Can someone help me with the following query.
I live in a 60's house, and I am looking to replace the existing wooden door and surround with a the UPVC equivilents. I have checked the current door, and there is no concrete lintel above the door. Having spoken with a local builder, he said that it was/is quite common for houses of this age not to have lintels, and that the wooden frame forms part of the support for the bricks above the door frame.
I understand that UPVC does not have the same properties, and that in the best case scenario, if I do not put a lintel in would be that the frame would sag, and the door could jam. I am also informed that if I do not put in a lintel, the bricks above the door could fall out.
Can you confirm any of these theories, and advise me how I go about putting in a lintel please.
Thank you
I live in a 60's house, and I am looking to replace the existing wooden door and surround with a the UPVC equivilents. I have checked the current door, and there is no concrete lintel above the door. Having spoken with a local builder, he said that it was/is quite common for houses of this age not to have lintels, and that the wooden frame forms part of the support for the bricks above the door frame.
I understand that UPVC does not have the same properties, and that in the best case scenario, if I do not put a lintel in would be that the frame would sag, and the door could jam. I am also informed that if I do not put in a lintel, the bricks above the door could fall out.
Can you confirm any of these theories, and advise me how I go about putting in a lintel please.
Thank you