Solid brick wall lintel

[1275Bill]

What sort of lintel should i use above a window in a house with 9 inch solid brick walls ?....At the moment its a piece of wood on the inside course (above window frame ) and a brick arch on the outside.. I want to put a bigger window in so the arch will be no good........Bill

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

This will depend on the size of the opening and the load above the window.
Both the window and the replacing of this type of lintel will need to meet building regulations, so I would advice getting the correct calculation done by a structural engineer.
It could well be that two lintels are need to be installed. They could be concrete or steel.

 

[noseall]

As PBD has pointed out, the span is the most important factor as are the loads imparted upon it.

Under typical domestic loads, a proprietary pressed steel (catnic or similar) will deal with most openings. Heavy duty lintels are available for some point loads.

 

[1275Bill]

Brilliant thanks for that...we are replacing a 4 foot window with a 6 foot one....the house is a dormer bungalow, so there are only about 6 courses of bricks above the window....Bill

 

[noseall]

The lack of brickwork above can be a prohibiting factor as larger masses of masonry are self arching, i.e. the more the merrier.

1.8m is no hill 'o' beans though.

 

[Static]

Check the loft above the window, it might be bearing the weight of the roof or some girder trusses. Especially if the roof is only 6 courses above where your lintel is going.

 

[noseall]

Welcome back Static!

 

[Static]

Welcome back Static!

Good to be back.. and good to see your still around Noseall