What is lintel replacement and why it matters for older brick homes

If you have cracks above your windows or doors, or you have noticed bricks starting to sag, there is a good chance the lintel is to blame. Many homeowners have never heard the word “lintel” until something goes wrong. Let’s change that.

 

What is a lintel?

A lintel is the support that sits above an opening in a wall, such as a window, door or garage. In many older brick homes it is a steel angle hidden behind the brickwork. Its job is simple but vital: it carries the weight of the bricks above the opening.

 

Why lintels fail in brick homes

Across South Sydney and the Illawarra we see the same pattern in older houses:

  • The steel lintel is exposed to moisture from leaks, poor flashing or coastal air
  • Over time the steel rusts and expands
  • The expansion pushes on the bricks, which start to crack and move
  • You see stepped cracks, bulging brickwork and sometimes sagging openings

Left alone, this can become a safety issue and may lead to costly structural work later.

 

What happens during lintel replacement?

At MJ Reilly Constructions we carry out lintel replacement in stages to keep your home safe throughout the process. A typical lintel replacement involves:

  1. Supporting the brickwork above the opening
  2. Carefully removing bricks to expose the old lintel
  3. Taking out the rusted lintel and installing a new, properly sized lintel
  4. Installing correct flashing and corrosion protection
  5. Rebuilding and repointing the brickwork so the repair blends in

Check our Remedial services 

 

How long does lintel replacement take?

Most residential lintel replacement jobs can be completed within a day or two per opening, depending on access and the number of lintels being replaced. We plan works to reduce disruption, keep the site tidy, and protect your home while repairs are underway.

Signs you should not ignore

  • Call a remedial builder if you notice:
  • Cracks running from the corners of windows or doors
  • Bricks leaning or bulging above an opening
  • Rust staining on brickwork near steel angles
  • Doors and windows becoming hard to open or close

If you live in the Sutherland Shire, Wollongong, Shellharbour or Kiama, we can inspect your home and advise if lintel replacement is needed.

 

Think your lintels may be failing?
BOOK A LINTEL INSPECTION