How can you tell if a lintel is concrete or steel?

If you are one of the homeowners who are new and still wet behind the ears, it can be difficult for you to recognize the construction materials that are needed for your home. Don’t worry, you are certainly not alone. When you find it hard to distinguish materials that are best for what you will use them in, you have come to the right place. We will help you in your quest and make sure that you will learn a thing or two that are necessary for you to build a safe and secure home for you and your loved ones.


Lintels are beams that will provide the support needed for the openings on your house or building. They can be made of various materials but the most popular ones are made of concrete or steel. Depending on what you will need your beam for, you can choose either one of them to use, but how are they different from each other?



The easiest way to tell if a lintel is concrete or steel is by appearance. Concrete lintels are often gray in color and look similar to a concrete block. Concrete lintels have an “unfinished” style and would often look great with brick walls due to concrete’s contrasting gray shade to the brick’s classic red color.

On the other hand, steel lintels have a sleek and industrial look. Though it can appear cold in aesthetics, it the most popular type of lintel and can be paired with any construction material due to its flexibility.

What is a lintel used for?

As said above, lintels are what provide the openings of your home extra support. They are extremely necessary to maintain the integrity of any home and building. In cases of bigger construction projects, it will require the use of more lintels depending on the material that is used. Lintels are often placed above or around the opening of doors, windows, vents, and even fireplaces.



Benefits of using a lintel

1.Lintels help minimize cracks

When you have lintels installed in your home, it can help minimize the cracks from appearing, especially on walls that are susceptible to cracking such as concrete. Lintels can also influence how cracks appear and make it in a way that it will be easier and cheaper to repair.


2. Lintels help maintain the structure of a building

One of the main functions of a lintel is to support and help balance the weight on all the parts of the building. Depending on the material and make of the lintel, some may be able to bear more load than the others. The stronger the material is, the greater the load the lintel can take.


3. Lintels help your building to last for a long time

Lintels not only help maintain the integral structure of a building but also help its overall “health.” When lintels are properly installed, they can balance loads and offers great assistance during earthquakes and unstable soil.


4. Lintels can make your building look great

Even though lintels are extremely helpful, they are also utilized by designers and architects to make a home or building look more aesthetically pleasing. Lintels can be strategically placed in various places to serve as a design feature.

Why do lintels need support?

Even if a lintel’s main job is to support weight, they would also need to be assisted. Because these horizontal beams are often placed between two walls, they will be installed on top of these openings and will also have to rely on the other support structures of a home or building. 



Lintels are a part of a structure and they exist to make the entire structure more stable and helps maintain its integrity. Like the other parts of a building such as a roof, wall, windows, and many more, each has their own roles, and it would be impossible for a lintel to efficiently do its part without getting help and assistance from the other structural parts.

Price difference between concrete and steel lintels

Steel lintels are significantly more expensive in price when compared to concrete lintels. Though there are some makes of concrete lintels that are also expensive, stainless steel is higher in pricing as they are generally harder to manufacture. Homeowners that are on a budget usually prefer to use wood or concrete lintels due to their price point than getting steel ones that are heavier on the wallet.

Difference in functionality between the two

Strength

If you are wondering why steel differs so much in price than concrete, it is also due to its tensile strength. Steel lintels offer greater capabilities in terms of load-bearing and are often used in bigger buildings and commercial or industrial purposes compared to concrete that is often used for residential purposes and smaller buildings.


Even though concrete has high compressive strength, it does not bode well when paired with tensile stress.


Resistance to fire

When compared to each other, concrete lintels have a greater advantage with heat. Concrete material is fire resistant while steel is weak with fire and will eventually melt and reduce its support capabilities.


Resistance to corrosion

Depending on the particular type and make, stainless steel lintels are usually impervious to rust and corrosion. Concrete lintels are known to be resistant to corrosion as well.


Visual

Though aesthetics are highly objective, many homeowners find concrete lintels more attractive. Contractors usually install stainless steel lintels in places that are not visible.

Which one is best for you?

Do you need to have lintels installed in your home? If you are choosing between concrete lintels or steel ones, you will need to think about many factors that will help you determine which one is best.


Concrete lintels would probably work best if you need great support at a lower price. If you live in a place with fewer earthquakes, having a rigid and strong lintel might be great for your structure, and getting steel ones may be overkill.


Steel lintels would probably be a greater fit if you live in a place with high humidity and would need your beam to support heavier loads.



If you do not know which material to choose, ask your trusted contractor about it. After inspecting your home or knowing your plan for your project, they will be able to recommend the type of lintel that would work best for you. You can also ask your contractor why they made the choice and ask other contractors around the area for another point of view.

Share by: