What is a Lintel / Purpose
A lintel is a structural element placed over an opening in a wall, such as a window or door, to carry loads from above and distribute them to either side of the opening. It needs sufficient bearing (support) on each side, is usually bedded in mortar, and its size depends on the span of the opening plus allowances for adequate bearing.
The Catnic Lintel Product Range
Catnic’s current product range of steel lintels is comprehensive. The variety caters to different wall construction types, load requirements, thermal efficiency, and architectural forms. Here are the principal categories and what distinguishes them:
| Category | What it is / When used | Features / Advantages | Key Variants / Sub-types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermally Broken Lintels (TBLs) | For cavity wall constructions or walls with inner and outer leaves where thermal bridging is a concern. Useful in meeting tougher energy and insulation regulation demands. | These are lintels designed to reduce heat loss. Catnic TBLs are unique in having no connecting brackets between inner and outer leaves, which gives a complete thermal break in the cavity. They can be specified like for like with standard Catnic cavity wall lintels in terms of safe working loads. | Standard duty, heavy duty, and extra heavy duty versions are available, covering cavity widths from 90 mm up to 205 mm. |
| Cavity Wall Lintels | Classic and most common use case: walls built with two leaves and a cavity in between. | Proven performance and load capacity; often the benchmark for comparison with TBLs. | Standard, heavy, and extra heavy duty options across cavity widths. |
| Single Leaf Lintels | Used in walls that are only one leaf thick, such as internal or solid walls. | Simpler design with different thermal considerations; usually lighter sections. | Matched to various spans and loads. |
| Timber Frame Lintels | For timber frame construction, with openings framed within timber panels. | Designed for different load paths and support methods; often lighter in weight. | Catnic lintels are tailored to work within timber frame wall designs. |
| Solid Wall Lintels | For solid masonry walls without a cavity. | Suitable for heritage builds or when a solid wall aesthetic is chosen; strength and durability are key. | Available for a range of spans and load requirements. |
| Internal Wall Lintels | For non-external walls, often carrying lighter loads. | Smaller and lighter sections, easier to install. | Offered in several profiles for different spans. |
| Heavy Duty / Extra Heavy Duty / Extreme Load | For large spans or heavy load conditions such as big windows or heavy masonry above. | Deeper profiles and stronger steel for robust performance. | Extreme load lintels, extra heavy duty, and heavy duty versions. |
| Stainless Steel Lintels | For areas where corrosion resistance is critical, such as coastal locations. | Increased lifespan and durability. | Available in cavity wall and other configurations. |
| Special Lintels | For bespoke openings or architectural features such as arches and bay windows. | Allow creative design while maintaining structural integrity. | Splayed bay, square bay, semi-circular arch lintels and more. |
Key Selling Points and Innovations
- Thermally Broken Lintels are the standout innovation. With no connecting brackets, they provide a full break in thermal conduction, improving efficiency and helping meet modern building regulations.
- Thermally broken lintels maintain the same safe working loads as their cavity wall equivalents, making specification straightforward.
- They cover cavities from 90 mm up to 205 mm, ensuring compatibility with most wall types.
- Catnic also offers scheduling and technical support to help specifiers and builders choose the correct lintel for each job.
Considerations When Choosing Catnic Lintels
- Span and Load: The width of the opening and the weight above it determine which duty class is required. Larger spans or heavier loads call for heavy or extra-heavy-duty lintels.
- Wall Type: Whether the wall is cavity, solid, timber frame, or single leaf influences both the structural and thermal performance required.
- Bearing Length: Correct bearing on each side of the opening is essential, typically 150 mm or more. Full mortar bedding is also recommended.
- Thermal Bridging: With modern building standards demanding better energy performance, thermally broken lintels can make a significant difference.
- Corrosion and Exposure: In harsher environments such as coastal areas, stainless steel lintels may be the best option.
Summary
Catnic offers a wide range of steel lintels to suit almost every type of wall and load requirement. The headline innovation is the thermally broken lintel, which combines proven strength with improved energy efficiency. Alongside these, Catnic provides cavity wall lintels, timber frame options, single leaf and solid wall lintels, as well as stainless steel and special lintels for bespoke designs. With solutions for light internal partitions through to extreme load spans, plus technical support, Catnic’s lintel range remains one of the most versatile and advanced on the market.
Find out more at catnic.com/products/lintels
