Replacement French Windows

GDB2222

I need to replace the wooden French windows in MIL's bungalow. There are windows each side, then a couple of upright timbers with the doors attached. I would not be surprised if the upright timbers are somewhat load bearing. Is there any way of finding that out? 

If we go for a similar design of new double glazed windows will the uprights also be load bearing? I admit to knowing nothing about upvc glazing, as I’ve never had any!

stuart45

If it's a cavity wall there should be a lintel on the inner skin taking the wall plate and weight of the roof. 

EssexExile

A good double glazing company should know what to do in your situation. Some of ours needed extra support of the outer leaf above the window, it's no big deal.

GDB2222

It is single skin unfortunately. 

stuart45

Should have a lintel bearing on the brickwork. Is it 9 or 4 inch brickwork?

GDB2222

It’s 9 inch brickwork, but I guess that without exposing the lintel it’s impossible to be sure what’s there. I’m guessing a wooden lintel, given the age of the building.

stuart45

The lintel usually sat at the back of the wall. Could be timber or concrete. 
Is there a soffit sitting over the top of the frame, or brickwork?

GDB2222

There’s a chunk of rendered brickwork above the doors. My concern is that a wooden lintel would have sagged and be resting on the window uprights. 

I may just get a surveyor to take a peek.

stuart45

Timber frames often used to take the weight of a single skin of brickwork, but when replaced with plastic a lintel is required.

GDB2222

I don’t want to start inserting a lintel if there isn’t one. I’d rather replace the wooden windows with the same then.

stuart45

Timber windows are fine, although you might lose some of the brickwork over the top when the old frame is removed.