A lintel supports the brickwork above a window, door or other opening, and it's one of those elements of a building that goes unnoticed when it's working properly and causes serious problems when it isn't. Arches perform a similar structural role in a more decorative form, common on Victorian and Edwardian properties across York.
New openings – any new window, door or wider opening created as part of an extension or renovation needs a correctly sized lintel to support the wall above it
Failed steel lintels – older steel lintels can corrode over time, particularly where the protective coating has failed, leading to cracking in the brickwork above as the corroding steel expands
Cracked stone or brick lintels – older properties sometimes used stone or arranged brick (a brick arch) rather than steel, and these can crack or sag with age
Signs of a failing lintel – cracking above a window or door, particularly diagonal cracking radiating out from the corners, or a visibly sagging brick course above an opening
Brick arches, whether a simple flat arch or a more decorative curved arch, were commonly used above windows and doors on Victorian and Edwardian properties, both structurally and decoratively. Repairing or rebuilding a damaged arch needs a proper understanding of how the brick voussoirs (the wedge-shaped bricks forming the arch) transfer load, since simply repointing a cracked arch without addressing the underlying structural issue won't solve the problem.
Installing a new lintel to create an opening, whether for a new window, door, or wider structural opening, requires building regulations approval, and the lintel needs to be correctly sized for the load above it, which for anything beyond a very standard domestic opening usually means structural calculations from an engineer.
We install and repair lintels and arches as part of our wider bricklaying and structural work across York and North Yorkshire, sizing lintels correctly for the load involved rather than guessing. Every quote is clear and written, and the work is covered under our standard project insurance.
Excellent job from Phil and his team. Both external and internal works finished to an excellent quality. Happy to deal with changes and kept us informed on a day-to-day basis. Definitely recommend.
RW Builders directly on 01904 530941 to discuss lintel or arch work for your property. Quotes are free and come with no obligation.