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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Building Questions >> gotExisting lintels https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1277728247 Message started by archtech on Jun 28^th, 2010, 1:30pm

Title: gotExisting lintels
Post by archtech on Jun 28^th, 2010, 1:30pm

I am preparing drawings for an extension to a dwelling and have come across a problem in detailing. A beam is required to support cavity wall above and floor, however this beam needs to be built into the existing wall of the house, and the location of this junction is right over an existing window. Assuming its not possible to cut through an existing lintel to allow the beam to slot in and it is definetly not an option to raise the level of the beam as ceiling heights are fixed, can anyone suggest a way around this??

Title: Re: gotExisting lintels
Post by JerryD on Jun 28^th, 2010, 8:27pm

This is a job for a structural engineer. He will have to see the job, work out the loading and the span and then design a beam or beams to suit that application. It sounds like you need a spreader beam of some description over this window.

You cannot rest a steel beam end onto a lintel, it is a point load and lintels are not designed for point loads.

btw, having one beam cut to shape and welded into the spreader means you are not adding to the beam overall height whereas stacking beams and spreaders does add height (hope that makes sense)

Title: Re: gotExisting lintels
Post by CWatters on Jun 29^th, 2010, 7:53am

Sounds like you need a T shape beam with part replacing the lintel. I'm sure that must have been done a few times before now.

Title: Re: gotExisting lintels
Post by JerryD on Jun 29^th, 2010, 6:39pm

'having one beam cut to shape and welded into the spreader' ........................that's a T shaped beam, we use this method a lot. On site welding costs about £60 in addition to the steel cost.