A lintel is a horizontal support beam that is placed over an opening in a wall. Lintels are used to bear the weight of the load above the opening.
Lintels are an important part of construction, yet they are often overlooked. They provide stability and support to structures, and can enhance the aesthetics and energy efficiency of a building.
There are 9 types of lintels: stone, brick, reinforced brick, concrete, steel, wooden, composite, glass fiber reinforced concrete, and precast.
In this blog post, we will explore about lintel, the 9 types of lintels and the benefits they provide.
What is a Lintel?
Definition of a Lintel
A lintel is a structural horizontal beam that spans an opening in a wall and supports the weight above the opening. Lintels are commonly used over doors, windows, or fireplaces.
What is the purpose of a Lintel
The purpose of a lintel is to support the weight of the masonry or other material above the opening. Without a lintel, the weight of the material would cause the opening to collapse.
Lintels are an important part of many types of buildings, both old and new. They are often hidden from view, but their presence is essential to the safety and stability of the structure.
Lintels are often made of wood, stone, or steel. They can be either structural or decorative. Structural lintels are designed to support the weight of the masonry or other material above the opening. Decorative lintels are not load-bearing and are used for aesthetic purposes.
The benefits of lintels.
Increased stability
Lintels provide increased stability to a construction by distributing the weight of the load above it evenly across the span of the lintel.
This is especially important in masonry construction, where the weight of the walls above can be significant.
Without a lintel, that weight would bear down on a small area at the edge of the opening, potentially causing cracking or even collapse.
Enhanced aesthetics
In addition to their functional benefits, lintels can also enhance the aesthetics of a construction.
They are often decorative in themselves, and can be used to create interesting architectural features.
For example, they can be used to create arches or other shapes that would not be possible without them.
Improved energy efficiency
Another benefit of lintels is that they can improve energy efficiency. By spanning an opening, they help to prevent heat loss through that opening.
This is especially important in cold climates, where preventing heat loss is essential to keeping buildings warm and comfortable.
The 9 Types of Lintels.
1. Stone Lintel.
Stone lintels are some of the oldest types of lintels in existence. They were commonly used in ancient Greek Structures and Roman Structures and are still occasionally used today. Stone lintels are made from a single piece of stone and are supported by two columns or posts.
2. Brick Lintel.
Brick lintels are made from bricks that have been laid in a header course, with the ends of the bricks extended beyond the width of the wall. The bricks are then held together with mortar. Brick lintels can be either load-bearing or non-load-bearing.
3. Reinforced Brick Lintel.
Reinforced brick lintels are made from bricks that have been reinforced with steel rods or wires. The steel reinforcement increases the load-bearing capacity of the lintel, making it suitable for use in supporting heavier loads.
4. Concrete Lintel.
Concrete lintels are made from concrete that has been cast in a mold or formwork. Concrete lintels can be either load-bearing or non-load-bearing, depending on their design and intended use.
5. Steel Lintel.
Steel lintels are made from steel beams that have been cut to size and shape and then welded or bolted together. Steel lintels are very strong and are often used in load-bearing applications where high levels of support are required.
6. Wooden Lintel.
Wooden lintels are made from lumber that has been cut to size and shape. Wooden lintels can be either load-bearing or non-load-bearing, depending on their design.
7. Composite Lintel.
Composite lintels are made from a combination of materials, such as concrete and steel. Composite lintels offer the benefits of both materials, with the added strength of the steel reinforcement.
8. Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete Lintel.
Glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) lintels are made from concrete that has been reinforced with glass fibers. GFRC lintels are strong and durable, making them suitable for use in both load-bearing and non-load-bearing applications.
9. Precast Lintel.
Precast lintels are made from concrete that has been cast in a mold or formwork and then transported to the job site where it is installed. Precast lintels offer the benefits of convenience and flexibility, as they can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet the specific needs of the project.
1. Stone Lintel.
A stone lintel is a natural stone beam used to support the weight of an opening in a wall. They are often used over doors and windows and are available in a variety of sizes and shapes.
What is the purpose of a Stone Lintel?
The purpose of a stone lintel is to support the weight of an opening in a wall. They are often used over doors and windows and are available in a variety of sizes and shapes.
