No lintel over big window

[HarryCinderRods]

We are extending our 1969 house and access to the extension is through this large window which has ominous signs of failure, no lintel visible on the brick skin and worrying cracks on the thermalite block inner…. Originally there was a timber frame window which probably took the weight. Then a upvc one was fitted. My question is can I just ‘pop’ a concrete lintel in to support the brickwork and assume there must be a lintel supporting the brickwork? Or should I hack off the plaster to investigate the inside too?

No lintel just dpc.

 

[jj4091]

Not a builder, but I would be very concerned about that and get it supported with a plank and acrows as soon as possible. Then I think you need an expert to visit the site rather than get opinions off here or try and DIY it. Perhaps a surveyor or structural engineer or even a local builder would be able to advise.

 

[ree]

OP,
As above, its not a DIY job - besides the obvious there's a couple of other sketchy looking arrangements.
Are there any cracks or skirting gaps above?
Why not mail pics and info to a SE to give the SE a heads up before a site visit?
Before a site visit some simple opening up might be needed by the SE?
Record everything the SE points out & ask for a written report - with pics & perhaps prices if possible?

 

[Notch7]

The lack of a lintel above window openings is awfully common, builders assumed timber or crittalls were strong enough.

Sometimes 2 separate steels are easier to fit in this situation, they get bolted together once in.

You will need cavity trays fitted above the flat roof - assuming it’s a single storey extension

 

[HarryCinderRods]

Thanks guys, I’ve contacted a structural surveyor. I’ll see what he comes back with.

 

[cdbe]

No need for panic or expensive surveyors. Outer skin clearly needs a lintel to replace support provided by original window frame. Inner needs plaster removing to investigate - probably a lump of timber deflecting a bit too much or a failed concrete one - strengthening or replacement required. Presumably you have builders on site who can install for you. I don't know what the "design" of the work is, but you could take the opportunity to raise the height of the opening to bring the two spaces together a bit more. And as Notch says, check cavity tray detail (have a look outside where new roof meets house wall - unless it's rendered their should be evidence of rebuilt brickwork all the way across the wall).

And this would be better in the "Building" section - if you "report" your post it should get moved over.

 

[HarryCinderRods]

Thanks for that. No builders, I’m doing the job myself, though I got someone in to put the roof on, and electrics and plumbing are being done by professionals obvs…It’s a two story ICF construction. I think new lintel on the brick side is a must, and you’re right a bit of plaster removal to check the state of the inner lintel. I’m going to leave the height as I got some nice glazed doors that fit perfectly.

 

[cdbe]

A morning's work for you then by the looks of it!

 

[HarryCinderRods]

Ha! I wish! It’s taken 2.5 years to get this far… but yeah, hopefully not too long to resolve.

 

[jj4091]

I would suspect the surveyor will suggest the use of a Catnic lintel and recommend the suitable dimensions. If you can get one on the inner skin that is.

 

[HarryCinderRods]

OP,
As above, its not a DIY job - besides the obvious there's a couple of other sketchy looking arrangements.
Are there any cracks or skirting gaps above?
Why not mail pics and info to a SE to give the SE a heads up before a site visit?
Before a site visit some simple opening up might be needed by the SE?
Record everything the SE points out & ask for a written report - with pics & perhaps prices if possible?

Sketchy looking arrangements!? How very dare you.... Structural guy replied saying get it propped and pop a lintel under the brick skin. Also expose the other side to make sure there actually is a lintel there and that it is sound. Looks like that's my weekend filled up!

 

[jj4091]

It will look a lot better on the outside if you use a Catnic lintel rather than a concrete one. https://catnic.com/products/lintels