Using steel lintels in non-standard construction

Despite the terminology, non-standard construction is increasingly commonplace, and the correct structural elements must be specified to make the design intention a reality.

These non-standard building elements include window and door arches, bay windows, feature glazing and large-format folding doors – all of which require adequate ways of bridging the gaps to ensure structural integrity. Find out how steel lintels can be used to make more complex design ideas a stable, structurally-sound reality, here.

The lintels designed specifically for arches provide a simple way to create a wide range of arch types, including apex, elliptical, parabolic, semi-circular, gothic, and Venetian.

In addition, a bulls-eye lintel that forms a full circle allows the integration of round windows into a building design. To produce the same arches using self-supporting brickwork requires in-depth calculations and careful design considerations based on the specific characteristics of the building.

Pictured: Catnic Semi-circular Arch Lintels

In comparison, bespoke steel lintels offer a cost-effective solution and allow these design features to be incorporated into a far wider range of homes. Catnic offers this design service free of charge. With it, our engineers will look at the plans and assess the load above the opening, then, they’ll design a bespoke lintel to suit the customer’s need and loading conditions.

Additionally, special ‘curved on plan’ steel lintels, also known as radius or bow lintels, allow the design freedom to create curved walls with window and door openings. Each lintel is manufactured specifically to suit the radius of the wall. As well as lintels for square and splayed bay windows, mitred corner lintels facilitate an uninterrupted window opening on two perpendicular walls.

Note: Image for illustrative purposes. No mortar applied pre-installation.

Furthermore, a building design may include significant expanses of glazing or large folding doors for which extra-long spans are required. To achieve this, bespoke lintels with higher load capacities can be manufactured.

Extreme duty lintels are available in 6.6-metre lengths to create a 6.2-metre clear span. These higher-capacity lintels can also be used for smaller openings where the loading is higher.

To accommodate cant or chamfered brickwork, or where the plans require the lintel outer flange to be hidden, reduced toe lintels, also known as short outer leaf (SOL) lintels, can be used.

Catnic’s Lintel Advanced Scheduling Service (CLASS) is a comprehensive service that produces a full list of the lintels required for the project from the customers’ drawings. This provides housebuilders, architects and contractors with a clear, concise document detailing all the required lintels – simplifying the entire process and providing a single point of contact.

Our CLASS service is offered free of charge and removes the need to employ separate structural engineers, as we take on the responsibility and ensure that the customer receives a fully backed up priced lintel schedule.

Click here to access all the benefits of CLASS, and request a free schedule today.

Specialised lintels, from Catnic

Included in our recommendations is a series of specialised lintels designed for more unique uses.

Browse our range of special lintels, including our Semi-circular Arch Lintels, the slightly wider Venetian Arch Lintels, or the characterful Gothic Arch Lintels.