1970s true bungalow. UPVC windows first installed about 25 years ago and are now up for renewal. Two quotes so far from FENSA reg companies. One installer has not mentioned lintels in their quote and one installer mentioned the job needs lintels inserted as no obvious lintels over two of the bedroom windows (no obvious cracks or bowing). They have quoted me for the "supply and insertion of steel angle iron supports to the head of the right hand front bedroom and the small side bedroom + replace the brickwork and cavity tray as necessary." Window sizes are 2275mm and 1210mm. This cost adds considerably to the total cost and I wanted to know if this sounds reasonable?
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
Many years ago a lot of properties had wooden lintels in place. These generally serve their purpose, however if you are replacing the windows then nowadays it would be deemed as good practice to change them. However these should only be on the inside. Concrete lintels are not very expensive and most window fitters etc will generally be able to put one in quite quickly. I would recommend you call the local builders merchant with the size of your opening and ask how much they charge for a relent Lintel. Then you will be able to determine exactly what labour they are charging you. I personally would have both lintels in place in roughly 2 hours however that’s just an estimate of course because I can’t physically see it. If you can change them this way I would anticipate the price of them to be about £100 for both. I presume you have lintels in the outer skin of the brick work. Hope this helps. A tray would need installing too.
Answered12 April 2019
1
Anonymous user
hi 1970 property pre cast lintols in place so inside is properly supported they would prop outside brickwork on timber lay bricks over this then pour concrete into shutter to form lintol over openings so all knitted in together install windows or doors all complete, as stated removel of existing windows or doors there will be no lintol externally so with age of property the brickwork may sagg or crack above openings your supplier of new windows is making you aware of this to save further costing in future if brickwork does start cracking be a lot more expence and may damage new windows
