What is a lintel?
A horizontal beam of steel or reinforced concrete that spans across an opening in a masonry wall and supports the weight of the structure above it.
A lintel is the horizontal support member installed above a door or window opening in a masonry wall. It carries the dead load of brick, block, stone, and other materials stacked above the opening, preventing the masonry from sagging or cracking over time.
Lintels are most commonly made from steel angles, steel plates, or reinforced concrete. Steel lintels remain popular in Connecticut construction because they span openings reliably and require minimal maintenance when properly flashed. The lintel sits on bearing surfaces at each side of the opening, typically on the jambs or on masonry corbels, and must extend far enough on each side to properly distribute the load.
The depth and strength of a lintel depend on the span of the opening and the height and weight of the masonry above. A wider opening or taller wall generally requires a deeper or heavier beam. Poor lintel installation or undersized beams can lead to diagonal cracks in the masonry above the opening, a sign that the beam is deflecting under load.
When working with masonry contractors, specifying the correct lintel size during design prevents structural problems and ensures the wall performs as intended. Proper flashing around and under the lintel also protects the opening from water infiltration.