Structural Steel Lintels

Structural steel lintels are an essential component of modern construction. They support the weight of a building's upper structure or roof, transferring that weight to the walls on either side of an opening. Lintels are commonly used to span door and window openings and other types of openings in walls. This blog post will look closely at structural steel lintels, their purpose, and how they are used in construction.

What are Structural Steel Lintels?

Structural steel lintels are load-bearing elements that span an opening in a building's structure, such as a doorway or window. They are made from high-quality, durable steel and designed to bear the weight of the building above the opening. Lintels come in various sizes and shapes to accommodate various building designs and opening sizes.

The purpose of Structural Steel Lintels

The primary purpose of a structural steel lintel is to transfer the weight of the building's upper structure or roof to the walls on either side of an opening. Without a lintel, the weight of the building above the opening would put undue pressure on the walls and could lead to structural damage over time.

In addition to their load-bearing function, lintels provide an aesthetic benefit to a building's design. Builders can use a lintel to create a clean, uninterrupted opening free of unsightly support structures.

How are Structural Steel Lintels Used in Construction?

Structural steel lintels are used in various construction applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They are commonly used to span openings such as windows and doorways but can also be used for larger openings such as garage doors.

The most commonly used lintel is a galvanized steel angle that is used to support across a door or window, opening up to about 8 feet in width. The angle sits atop the bricks on either side of the opening, extending 3-6 inches onto the supporting bricks with the vertical leg of the angle at the back. Then, the next course of bricks is laid across the lintel, hiding almost all of it from view.

It's important to note that lintels must be carefully sized and installed to ensure they can safely bear the weight of the building above the opening. 

Structural steel lintels are a vital component of modern construction. They provide essential support for a building's upper structure or roof while allowing for clean, uninterrupted openings. With the proper installation, a structural steel lintel can provide many years of reliable service and help ensure the structural integrity of the building.