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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Building Questions >> installing new window - advice on lintel https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1113339029 Message started by tensheds on Apr 12^th, 2005, 9:50pm

Title: installing new window - advice on lintel
Post by tensheds on Apr 12^th, 2005, 9:50pm

Hi - I am planning to install a new window on the gound floor of my pretty standard cavity constructed house - I have been advised by the local authority that I just need a standard cavity lintel, but these look really flimsy. Can anyone advise whether this will do the job or should I install a heavier load lintel - or should I get the calculations done by a structural engineer?

Thanks!

Title: Re: installing new window - advice on lintel
Post by JerryD on Apr 12^th, 2005, 11:06pm

Unless this lintel has to carry unusually high loads then a standard cavity lintel should be fine.

No floor joists should bear directly on these lintels though. (i.e. no point loads)

Also make sure there is no high load point in the wall above (steel beam bearing etc). This may not be obvious visually. We have built properties where massive steel beams have been concealed within the floor space so the walling below is carrying a VERY high load. Just beware!

What make have you seen that looks 'flimsy' :o

None of the ones I use are flimsy:

I/G Expamet
Catnic
Cougar

Title: Re: installing new window - advice on lintel
Post by tensheds on Apr 13^th, 2005, 9:23am

Great advice - many thanks! I think that the "flimsy" bit is just me being over-cautious!

There are certainly no hidden bits of metal and there will be a coarse of blocks and and a row of bricks before the joists get picked up - presume that should be OK!

Thanks again

Title: Re: installing new window - advice on lintel
Post by JerryD on Apr 13^th, 2005, 7:27pm

wrote on Apr 13^th, 2005, 9:23am:

There are certainly no hidden bits of metal and there will be a coarse of blocks and and a row of bricks before the joists get picked up - presume that should be OK!

Yes, that's fine. Exactly what the lintel manufacturers recommend.