How To Choose the Proper Concrete Lintel Size?

Not to get confused with lentil soup, lintels in construction are essential to securing your structure. Concrete lintels can be decorative elements, but their main purpose is to prevent structures from collapsing. This risk is especially prominent if you choose the wrong size—you’re compromising the building’s structural integrity.

Here’s how to choose the proper concrete lintel size to prevent your projects from collapsing.

What Are Concrete Lintels?

Concrete lintels are among the most popular types of structural support used in construction due to their durability and capacity to support heavy loads and large surfaces. Concrete lintels sit above windows to support the structure above, preventing it from caving in.

Why Are Concrete Lintel Preferred?

Contractors can use many different types of lintels, but precast concrete lintels are popular for a good reason. They offer many benefits, and many contractors prefer them over steel, wood, or stone lintels. These benefits include the following:

  • Use them in a diverse pool of projects
  • They can withstand various weather conditions and climates
  • Concrete lintels are stronger than their counterparts made of other materials
  • The come in many surface finishes, making them aesthetically pleasing

How To Find the Best-Sized Lintel for Your Project

Every door and window in your building is unique and requires special attention. Luckily, we offer a wide range of concrete lintel sizes. To find the right size, you need to know the following:

  • The wall’s construction
  • The length of the lintel
  • The load supported by the lintel
  • The load ratio between the outer and inner leaves of the wall cavity
  • How to clarify the load tables

After calculating the information above, you can choose the proper concrete lintel size. If you still need help, our team at Extech Building Materials can point you in the right direction. We have a variety of concrete lintel sizes that will be perfect for your next project.

For more information or additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.