A lintel is a beam, which can be made of brick and rebar, that is placed above doors and windows to support the weight of the structure above them. These are usually found in brick houses. Without the lintel, the brick above the windows and doors may collapse. As you can see, lintels are very important to the structural integrity of your home. Should a lintel become damaged or cracked, it could cause your home to be less structurally sound. Here is how lintel cracks can lead to structural issues in your home. 

How Do Cracks Form? 

The simple answer to this question is water. Because bricks and mortar are porous, water can easily find its way into them. This is not a problem if the water is able to dry out before it gets cold. However, if water freezes inside the brick, it will expand. This can cause cracks to form in the brick and mortar lintel. 

Lintel can also become damaged when the foundation of your home shifts due to weathering or other damage. The lintel can become misaligned, which means the weight is not distributed onto the lintel as it should be. This can weaken the lintel in certain areas and cause cracks. 

Are Lintel Cracks Dangerous? 

Yes. Lintel cracks, especially large ones, can be dangerous. Because the lintel is there to support the structure above it, the stability of that structure relies on the strength of the lintel. A lintel is made to distribute weight to either side of the windows or doors in your house to allow the pressure to be put onto the vertical supports on each side. If the lintel is cracked, it is likely not distributing the weight properly, and much of the weight will now be on the center of the opening. 

What Happens When a Lintel Fails? 

When a damaged lintel finally fails, the brick above it could collapse. The degeneration will begin with vertical cracks in and around the lintel followed by sagging and bulging brick. If the lintel is not repaired in time, the wall could collapse. 

How Are Lintel Cracks Repaired? 

If the cracks in your lintel are still small, and your lintel is not misaligned, the cracks can be repaired with tuckpointing. Tuckpointing is a process where mortar is put into gaps and cracks to restore the stability of your brick. However, if the cracks are larger, and your lintel’s structure is compromised, there is another process that needs to take place. In this case, steel will be placed throughout the lintel to restore its structural integrity. The steel is pushed in and covered with mortar to maintain the visual aesthetic of your brick. 

Is the Lintel in Your Evergreen Park Home Damaged? 

If you have noticed cracks in your lintel or sagging bricks above and around your lintels, you should seek repairs as soon as possible. Kerry Tuckpointing has been providing masonry repair services to Chicago’s south side for over 30 years! Our experienced masons will ensure your lintel is safe and looks great. If you are in need of lintel repair in Oak Lawn, Evergreen Park, Beverly, Ashburn, or surrounding areas, contact Kerry Tuckpointing today for a free estimate!