What is it?
The failure of the structural beam (lintel) that spans the opening of a door or window.
What does it look like?
[Insert Photos] Sagging above the frame, diagonal cracks from corners, or “blown” brickwork.
Common causes
1. Corrosion of steel lintels
2. Rot in timber lintels
3. Under-specified lintels for the load
4. Lack of lintel (common in older properties)
How serious is it?
Rating: High Concern. Lintel failure can lead to the collapse of the masonry above the opening.
How to tell which cause you have
Are there rust stains? (Steel corrosion). Is the wood soft? (Timber rot). Is the frame bowing? (Overloading).
What should you do next?
Prop the opening with ‘Acrow’ props if sagging is visible and call a builder.
Typical repair options
Lintel replacement with a modern galvanized steel or concrete lintel.
Typical repair costs (UK)
£500 – £2,500 per lintel.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a lintel? A beam that carries the weight above a hole.
2. Why do old houses have lintel issues? They often used wood or just brick arches.
3. Can a window frame act as a lintel? No, but many old ones do (dangerously).
4. How long do steel lintels last? 50-100 years unless they corrode.
5. Is lintel failure subsidence? No, it’s a localized structural failure.