The different lintel types available for use in construction, each have their own pros and cons, with the most commonly used being made out of timber, concrete and steel.
To help you decide which type of lintel would work best for your construction project, here is a brief description of them all:
Wooden lintels
In smaller structures where a capacity for high load-bearing isn’t required, timber lintels are commonly used, and in many instances, are ideal. Strong and relatively durable, timber lintels suit many different applications, such as windows and door openings, along with bearing walls.
When installed correctly by a construction professional, and a waterproofing agent is used to treat them, they make an eco-friendly and affordable option. For larger structures with an increased need for load-bearing, however, timber may not be such a wise choice.
Steel lintels
Providing robust support for masonry walls and helping to bear the weight of larger structures above, steel lintels are a popular choice within the construction industry. Usually cut from rolled steel and either bolted or welded securely into place, steel lintels are exceptionally durable and strong, and are able to bear significant weights.
Relatively simple to install, too, while more costly than wooden lintels, they are far more adequate when used on larger-scale projects.
Stone lintels
Forming an integral part of stone structures (with sandstone lintels being the most popular), these lintels are able to support the full weight of the stones above them, and prevent the collapse of any of the walls. Available in many different shapes, sizes and types of stone, they are sometimes used to add a decorative element to a structure, too.
Brick lintels
Most often used to help support a brick wall’s weight above an opening, as with a door or window, brick lintels are available in many different shapes, sizes, and materials. Usually installed during the construction phase of a project, great care must be taken to ensure that they are supported properly, otherwise they won’t be able to perform their function.
In some instances, brick lintels are used to add aesthetic appeal to a building.
Reinforced brick lintels
Most commonly used to support loads that are heavier than a conventional brick lintel would be able to cope with, they are made when a regular brick lintel is reinforced with a material such as steel. Able to be tailored to fit the exact needs of a project, reinforced brick lintels are also used as a form of support for cladding and other types of finishes, along with the usual load-bearing walls, ceilings and floors.
Reinforced cement concrete lintels (RCCs)
Concrete lintels that have been reinforced with concrete, are usually comprised of a number of steel bars that are welded together and placed within a wooden frame, which is then filled with concrete. Once the cement has set, the lintel is placed where it need to be, and left to cure for around a day, after which, it’s ready for use. Commonly placed over windows and doorways to load bear, they may also be used when roofs, shelves and ceilings are being constructed.
Highly durable and with a higher capacity for load-bearing than most other lintel types, it is also less prone to cracking when placed under stress.
Lintels perform an essential role in construction, and choosing the right type to meet the needs of the planned structure, is very important. Should your lintels have been in place for many years and been subject to damage or undue stress over the years, they may need to be replaced to ensure the integrity of the structure, in which case you can consult with a professional construction company in your area.