Three Angle Iron Lintel Replacements, Waterlooville

The problem

A homeowner came to us directly about three angle iron lintels that had corroded to the point that the rust was pushing the brick courses above visibly out of place.

The cause

Corroding steel expands as it rusts, and with nowhere for that expansion to go within the mortar joint, it forces the masonry above it upward. By the time the brickwork is visibly displaced, the corrosion has usually been progressing for years.

What we did

1. Scaffold access. Scaffold was installed to provide safe access to all three openings.
2. Lintel replacement. All three corroded angle iron lintels removed and replaced with new angle iron lintels.
3. Cavity trays and trickle vents. New cavity trays and trickle vents were fitted above each opening to prevent moisture building up behind the lintel and accelerating future corrosion.
4. Making good. Sand and cement finish applied on completion.

The result

All three openings completed by two people in a single day. Cavity trays and trickle vents were included in the scope because once a lintel is out, fitting them adds minimal time and prevents the same failure recurring. There aren’t really alternatives on a job like this — corroded angle iron lintels need replacing, and the tray and vent work is the sensible addition to make the replacement last.