When to fix lintels

troffasky

My UPVC windows don't seal when closed and the frames appear to be bowed. I think they were installed about a decade ago. I think the problem is to do with the lintels as some of them are sagging and other have cracks in the mortar and bricks above. I can see what looks like a strip of [rusting] metal beneath the soldier course.

My longer term intention is to replace the windows but as the lintels need some work, would this be the kind of thing that a window installer would do? Or would it be better to get someone else to address the lintels first, then get the windows done?

malc_b

Since lintel hold up the floor, the walls the roof then sorting the lintels is priority. Assuming they are failing. How old is the house? Lintels shouldn't fail. Building insurance might cover this if they are failing. Perhaps a builder could advise you or maybe a friendly building control officer from the council. If they are failing you have a problem.

armchaireconomist

How old is the house?


Once upon a time they were often not built with lintels above the windows, but simply a metal strip to support course of bricks and the wooden window frames were the "lintel" if you like


It's common now for them to be replaced with upvc (which offers no structural support) and problems you are experiencing to arise.


I would suspect you need the row of bricks the "metal strip" sits on knocked out and replaced with proper lintels.

troffasky

House is about 50 years old.
I thought putting in or upgrading lintels might have been standard work for window installers, hence the question.

armchaireconomist

It's not a massive job, most "general builders" will do this for you. I've never known it be a standard job for window installers, but I know some of the larger national companies offer this.

EssexExile

We had one window with these symptoms in the house. When we had all new windows fitted I showed a builder friend & he said the window people will sort it. I showed the window people (local company) & they weren't worried, they put in a piece of angle iron & rebuilt the soldier course & anything lose above it. I suppose it may have been a bigger deal if more needed doing.