Lintel — Structural Support Above Wall Openings Guide

A lintel is the horizontal structural member that spans over a door, window, or other opening to carry the load above it.

Lintel diagram — labeled parts, dimensions, and installation context

What It Is

Whenever a wall has an opening, the material above that opening needs support. The lintel bridges the gap and transfers the load to the wall or framing on each side, preventing the masonry, veneer, or framing above from sagging into the opening.

Types

Common residential lintels include steel angles over brick veneer, reinforced concrete lintels in masonry walls, and wood or engineered headers in framed walls that perform the same structural role. The material depends on the wall system and the load being carried.

Where It Is Used

Lintels are used over windows, doors, garage openings, fireplaces, and other penetrations in masonry and framed construction. Brick veneer homes often have exposed steel lintels above windows and doors on the exterior.

How to Identify One

On brick houses, a lintel may appear as a steel angle supporting the brick directly above an opening. In other construction, the lintel is hidden within the wall, but cracks, rust staining, or sagging above openings can point to a problem.

Replacement

Lintel replacement ranges from straightforward masonry repair to major structural work depending on the wall type and the size of the opening. Rusted steel lintels, cracked concrete, or deflection above an opening should be evaluated before cosmetic repairs are attempted.

Lintel — FAQ

What is the difference between a lintel and a header?

A lintel is the general structural member over an opening, especially in masonry work. A header is the framed-wall version of the same idea, typically made from wood or engineered lumber.

Why is there rust above my brick window?

The steel lintel may be corroding and expanding behind the brick. That can crack mortar joints and cause the veneer above the opening to shift.

Is a damaged lintel a structural problem?

It can be. The severity depends on the amount of corrosion, cracking, or movement, but problems at a lintel should never be dismissed as purely cosmetic.

Can a lintel be repaired without removing brick?

Sometimes protective cleaning and coating are enough for mild surface rust. More serious deterioration often requires removing some surrounding materials so the lintel can be repaired or replaced properly.