replacing old wooden french doors

[davehh68]

Hi

I need to replace an old set of patio french doors in a 1930s bungalow with cavity walls. These are the original wooden doors (well past their best). There is a 'soldier' course of bricks above the window but no visible sign of a lintel.
My question is how best to remove the old window frame and replace with a new frame without risking the brickwork sagging? If there is no lintel on the outer wall should I somehow prop the soldier course first and then remove the frame, or remove the frame, check for a lintel and then put in the replacement frame?
Are there thin steel lintels available that I could insert between the replacement frame and the brickwork without first knowing the size of the cavity?

many thanks

Dave

 

[stuart45]

The soldier course may by fixed to an insitu concrete lintel by wall ties at the back. If you are carefull and are replacing the old frame with a timber one you might get away without losing the soldiers.