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Guide to Replacing a Lintel

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Disclaimer:
This guide is for informational purposes only. Replacing a lintel is a complex task that involves structural considerations and potential safety risks. This work should only be carried out by qualified professionals with the proper training and experience. We cannot be held accountable for any injuries, damages, or structural issues resulting from anyone attempting to follow this guide.

Tools and Materials Needed

  • Strong boy props

  • Acro props

  • Brick hammer

  • Brick bolster or angle grinder (for cutting bricks)

  • Masonry drill (if needed for removing old fixings)

  • Mortar mix and trowel

  • Spirit level

  • Cavity tray and weep vents (if required)

  • Replacement lintel

  • Pointing tools

  • Brick ties (if necessary)

  • Safety equipment: gloves, safety goggles, hard hat, dust mask

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Carefully Remove Bricks Above the Lintel

  • Identify the area above the door or window where the lintel will be replaced.

  • Using a brick hammer and bolster, or an angle grinder, carefully remove a few bricks evenly spaced above the lintel.

  • The number of bricks to remove depends on the size of the opening but ensure you leave enough room to fit the lintel below the strong boy props and Acro props.

Step 2: Insert Strong Boy Props and Acros

  • Insert strong boy props, seated securely on Acro props, into the openings where the bricks were removed.

  • Tighten the Acro props until they are firm to ensure the surrounding structure is adequately supported.

Step 3: Remove Loose or Damaged Brickwork

  • Remove any loose or damaged bricks and mortar above the door or window.

  • Ensure the area is clear of debris to provide a clean surface for the new lintel.

Step 4: Clean the Bed Joint and Lay Mortar

  • Clean off the bed joint (the horizontal surface where the lintel will sit) on both sides of the opening.

  • Apply a bed of mortar to both sides, ensuring it is level and consistent.

Step 5: Position the New Lintel

  • Place the lintel onto the prepared mortar bed, ensuring it has at least 100mm seating on each side of the opening.

  • Use a spirit level to confirm the lintel is level before proceeding.

Step 6: Install Cavity Tray and Weep Vents (if Needed)

  • If required, install a cavity tray above the lintel to direct water away from the structure.

  • Insert weep vents at appropriate intervals to ensure proper drainage.

Step 7: Rebuild the Brickwork

  • Begin rebuilding the brickwork over the lintel using fresh mortar.

  • Replace bricks evenly and carefully, ensuring they match the existing pattern and structure.

Step 8: Remove Strong Boy Props and Acros

  • Once the mortar is set and the brickwork is stable, carefully remove the strong boy props and Acro props.

Step 9: Patch Up Support Holes

  • Patch up the holes where the strong boy props were inserted, using bricks and mortar to blend with the surrounding structure.

Step 10: Point Brickwork and Clean Up

  • Finish the job by jointing and pointing the new brickwork to match the original.

  • Tidy up the area and remove any leftover debris or tools.

Important Note:
Always ensure you follow local building regulations and safety standards when working on structural elements. If in doubt, consult with a structural engineer or qualified builder. Replacing a lintel improperly can result in serious structural issues, so it is crucial to engage professionals for this type of work.

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