How is a Stone Lintel made?
Stone lintels are made by quarrying blocks of stone from a mountainside or ledge. The blocks are then cut to sizes, shaped, and polished before being installed in the desired location.
2. Brick Lintel.
A brick lintel is a support beam made of bricks, used to span an opening in a wall and support the weight above it.
What is the purpose of a Brick Lintel?
The purpose of a brick lintel is to provide support for the masonry above an opening in a wall, such as a window or door.
Types of Brick Lintels.
There are three types of brick lintels: solid, hollow, and reinforced. Solid brick lintels are the strongest type, but they are also the heaviest and most expensive.
Hollow brick lintels are lighter and less expensive, but they are not as strong as solid brick lintels.
Reinforced brick lintels are made by combining bricks with steel reinforcement bars (rebar).
This makes them stronger than both solid and hollow brick lintels while still being lighter than solid brick lintels.
How to install a Brick Lintel?
Brick lintels can be installed either before or after the construction of the wall. If installing before constructing the wall, lay the bricks in place on top of temporary supports called shores.
If installing after constructing the wall, cut out a section of the wall equal to the width of the lintel plus two inches on each side (for mortar).
Place the bricks in place on top of temporary supports called shores or jacks.
Advantages of Brick Lintels.
Brick lintels have many advantages over other types of lintels. They are strong and durable, and can last for centuries with proper maintenance. They are also fireproof and resistant to insects and rot. Brick lintels are also easy to repair if they become damaged.
Disadvantages of Brick Lintels.
There are a few disadvantages to using brick lintels. They can be expensive, and they are difficult to install if you are not an experienced mason. Brick lintels are also not as strong as steel or concrete lintels, so they may not be suitable for very large openings.
3. Reinforced Brick Lintel
A reinforced brick lintel is a type of lintel that is made out of bricks that are reinforced with steel.
The steel reinforcement helps to increase the strength and load-bearing capacity of the lintel.
Reinforced brick lintels are often used in masonry construction, where they are used to support the weight of loads such as windows, doors, and roofs.
There are two main types of reinforced brick lintels: cantilever lintel and beam lintel.
Cantilever lintels are supported at one end, while beam lintels are supported at both ends.
Beam lintels are typically used for longer spans, while cantilever lintels can be used for shorter spans.
Reinforced brick lintels are an important part of masonry construction and can be used to support a variety of loads.
When choosing a reinforced brick lintel, it is important to consider the span and the load that will be placed on the lintel.
4. Concrete Lintel.
A concrete lintel is a horizontal support beam made of concrete and reinforced with steel. The purpose of a concrete lintel is to provide support for the load bearing walls above it.
What is the purpose of a Concrete Lintel?
The purpose of a concrete lintel is to provide support for the load bearing walls above it. Without a lintel, the weight of the wall would cause it to collapse.
Concrete lintels are used in both residential and commercial construction. They are typically used in load bearing walls, but can also be used in non-load bearing walls if there is a need for extra support.
Types of Concrete Lintels.
There are two types of concrete lintels: precast and cast-in-place.
Precast concrete lintels are manufactured offsite and then transported to the job site where they are installed.
Cast-in-place concrete lintels are poured onsite and allowed to cure before being used in construction.
Both types of concrete lintels have their advantages and disadvantages.
Precast concrete lintels are more expensive than cast-in-place, but they are also easier to install and have a shorter curing time.
Cast-in-place concrete lintels take longer to cure, but they are less expensive and can be custom made to any size or shape needed for the job site.
5. Steel Lintel.
A steel lintel is a load-bearing support element made of steel.
Its purpose is to provide structural support for the weight of the masonry above an opening, such as a door or window.
Steel lintels are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, depending on the application.
The most common type is the flat steel lintel, which is used in most residential construction. Other types include angle lintels, T-lintels, and box lintels.
Steel lintels are manufactured by rolling and welding sheets of steel into the desired shape. The steel is then coated with a corrosion-resistant material, such as zinc or galvanized coating.
Advantages of Steel Lintels.
There are several advantages to using steel lintels:
Strength: Steel is much stronger than other materials used for lintels, such as wood or concrete. This means that it can span larger openings without sagging or collapsing.
