Bricklaying & Repointing

Retrofitting lintel above window

Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 3.18 PM

Hi All, I have an old window that needs replacing with a smaller one. So I want to take it out, brick up to make a smaller opening and fit a smaller window. Trouble is I am not sure there is a lintel above the window. The builder thought there was one on the inner leaf of the cavity but could not be sure on the out leaf. I have drilled a couple of pilot holes on the outer leaf and not hit anything metal or concrete as far as I can tell. So I plan to get some acrows hold unto the outer leaf and remove the bricks(not soldier course) and see what’s there. If I need to retrofit a lintel on the outer leaf, would I fit a concrete lintel, angle iron, catnick lintel or other? Any tips to really confirm if there is or isn’t a lintel before removing bricks? Thanks!