Do windows need a lintel over them?

kenneth2

We are building a dormer (with a hollowcore first floor) and we had to add an extra window to the side if the house, the wall was built and the window was cut out.
i didn't see a lintan being put in over the window.
Is there any way that a linten isn't needed over the window ?
I thought it was always required..

gman2k

A lintel should have been put in.
Also, the lintel only supports a triangle of blockwork above the window ope.

Poor Uncle Tom

Yes a lintel should be designed and installed over any ope in a blockwork wall, there are NO circumstances where one is not needed.

sydthebeat

as above, a lintel is always required..

even more so in the case of wide concrete slabs over...

JohnButler

as previous guys have said, a lintel is most definitly needeed. Every ope needs one.

Get your builder who did it to fit lintel pronto. Dont take any bull from him and demand a lintel be put in. I honestly cant believe they would just cut out a window and just leave it at that.

That has me fuming and its not even my house!!

Graaaaa

+1 on the lintel.

...if the window was cut out after the wall was built...what sort of cavity closing details, insulation details and damp-proof course details could be present too? I can forsee water penetrating at the sides or at the skirting under unless this is not standard masonry cavity wall and I'm missing something?

Penn

Obviously, I agree with everyone here. A lintel is required, and make sure that correct cavity closing details are adhered to.

mickdw

Sounds very dodgy. We may all be getting the wrong idea here though. I guess its possible that there may be an rsj running above this window already being supported on the blockwork to each side. I doubt it though and I cant see how there would be an rsj built into both wall leaf at this location.
Photo?

kenneth2

yep just as i thought, i'll be getting it sorted

Thanks for the confirmation.