how to fit a concrete lintel ( single skin )

[Hazelb]

I need to fit a concrete lintel above an existing bathroom window. How do I do it?

The window was put in ( badly ) by builders a few years ago. They cut the window opening ( about a foot wide ) then inserted the window. There is now a crack developing in the blockwork above the window.

Not good as I'm in the process of tiling the bathroom! and I don't want the tiles to crack.

Its a first floor window, and there is only about 1.5 courses of blockwork before the wall plate above ( is that the correct term?- the wood running along the top of the wall that the roof trusses rest on ).

It has been sugested that I get a concrete lintel fitted on the inner skin of the wall. How do I do this? - My local builders aren't interested in a 'small job'!

 

[Softus]

I need to fit a concrete lintel above an existing bathroom window. How do I do it?

In principle you just remove brickwork in the shape of the lintel, insert it, and plaster over it. However, before you go ahead and do this you need to determine what movement has occurred and whether or not you need to jack up the wall plate first.

There is now a crack developing in the blockwork above the window.

Please post a photo of the crack and the area around it.

My local builders aren't interested in a 'small job'!

I'm sure you could find someone capable and willing, but you could probably do it yourself (with the right amount of forethought and preparation).