You probably do not think about lintels every day, but they are doing an important job right above your windows and doors. Without a strong lintel, cracks can start forming, bricks may shift, and, in the worst cases, walls can become unstable.
If you have noticed cracks, rust stains, or sagging around your windows or doors, there is a good chance your lintel needs attention. A small crack or minor rust today can turn into a much bigger problem, leading to costly structural repairs.
But how much does lintel repair cost ? Can you fix it yourself, or do you need professionals?
What is a Lintel?
You might not think much about the horizontal beam above your windows and doors, but it is an important part of your house. This simple structure, known as a lintel, holds up the weight of the wall above it.
Without it, the bricks or concrete above an opening would start to crack, shift, or even collapse over time. If your home or building has been standing for years, chances are your lintels have already taken on a fair amount of stress.
A damaged lintel can weaken the structure around doors and windows, causing issues that go beyond appearance. Water can seep in through gaps, steel lintels can start to rust, and bricks can loosen, creating a bigger problem than you might expect.
Signs That Your Lintel Needs Attention
A failing lintel will not have immediate signs, but your building will start showing clues when something is wrong. At first, the signs can seem minor, like a small crack or slight discoloration.
Some of these signs might look like regular wear and tear, but if they keep getting worse or appear around multiple windows and doors, they should not be ignored.
1. Cracks Above Windows and Doors
One of the most common signs of damage is cracking in the bricks, stucco, or concrete above an opening. If you see diagonal or step-shaped cracks, that could mean the lintel is shifting or losing strength.
Cracks that start small but keep growing over time are a strong indication that your lintel is no longer holding up as it should.
2. Rust Stains on Steel Lintels
If you have steel lintels, rust is something you do not want to see. Rust stains running down from the top of your window or door frame suggest that moisture has made its way into the metal.
Once rust starts spreading, the lintel can weaken, expand, and even push against the surrounding bricks, causing more cracks and damage.
3. Gaps or Separation in Brickwork
A lintel that is failing can cause bricks to shift and separate. You might notice gaps between bricks or stones, making the structure look uneven.
In some cases, entire sections of bricks can start pulling away from the wall, which is a sign of serious structural stress.
4. Sagging or Bowing Above Openings
If the area above your door or window looks like it is dipping in the middle, the lintel is struggling to do its job. Sagging or bowing means the weight is not being evenly distributed anymore, and without repair, the problem will only get worse.
5. Doors and Windows That Stick or Won’t Close Properly
A lintel problem does not just affect the wall above it. As the structure shifts, it can cause doors and windows to become misaligned.
If you have trouble opening or closing them or notice gaps forming around the frame, it might be due to a weakened lintel changing the shape of the opening.
6. Crumbling or Flaking Concrete Lintels
Concrete lintels do not rust like steel, but they can develop cracks and start breaking apart over time. If you see pieces of concrete falling off or chipping away, the lintel may be too weak to support the weight above it.
Water damage and freeze-thaw cycles can make this even worse, leading to bigger chunks breaking off.
7. Brick or Stone Pieces Falling from the Wall
In extreme cases, loose bricks or chunks of stone can fall from above the lintel. This is a serious hazard and a clear sign that repairs are needed immediately.
If your building is shedding materials, it means the lintel is failing and cannot support the structure anymore.
Different Types of Lintels and Their Repair Costs
The type of lintel in your home plays a big role in determining how much you will need to spend on repairs. Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses, which means the kind of damage you are dealing with can vary.
| Lintel Type | Minor Repairs (Sealing, Rust Removal, Surface Fixes) | Moderate Repairs (Reinforcement, Partial Replacement) | Major Repairs (Full Replacement, Structural Repair) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel Lintels | $500 – $1,000 | $1,500 – $2,500 | $2,500 – $5,000+ |
| Concrete Lintels | $600 – $1,200 | $1,500 – $3,000 | $2,500 – $5,500+ |
| Brick Lintels | $700 – $1,500 | $1,500 – $2,500 | $3,000 – $6,000+ |
| Wood Lintels | $400 – $1,000 | $1,200 – $2,000 | $2,500 – $4,500+ |
Some repairs are simple and require minor fixes, while others involve removing and replacing large sections of the wall.
1. Steel Lintels
Steel lintels are common in modern homes because they are strong and can support a lot of weight. However, when exposed to moisture over time, steel can rust and expand, which puts pressure on the surrounding bricks.
This can lead to cracks, separation in the brickwork, or even structural shifting. If rust is caught early, treatment and repainting can cost between $500 and $1,000. If the rust has caused significant damage to the bricks or the lintel itself, repairs can range from $1,500 to $2,500.
If the steel lintel has deteriorated too much and needs to be replaced entirely, costs can climb from $2,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the size and complexity of the job.
2. Concrete Lintels
Concrete lintels are durable but can crack due to shifting weight, temperature changes, or water damage. Small cracks may not seem like a big issue at first, but once moisture gets in, they can grow and cause pieces of the lintel to break off.
If the damage is minor, sealing the cracks and reinforcing the lintel can cost between $600 and $1,200. If the cracks are deeper and threaten the structural integrity of the opening, repairs may require extra support, bringing the cost to $1,500 to $3,000.
