wooden Lintel overhang

[vinnychase]

Thanks for help guys, i have searched but cant find a relevant topic on here.

In my flat, above the sliding doors at the back of the house there is a wooden lintel. This looks in good condition.

The sliding doors need to be replaced and I would like to put wider doors in.

If I widen the opening, what measurement does the lintel need to sit on the existing bricks?

In essence i want to put in the widest doors possible without replacing the lintel.


Thanks for advice.

 

[noseall]

It is difficult to comment on specific situations but 150mm bearing is acceptable for a majority of (standard load) steel lintel bearings.

Are we talking half brick thick, one brick thick, cavity wall....?

 

[Static]

Best to play safe and replace the lintel with any widening of the door. Unless you can prove the lintel works with reduced bearing..

 

[vinnychase]

The external wall is a cavity wall.

the width of the room is 3.4m

The wooden lintel is 3m (Centred in the wall)

The current doors are approx 1.8m

I would like to install a door 2.6m,

leaving a 20cm bearing at either side of the lintel.





If i do replace the wooden lintel for a steel as suggested above. it is my understanding this classifies as replacing the lintel as 'like for like' and therefore requires no planning permission etc?