Thermally Broken Lintels

Catnic’s Thermally Broken Lintels comprises powder-coated galvanised steel components on either side of an expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation core. The steel elements are bonded to the insulation using dedicated, heavy duty adhesive. This unique design provides a complete thermal break between the inner and outer leaves without using brackets, resulting in outstanding thermal performance – ψ (psi) value always 0.05 W/mK or less.

Read more: 5 benefits of thermally broken lintels

Energy efficiency is a top priority for thermally broken lintels. Replacing traditional lintels with Catnic thermally broken lintels means that heat loss through a window head detail can be reduced by up to 96%. In a typical four bedroom house with 1,200 square feet, the heat loss through a standard lintel can account for about 6%* of the overall heat loss through the fabric of the house. Using a Catnic thermally broken lintel reduces this to 0.25%, making it extremely effective.

Read more: 4 reasons to specify a Catnic thermally broken lintel

Yes, Catnic thermally broken lintels are fully compliant with building regulations.

Part L of the UK’s building regulations is focused on the energy efficiency and heat loss of buildings. Thermally broken lintels help buildings meet a lot of the criteria set out by this document, specifically through reduced thermal bridging and increased energy efficiency.

At Catnic, we produce thermal performance data via our online Psi calculator . Obtained figures can be factored into SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) calculations.

Read more: Building Regulation changes: Using lintels to reduce thermal bridging heat losses

The size of lintel you need is mainly determined by the structural opening span you have to cover, plus an additional 300 mm. When correctly specified, a lintel should have a 150 mm bearing on either side of the clear span, be fully bedded on mortar, and sit on top of masonry.

Calculating the load imposed on lintels depends on a variety of factors, including the wall type in which the lintel is installed, and whether floor or roof loads need to be accounted for in addition to masonry loads.

Lintels are primarily designed to support uniformly distributed loads (UDLs), but on occasion, when point loads occur, they also need to be considered. This guide only provides an overview of how the loads on the lintel are established and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining loading calculations directly from the lintel manufacturer or a qualified structural engineer.

Specifying Catnic’s Thermally Broken Lintels (TBLs) will significantly improve the thermal efficiency of a property and help ensure that the project’s necessary environmental credentials are met. It is the only steel lintel on the market with no connecting brackets, providing a complete thermal break in the cavity.

Specifying Catnic TBLs can be done with ease as they have the same safe working loads as Catnic’s traditional cavity wall lintels – meaning TBLs can be specified like for like. Catnic TBLs can therefore be used for standard duty, heavy duty and extra heavy applications, making them suitable for a wide range of projects with cavities from 90 to 205 mm. You'll find our full range here.