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What Is A Lintel?
A lintel is an important part of a building’s structure. It is the upper part of any window, door or opening (like arched walkways). Its main purpose is linked with carrying loads and transferring them adequately to not cause any damage to the overall building structure.
You’d think this simple feature should be something that the contractor would take care of themselves, but there are many types of lintels and so familiarising yourself with them and the workability of each will allow you to take a better part in the construction of your house.
What are the types of lintels and their importance?
A lintel is one type of beam which is utilized to support the above wall or partition material for openings like doors, windows, etc to provide a building structure. The primary function of the lintel is to take loads originating from the high wall and transfer its mass on to the side walls.
The lintel beam generally ends in the masonry wall to convey the weight carried by them to the masonry walls. A lintel’s width always has to be the same as the wall width, otherwise your structure is bound to fall. Typically used for load-bearing purposes, all these types of lintels can also be used for decorative purposes as well.
You might have seen a decorative arch above a door, carved window lintels or just beautiful arched walkways that transform you into another world. In most Greek ruins you’ll see entrances intact whereas most of the other buildings have been subjected to decay or destruction. Lintels are strong and sturdy and are sure to outlive most of what happens to them.
It is also a widely accepted safety hack that one should stand right below a door or window in times when it is feared that the building might be damaged.
Now, let’s look at the many different types of lintels used in construction:
1. Timber Lintel
Timber lintels, while no more the things of the past, are more commonly used in houses constructed in hilly areas. The main disadvantages with timber are more cost, less durability and vulnerability to fire.
If the length of opening is more, then the lentil is created by joining multiple numbers of wooden pieces with the help of steel bolts. In case of wider walls, a timber intel is composed of two wooden pieces kept at a distance with the help of packing pieces made of wood. Sometimes, steel can also be used at the top or bottom of wooden pieces to give support.
2. Stone Lintel
One of the most widely-used types of lintel is stone lintel. The thickness is the most important factor of its design. These are also provided over the openings in brick walls. Like wood, stone lintel is provided in the form of either one single piece or more than one piece. They are used up to spans of 2 meters.
If the structure is subjected to vibratory loads (such as being close to a factory or any in a place where extensive construction is taking place), cracks can form in the stone lintel because of its weak tensile nature. So you might be required to renew your lintels regularly.
3. Brick Lintel
These are used when the opening is less than 1 metre and lesser loads are acting. Its depth varies from 10 centimetre to 20 centimetre, depending on the span. Therefore, it is more widely used in the construction of houses.
Bricks with frogs (hollow circles created to be filled) are more suitable than normal bricks because frogs when filled with mortar gives more shear resistance of end joints which is known as “joggled brick lintel.”
There is another kind of brick lintel, known as “reinforced brick lintel,” which is specifically
used when loads are heavy and span is greater than 1 metre.
From this we gather that a hybrid lintel, one which combines characteristics of the best kinds of lintels, is the best option for your house as it will provide tensility and strength at the same time.
4. Steel Lintel
These are some of the most commonly-used types of lintels as they can carry loads and work best for larger openings. These consist of sections or rolled steel joists. Single section or a combination can be used, depending upon the length of the opening. While steel lintels are lighter and easy to work with, it’s best if they’re used with concrete to increase durability. There’s just one disadvantage that steel tends to rust more quickly than other materials, such as bricks.
5. Reinforced Cement Concrete Lintel
If you’re looking for a type of lintel that provides ease of use at affordable rates, then you should definitely check out reinforced cement concrete (RCC) lintel. These are suitable for all the loads and for any wall width. RCC lintel comprises concrete reinforced with steel bars for extra strength and durability.
With so many types of lintels and their different characteristics, let’s summarise the discussion below:
| Kind of lintel | Characteristics | Usability |
| Timber | It is less durable.Timber being combustible is vulnerable to fire.These lintels tend to be structurally weak.Without appropriate ventilation, timber is obligated to rot. | Used more widely in hilly areas |
| Stone | It is high in costCan not withstand excessive transverse stress.Vibratory loads can distort structure It is difficult to deploy them in cities as its transportation is a very complex task. | Not advised |
| Brick/Reinforced Brick | Used for small openingsProvide shear resistanceHeavy loadings and more substantial span length are the problems for brick lintels. | Widely used in home construction |
| Steel | Steel lintels can be utilized to help heavier loads over more prominent separations without the need to change or strengthen.Steel lintels are impervious to rust, erosion, or distorting.Steel lintels are more practical and less labor-intensive. | Used wide but can be costly because of maintenance costs |
| Reinforced Concrete | They are durable, rigid and strong.The reinforced concrete lintel has fire-resisting properties.They are economical and easy in construction.The main advantage of the RC lintels is adaptability to suit any size and shape. | Most widely used |
This was our guide on lintels and how to decide which one you should use. Designing a house is a beautiful experience, but it can be a laborious task. Read up on the most commonly used architectural designs these days to make a better-informed decision on the matter.
In constructing a house, various kinds of materials are used. The concrete v/s steel debate is archaic but important for you to understand the significance of both. If you want to construct your house on your own, check out this guide for understanding what you’re in for. There are various costs that you should keep in mind. We have also calculated all such costs for first floors of a 5-marla and 10-marla house.
If you want to buy an already-constructed house, check out our listings for Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi or browse our property portal for other cities’ listings.
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