Do you need a lintel above a fireplace?

A lintel is a beam that functions as a support in structures and openings in buildings such as doors, windows, and fireplaces. Most fireplaces already have a lintel especially when they are newer models. If your fireplace is an old one, it may not have a lintel or may just not be visible because it has a higher placement than what is usually done in this day. 


Some people have their lintels removed to make their fireplace look better and you might be thinking, “If lintels can be removed, does that mean they are useless?” 


Let us tell you now that removing your fireplace lintel will be a bad idea. Lintels are found in fireplaces for a reason, so If you don’t have a lintel now, it may be best to have one installed to prevent safety issues in the future.

What is a lintel and what does it do?

Lintels are bars that are placed horizontally between two vertical foundations and can often be found above the opening of your windows, doors, and fireplace. It acts as a support so that it can hold the load of the structure that is on top of your opening. It can also act as a décor that is used in architecture to make your homes more beautiful and pleasing to the eye. 



There are numerous benefits of lintels because they:

  • Make your home sturdier and less prone to cracks
  • Add stability to your building
  • Evenly distribute the weight of the structure which is necessary especially for multi-story buildings


Does a fireplace need a lintel?

Though lintels are usually placed on top of windows and doors, having a lintel placed in your fireplace is very important. 


Why a lintel is absolutely necessary for your fireplace:


  1. It acts as the support of your home’s openings by offloading the stress that other parts will be subjected to in the absence of a lintel. 
  2. If a lintel is not present, your fireplace will crack and sag over time due to many different reasons such as earthquakes, dampness, or the natural movement of the soil. 
  3. It protects the other parts of your chimney from the constant high temperature.
  4. It prevents your chimney from collapsing due to deterioration. If a lintel is installed, it will take much longer for your chimney to weaken. 
  5. It generally makes your chimney’s life cycle last longer by providing support in its foundation and protection from heat.


In addition to the benefits a lintel gives above, it is also a requirement to have a lintel installed in your fireplace. According to the building codes that many states in the US follow, lintels are considered to be structural members that are necessary to support heavy loads.

Types of lintels and where they are used best

Now that you know lintels are vital parts of your homes and fireplace, you may be thinking about what kind of lintel you should have installed. There are different types of lintels that you can install in your fireplace. Each of them has their own particular purpose and are made of different materials, such as wood, stone, brick, steel, and concrete.


  • Wooden Lintels are one of the oldest types of lintels however it is highly discouraged to use them nowadays because they are weaker, flammable, and can decay. 


  • Stone Lintels are often used in places where stone is abundant as it can be hard to transport due to its weight and are also weak and poor in tensile strength. 


  • Brick Lintels are widely used because they are durable and known for their reputation to be able to provide better support with lighter loads. 


  • Reinforced Concrete Lintels are highly reliable and are used for bigger construction projects that require heavier loads and greater support. Reinforced concrete is the better version of the normal concrete lintels which are prone to break. This material is highly preferred due to its strength and fire resistance. They are also economical and easier to make. 



  • Steel Lintels are often used less in construction because they can be quite expensive. They are placed above bigger openings and buildings which require better weight support.

Things to remember when you fit your lintel

When fitting a lintel in your fireplace, it is imperative that measurements are taken properly. You would not want to waste money on a lintel that would not fit your fireplace. Decide the material you will use, concrete is often the most recommended one because of its price and great support capabilities.



If you are having second thoughts or is not really sure that you can fit the lintel properly, it would be your best choice to call a professional mason near you. They will do the inspection of your chimney and get the job done safely and easily.

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