Steel Lintel Advantages

There are many advantages to using Steel Lintels as opposed to other types of lintels such as Timber Lintels, Reinforced concrete lintels or Stone lintels.

The first Steel Lintel Beam appeared in the 1960s and has become a Popular Choice due to its many advantages.

The Steel Lintel Industry constantly evolves and offers a High Range of Innovative Lintel Products for different Applications.

The UK is home to World Renowned Reputable Lintel Manufacturers, including;

• Catnic Lintel Catalogue 

• Birtley Lintels Range

• Steel Lintels by Stressline Lintels 

• IG Lintels | Keystone Lintels

These Manufacturers are constantly innovating, using technology to offer products with Improved Thermal bridging and structural support.

The type of Lintel Manufactured in the UK include

• Lintels for Cavity Walls

• Range of Lintels for Solid Walls 

• Timber Frame Lintel Range

The Wide Variety of choices means "off the Shelf" is available for the majority of Applications, and a Reputable Supplier with a Technical Team will be able to help with Custom Made Bespoke Steel Lintels for any Project.

The Key Advantages of Fitting a Steel Lintel

• Sustainability

Steel is one of the most recycled products in the World, and the Steel Industry is committed to Sustainable Values by using Innovation and Technology to reduce its Carbon Footprint constantly.

• Ease of Use

Manufactured for Specific Applications, Lintel Beams come in One Piece and are Lightweight compared to a Stone Lintel or Reinforced Concrete Lintel.

• Visibility 

Brick Lintels, Concrete Lintels, and Steel Beams can be more Visible than a Specific Lintel manufactured from Steel. This is sometimes intentional and may be part of a Buildings Design, but on the whole, Steel Lintels tend to be less Visible.

• Variety

Steel is Strong, Durable and Long Lasting. It is also easier for Manufacturers compared to Other Materials. This has enabled the Manufacturers to Design a Different Specified Product for the most common situations, such as Cavity wall construction.

• Strength

A High Load Bearing Capability can weigh as much as two-thirds less than a concrete lintel whilst maintaining Higher Tensile and Compressive Strength.

• Regulations & Standards

The Harmonised British and European Standards are BS-EN 845-2. This ensures manufacturing within the Technical Components and Technical Specification for Sale in the UK and Europe. This is also an NHBC Requirement for Lintels.

• Thermal Qualities

Cavity Wall Lintels, in particular, come with Internal Insulation to reduce Thermal Bridging. In addition, the upcoming changes to Building Regulations and the Future Homes Standards Paper mean a reduction in Buildings U Values are essential to meet the Government Net Zero Carbon Targets.

Thermally broken lintels have a significant role to play in reducing thermal bridging. They represent one of the most economical ways for building fabric to be designed to achieve carbon gains necessary to meet future building regulations.

Discover more: https://t.co/96C6Ou9zYJ pic.twitter.com/GtDMMthgur

— Catnic (@CatnicUK) October 20, 2021

 

• Cost

Whilst Steel Prices have not been able to avoid the currently Inflationary Environment; they are stabilising. Buying a Recognised Approved Product from a Reputable Supplier is a Long-term Investment with Robust Protection and Strength.

Steel Lintels Conclusion

Choosing a Lintel Beam can be a Daunting Prospect due to the Different Types and Technical Specifications.

A Lintel Beam made of Steel will provide the reassurance you are looking for and maybe a Requirement by your Engineer or Architect.

Many tools are available, including Lintel Calculators and Technical Help when selecting your Product.

Use the Catnic Lintel Calculator to select a Lintel.

Use the Birtley Lintels Calculator to select the correct Lintel.