Q: What lintels do we use with a particular type of brick or block?
A: The following guidelines are generally used in practice​

• A 190 block is generally used in conjunction with 2 side by side 90 x 90mm lintels

• A 90 block is generally used in conjunction with a 90 x 90mm lintel.

• A 140 block is generally used in conjunction with a 140 x 90mm lintel

• A maxi brick is generally used in conjunction with a 110 x 75 mm lintel

• For a stock brick cavity wall a combination of a 110 x 75 mm and a 150 mm x 75 mm side by side are used.

• For a single stock brick wall a 110 x 75 mm lintel is usually used.

Q : What overlap is required when using a lintel?

• Lintel spans of up to 3 meters generally have a minimum of 150 mm resting above the brickwork on either end. 

• Lintel spans of between 3 meters and 6 meters generally have a minimum of 300 mm resting above the brickwork on either end. 

• The lintel should always be bedded on mortar. 

• Brick-Force should be used with all lintels irrespective of the span.

• All joints in the masonry should be filled with mortar.

Q : How many courses of brick-work are required above the lintel?

• A minimum of five courses of brickwork should be installed above the lintel. It is the combination of brickwork and lintels that provides the structural strength. 

Q : For how long should a lintel be propped after installation?

• A lintel should be propped for a minimum of seven days after installation.

• Spans of 4.2 meters and longer should be propped for a minimum of 10 days.

 

Q : At what spacing should props be inserted?

• A lintel should be propped at intervals of 1 to 1.5 m intervals.

Q : What else should be considered when installing a lintel?
The lintel should always be bedded on mortar. 
Brick-Force should be used with all lintels irrespective of the span.
All joints in the masonry should be filled with mortar.

Q: Can I use a lintel on its side or upside down?

• A lintel has very limited structural strength when used on its side or upside down. Lintels should NEVER be used on their side or upside down.

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DISCLAIMER

The information supplied on these pages has been supplied to the best of our knowledge.

It is however recommended that this information should not be used to make important structural decisions without consulting a qualified structural engineer.

Lintels for Africa, or any of its employees cannot be held liable for any incidents that may result from following these guidelines.

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