The inner leaf is the inside layer of a cavity wall. It is usually built from blockwork or timber frame and forms part of the home’s internal structure. The inner leaf carries the load from floors and the roof, which is why lintels must provide adequate bearing on this side. Learn more about cavity wall construction. 

The outer leaf is the external layer of a cavity wall, typically built from brickwork. Its main job is to protect the building from weather. The outer leaf also sits on the lintel but usually carries less structural load than the inner leaf.

There are several common lintel types used in UK construction:

•    Cavity wall lintels for masonry walls with a cavity
•    Thermally broken lintels for improved thermal performance in external masonry cavity walls
•    Closed Eaves lintels design to support the inner leaf loading at the top of masonry cavity walls, where they meet the pitched roof.
•    Timber Frame lintels for internal timber frame wall with an external masonry leaf
•    Box lintels available for 100mm and 140mm wide masonry
•    Angle lintels light duty single outer leaf applications
•    Solid wall lintels suitable for internal and external use, where no cavity is present
•    Internal Wall lintels suitable for walls measuring 75mm to 140mm in width
•    Special lintels bespoke requirements such as bays, corners, arches and curved on plan openings.
 

Each type is designed for specific wall constructions, opening spans and load conditions.

The lintel you need depends on three things:

•    The wall type (solid wall, cavity wall, timber frame, internal partition)
•    The lintel length (opening size plus 300mm to allow for 150mm end bearing either side)
•    The load above (made up of roof, floor – timber or concrete, masonry or a combination)
 

If unsure speak with your builder or call our technical team on 02920 337900

Internal walls are normally single leaf construction, so a box lintel is typically suitable. These are used to support single leaf construction. View our range of internal wall lintels. If you’re unsure, check the wall build up on your drawings or ask your builder to confirm. Our technical team can also answer your query, contact them at catnic.technical@tatasteeleurope.com

External walls can be cavity walls or solid walls. A cavity wall will either be masonry or timber frame construction, a cavity wall lintel or timber frame lintel will be required in either standard, heavy or extra heavy duty depending on the loading conditions, if no cavity is present a solid wall lintel is required. If unsure speak with your builder or call our technical team on 02920 337900
 

For a door opening, you’ll need a lintel that matches:

•    The wall type 
•    The span of the door
•    Consider the door type (standard, patio, French, or bifold)
 

For external doors in cavity walls, choose a cavity lintel sized to the cavity width. For internal doors, a box lintel is appropriate. View our internal wall lintels, for walls measuring 75mm to 140mm in width. For garage door requirements explore our range of solid wall lintels. For larger openings such as bifold doors, you may need a heavier duty lintel designed for wider spans and higher loads. If unsure speak with your builder or call our technical team on 02920 337900