are brick arched lintels strong enough?

drummer_666

I have arched brick lintels above timber window frames, which I will be replacing with upvc double glazed windows at some point, and I'm wondering if these arched brick lintels are strong enough?

The structure of the building is sound, and I understand the way the arched brick formation works is by spreading the weight

I have 9" solid brick walls.

Windows range from 800mm to 1200mm wide

Thanks a lot

System

have any of them collapsed?
has the building fallen down because of a failed lintel?

Gloomendoom

They don't actually have to support as much weight as you might think. If you imagine a 45 degree triangle above the window opening, that is all the arch is supporting.

To answer your question... Yes, if in good condition, the arches are almost certainly strong enough.

StuC75

essentially the installer needs to assess & advise you a the time of installation if the arched brick is suitable, or where lintels are required. New properties may have a recessed lintel that the bricks are actually sat upon (if not then need lintels fitting).

In my experience had new windows fitted, then when selling had an annoying buyer \surveyor who queried this.. even resorted to contacting Fensa re the above information..

StuC75

also consider that wooden window frames serve to provide support to the brickwork; whilst replaced upvc may not provide the same support...

drummer_666

hmmm people with contradicting advice

the wooden frames would have supported in theory, but the ones that were just taken out of the kitchen were totally rotten (the kitchen used to be damp) so i doubt they supported a lot

my property was built approx 1900.

i'm going to buy the windows from supply only place or supply and install but online, so prob wouldn't get an installer out first

need to know budget wise sooner rather than later too, coz if they need lintels i'll need to drastically cut back elsewhere eek

teneighty

Unless there is any sign of movement the brick arches should be fine. Just make sure the curve of the arch is uniform with no flat spots and no cracking between the bricks.
One point to consider though is that there is quite possibly a timber lintel behind the arch on the inner face of the wall.

Rodders53

Do you realise that you may (will) need to get buildings regs approval, even if you d-i-y http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/doorswindows/

The nice BR people from the council may be able to advise you on the lintel issue, and how they'd expect to see things done?

drummer_666

Rodders53 wrote: »

Do you realise that you may (will) need to get buildings regs approval, even if you d-i-y

i will do things properly

i'll check out the arches properly this weekend, but i'm pretty sure they have no sign of movement

System

Well http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aqueduct_of_Segovia constructed using arched brick/stone to support the waterway has been standing for nigh on 2000 years.

Most 1900's viaducts and aquaducts use arched brick/stone so it is a proven technology.

tonyh66

drummer_666 wrote: »

i will do things properly, but think its cheaper to get indemnity insurance than pay BR

i'll check out the arches properly this weekend, but i'm pretty sure they have no sign of movement

What does this mean? you can't be arsed to apply for building regs but will get some dodgy insurance policy incase the council catches you doing un-approved alterations, stetsons and six shooters come to mind.