Masonry Lintel Repair and Replacement
Serving Kansas City & Surrounding Areas
What Is a Masonry Lintel and Why It Matters
Structural function and common failure points
A masonry lintel is the horizontal support spanning an opening—such as a window, door, or garage—designed to carry the weight of the masonry above and safely transfer loads to adjacent walls. Common lintel types include steel angles, reinforced concrete, and stone units, each selected for span, load, aesthetics, and exposure conditions. Proper integration with the veneer, air barrier, and flashing system is essential to keep the assembly dry and stable over time.
Typical causes of lintel distress include corrosion from trapped moisture, insufficient bearing length, undersized steel, missing or failed flashing and weeps, mortar deterioration, and excessive deflection. As a lintel degrades, you may see cracking at the corners of openings, step cracking in the masonry, loose or spalled bricks, rust staining, and bowing of the veneer—conditions that signal the need for professional evaluation.
Visible symptoms and subtle indicators
Look for diagonal or stair-step cracks radiating from the corners of openings, gaps between the lintel and surrounding masonry, rust bleeds on the façade, flaking brick faces, and a visibly sagging soldier course. Windows or doors that stick or won’t close properly can indicate shifting loads at the opening, while open mortar joints or displaced trim can point to lintel movement.
Less obvious indicators include persistent efflorescence above openings, damp interior walls near window heads, crumbling mortar at lintel bearings, and veneer bulging localized over spans. If left unaddressed, these signs can escalate to compromised weather protection and, in severe cases, loss of structural support at the opening. Early inspection helps avoid larger, more disruptive repairs.
Assessment, engineering, materials, and execution
Every project begins with a detailed inspection that documents cracking patterns, lintel span and bearing, veneer condition, sealant and flashing integrity, and the presence and function of weeps. We verify plumb and level with laser tools, probe mortar and steel where appropriate, and evaluate moisture pathways. When necessary, structural calculations and coordination with engineering help determine whether reinforcement, partial repair, or full replacement is warranted.
Repair options may include repointing and crack stitching with helical bars, rust removal and protective coatings, and reinstating the water management system with new through-wall flashing, end dams, and weep vents. For replacements, we shore the opening, remove affected courses, install a properly sized galvanized, epoxy-coated, or stainless steel lintel with adequate bearing and shims, add compatible flashing with termination bars and sealant, and reinstate weeps at appropriate spacing to drain the cavity.
We finish by reinstalling or replacing damaged masonry units, matching mortar color, texture, and tooling for a seamless appearance. Quality control checks include verifying lintel seat, drip edge projection, weep continuity, and sealant performance. You receive maintenance guidance and warranty coverage, supporting long-term durability and code compliance.
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Service Area and Scheduling
Prompt scheduling, transparent pricing, and ongoing maintenance
From inspection to final pointing, projects are scheduled to minimize disruption, with crews mobilized efficiently across Kansas City. Typical timelines vary by scope—spot repairs may take a day or two, while full lintel replacements with extensive flashing work can extend several days, factoring in curing, weather, and access.
Permitting, safety planning, and compliance are managed with local requirements in mind, ensuring work proceeds smoothly in Kansas City. You receive a detailed written estimate outlining scope, materials, coatings, flashing systems, and cleanup so there are no surprises during the project.
To protect your investment in Kansas City, we recommend annual façade checks focusing on weep function, sealant at terminations, joint integrity, and early signs of corrosion. Preventive maintenance—such as clearing blocked weeps, renewing sealant, and addressing minor mortar issues—helps keep lintels dry, stable, and performing for decades.
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20+ Years Experience
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