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Windows & Door fitting

Lintel or No lintel

laura ahtiainen 15/10/2025 - 8.00 AM

We have had three window companies out to quote for new UPVC windows. Two out of three have automatically included lintels in majority of the windows whereas the third suggested that no other window requires a lintel and that their window frames are fully reinforced with a steel box section, not only the outer frames but the sashes as well. Never changed windows before and the company that has quoted £4k less than the other two so you can see the temptation. I just want to check with people what their opinions are?

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6 Answers

Keith Worboys

Rating: 4 out of 5
Peterborough
Reinforcing in upvc window does not make them strong enough to omit a lintel. The reinforcing stops short at each welded joint. If the above brickwork isn't supported, it's movement will probably be less obvious until it is to late. Keith
Answered29 September 2025
0

Chris Hilliard Windows and Doors

Rating: 5 out of 5
Burgess Hill
If 2 out of the 3 companies have quoted for lintels then I think you have your answer. Upvc Windows alone are not designed to be load bearing. Support for what’s above a window is the first thing I look for when surveying a job and me personally I would rather walk away from a job than not fit a lintel if one is required.
Answered7 October 2025
0

Stanley Sash Services

Rating: 5 out of 5
Bristol
I can only speak to the sashes, but in 22 years I’ve never seen a structural steel frame around a sash box. I hope this helps 👍
Answered7 October 2025
0

Scot-Plas Windows ( Coatbridge ) lTD

Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Coatbridge
just like the other answers , its good that the windows are fully reinforced , but the steel in the windows would not be able to take the same weight as a lintel, if 3 out of 4 said they are required I think you have the answer and possibly the £4000 less he quoted would be the cost of the lintels , better safe than sorry
Answered8 October 2025
0

Anonymous user

Do you have any photographs of the windows that require changing from the outside, please and then we could all get a better look and give our opinions?
Answered14 October 2025
0

AA DOORS&WINDOWS CARE

Rating: 5 out of 5
Ross On Wye
Definitely lintel.
Answered15 October 2025
0