Lintel Repair and Replacement Specialists

Cracks above windows and doors can indicate a problem with the lintel, and if left could lead to further problems and require remedial repairs, or replacement altogether. A lintel supports the weight of the masonry above openings such as windows and doors.

If you’ve spotted signs of damage, this could indicate a loss of structural integrity. Buildings in Scotland use different types of materials for lintels, and many properties were traditionally made from timber. More modern constructions use steel or concrete - but these can sometimes be subject to damage.

A survey carried out by a professional surveyor from Wise Property Care will assess the extent of the damage and cracking, and provide recommendations for structural repairs, if necessary.

The most common sign of lintel failure is diagonal ‘stepped’ cracking above windows or doors that do not extend past the width of the frame. In some cases there may not have been a lintel installed at all, with the brickwork resting on the original timber or steel window frames. Subsequent replacement of these windows sometimes results in less sturdy UPVC units being unable to support the masonry above resulting in movement.

Once the signs of cracks appear, the issue must be addressed. If left it could lead to further cracking and structural damage. It could in time require a rebuild of the brickwork.

Properties across Scotland built between the 1950-1960s often did not have external lintels installed, the external masonry was supported on either the timber or steel window frames. Many of these original windows have been removed, and replaced with new uPCV windows. Because the newly installed windows are made from a lighter material, it is not capable of bearing the same load anymore. This means there is more pressure put onto the window frame, causing it to fail over time.

It is worth noting that a soldier course above a window or door is a decorative feature and is not load bearing - so if you are installing new windows these may need strengthening to prevent a structural problem. Lintels built of timber may be affected by fungal decay, or even woodworm. If exposed to moisture fungal spores can germinate, and over time they can degrade and lose their structural integrity.

Repairs can be carried out using lintel reinforcement techniques, but sometimes lintels must be replaced altogether. Professional repairs by Wise Property Care will be carried out with minimum disruption and will provide a long term fix. Repairs can be carried out directly above the opening. Through specialist methods, the integrity of the masonry can be re-established, preventing further cracking or damage. Often this is supplemented with resin fixed ties to secure the first course of brickwork above the window head.

Sometimes lintels must be removed and replaced, often due to severe fungal decay. We will provide a specification for lintel replacement, taking into account the structure and aesthetics of a building. We can install timber lintels, metal lintels or concrete lintels, depending on the property in question. Because the problem may be caused by building defects, or other property issues such as damp, timber decay, woodworm - any findings will be detailed in the survey report.

If you are worried about a lintel problem affecting your property in Scotland, Wise Property Care are here to help. Our surveyors can assess the extent of the issue and give you advice and recommendations.

We are approved installers of Helifix structural products and have worked closely with structural engineers across Scotland.