Steel Lintel Installation Guide

Your Steel Lintel has arrived, and your Project is moving along Smoothly.

Ready to Install a Lintel? Our Guide provides some General Tips before you get started.

Lintel Installation Guidelines:

Verify Specification and Check for Damage:

• Check your lintel for correct specifications and any damage upon receipt.
• Any damage may impact performance; contact your lintel supplier for resolution.

Proper Bedding for Steel Lintels:

• Ensure a minimum end bearing of 150mm for steel lintels, bedded on mortar, and leveled along its length and width.
• Follow BS EN 1996-2:2006 when constructing masonry above the lintel.
• Simultaneously raise inner and outer leaves to prevent excessive loading eccentricity, with a max height difference of 225mm.
• Allow mortar to cure before bearing any floor or roof loads; temporary propping can be used for construction speed.

Install Damp Proof Course in Cavity Wall:

• Install a lintel with a damp proof course (DPC) or cavity tray in a cavity wall.
• Follow NHBC requirements to reduce the risk of future lintel failure.

Avoid Shock Loading:

• Be cautious when placing heavy components above lintels to avoid shock loading.
• Avoid applying point loads directly onto lintel flanges; maintain a minimum 150mm masonry height between flange and loading.
• Ensure external lintel flange projects beyond the window/door frame, using a flexible sealing compound.

Enhance Appearance and Maintenance:

• Enhance the appearance of exposed lintel undersides with lintel soffit cladding.
• Do not cut or modify lintels without consulting a manufacturer engineer
• Maintain lintel level along its length.

Lintel Position within a Cavity Wall:

• Follow BS EN 1996-2:2006 and NHBC requirements; use a flexible damp proof course for all external wall lintels.
• Center lintels in the cavity, with a maximum 10mm distance between lintel up-stand and masonry.
• Ensure masonry does not overhang any flange by more than 25mm.

Propping:

• Introduce propping only after the initial masonry load on the lintel.
• Use a horizontal timber plank along the underside of the lintel, securing suitable props at a maximum of 1200mm centres.
• The responsibility for prop suitability lies with site management.

Instructions for your Lintel; Download Technical Installation Guides from Birtley Lintels, Stressline Lintels and Catnic Lintels.