Existing lintel in 1930s house

[nickjb]

I'm taking out our old back door to open up into the new extension. It'll be an opening the same width as the existing door and side lights. It looks like the current lintel was cast in place. The bottom corner is a little crumbly but solid elsewhere. I've removed a bit of render and it seems a decent size and has a good bearing on the wall. Any reason to think it might not be up to the job? It's been there for 80 years but with a chunky wooden window frame. Building inspector doesn't seem that fussed to comes and see it before I plasterboard and a neighbour in our terrace has opened his up without any signs of disaster.

Untitled

• nickjb
• 10 Dec 2013
• 1

Untitled

• nickjb
• 10 Dec 2013
• 1

 

[stuart45]

Looks OK from what I can see of it.

 

[wessex101]

It would appear that there are timber grounds set into the underside of the lintel. That would suggest to me that the lintel was cast first and the door/window frame fitted later.

However I would want to expose more of the lintel to make sure there is no cracking or spalling, otherwise it is probably fine.

Just out of interest some East European lads are building a house that I pass everyday. They are casting concrete lintels over all the door and window openings. Has anyone seen this anywhere else? Is this a new trend that I have missed? I've only read about it in old books from the 50's.

 

[stuart45]

Can't see the point in casting insitu on a house. Normally only done when a lintel is too large and heavy to get in place.