What Is a Lintel?
A lintel is the structural support that sits above every window and door opening in your home. It carries the weight of the brickwork above and transfers it safely to the surrounding wall. Lintels can be made from steel, concrete, stone or timber, depending on the age and style of the property.
When a lintel fails, cracks, or corrodes, the brickwork above the opening loses its support. This leads to visible cracking, bowing, sagging and, in some cases, movement that affects the window or door frame itself.
Why Lintel Repairs Should Not Be Ignored
A damaged lintel is more than a cosmetic issue. It is a structural fault that will get worse over time. Cracks above windows and doors allow water into the wall, which accelerates decay, causes damp inside the property and can lead to further movement in the brickwork.
This type of damage is commonly flagged on structural surveys during property sales and can delay or reduce the value of a transaction. Addressing lintel problems early avoids more costly repairs later and keeps your home safe and watertight.
At Cheshire Pointing Ltd, we have over 20 years of experience repairing and replacing lintels across Cheshire, Staffordshire, Wirral and Derbyshire. We know exactly how to identify the cause of the problem and carry out a lasting repair.
Our Lintel Services
Lintel Repair
Where the existing lintel is still structurally sound but the surrounding brickwork has cracked or shifted, we can repair the area without full replacement. We carefully remove the affected bricks, clean and prepare the opening, then reinstall and repoint to restore the original appearance and strength.
Lintel Replacement
When the lintel itself has failed, corroded or cracked beyond repair, a full replacement is the only lasting solution. We remove the damaged lintel, install a new structural steel or concrete lintel, then rebuild and repoint the brickwork above to match the existing wall.
Brickwork Realignment
Sagging or bowed brickwork above an opening often means the lintel beneath has shifted or failed. We use acrow props to temporarily support the brickwork, then carefully lift and realign the affected courses before installing proper structural support.
The original bricks are reinstated and repointed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding wall, leaving a clean, structurally sound finish.
Steel Lintel Installation
Many older properties were built without a proper lintel, or with a timber lintel that has since rotted or failed. We install new galvanised steel lintels to provide permanent, reliable support above windows and doors.
This is a common requirement on pre-war and Victorian properties where the original construction did not include adequate structural support above openings.
Why Repair or Replace Your Lintel?
A failing lintel puts the structural integrity of your window and door openings at risk. Cracks above openings allow water into the wall, which accelerates decay, causes damp inside the property and can lead to further movement in the brickwork.
At Cheshire Pointing Ltd, we offer a complete lintel repair and replacement service to restore structural support, prevent further damage and keep your property safe and watertight.
Before And After Lintel Repair
What can lintel repair do to protect your home for years to come?
Lintel repair is one of the most effective ways to stop structural damage before it escalates. A properly supported opening prevents cracking, bowing and water ingress, keeping your brickwork stable and your window and door frames functioning correctly.
At Cheshire Pointing Ltd, we specialise in diagnosing and repairing lintel failures. Our work restores structural integrity, prevents further movement and avoids the need for more expensive interventions later. With over 22 years of experience across Cheshire, Staffordshire, Wirral and Derbyshire, we know exactly how to match the repair to the building.
You are welcome to view our projects page to see how effective lintel repair is in restoring both the appearance and structural safety of properties across the region.
Signs Your Lintel Needs Attention
Cracks radiating from window or door corners
Bowing or sagging brickwork above openings
Gaps forming between brick courses
Window or door frames sticking or distorted
Mortar joints cracking above frames
Visible rust staining from corroded steel
Damp patches around window heads
Dropped or cracked concrete lintels
Rotted timber lintels on older properties
Stepped cracking in surrounding brickwork
Issues flagged on structural surveys
Movement above garage or patio doors
Our Lintel Repair Process
Every lintel repair starts with a thorough assessment of the damage. We check the condition of the existing lintel, the extent of any cracking or movement, and whether the brickwork above has shifted.
- Carefully remove the affected course(s) of brick above the opening
- Insert a structural steel plate or angle lintel for permanent support
- Gently lift the brickwork to relieve weight off the window or door frame
- Reinstall and align the original bricks
- Repoint the area to blend seamlessly with the surrounding wall
This approach corrects the structural fault, prevents further movement and restores the appearance of the opening without the need for a full rebuild.
Types of Lintels We Work With
Different properties use different types of lintels, and each requires a specific approach when it comes to repair or replacement. We work with all common lintel types found in homes across Cheshire and the surrounding areas.
- Steel lintels – the most common in modern builds, prone to corrosion if the cavity tray fails
- Concrete lintels – found in many post-war properties, can crack or sag over time
- Stone lintels – common in older Cheshire cottages and period properties
- Timber lintels – found in pre-war and Victorian homes, prone to rot and decay
- Brick arch lintels – decorative arched openings that can spread or drop over time
Whatever the type, we match the repair method to the building and ensure the finished result is structurally sound and visually seamless.