Skill Builder Guides & reviews for building and construction
Table of Contents
If You Need To Lift A Steel…
A lintel is a critical process in construction, especially in projects involving the creation of larger openings in load-bearing walls, such as for doors, windows, or open-plan spaces. This task requires careful planning, precision, and adherence to safety protocols to ensure the structural integrity of the building and the safety of workers on-site.
Huge thanks to Keystone Lintels for supplying our special lintel.
Find out more: https://bit.ly/3yagYRV
The Ultimate Roofing Square by Dan Cox
🛒 https://www.essential-carpenter-tools.co.uk
Forgefix Sheradised Twist Nail
🛒 https://amzn.to/388nK24
Keystone Special Steel Lintels
Keystone supports both architects and designers, pushing the boundaries and possibilities in steel lintel design with a custom, bespoke design service.
Ask for a Keystone Engineer to visit your site or office. They love being on-site with industry professionals on building projects, regardless of size.
They have a technical helpline for immediate answers to all your lintel queries.
Take a look at some of our bespoke steel lintels in the projects featured below.
🔗 https://keystonelintels.com/signature-projects
Is This the Longest Lintel?
Understanding the Role of Lintels
A lintel is a horizontal support beam that spans an opening in a wall and bears the load from the structure above. When a new opening is created, the existing wall’s load must be redistributed, typically by installing a lintel. In many cases, especially for larger openings or when dealing with significant loads, a steel lintel is required due to its strength and durability.
These steel lintels are often heavy and unwieldy, necessitating proper lifting techniques and equipment to safely position them.
Lifting and Installing Steel Lintels
The process of lifting steels with a lintel begins with a thorough assessment of the site. Before any work starts, the load-bearing wall must be temporarily supported using props or acrow jacks to prevent any movement or collapse when the wall section is removed.
Once the wall is securely supported, the existing masonry is carefully removed to create the opening for the lintel.
Due to the weight of steel lintels, lifting them into place typically requires mechanical assistance. Smaller steel lintels might be lifted manually by a team, but larger ones often require the use of lifting equipment such as hoists, cranes, or lifting beams. It is crucial to ensure that all lifting equipment is properly rated for the load and that workers are trained in its use.
Once the lintel is positioned above the opening, it must be seated correctly on bearing pads, which are typically made from engineering bricks or concrete. The bearing pads distribute the load from the lintel into the surrounding masonry, ensuring that the load is transferred evenly and the structure remains stable. The lintel must be level and positioned according to the engineer’s specifications to avoid any future structural issues.
Safety Considerations
Safety is paramount when lifting and installing steel lintels. The weight of the steel and the potential hazards associated with lifting and working at height demand strict adherence to safety procedures.
Workers should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, gloves, and safety boots. Clear communication among the team is essential to coordinate the lift and ensure everyone is aware of their roles and responsibilities.
It’s also important to consider the structural implications of the lintel installation. Improper placement or inadequate bearing can lead to serious structural problems, including cracking, sagging, or even collapse. Therefore, all work should be inspected and approved by a qualified structural engineer, ensuring that the lintel is capable of bearing the required loads.
Conclusion
Lifting steels with a lintel is a complex and demanding task that plays a crucial role in modern construction. It requires careful planning, precise execution, and a strong emphasis on safety. By understanding the principles behind lintel installation and following best practices, builders can ensure that the structural integrity of the building is maintained, allowing for the safe creation of openings in load-bearing walls.
