Solid Wall Lintels

Solid Wall Lintels

Solid wall lintels are important materials in traditional masonry construction. They span openings in solid walls, supporting the weight of bricks or stonework above doors and windows. 

Solid wall lintels are designed to distribute loads evenly across the opening's width. Their robust design ensures long-term stability and prevents sagging or cracking in the masonry above. 

What Are the Benefits of Solid Wall Lintels vs Other Types of Lintel?

Solid wall lintels offer several advantages over other lintel types.

  • Enhanced load-bearing capacity: Compared to timber frame lintels, solid wall lintels excel at distributing weight across wider openings. They can support heavier loads, making them ideal for large masonry structures
  • Better thermal performance: Solid wall lintels' construction reduces heat loss through the lintel. This improved insulation helps maintain energy efficiency in buildings with solid walls
  • Seamless integration: Solid wall lintels blend well with existing masonry, maintaining aesthetic appeal. They can be matched to the surrounding brickwork or stonework for a cohesive look
  • Durability: Compared to reinforced concrete lintels, solid wall lintels are more resistant to corrosion and weathering, ensuring long-term structural integrity. This durability makes them particularly suitable for exposed or harsh environments
  • Versatility: Solid wall lintels are suitable for various architectural styles and building materials. They can be customised to fit specific design needs and wall thicknesses

How Do I Determine the Appropriate Bearing Length for Solid Wall Lintels?

Determining the correct bearing length for solid wall lintels is crucial for structural stability. Consider the following key points.

  • Wall thickness: Thicker walls generally require longer bearing lengths 
  • Opening width: Wider openings need an increased bearing surface for proper load distribution 
  • Load above: Heavier loads necessitate longer bearing lengths to spread weight effectively

As a rule of thumb, aim for a minimum bearing length of 150mm on each side. For wider openings or heavier loads, increase this length accordingly. 

What Are the Best Methods for Integrating Damp Proof Courses With Solid Wall Lintels?

Integrating damp proof courses (DPCs) with solid wall lintels is essential for moisture control. Start by placing a DPC below the lintel, extending it beyond the opening on both sides. Make sure it's properly lapped with the wall DPC.

Above the lintel, install another DPC layer. This creates a continuous barrier against rising dampness. Use preformed cavity trays for cavity walls to direct moisture outward.

4 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Solid Wall Lintels

  • Weak support during installation: Ensure proper temporary support until mortar sets. Use adjustable props or strong timber supports to hold the lintel in place for at least 7 days
  • Incorrect sizing: Choose lintels that match the wall thickness and can bear the load above. Refer to structural calculations to select the appropriate size and strength for your specific application
  • Poor load distribution: Neglecting to create a level bearing surface can lead to uneven settling. Use a thin layer of strong mortar to create a perfectly level bed for the lintel to sit on
  • Bad mortar joints: Skimping on mortar can compromise the lintel's stability and load-bearing capacity. Use a full bed of mortar and ensure all vertical joints are properly filled for maximum strength and stability

When Would I Use a Solid Wall Lintel Over a Steel Lintel?

Solid wall lintels are preferable in various scenarios. They're ideal for heritage projects, maintaining the authentic look of older buildings. In situations requiring high thermal performance, solid lintels offer better insulation than steel alternatives. 

For structures in corrosive environments like coastal areas, solid wall lintels resist salt-air corrosion more effectively than steel lintels. Also, for wider openings, solid wall lintels often outperform steel. They integrate seamlessly with brickwork.

Solid wall lintels are important materials in traditional masonry construction. They span openings in solid walls, supporting the weight of bricks or stonework above doors and windows. 

Solid wall lintels are designed to distribute loads evenly across the opening's width. Their robust design ensures long-term stability and prevents sagging or cracking in the masonry above. 

What Are the Benefits of Solid Wall Lintels vs Other Types of Lintel?

Solid wall lintels offer several advantages over other lintel types.

  • Enhanced load-bearing capacity: Compared to timber frame lintels, solid wall lintels excel at distributing weight across wider openings. They can support heavier loads, making them ideal for large masonry structures
  • Better thermal performance: Solid wall lintels' construction reduces heat loss through the lintel. This improved insulation helps maintain energy efficiency in buildings with solid walls
  • Seamless integration: Solid wall lintels blend well with existing masonry, maintaining aesthetic appeal. They can be matched to the surrounding brickwork or stonework for a cohesive look
  • Durability: Compared to reinforced concrete lintels, solid wall lintels are more resistant to corrosion and weathering, ensuring long-term structural integrity. This durability makes them particularly suitable for exposed or harsh environments
  • Versatility: Solid wall lintels are suitable for various architectural styles and building materials. They can be customised to fit specific design needs and wall thicknesses

How Do I Determine the Appropriate Bearing Length for Solid Wall Lintels?

Determining the correct bearing length for solid wall lintels is crucial for structural stability. Consider the following key points.

  • Wall thickness: Thicker walls generally require longer bearing lengths 
  • Opening width: Wider openings need an increased bearing surface for proper load distribution 
  • Load above: Heavier loads necessitate longer bearing lengths to spread weight effectively

As a rule of thumb, aim for a minimum bearing length of 150mm on each side. For wider openings or heavier loads, increase this length accordingly. 

What Are the Best Methods for Integrating Damp Proof Courses With Solid Wall Lintels?

Integrating damp proof courses (DPCs) with solid wall lintels is essential for moisture control. Start by placing a DPC below the lintel, extending it beyond the opening on both sides. Make sure it's properly lapped with the wall DPC.

Above the lintel, install another DPC layer. This creates a continuous barrier against rising dampness. Use preformed cavity trays for cavity walls to direct moisture outward.

4 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Solid Wall Lintels

  • Weak support during installation: Ensure proper temporary support until mortar sets. Use adjustable props or strong timber supports to hold the lintel in place for at least 7 days
  • Incorrect sizing: Choose lintels that match the wall thickness and can bear the load above. Refer to structural calculations to select the appropriate size and strength for your specific application
  • Poor load distribution: Neglecting to create a level bearing surface can lead to uneven settling. Use a thin layer of strong mortar to create a perfectly level bed for the lintel to sit on
  • Bad mortar joints: Skimping on mortar can compromise the lintel's stability and load-bearing capacity. Use a full bed of mortar and ensure all vertical joints are properly filled for maximum strength and stability

When Would I Use a Solid Wall Lintel Over a Steel Lintel?

Solid wall lintels are preferable in various scenarios. They're ideal for heritage projects, maintaining the authentic look of older buildings. In situations requiring high thermal performance, solid lintels offer better insulation than steel alternatives. 

For structures in corrosive environments like coastal areas, solid wall lintels resist salt-air corrosion more effectively than steel lintels. Also, for wider openings, solid wall lintels often outperform steel. They integrate seamlessly with brickwork.