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.
