Steel L-Lintels (also called Single-Leaf Angle Lintels) are galvanized steel structural supports shaped in an L-profile, designed specifically to carry single leaves of masonry above door and window openings.

They are primarily used for:

• Supporting External Brick Outer Leaves: Carrying the outer brick skin of standard cavity walls above window and door frames while leaving the cavity space open.

• Single-Leaf Solid Brick or Block Walls: Spanning openings in single-skin brick or concrete block structures, such as garages, garden walls, or agricultural buildings.

• Brickwork Renovations & Extensions: Providing a slim, discreet shelf that tucks neatly under the brick course so minimal steel is visible from the exterior.

• Timber Frame Outer Cladding: Supporting the outer brickwork facade in timber-frame residential buildings where the structural loads are transferred back to the internal frame.

Available for collection from our Rugby branch or local delivery using our own fleet.

Delivery is kerbside and the final offloading position is always subject to safe access and the driver’s discretion.

Please tell us before delivery about:

• Narrow roads or restricted entrances
• Parked vehicles or limited turning space
• Overhead cables, trees or other obstructions
• Soft, sloping or unsuitable ground
• Any other access concerns

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Which way round should a steel L-lintel be installed?

The vertical leg of the "L" sits against the inner backing structure or cavity side, extending upward, while the horizontal leg forms the bottom shelf that supports the masonry course above.

How much end bearing does a steel L-lintel require?

Per UK Building Regulations (Approved Document A), steel angle lintels require a minimum end bearing of 150mm on solid masonry at each side of the structural opening to properly distribute vertical loads.

Do I need a damp-proof course (DPC) with an L-lintel?

Yes. When used on external brickwork, a flexible DPC tray (or cavity tray with weep holes spaced at maximum 450mm centres) must be placed above the lintel to direct penetrating rainwater out through the outer face of the wall.

Can steel L-lintels be cut to size on site?

Yes. You can cut them using an angle grinder equipped with a metal-cutting disc. Apply a cold galvanizing zinc spray to any freshly cut raw steel edges to prevent rust and maintain corrosion resistance.

Are steel L-lintels suitable for supporting heavy inner leaf blockwork?

No. L-lintels are designed specifically for single-leaf outer masonry or veneer brickwork. For load-bearing inner blockwork or full cavity walls supporting floor joists and roof loads, use a box steel lintel or a composite cavity lintel.

The right steel lintel depends entirely on your wall construction—specifically whether you are building a standard double-leaf cavity wall or a single-skin masonry wall.

• Choose a Cavity Steel Lintel if you are building a standard external cavity wall (an inner blockwork leaf, an outer brick leaf, and an insulated gap). Cavity lintels bridge both wall leaves in a single, thermally insulated unit to carry both masonry loads simultaneously.

• Choose an L-Steel Lintel (Angle Lintel) if you only need to support a single outer leaf of masonry, such as the brick facade of a timber-frame home, a single-skin garage, or an external brick skin. The vertical leg tucks behind the brickwork while the horizontal shelf supports the masonry.

• Choose a T-Steel Lintel (Inverted T) if you need to support a single-skin solid masonry wall centrally. The bottom flanges support brick or blockwork on both sides of a central upright web, making them ideal for fair-faced brick openings and solid internal walls.

The choice between a concrete and steel lintel depends on whether you are building an internal single-leaf wall or an external cavity wall, as well as your budget, load requirements, and site handling preferences.

• Choose a Concrete Lintel if you need a cost-effective solution for internal walls or single-leaf masonry. Prestressed concrete lintels are significantly cheaper than steel, offer high fire resistance without extra treatment, and will never rust or corrode. They match the density of blockwork walls perfectly, though they are heavy to handle manually.

• Choose a Steel Lintel if you are building an external cavity wall or need to support high structural loads. Galvanized steel cavity lintels (like box or catnic lintels) bridge both leaves of a cavity wall in a single, lightweight unit, reducing thermal bridging and simplifying installation. They are also ideal for wide openings where low profile height is required.