Upstairs window options

Treguard

Hi.im having all of the windows replaced, and I just wondered if anyone could advise regarding the upstairs windows. Currently there is a single course of soldier bricks but without a lintel. What's been suggested is that we just remove these and have a cover above the window.

The chap who came round to fit the windows asked if we were having aluminium above them, so I'm not really too sure what to say to him!

Thanks in advance

Doozergirl

What's holding the roof up?

Something must be holding the bricks up. The wall, in turn, support the rafters.

A photo would help.

Regardless, I certainly would not be happy with window people making decisions about the make-up of my house. Whatever they're doing, it's to make their lives easier. And that isn't the right answer.

There should be a lintel above windows. It forms structural stability to the whole wall, even if it isn't holding much (which I'm having trouble imagining).

Treguard

Hmm there are a good fair few properties I've seen where because it was only a single course of header bricks, that they removed these and just had a type of fascia board above the window. It doesnt look as pretty, but apparently is ok to do

Doozergirl

Treguard wrote: »

Hmm there are a good fair few properties I've seen where because it was only a single course of header bricks, that they removed these and just had a type of fascia board above the window. It doesnt look as pretty, but apparently is ok to do

Those fascias will have lintels behind them.

We build it often, where the eaves come down near to the window. You still need a lintel. Even if it carries no weight (and I'm still querying that), it ties the wall together.

Treguard

Hi. Just checked and apparently the outside bricks arent carrying the weight of the roof. They're using pvc backer board with timber inside.
I think in these older houses, they generally have a lintel on the inside courses