When should I replace my lintel?  Here are some signs to look out for.

Lintels or beams are the horizontal supports that are usually placed between two vertical beams above the openings of windows, doors, and fireplaces in a building. They can be bought in construction stores or can be specially made using a variety of materials such as concrete, wood, or steel.


There are two main reasons why a lintel is placed in a structure. First would be to support the weight of a building and to distribute it evenly on the other areas of the building. A lintel also helps the building maintain its integrity and as a result, makes the building last longer. The second reason why a lintel is placed in a residential or commercial property is for aesthetic reasons. As a matter of fact, a lintel can go beyond its main function and is used by architects and designers as a feature to highlight certain parts of the building.



Although lintels can usually last for several years depending on several factors such as the conditions of the building, how heavy the weight it needs to support, and the material it was made in, it will need to be replaced as time passes. However, when your lintel needs to be replaced, there is no need to worry about the process, as long as you are sure that the contractor that will replace it knows what to do.

Signs that you need to replace your lintel

As an owner of a building, you would want to know what are the signs that will indicate if your lintel needs to be replaced. When your lintel is often exposed to moisture or is carrying too much weight than it is supposed to, it is possible to break sooner than later.


You should keep an eye out on the following:


1.Cracks on the mortar around the area where your lintel is placed

Cracks will appear on your mortar if they are not getting the adequate support they need. They may appear as a vertical, step-like, or horizontal crack and will eventually get worse as time passes. These cracks can pose a threat to the people in your building as the mortar will grow weak until it cannot stand on its own anymore.


2. There are falling dust or pieces of mortar on your floor 

Crumbling materials such as dust and, one some extreme cases, pieces of your mortar, is an indicator of the need to have the lintel replaced. This would mean that the lintel that is supposed to support your structure is not able to do its work anymore, and that it will need to be replaced as soon as possible to avoid unwanted accidents and injuries.


3. There are corroded parts on your lintel

Corrosion can usually happen on lintels that are made of steel. If they are placed in an area of high humidity and are constantly exposed to a moist environment, it is possible for your steel to corrode. This is because many “stainless steel” products do not actually mean that they will never rust, but is just more difficult to rust. When it is apparent that your steel lintel is corroding, have them replaced as soon as you can as there will be no way to tell when it will break.


4. There are noticeable defects on your lintel

If your lintel can be observed and is not installed in a difficult area where it will be hard to inspect, you can check it yourself regularly and look for obvious signs of defects. These defects can be a subtle crack or a major bending that can result in a disaster if not replaced immediately. When a lintel is defective, it can also show on the masonry around it. If you cannot see the lintel but notice the masonry in the area looks bent or has shifted, it is a high indicator of a failing support and will need mending at the highest priority. 


When these signs are present, the best thing for you to do is to have your lintel replaced as soon as you can.

Which material is best for a lintel?

Professionally speaking, there is no “best material” for lintels as there are several factors that can influence what type of lintel you will need. There are various materials that are will be best for your lintel depending on what you need to use it for and where it will be placed. To help you make a better choice on what material will be better when you need to have your current one replaced, you can take a look at the following information about the different types of lintel available in the market or can be specially customized by your contractor for your specific use.

Wood lintels are considered the traditional type of lintel as they were used back when there are not as many options available for use yet. Though they can be unideal especially because they can decay and is often weak compared to the other materials, wood lintels can serve their purpose if they will not be required to support too heavy loads.


Stone lintels are attractive and firm, however, they can be very expensive due to their weight. If you are placing your lintel with its aesthetic appeal highly considered, stone lintels might be the best material for you.



There are many people who think that steel lintels are ugly, but this would not be an issue if they will be hidden. Steel lintels can carry heavier loads and are now the material that is often used in construction due to their reliability. Though many types of steel can corrode, there are now many advancements that can make the steel lintel more resistant to rust as long as it is not constantly exposed to moisture.

Who to call to get your lintel replaced

When you hire a contractor to replace your lintel, make sure that they have done the same work before and can show their past projects. Lintels are there to support your home, and it is important that the contractor you will hire can help your building maintain its integrity in the long run. It is ideal that your contractor is licensed, experienced, and is insured so that your property will be protected in cases of unforeseen accidents. Ask around the locals and see who installed their lintels and contact the contractor for a price quotation.

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