Lintel Replacement and Crack Repair in Kent
A lintel is the beam that carries the brickwork above a window or door. When it corrodes, the problem rarely stays hidden and you may need a lintel replacement. Rusting steel expands, pushes against the surrounding masonry, and shows up as cracks above the window and through the render. Left alone, the cracks widen and let water into the wall.
Prestige Brickwork replaces failed lintels, both internal and external, and repairs the damage they cause. We can manage the whole job from assessment to final decoration, so you don’t need to coordinate several trades.
Signs that you need lintel replacement
- Cracks running up or out from the corners of a window or door
- Cracked or bulging render above an opening
- Rust staining or flaking on visible steelwork
- Sagging or displaced brickwork over the opening
- Doors or windows that have started to stick
An inspection of this property identified corrosion to the existing steel lintels supporting the masonry above the windows. Cracking was visible above the window openings and extending through the external render, providing a clear indication that the supporting structure needed attention.
As steel lintels corrode, the expanding rust can place considerable pressure on the surrounding brickwork and render. Over time, this can lead to cracking, displacement and deterioration of the external finishes, while the loss of steel through corrosion can also compromise the lintel’s ability to support the masonry above.
Rather than simply repairing the visible cracks, the underlying problem needed to be addressed. The project involved removing and replacing the affected lintels, restoring the support to the surrounding masonry and carefully reinstating the internal and external finishes.
How we replace a lintel
Before the existing lintel could be removed, the masonry above the window needed to be securely supported to prevent any movement during the work. We installed adjustable acrow props fitted with specialist masonry support attachments, carefully positioned to carry the weight of the brickwork above the opening. This temporary support is an essential part of the replacement process, allowing the defective lintel to be removed safely without compromising the stability of the surrounding wall.
With the load securely supported, the existing corroded lintel could be removed and the opening prepared for its replacement. Particular attention was given to the condition of the masonry at either end of the opening, ensuring there was a sound bearing surface for the new lintel. The replacement was then accurately positioned and bedded into place, providing secure support for the masonry above and transferring the load safely into the surrounding wall. Once the new lintel and reinstated brickwork had been given sufficient time to gain strength, the temporary supports could be carefully released.
Crack stitching
Externally, we also stitched the cracked masonry using stainless steel helical bars bonded in with specialist resin. The bars span the cracks and tie the brickwork back together, spreading stress across the surrounding wall.
Making good, inside and out
A lintel replacement is only truly complete when all the surrounding areas have been properly restored and the finished result looks as good as it did before the work began. We take care of the finishing details both inside and outside, ensuring that the repairs blend seamlessly with the existing property rather than leaving obvious signs of structural work.
On this project, the internal window head and reveals were carefully replastered, creating a smooth, consistent finish ready for decoration. We also reinstated the kitchen units, ensuring the room was returned to its original layout and remained as functional as before. Externally, particular attention was given to matching the existing render profile and surface texture, so the repaired area blended naturally with the surrounding wall.
Once all the plastering and rendering had fully dried, the affected areas were decorated to complete the restoration. By managing these finishing stages alongside the structural repairs, we were able to deliver a complete solution without leaving the homeowner to organise additional trades. The finished result is a fully restored wall, with the lintel replaced and the surrounding finishes carefully matched, making it difficult to tell that any repair work had taken place.
Lintel repairs across Kent
We carry out lintel replacement and masonry repair across Kent. Why not contact us for an assessment. We also repair chimneys, so you may want to see our chimney repointing and rebuilds work. You can also see recent projects and customer feedback on our Facebook page.