Cracked lintel repair Montreal

Benefit from our cracked lintel repair service during residential and commercial masonry work in Montreal. Call us for a quote!

During masonry work, whether it’s replacing brick or stone walls, repointing mortar joints or repairing masonry frost boils, sometimes a cracked lintel repair is part of the repair process.

What is a lintel?

A lintel is a horizontal architectural element placed above an opening, such as a door or window, to support the vertical load of the masonry above. It allows openings to be created in a wall without compromising its stability, by distributing the weight evenly. Lintels can be made from a variety of materials, including stone, concrete, steel or wood, depending on architectural needs and structural requirements. 

What are the roles of a lintel?

• Load support: The lintel supports the vertical load of the masonry above an opening, such as a door, window or bay. It distributes this load evenly over the sides of the opening, preventing the wall from sagging or collapsing.
• Creating openings: Lintels make it possible to create openings in a wall without compromising its structural stability. They are essential to the architectural design of buildings, enabling the installation of doors and windows.
• Stress distribution : Lintels distribute mechanical stresses caused by the weight of masonry and elements above the opening, reducing the risk of cracking or warping the wall.
• Preventing sagging: By supporting the weight of the wall above the opening, lintels prevent the wall from flexing or sagging over time.
• Structural reinforcement: Lintels strengthen the wall’s structure by adding a horizontal element that resists vertical loads, thus contributing to the building’s overall stability.

How can I tell if lintels are cracked?

If you have any doubts about the integrity of your lintels, here are a few ways to check for cracks: 

• Visual inspection: Look closely at the surface of the lintels for visible cracks. Cracks can be fine or wide, horizontal, vertical or diagonal. Be sure to check both sides of the lintel, inside and outside the building.
• Using a hammer: You can use a rubber hammer to gently tap the surface of the lintel. If a crack is present, it may produce a hollow sound or a distinct noise when tapped.
• Measuring cracks: Use a tape measure or ruler to measure the width of cracks if they are visible. If a crack typically exceeds 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) in width, this may indicate a problem.
• Check for external signs: Look for external signs such as cracks in the masonry around the lintel, or visible deformations in the opening. These indicators may also point to problems with the lintel.
• Consult a professional: If you have any doubts or notice signs of cracking, contact the Restaure-Action team for a thorough assessment. We’ll be able to determine the severity of the cracks, the underlying causes and the measures needed to repair them.

It’s important to monitor the condition of lintels regularly, as cracks can compromise the stability of the building. Cracks in lintels must be taken seriously and treated accordingly to avoid more serious structural problems in the future.

What are the steps involved in repairing a cracked lintel?

• Initial inspection: We thoroughly inspect cracked lintels to assess the extent of damage, identify underlying causes, and determine the type of repair required.
• Temporary support: If cracks threaten stability, temporary support can be installed to prevent sagging during repair work.
• Cleaning and preparation: The area around the lintels is cleaned and prepared to allow safe and easy access to damaged areas.
• Crack repair: Cracks in lintels are repaired using appropriate structural repair materials. This may involve injecting epoxy resin, adding metal reinforcements, or other repair methods depending on the nature of the cracks.
• Lintel reinforcement: If necessary, additional reinforcement measures, such as the addition of metal plates, can be taken to ensure lintel strength.
• Masonry restoration: Once lintel repair work is complete, the surrounding masonry is restored. This can include repointing, replacing damaged stones and restoring the original appearance.
• Prevention of future damage: We examine and treat the underlying causes of cracks, such as drainage problems, to prevent future damage.
• Final inspection: A final inspection is carried out to ensure that the lintel is sound and that the masonry has been properly restored.

Why choose Restaure-Action to repair cracked lintels?

Our team is made up of qualified professionals dedicated to specialized masonry work, with a combined experience of over 60 years. We have all the qualifications and skills you need to replace cracked lintels. We can carry out these repairs in both the residential sector (houses, apartment buildings, townhouses, duplexes and triplexes) and the commercial sector (commercial space, warehouses, historic buildings, etc.). 

Any questions?

If you have any questions about our cracked lintel repair service, our other masonry services or to request a free estimate, we invite you to contact us. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible. We travel to many parts of Montreal to offer our residential and commercial masonry services.