What causes lintel failure?

Having lintels installed on your home can be one of the reasons why it will last for a much longer time and will help it maintain its integrity over the years. Although many homes and buildings do not have lintels installed, you would absolutely want to place one or more if your structure is large or your foundation is expected to carry and support heavier weight. 



Even though it may not be a big deal to have lintels installed on your home, believe us that it will be a very worthy investment in the future. However, like all things, lintels can break and fail over time due to various factors. When they start to fail, it would be best to have them inspected by an expert so that you know about your options and if you will need to have them repaired or replaced. 

What are the common reasons for lintel failure?

There are many causes why lintels fail. Of course, lintels are man-made and will eventually succumb to old age. Whenever they have been installed in an old building that was constructed in the earlier years, it is normal to have them replaced and upgraded at the present time. 


Aside from age, the other common reasons why lintels cannot do their function properly anymore are because of the following:


Reason #1: Exposure to moisture


As we all know, moisture is the number one enemy of many construction materials like brick and concrete. When a lintel is placed on a location where it can be exposed to external factors or if there are any cracks on the wall where it is placed, there is a high reason of liquid exposure that will eventually break down the material of your lintel, especially if it is made out of wood. 


Reason #2: Structural movements 


Structural movements are natural and unavoidable especially when your home is already an old building. These movements can cause stress on some parts of your home that it cannot actively support and will cause it to drop or sag, resulting in an uneven foundation that will also cause some damage to your lintels. These changes can be hard to notice as it gradually happens over the years, which is why homeowners have their buildings assessed by a professional once every couple of years.


Reason #3: Door and window replacements


There is one cause of lintel failure that many owners are surprised to know, and it is that replacing doors and windows on your house or commercial building can actually result in some defects in your home. This usually happens in older houses that have been upgraded and their doors and windows were changed into another model. Some doors and windows can actually function to support the weight that is usually coming from above. When they are removed, some of the assistance that they offer will be gone as well which can be difficult for the lintel to continue carrying the weight, especially if the new window or door that was installed is made of flimsy material.


Reason #4: Corrosion on some materials 


Corrosion can happen on some lintels that were made of certain materials like steel. It can be very surprising to know that “stainless steel” lintels are not actually 100% impossible to stain, but are just made to be more difficult to rust. Therefore, rusting or corrosion can still happen on your lintel particularly when often exposed to moisture. This is why it is important to ask your contractor for an assessment and if they have any suggestions of a better lintel material that can be used on your building and location.

How do you know that your lintel is failing?

Common indicators that your lintel is failing are if:


1. There are cracks on your walls


A lintel’s main function is to support your building and make it last longer by aiding the walls and distributing the weight of the building equally on all parts to make it balanced. When a lintel is not doing its function properly, it will be too hard for your walls, which can cause it to break or crack. If you see cracks near or around where your lintel is placed, this can mean that there is a need to have it checked and see if it should be repaired. 

2. Your doors and windows are harder to close


When a lintel is not capable of supporting the structure of your home or commercial building, there is the possibility of your walls and foundation dropping or sagging over time. When this happens, it will be hard to notice the change as it will not happen overnight. However, you will notice that it has been a little difficult for you to open some doors and windows in your home which is one of the indicators of structural failure. If this is the case, you will need to call your contractor and have them assess your building. After their assessment, they can suggest having your lintels repaired, replaced or to have some lintels added on specific areas to increase the support to your home.


3. You can see that it is cracked or damaged


Lintels can be installed in places that are hidden from sight but can also be fitted in a way where they can easily be seen. When this is the case, you can do the initial inspection of your lintel yourself, especially if there are no major issues arising yet and you just want to be sure of its condition. Look carefully on all sides of the lintel and see if there are any cracks or bending that is happening. Doing assessments on lintels every now and then can be a very good habit that your wallet will thank you for in a couple of years, as it can be a way to detect problems early which is easier and cheaper to repair. 

How much does it cost to repair a lintel?

Many homeowners would want to know the cost of having a lintel repaired, but it will be hard to put a price on the process, as there are several factors that can affect how much you need to pay to have them repaired. This would depend on the material and size of your lintel and how big the damage is.



To have an estimate of the expenses in repairing a lintel, you can ask the contractors near you for a price quotation. Many pros actually offer them for free to their clients.

What should you do if your lintel is failing?

If you suspect that your lintel has defects or if you see some signs of lintel failure, it would be best to call a contractor and ask for an inspection. Doing so as soon as you can lessens the risk of more damage that will need bigger repairs or even replacement.

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