In cases where the lintel is too weak to hold weight anymore, a full replacement can cost $2,500 to $5,500 or more, depending on how much needs to be rebuilt.
3. Brick Lintels
Brick lintels are often found in older homes, where they are built using an arch or layered bricks to support the wall. Over time, the mortar between the bricks can weaken, causing cracks, sagging, or even bricks to fall out of place.
If the damage is minor, repointing the mortar and repairing small cracks can cost between $700 and $1,500. If sections of the lintel have shifted or become unstable, partial reconstruction may be needed, costing $1,500 to $2,500.
If the entire brick lintel needs to be rebuilt to ensure stability, costs can rise to $3,000 to $6,000 or more, especially if new bricks need to be matched to the existing structure.
4. Wood Lintels
Wood lintels are not as common in modern buildings, but they can still be found in older homes. The biggest issue with wood lintels is that they can absorb moisture, leading to rot, warping, and even pest damage.
If the wood has minor cracks or soft spots, sealing and reinforcing it can cost between $400 and $1,000. If a portion of the wood needs to be replaced due to rot or termites, expect to pay between $1,200 and $2,000.
If the wood lintel is too weak to provide support and needs to be fully replaced, costs can range from $2,500 to $4,500 or more, depending on the type of wood and the labor involved in rebuilding the support structure.
What Affects the Cost of Lintel Repairs?
The cost of fixing a lintel can vary widely depending on several factors. A small crack might only require a minor repair, while severe damage could mean replacing the entire structure.
Some repairs are straightforward, while others require removing bricks, reinforcing the wall, or even using special equipment to access high or hard-to-reach areas.
1. The Type of Lintel
The material your lintel is made of has a big impact on repair costs.
- Steel lintels tend to rust, which means they often need treatment, reinforcement, or replacement.
- Concrete lintels can crack and require sealing or structural support.
- Brick lintels may need mortar repairs or full reconstruction, while wood lintels can rot and weaken over time.
Steel and brick lintels generally cost more to fix than wood or concrete because they often require more labor and materials.
2. The Severity of the Damage
A small crack or rust spot is a much easier fix than a lintel that has completely shifted or started pulling bricks out of place. Minor surface repairs might cost a few hundred dollars, but if the damage affects the overall structure, costs can quickly rise into the thousands.
| Damage Type | Repair Method | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Cracks in Concrete or Brick | Sealing and reinforcement | $600 – $1,500 |
| Rust on Steel Lintel | Rust removal, priming, repainting | $500 – $1,200 |
| Sagging/Bowing | Structural reinforcement or partial lintel replacement | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Severe Structural Damage | Full lintel and brickwork replacement | $3,000 – $6,000+ |
When damage spreads to the surrounding walls, additional repairs to the brickwork or framing may be needed, adding to the total expense.
3. The Size of the Lintel
A lintel that spans a standard window opening will be cheaper to repair than one supporting a large doorway or a garage. Larger lintels require more materials and labor, especially if they need to be reinforced or replaced entirely.
If a lintel runs across multiple openings, like a row of windows, the repair becomes even more complex and costly.
4. The Condition of the Surrounding Structure
A failing lintel often affects more than just the beam itself. If the bricks above or around it have cracked, shifted, or started separating, they will need to be repaired or replaced as well.
In older buildings, weakened mortar and settling foundations can add more complications to the repair process, increasing both the time and cost needed to complete the job.
5. The Accessibility of the Lintel
Lintels located on the first floor of a home or building are generally easier and cheaper to repair because they are within easy reach. However, if the lintel is on a second story, above a large opening, or in a tight space, additional equipment like scaffolding or lifts may be needed.
This extra labor and setup can drive up costs, especially if specialized tools are required for the job.
6. The Cost of Labor in Your Area
The price of lintel repairs varies based on where you live. In areas with a high cost of living, contractors charge more for labor, which means your repair bill will be higher than in a location with lower labor costs.
| Repair Type | DIY Cost Estimate | Professional Cost Estimate | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Crack Sealing (Concrete/Brick) | $50 – $200 (sealant, tools) | $600 – $1,500 | Low |
| Rust Treatment (Steel Lintel) | $100 – $300 (rust remover, primer, paint) | $500 – $1,200 | Low |
| Partial Brick Repointing | $200 – $500 (mortar, tools) | $1,500 – $3,000 | Medium |
| Structural Reinforcement | Not recommended | $2,000 – $4,000 | High |
| Full Lintel Replacement | Not recommended | $3,000 – $6,000+ | High |
Additionally, if there is a high demand for skilled masonry or structural repair work in your area, you may have to pay a premium for professional services.
A Comprehensive Guide to Repairing Cracks in Brick Walls
A failing lintel can weaken the entire structure around it. The sooner you take action, the better chance you have of avoiding expensive repairs down the road.
Repairing a lintel often goes hand in hand with fixing cracks in the surrounding brickwork. When a lintel starts to weaken, the weight it once supported shifts to the bricks around it, leading to cracks, gaps, and sometimes even bricks falling loose.
If the cracks are ignored, they will only get worse, leading to more structural issues. Taking care of your home means paying attention to these warning signs and acting before small issues turn into major ones.