Hello World! Welcome Friends! The facade of your property plays a crucial role in protecting the interior of your home from dust, debris, and every other external factor. Any damage to doors or windows can result in extensive structural damage.
For example, let’s take the window lintels, they bear the weight of brickwork above your windows. If they get damaged due to wear and tear, they can cause the whole structure to collapse.
Whether the lintels are showing minor crumbles or big cracks, don’t ignore them as minor cosmetic issues. Early detection of the signs of lintel damage can help you take proactive measures.
In this article, we will talk about the signs of common window lintel damage and how you can fix them as soon as possible.
Cracks in the Lintels
Cracks are common signs of lintel damage. Usually, the cracks appear in a diagonal pattern starting from the top corner of your window and extending in an upward and inward direction. These cracks show that the lintel is struggling to support the above weight, causing the brickwork to shift.
Ignoring these cracks may seem small but it can lead to bigger structural issues. Addressing these issues by hiring professional masonry contractors is a wise decision, especially if you want to save yourself from expensive repairs.
Jutting Bricks
With time, the surrounding bricks on window lintels start to shift out of place because of the moisture. If you notice that your lintels are not aligned or moving from their position, it is time to get them replaced.
Damaged bricks and crumbling mortar not only look bad but are also unsightly and a clear sign that the lintels are losing their strength. Failure to timely replace such window lintels can lead to further damage and could also lead to serious safety hazards.
Wobbly Window Frame
If your window is wobbling every time, you open or close it, it might be a sign that your window lintel is sagging or bowing under pressure. A bowing lintel can also damage the surrounding bricks and compromise their structural integrity.
Rusting
Other than cracks, rusting is another reason why your lintels can get damaged and pose a safety threat for everyone. As moisture seeps into the masonry surrounding the lintels, the metal might begin to rust.
Rusting metal can cause sagging or bowing of the wall above the lintel.
Difficulty in Opening Windows
If you are having trouble opening or closing the windows, it is a sign that your lintels are failing. The Lintels might have shifted their posting, causing the opening to become misaligned.
A lintel that is not in position causes the window to look crooked or distorted and can be unsightly.
What to Do About the Damaged Lintels?
If you notice any of the above-mentioned signs of lintel damage, do not hesitate to contact professionals like Eden GC for a thorough inspection. They have years of experience and expertise in the relevant field and can recommend the relevant course of action depending upon the condition of the lintels.
Common Materials for Window Lintels
There are multiple types of window lintels materials that you can use for your window lintels, including:
Traditional Lintels
These lintels consist of bricks, concrete, or stone. These materials are strong, but they might be susceptible to cracking and deterioration over time.
Steel Lintels
A modern choice among property owners for lintel installation is steel, as it offers superior strength and durability. Steel is a good option for bearing harsh weather conditions.
Concrete Lintels
Concrete lintels are pre-made and come in various sizes and shapes. Installing concrete lintels is a cost-effective option for you.
Window Lintel Replacement Process
Professionals follow a proper window lintel replacement process consisting of the following steps, including:
Planning
Depending upon the location and size of the lintel, professionals plan the repairs and prepare the site. If the lintels are big, contractors might have to install scaffolding to ensure worker safety.
Removing Existing Lintel
The next step is removing the old lintel and ensuring that the surrounding area doesn’t get damaged.
Installing New Lintel
The new lintel installation should be done according to industry standards so that the load can be distributed properly.
Cleanup and Inspection
After completing the repair process, the next thing is to thoroughly clean and inspect the results and ensure that the new lintels have been installed properly.
Conclusion
Repairing or replacing damaged window lintels might be a daunting task but it’s an investment in the long term. By shopping at a window treatment store and addressing lintel problems early on, you can avoid costly repairs in the future.
Moreover, by properly replacing window lintels, you can enhance the curb appeal of your property.
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