Eaves lintels are specialised structural components designed to support the outer edge of a roof. These elements span the gap between the top of exterior walls and the eaves, transferring roof loads effectively.
Eaves lintels ensure proper distribution of weight, preventing sagging and maintaining the roof's intended profile.
7 Key Factors to Consider When Selecting the Right Size for Eaves Lintels
Below are the 7 key points to think about when choosing eaves lintel sizes.
- Roof load: Calculate the total weight, including roof tiles and insulation
- Span length: Measure the exact distance between support points where the eaves lintel will rest
- Building regulations: Check local codes for minimum eaves lintel sizes and load-bearing requirements
- Material strength: Compare the load-bearing capacity of different eaves lintel materials
- Overhang depth: Factor in the projection of the eaves, as longer overhangs increase the load on the lintel
- Wall thickness: Ensure the eaves lintel depth is compatible with the supporting wall dimensions
- Roof pitch: Steeper pitches may require stronger eaves lintels to handle increased horizontal forces
How Does the Pitch of a Roof Affect the Installation of Eaves Lintels?
Roof pitch significantly influences eaves lintel installation and selection. Steeper pitches create greater horizontal forces, requiring more robust eaves lintels. The angle of installation must match the roof slope to ensure proper load distribution.
For low-pitch roofs (below 30 degrees), standard eaves lintels often suffice. However, high-pitch roofs (above 45 degrees) may need specially designed eaves lintels with increased load capacity.
Medium pitches need careful calculation to determine the best eaves lintel strength. You should adjust the bearing surface of eaves lintels to match the roof angle. This may involve custom cutting or using angled bearing plates.
What Are the Differences in Using Eaves Lintels for New Construction vs Retrofitting?
New construction
- Allows for excellent eaves lintel placement, integrating seamlessly with wall plates and roof trusses
- Enables the use of modern, energy-efficient eaves lintel designs with built-in insulation
- Delivers flexibility in choosing eaves lintel types, allowing for prefabricated options
Retrofitting
- Needs careful assessment of existing eaves structures and potential reinforcement of supporting walls
- Often involves working within tight spaces, potentially requiring shorter or segmented eaves lintels
- May need custom-sized eaves lintels to fit non-standard openings in older buildings
- Can present challenges in matching new eaves lintels with existing roof materials
How Do I Address Potential Thermal Bridging Issues When Working With Eaves Lintels?
To prevent thermal bridging in eaves lintels, consider the following points.
- Use thermally broken eaves lintels with insulation embedded within their structure
- Fit continuous insulation above and below the lintel, ensuring no gaps at junctions
- Apply specialised thermal break pads between the eaves lintel and wall plate
- Introduce careful detailing around the eaves lintel to maintain an unbroken air barrier
- Consider using composite eaves lintels that combine structural strength with insulating properties