Steel lintels are an extremely common component of most brick masonry buildings. Since they support the facade above a window, priming and painting Lintel becomes of extreme importance in keeping your house in shape.

The simplest method to maintain steel lintels that are not severely deteriorated is to scrape, prime and paint them on a regular basis. Installing exterior primer and paint on the lintel will help protect it from corroding elements. Before the steel lintels are scraped and painted, the existing paint on the lintel must be tested for asbestos and lead containing material. Paint often contains lead, and while less common, asbestos is occasionally found in paint. If lead or asbestos exists, the paint must be abated by a licensed contractor.

 

Painting will only prevent additional damage to a lintel, and does not correct any existing damage to the steel. If the lintel is showing signs of more significant deterioration, it should be replaced. For example, if the lintel is bowing or bending, a gap can form between the lintel and the brick masonry above. Another sign of a deteriorated lintel is rust jacking or oxide jacking, which occurs when the rust on the lintel expands and causes the mortar in front of the lintel to crack or break loose. These conditions can threaten the structural stability of a masonry wall.

 

Steel lintel repair is critical to extending its usable life and preventing structural damage. A primer and paint should be applied to steel lintels prior to installation, and any broken brick masonry components should be repaired or replaced. From the edge of the lintel to the brick masonry that backs it up, waterproofing should be applied. Adding a layer of corrosion prevention is made possible by this waterproofing. To keep the brickwork above the steel lintel in place, use brick ties. Brick ties, on the other hand, pierce the waterproofing of the lintel. Water should not be able to enter the inside if there are any gaps or flaws in the waterproofing.

 

The degradation of steel lintels may also be caused by improper drainage, which should be addressed while replacing lintels. Some new lintels are poorly sealed to avoid water penetration at the connection between the facade and the new lintels that have been placed. Sadly, this information may really be harmful rather than helpful. Despite the fact that sealant will keep water out of the wall, it will also retain any moisture at the lintel level of the wall. The corrosion of the steel lintel will be accelerated by the presence of water on it. At the bottom of the mortar joints, weep vents or weep holes should be built to guarantee that any water that may be trapped in the brick is expelled.

 

WHAT ARE THEY RESPONSIBLE FOR?

Lintels are a fundamental feature of any brick building’s structural framework, making them an essential aspect of any architectural design. Windows and doors in brick buildings have L-shaped steel components installed in the upper portion of the apertures. Rather of placing the weight directly on the door or window, these devices are designed to disperse it. Their long-term viability is greatly influenced by the changing climate. A skilled painter, on the other hand, is much less costly than replacing the lintels or the doors and windows that no longer open.

 

Maintenance of lintel systems is essential for the structural safety of your building.

 

Failure to keep your lintels in good condition might have severe results. It’s possible that a weak spot in one of them might cause a window to break or possibly the whole wall to fall if the building’s façade is supported by them. Our building painters can assist if you don’t know when the previous lintel maintenance project was done. A ten-year maintenance cycle with a yearly check is what we propose.

 

Deterioration of Lintels

 

Lintels are composed of steel, thus even though they aren’t in the open, they may corrode with time. Steel lintels may rust even in a brick construction because of oxidation. Moisture may seep into your stonework and corrode the lintels if there are cracks. All of these things may weaken your building to the point that it warps or collapses completely. Keep an eye on your brick buildings for signs of bulging or cracking. Doorways and window frames are particularly vulnerable to degradation of the lintel.

 

In what ways may a LINTEL be problematic?

Rust is a natural occurrence when metal is exposed to moisture. The purpose of windows is to keep out the elements, however this is not a foolproof method of security. In the Midwestern summer, humidity is a regular friend, and even a little amount of condensation on your window might be enough to create problems.

Steel expands greatly as it corrodes. When metal inserted within masonry rusts, it may grow seven times its original thickness, according to research. Even with so much extension, the window frame’s other components will be compelled to move. Your foundation’s exterior is damaged as a result of these moving components. When the window frame is attached to the lintel, you’ll notice a rusty red discolouration and metal flakes or scales in the same place.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO FIX?

Cutting out, removing, and replacing the lintel is required. The best way to seal and preserve it from the weather is to paint it. Replacement of the rusty metal with galvanized metal is another alternative, which will survive longer than the standard steel lintel does. This is a great do-it-yourself project if you like working with your hands. Another option is to hire a mason, general contractor, or handyman.

 

An experienced local bricklayer or mason should be consulted if the mortar around the afflicted window or door has broken. To begin with, you’ll need to be sure that the lintel is responsible for the fractures. Cracks on the outside of your foundation may indicate that your foundation is sinking and need expert repair.

Restoring the Lintel’s Decline

 

Maintaining your brick constructions on a regular basis is the finest strategy for ensuring their stability. Be on the lookout for any signs of structural weakness. If you want to avoid crumbling, water retention, and structural damage, have a professional inspect and repair your masonry regularly. If your lintels have started to decay, you should contact in a professional for repairs. In addition to buckling, bulging and cracking brickwork, degradation of your home’s structural integrity may result in costly and complicated repairs. Make sure to keep up with lintel degradation maintenance and repairs to keep your brick looking its best for a long time.

The Way We Work

Lintels may be restored by scrubbing away rust and debris and sanding the surface to a clean finish by our team of experts. Only the finest rust removal products are used by qualified professionals, protecting your lintel metal from further rust.

To ensure that the rust-preventative paint adheres properly to a metal surface, we first apply a primer. Rust-Oleum and other high-quality rust-prevention exterior paints extend the life of your lintels

If you’re looking for lintel repair or replacement, we’ve worked on hundreds of houses and businesses.

Totally Free Quotes

To get a free estimate on whether or not your lintels need to be re-painted , repaired or replaced in Calgary and its environ, call us now for a free  quote or inspection of your facility.