Durability: Steel lintels will not rot, crack, or warp over time like other materials can. They are also resistant to fire and pests (such as termites).
Low Maintenance: Steel lintels do not require regular maintenance like other materials (such as painting or sealing).
Cost: Steel lintels are generally more expensive than other types of lintels, but they last longer and require less maintenance, so they may be more cost-effective in the long run.
6. Wooden Lintel.
A wooden lintel is a horizontal beam that supports the weight of the load above it. It is made from wood, and its main purpose is to provide support for the masonry above it.
Types of Wooden Lintels.
The two most common types of wooden lintels are the solid timber lintel and the laminated timber lintel.
Solid timber lintels are made from one piece of wood, while laminated timber lintels are made from multiple pieces of wood glued together.
Advantages of Wooden Lintels.
Wooden lintels have a number of advantages over other types of lintels. They are easy to install, and they are also relatively inexpensive.
In addition, wooden lintels are environmentally friendly because they are made from a renewable resource.
Disadvantages of Wooden Lintels.
The main disadvantage of wooden lintels is that they are not as strong as other types of lintels, such as steel or concrete lintels.
As a result, they can only be used in applications where the loads are not too heavy.
Applications of Wooden Lintels.
Wooden lintels are commonly used in residential applications, such as in load-bearing walls and fireplace openings.
7. Composite Lintel.
A composite lintel is a lintel that is made of two or more materials. The most common type of composite lintel is steel and concrete lintel.
What is the purpose of a Composite Lintel?
The purpose of a composite lintel is to provide support for the load bearing walls above windows and doors. Composite lintels are used in both residential and commercial construction.
Types of Composite Lintels.
There are three types of composite lintels: steel and concrete, steel and brick, and concrete and brick.
Advantages of Composite Lintels.
Composite lintels have several advantages over other types of lintels. They are stronger than single material lintels, they are less likely to sag or bend, and they are less likely to crack under heavy loads.
In addition, composite lintels can be made to custom specifications, which allows for greater flexibility in design.
8. Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete Lintel.
A glass fiber reinforced concrete lintel (GFRC lintel) is a type of lintel made with a concrete mix that includes glass fibers.
The inclusion of glass fibers in the concrete mix helps to improve the strength and durability of the lintel.
GFRC lintels are often used in applications where a high level of performance is required, such as in load-bearing walls or in seismic zones.
9. Precast Lintel
A precast lintel is a concrete lintel that is cast in a factory setting and then transported to the job site.
This type of lintel offers many advantages over traditional poured-in-place concrete lintels.
Precast lintels are typically made from high-strength concrete and reinforced with steel rebar or mesh.
This makes them much stronger than poured-in-place concrete lintels, which are often made from lower-strength concrete and have no reinforcement.
Another advantage of precast lintels is that they can be custom-made to fit the specific dimensions of your opening.
Poured-in-place concrete lintels must be cast on site, which means they are limited by the size of the forms that can be used.
This can often lead to wasted material and an inferior product.
Precast lintels are also less likely to crack than poured-in-place concrete lintels.
This is due to the fact that they are not subject to the same temperature changes and curing process as poured-in-place concrete.
The main disadvantage of precast lintels is their cost.
They are typically more expensive than poured-in-place concrete lintels, due to the increased cost of materials and transportation.
Conclusion
A lintel is a horizontal beam that is placed over an opening, such as a door or window. The purpose of a lintel is to support the weight of the structure above the opening.
There are 9 different types of lintels: stone, brick, reinforced brick, concrete, steel, wooden, composite, glass fiber reinforced concrete, and precast.
Each type of lintel has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Stone lintels are the heaviest and most expensive type of lintel, but they are also the most durable.
Brick lintels are less expensive than stone, but they are not as durable. Reinforced brick lintels are a more expensive option, but they offer more support than regular brick lintels.
Concrete lintels are the cheapest option, but they are also the least durable. Steel lintels are more expensive than concrete, but they offer more support.
Wooden lintels are the lightest type of lintel, but they are also the least durable. Composite lintels are a more expensive option, but they offer more support than wooden lintels.
Glass fiber reinforced concrete lintels are the most expensive type of lintel, but they offer the most support.
