What lintel Replacement covers
A lintel carries the wall above a window or door. Steel lintels rust, and rusting steel expands to several times its original thickness, lifting and cracking the masonry above it. That expansion is why a rusted lintel becomes a structural problem rather than a cosmetic one.
A lintel carries the wall above a window or door. Steel lintels rust, and rusting steel expands to several times its original thickness, lifting and cracking the masonry above it. That expansion is why a rusted lintel becomes a structural problem rather than a cosmetic one.
Replacing rusted steel lintels before the expanding metal cracks the masonry above the opening.
Waystar carries out this work on residential and commercial property in Brooklyn and across New York City. Every project starts with a look at the building, and the scope, the materials and the figures are written down before anything begins.
When might you need it?
These are the signs owners usually notice first.
- A horizontal crack in the brick course directly above a window
- Rust staining running down from the head of an opening
- Brickwork above an opening lifting or stepping out of line
- A window that has become hard to open or close
- Visible corroded steel at the edge of the opening
What the work involves
- Assessment of the lintel and the masonry it is carrying
- Confirmation of whether structural input is required
- Temporary support installed above the opening
- Masonry carefully removed to expose the lintel
- Old lintel cut out and a new one installed with correct bearing
- Brickwork rebuilt above and pointed to match
How the process works
Confirm it is the lintel
A horizontal crack at the head of an opening with rust staining is the classic signature.
Support the wall above
Temporary support goes in before any masonry is removed.
Cut out and replace
New steel goes in with proper bearing at both ends and appropriate protection.
Rebuild the opening
Brickwork is rebuilt and pointed so the repair matches the wall.
What you get
- The expanding steel removed rather than patched over
- Masonry above supported throughout so it does not drop
- Cracking stopped at the cause instead of being filled repeatedly
What affects the scope
- Opening width and how much wall sits above it
- How far corrosion has progressed into the surrounding masonry
- Whether an engineer needs to specify the replacement
- Access and whether the window can stay in place
This is a preliminary planning range, not a quote. A property visit is required before any price is confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Can the crack just be filled?
Not usefully. The steel keeps expanding, so the filler cracks again and the damage keeps spreading.
Do I need an engineer?
For wide openings or where significant load is carried, yes, and we will say so. For a standard window head it is often not required.
Will the window need removing?
Usually not, though it depends on the opening and the access. It is confirmed in the scope before work starts.
Services often needed alongside this
This service is part of Masonry and Facade Restoration.
