Concrete or steel lintel

[Westerosjosh]

Hi. Hoping for some advice on whether I need a concrete lintel or steel on an external cavity wall. I’m going to be building a porch on the front of our house. It’s a traditional semi detached with an arched storm porch and front door set back. I will need this knocking out to open it up for the new porch. Speaking to a builder who has done an identical one to what I want around the corner he said he used concrete lintels which I was surprised about as I thought you would need RSJ. The opening will be 2150 mm so would need the lintels to be 2450 mm as I understand it. Can anybody tell me if this guy is right saying concrete will suffice ? Bear in mind it is right on the corner of the house as well. Many thanks in advance

 

[akist]

If it's of any use, the engineer has asked for concrete lintels (100x140) on a cavity wall which is flanked by an extension, thereby not visible. As I understand it, if it is not visible then you can (should?) use concrete.

 

[^woody^]

It seems like this will need building regulation approval, in which case the inspector will either accept or refuse the builder's suggestion.

 

[noseall]

Two course deep conc' fellas will be humungously heavy.

Use steel (proprietary) every time.

 

[Westerosjosh]

Thanks. I guess I’ll speak to the building inspector and if he says it’s fine then I’ve nothing to worry about.

 

[tony1851]

if he says it’s fine then I’ve nothing to worry about.