Due to this increased amount of deteriorated and failing brick associated with the replacement of inverted C-channellintels, more brick installationwill berequired as part of a restoration effort.ĭuring any facade restoration effort, it is absolutely crucial that the exterior wall is stabilized during demolition activities. And as mentioned previously, this unstable brick is always 2 or 3 wythes deep. Over time, the brick masonry will destabilize due to this increased stress. As the mortar bed deteriorates, the masonry above will bear on the flanges of the channel. The inverted C-channels will then trap moisture in the wall, especially if there’s no proper means of mitigating water such as: waterproofing, weep vents, or holes drilled into the exterior flange of the steel. This mortar bed will eventually crack and deteriorate due to moisture accumulation. In some cases, a thick bed of mortar is installed over the steel channel to create a flat surface for the brick masonry installation. Due to an inverted C-channel’s vertical flanges, it’s difficult to install brick flush above the lintel. Masonry above an inverted C-channel lintel is more apt to destabilize over time. If substantial lintel replacement is required as part of a façade restoration, this increased scope can negatively impact allocated allowances and the project budget. This scope of work might require the installation of larger or additional steel angles, along with additional waterproofing and brick masonry installation. Therefore, it’s important that replacement structural steel lintels are accurately designed to properly support this additional masonry above the openings. Typically, C-channels must span and support 2 or 3 wythes of brick. The function of a lintel is to span the entire width of a wall opening and support all masonry above the opening. Common signs of deterioration range from rust jacking at the ends, improper bearing lengths, shifted masonry, and excessive deflection with cracked mortar joints.Īn inverted C-channel lintel can be recognized by the exposed face of the outward flange at the façade, and the presenceof these channels can create complications when lintel replacement is necessary. It’s essential that Building Envelope Consultants carefully inspect lintels to ensure they are in good condition, and properly support the loads above.
This article will focus primarily on steel lintels, particularly, inverted C-channel lintels. A lintel is a horizontal support member, comprised of stone, masonry, timber, concrete or steel, that’s installed across the top of a door, window or other opening to support the load above the opening, and transfer the load down to the bottom of the wall. Lintel replacement is commonly performed as part of façade restoration projects.
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