Window lintel and loose bricks above window

[volks]

I'm having new windows fitted and a lot of the external bricks above the window are loose and can be moved by hand. I can't see what they're holding up as I need to remove the soffits to access them.

I spoke to the window fitter and he said they'd support the bricks when removing the window and fix them before fitting the new windows.

However, I wanted to get some second opinions. Are these bricks external decoration only? The fact they can be moved by hand suggest they're not holding any weight.

I wonder if a concrete lintel is in place, but it rests on the internal cavity wall and the external wall is just dressing around the window?

It's a dormer bungalow so the only structure above the bricks is the eaves and roof tiles. See attached photos.

 

[volks]

I'm having new windows fitted and a lot of the external bricks above the window are loose and can be moved by hand. I can't see what they're holding up as I need to remove the soffits to access them.

I spoke to the window fitter and he said they'd support the bricks when removing the window and fix them before fitting the new windows.

However, I wanted to get some second opinions. Are these bricks external decoration only? The fact they can be moved by hand suggest they're not holding any weight.

I wonder if a concrete lintel is in place, but it rests on the internal cavity wall and the external wall is just dressing around the window?

It's a dormer bungalow so the only structure above the bricks is the eaves and roof tiles. See attached photos.

Property is 1950's built and dormer conversion was done later, I should add.

 

[RonnyRaygun]

Yes, it's a cavity wall so the outer leaf of brickwork isn't supporting anything. If it's a 1950s property then the bricks are probably supported directly off the frame. The internal leaf will probably be on a concrete lintel.

They won't be able to support the bricks when they take out the window - they'll end up having to reinstate the brickwork.

Personally, I'd ask the window fitters to simply install a bit of UPVC above the window and forget about the brickwork.