Steel T-Lintels (also known as inverted T-lintels or T-sections) are galvanized structural steel supports shaped like an upside-down "T", engineered specifically to support single-skin solid masonry walls above door and window openings.

They are primarily used for:

• Supporting Single-Skin Solid Brickwork: Carrying the load of a solid $102\text{mm}$ ($4\text{in}$) brick or concrete block wall directly over structural door and window openings.

• Creating Fair-Faced or Unrendered Brick Openings: Providing a discreet structural support where the central vertical web sits hidden within the mortar joint between bricks, leaving only a thin bottom edge visible.

• Internal Load-Bearing Partition Openings: Spanning wall openings in solid internal masonry walls where a slim, low-profile lintel is required.

• Garage and Boundary Wall Openings: Supporting masonry above doors or access ways in single-skin garden walls, outbuildings, and detached garages.

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.

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• Narrow roads or restricted entrances
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• Overhead cables, trees or other obstructions
• Soft, sloping or unsuitable ground
• Any other access concerns

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How does a T-lintel sit within the masonry wall?

The vertical stem of the inverted "T" sits upright inside the continuous vertical mortar joint between brick or block courses, while the bottom horizontal flange provides a flat shelf that supports the masonry on both sides.

How much end bearing is required for a steel T-lintel?

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

Can a steel T-lintel be used in a double-leaf cavity wall?

Not as a single unit to bridge both leaves. While you could install two separate T-lintels (one for the inner block leaf and one for the outer brick leaf), integrated box cavity lintels are preferred for external cavity walls because they include built-in insulation to prevent cold bridging.

Do steel T-lintels require temporary propping during installation?

Yes. For spans over 1.2m, temporary vertical props should be placed beneath the centre of the lintel span while laying masonry above. Leave props in place until the mortar has fully cured to prevent sagging under the weight of wet brickwork.

Are steel T-lintels protected against rust and corrosion?

Yes, structural steel T-lintels are hot-dip galvanised to withstand damp mortar and weather exposure. If you cut a T-lintel to size on site, always apply a cold galvanising zinc spray to the freshly cut steel edges to prevent rust.

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.